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Spanish influence in Florida likely dates back to 1513 when Juan Ponce de León landed in what is now St. Augustine and named the peninsula “La Florida.” Historians believe that’s because he arrived during the spring, which Spaniards call “Pascua Florida” (season of flowers).
In 1885 the Hispanic population began to explode in conjunction with Ybor City. People from Cuba and Spain flocked to Tampa Bay, later followed by people from Puerto Rico and Mexico to make their fortune.
Today, the Latino/Hispanic population is the largest and youngest minority group in the country and has grown to 26.4% in Tampa.
– Eve Lederman, The 100 Companies