Author: Alfred Goldberg

Ybor City is getting a new neighbor with big plans. Later this month, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) will open a 32,000-square-foot innovation center on East Fifth Avenue, transforming the old Masonite building into a hub for health care research and technology. The new space will bring together TGH’s innovation team, its venture capital arm TGH Ventures, and analytics and IT staff. It will also include event and classroom space, as well as a “hospital room of the future” showcasing cutting-edge medical technology. Adding to the momentum, tech firm Palantir will set up its Tampa headquarters inside the same building. The…

In 2025, Ybor City marks its 140th anniversary, a milestone that celebrates more than just time—it honors a neighborhood that has shaped Tampa’s identity, culture, and economy for well over a century. Founded in 1885 by Spanish cigar magnate Vicente Martínez-Ybor, this vibrant district transformed from swampland into a bustling hub of industry, immigration, and culture that continues to leave its mark today. The Birth of a Cigar Capital Ybor City began as a bold vision. Vicente Martínez-Ybor relocated his cigar operations from Key West to Tampa, lured by land incentives and access to Henry Plant’s new railroad. Soon, Ybor…

Ybor City’s bustling streets now echo with more than just vibrant chatter and culture—they hum with the melodies of a newly unveiled public piano at The Attic Cafe/1920. This captivating addition is more than just a musical instrument; it’s a visual and auditory celebration of Florida’s ecosystem, brought to life through the creative vision of artist Yunior. A Piano with a Purpose The piano’s artwork features a striking portrait of a mermaid emerging from a wave, accompanied by a white dove and shimmering goldfish. Through these elements, Yunior draws attention to Florida’s rich and delicate ecosystem, reminding viewers of the…

Originally reported by Creative Loafing Tampa Bay A new chapter in Ybor City’s story is being written, and it involves books, baked goods, and a whole lot of community spirit. Sisters Teresa and Laurie Rodriguez, third-generation Tampeñas with deep ties to Ybor’s historic cigar-making roots, are working tirelessly to open Bookends: Literature & Libations. Their dream is to turn a 1920s bungalow at 2208 E 2nd Ave. into a hub for literature lovers, complete with a small kitchen offering baked goods to enjoy with curated reads. However, the journey has been anything but smooth. Since purchasing the property in April…

2024 Ybor City Little Monsters Promenade  Centro Ybor1600 East 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605DateOct 19th 11am-2pmDescriptionThe 6th Annual pumpkin patch where kids enjoy face painting and choose from over 1,500 free pumpkins to decorate, then show off their costumes by trick-or-treating among the Ybor merchants.Event DetailsThis event is completely FREE and there will be volunteers there to help all the kids with crafting their special Halloween items! Costumes aren’t mandatory but they are definitely encouraged!Once again, this event is for all children and their parents. Everyone is welcome!Little Monster’s Promenade & Pumpkin PatchFree pumpkin to decorate & trick or treat bag for kids!Centro…

This summer, The Attic Cafe in Historic Ybor City is turning up the heat with an irresistible offer: free coffee with any purchase, Monday through Friday! Located right next to the buzzing 1920 Ybor performing arts venue, The Attic Cafe has quickly become the talk of the town since its grand opening in early 2024. Where Culture and Coffee Collide The Attic Cafe isn’t just your run-of-the-mill coffee joint—it’s a vibrant hub where you can lounge, munch, and soak up local art. The spacious interior is decked out with stunning art pieces you can buy, adding a splash of culture…

Barrio Tacos, the successor to La Tropicana, has big shoes to fill in Ybor City. This is the Sacred Heart, a handmade, stained glass, piece of art designed to embody Barrio Taco’s aspirational goal of becoming the community bar of Ybor City. Consistent with this theme, a mural, continuing through the interior of the establishment, tells the story of a couple who meet at the bar and chronicles significant events during their life together in Ybor. The mural intricately weaves in Ybor historical elements and includes various “Easter Eggs” (hidden images), depicting random things some of which nod to Barrio’s…

Retired 2-Star General Dave Scott was having a business meeting at his regular table next to the jukebox at the Dirty Shame Bar on 7th Avenue. Struggling to hear over the music, he asked the owner to turn it down since the bar was empty. The owner responded bluntly: “If you want to turn the music down, open your own fucking bar.” And so, he did. After retiring from the US Air Force, General Scott chose Ybor City for its unique history. Long before the advent of television and social media, Ybor City attracted people worldwide who sought freedom and…

Nestled in the historic heart of Ybor City, the Larmon Furniture building once occupied a site steeped in cultural significance. This location was formerly the home of El Liceo Cubano, Tampa’s premier Cuban club in the late 1800s, and a venue for pivotal speeches by the Cuban revolutionary José Martí. Against this rich historical backdrop, Larmon Furniture was established, destined to become a beloved community fixture. A Storied Beginning In 1931, Rubel Larmon opened Larmon Furniture in Ybor City, quickly gaining a reputation for its commitment to the community. Rubel Larmon envisioned a store that embodied inclusivity and accessibility, where…

Are Ybor City’s parking lots in need of enhanced security measures? That’s the question at the heart of a recent article by Paul Guzzo, exploring the ongoing discussions and potential changes in Ybor City’s parking ordinance. The proposed amendment suggests that paid parking lots should require state-licensed private security officers to be on duty during specific nights. This would reduce criminal activities and post-bar-hour gatherings in these areas. The idea has sparked varied responses from different stakeholders in the community. On one side, some Ybor City residents have voiced long-standing concerns about the impact of these lots on the neighborhood,…