Welcome to The Tampa Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• University of South Florida reveals renderings of new stadium

• Upcoming Tampa Bay Lightning games

• A deep dive into the life of Tony Jannus

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

- Marcus Aurelius

Photo of the Week

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Ybor City, a historic neighborhood in Tampa, was founded by immigrants from which country?

A) Italy

B) Spain

C) Cuba

D) Greece

Answer to last week’s trivia: Tampa is located near two major bodies of water. What are they?

Answer: A) Tampa Bay and Gulf of Mexico

News

💼 Business

The Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce shared several member news and updates, reflecting the ongoing activities and initiatives within the local business community​​.

Hillsborough County hosted an event discussing the challenges faced by local retail businesses in 2023. The event featured local entrepreneurs sharing insights on surviving in a competitive retail environment​​.

🏒 Sports

The University of South Florida revealed new renderings of its upcoming football stadium, highlighting the progress in its sports facilities development​​.

🏦 Finance

HCI Group received state approval to assume approximately $75 million in policies from Citizens Property Insurance Corp., marking a significant expansion in its insurance offerings​​.

Real Estate Transactions Highlight: The week saw notable real estate transactions, including the sale of a Tampa apartment complex for $94 million, reflecting the dynamic nature of the local real estate market​​.

📰 News

The Tampa Downtown Partnership announced the 2024 Urban Excellence Awards, celebrating significant contributions to a vibrant and diverse downtown environment​​.

First Watch, a daytime dining concept based in Manatee County, is expanding its presence with plans to open new locations in Manatee and Hillsborough counties, enhancing the local dining and sports scene​​.

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports Events

🏒 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (December 6) Experience the thrill of NHL hockey as the Tampa Bay Lightning face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Amalie Arena. This game promises fast-paced action and an electrifying atmosphere, perfect for sports enthusiasts.

🏌️ World Champions Cup (December 7) Join golf fans at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton for the World Champions Cup. Witness some of the best golfers compete in this prestigious event, combining skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.

Music & Concerts

🎵 Jingle Y’All Concert (December 5) Enjoy a night of country music at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. This concert features Jake Owen, Chris Janson, Elle King, and more, all contributing to a lively and memorable music event.

🎻 Handel’s Messiah (December 9) Experience the grandeur of Handel's Messiah performed by the Florida Orchestra at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. This classical music concert is a true celebration of artistic excellence and holiday spirit.

Family

🏡 IRB Holiday Tour of Homes (December 9) Explore festively decorated beach homes in a self-guided tour starting from the Beach Art Center in Indian Rocks Beach. This event offers a blend of holiday spirit, community art, and local culture.

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Tampa as an under water city” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Tampa Historical Events

The Opening of Tampa International Airport (1971)

Tampa International Airport opened in 1971, replacing the Drew Field Municipal Airport. Its innovative design, featuring a central terminal connected by people movers to satellite gates, was revolutionary and set a new standard for airport design worldwide. This modernization was a response to the increasing air travel demands and the growth of Tampa as a regional economic hub.

The new airport significantly boosted Tampa's connectivity, making it more accessible to national and international travelers. It facilitated business and tourism growth, contributing substantially to the economic development of the Tampa Bay area. The airport quickly became known for its efficiency, convenience, and passenger-friendly design.

Over the years, Tampa International Airport has undergone numerous expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing number of passengers and changing aviation needs. It has consistently been ranked high for customer satisfaction, playing a vital role in Tampa's reputation as a welcoming and accessible city.

Famous People in Tampa History

Tony Jannus: 1889-1916

Tony Jannus was an innovative aviator whose pioneering work in commercial aviation had a profound impact on Tampa and the entire field of air travel. His historic flight marked the beginning of a new era in transportation.

Early Life and Passion for Aviation (1889-1909)

Born in Washington, D.C., Tony Jannus developed an early interest in aviation, a field then in its infancy. His passion for flying was evident from a young age, leading him to pursue a career as a pilot, a rare profession at the time.

Early Flying Career and Achievements (1910-1913)

Jannus quickly made a name for himself in the world of aviation through his daring flights and innovations. He became known for his skill as a pilot and his contributions to the design and testing of early aircraft.

The First Commercial Airline Flight (1914)

On January 1, 1914, Jannus piloted the first scheduled commercial airline flight in the world for the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line. The flight, which crossed Tampa Bay from St. Petersburg to Tampa in 23 minutes, was a groundbreaking moment in commercial aviation history.

Impact on Tampa and Aviation (1914-1915)

This flight demonstrated the practicality of commercial air travel and placed Tampa at the forefront of a new transportation era. Jannus's achievement drew significant attention to Tampa, highlighting its potential as a center for aviation.

Advancements in Aviation Technology (1915-1916)

Following the historic flight, Jannus continued to contribute to advancements in aviation technology. He was involved in developing and testing aircraft, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in aviation.

World War I and Final Years (1916)

With the onset of World War I, Jannus contributed to the war effort by training Russian pilots. His expertise in aviation was invaluable in these efforts, though it ultimately led to his untimely death during a training flight in 1916.

Legacy in Commercial Aviation (Post-1916)

Tony Jannus's legacy in commercial aviation continued long after his death. He is remembered as a visionary who helped pave the way for the modern airline industry, and his historic flight is celebrated for its pioneering role in commercial air travel.

Tampa’s Aviation Heritage and Jannus (1916-Present)

Tampa’s role in the early days of commercial aviation is intrinsically linked to Tony Jannus. The city honors his contributions to aviation history and his role in shaping the future of commercial air travel.

Memorials and Tributes (1916-Present)

Various memorials and tributes in Tampa and St. Petersburg commemorate Jannus's historic flight and contributions to aviation. The Tony Jannus Award is given annually to recognize outstanding achievements in the field of commercial aviation.

Tony Jannus and Tampa – A Lasting Influence

Tony Jannus's pioneering spirit and historic flight left a lasting impact on Tampa, cementing its place in aviation history. His legacy continues to inspire innovations in commercial aviation and serves as a reminder of Tampa's role in the birth of the airline industry.

Key Achievements of Tony Jannus:

• Piloted the first scheduled commercial airline flight in the world.

• Contributed significantly to the development of early aviation technology.

• Helped establish Tampa as a significant location in the history of commercial aviation.

• His legacy continues through the Tony Jannus Award, recognizing excellence in the airline industry.

• Remembered as a pioneer and visionary in the field of aviation.

Tony Jannus's contributions to aviation, particularly his historic flight from St. Petersburg to Tampa, marked the dawn of the commercial airline industry and established a lasting legacy in the field of aviation and the history of Tampa.

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-Matthew Larsen