History

Tarpon Springs is internationally known for its sponge docks, developed by experienced Greek divers in the late 1800s.

Many know that soul music originated from Memphis’ Stax Records and Detroit’s Motown, but did you know it has Florida roots, too? In fact, the famed dance “The Twist” got its start in Tampa.

When thinking of Labor Day you often picture picnics, barbecues and parades. However, Labor Day, celebrated the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to social and economic achievements of American workers.

When the Morean Arts Center opened in 1917 as the Art Club of St. Petersburg, it was the first art gallery south of Atlanta. A group of artists seeking space to work, teach and show their art collaborated on a space initially on Beach Drive.

The City of Tampa has released an interesting collection of photographs that capture everyday life in Tampa from 1940 to 1990.

Before the Florida Orchestra formed in 1966, there were two Tampa Bay area orchestras: the Tampa Philharmonic and the St. Petersburg Symphony.

The recent housing boom in Riverview is not the area’s first boom. The area southeast of Tampa was a hot spot for phosphate mining in the mid-1880s.

Twenty-five years ago, when The Florida Holocaust Museum opened its first exhibit “Anne Frank in the World,” it drew 24,000 visitors in its first month.

In the early days, Ybor City’s chickens were merely a food source for residents.

Tampa played an important role in the Spanish-American War and the fight for Cuban independence.

Roses Park is one of St. Petersburg’s oldest parks, and the neighborhood around it formed the city’s first historic district.

A former firehouse on a creek now offers a full spectrum of arts, education and culture to south Hillsborough County. The Firehouse Cultural Center sits on land donated by the Ruskin Commongood Society, which was heavily influenced by the writings and philosophy of John Ruskin, a British art critic, social thinker and poet.

The Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club has drawn many well-to-do snowbirds, baseball stars and celebrities who have marveled at its impressive architecture and lavish atmosphere.

On the University of Tampa campus, in the south wing of the former Tampa Bay Hotel, is a museum that will transport you back to the elegance of the Victorian era.

Tampa will dye the Hillsborough River green for the Mayor’s River O’Green Fest on Saturday, March 18. As with most St. Patrick’s Day traditions, the practice actually started in America. Chicago, to be exact.

What does one do if she’s new to the ‘Burg and wants to meet new people? She joins St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club. No, I’m not 80. Shuffleboard is a fun pastime for all ages, but especially young professionals.

The city of St. Petersburg is rich in significance for February’s Black History Month.

Five civic-minded men had a vision of preserving and enhancing Tampa’s rich Latin heritage. Dr. Henry J. Fernandez, Cesar Gonzmart, Joseph R. Lopez, Daniel F. Martinez and Joe C. Granda created one of Tampa’s most prolific krewes at Ybor’s old Las Novedades restaurant in 1970.

In 1929, George S. Gandy, Jr., a young yachtsman from a prominent family, sailed from St. Petersburg to Havana to get away from the Great Depression and enjoy the Cuban capital’s lively atmosphere. While out on the town, he had the idea of uniting the two cities with a yacht race.

A new documentary about former Florida Gov. Farris Bryant chronicles the many contributions he made to the state that continue to impact residents today. Bryant was instrumental in building Florida’s highways and turnpike, expanding the university system and elevating the state’s profile as a tourist destination.

The Tampa Theatre, the beloved downtown community landmark, is wrapping up its 90th anniversary.

Tony Jannus made history on New Year’s Day in 1915 when he took off from St. Petersburg to Tampa with St. Petersburg Mayor Abe Phil in tow. It was the world’s first scheduled airline flight.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, immigrants from Spain, Cuba, Italy, Germany and other countries moved to Ybor City. The different immigrant groups formed mutual aid societies to address their social and economic challenges, and to provide essentials like medical care and burial services for members.

Years before the pilgrims’ arrival at Plymouth Rock, the Native American tribe Tocobaga settled in the Bay area, which they called Pocotopaug (Clear Water).

Named “Best Beach for Families” by USA Today, Fort De Soto Park is a well-known retreat. But 100 years ago, life for U.S. Army troops stationed there was anything but a picnic.

Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Kennedy. Americans named a state, a state capital, airports, counties and boulevards after them. But by an accident of historic timing, downtown Tampa’s streets are named after some of the least-known U.S. presidents.