Ybor

Ybor City is one of the older communities in the Tampa area. Thousands of Italian, Spanish, and Cuban immigrants lived there from the 1880s until after World War 1 rolling cigars. It’s hard to believe that at one time Florida rivaled the famed cigar countries of Cuba and the Dominican, but back when when everything was rolled by hand. Increasing industrialization and loss of demand for cigars during the Great Depression took a toll.

Now it’s a National Historic Landmark and this street below is recognized as one of the “10 Great Streets in America”. I really enjoyed taking my girls there one Sunday.

I was a little taken aback by the “Save the Ta-tas” display, but it certainly is memorable.

The old architecture is very iconic.

I always like this pub but I can’t help but think there are a few people who regret having to descend the stairs at the end of the night.

The proximity to the ports of Tampa Bay help to explain the attraction to the area. It usually has a cool breeze blowing in from the Gulf and doesn’t seem to have the oppressive heat that inland Florida is known for.

I always enjoyed Ybor, whether during the day or the night life when it’s full of bar patrons.

~ Freddy