Tampa Bay History

City of Tampa’s Archives Awareness Week: July 14-20

Since its establishment in 1987, the City of Tampa Archives and Records Division has been dedicated to chronicling the city’s growth and diverse heritage through historical preservation. The Archives’ role …

Jun 29, 2024

Tampa Bay History

A little bit of Tampa in (almost) every brick

The Tampa Bay Hotel, now the University of Tampa’s Plant Hall, is one of Tampa’s most notable and important landmarks. However, did you know that many – though likely not …

May 05, 2024

Tampa Bay History

St. Petersburg’s Million Dollar Pier

Public waterfront access has been a symbol of St. Petersburg for well over 100 years. Peter Demens built the first pier for his Orange Belt Railroad in 1889. However, city …

Apr 28, 2024

Tampa Bay History

Vinoy Hotel still holds unique place in St. Pete’s waterfront

Long before the museums, high-rise condos, and exciting nightlife, downtown St. Petersburg was defined by a unique kind of experience. Home to thousands of winter residents and tourists, St. Petersburg’s …

Apr 22, 2024

Tampa Bay History

Tampa’s hidden oasis

Before the days of backyard pools and giant water parks, Tampa’s residents (which should be clarified as the city’s white residents) flocked to the spring and pool at Sulphur Springs. …

Apr 03, 2024

Tampa Bay History

A story of growth, decline, and renewal on Old Tampa Bay

Oldsmar’s history, and its very name, are both traced to automobile innovator and manufacturer Ransom Eli Olds. By the early 1900s, Olds was one of the leading automobile manufacturers in …

Apr 03, 2024

Tampa Bay History

Tampa’s baseball legacy

Baseball has been part of Tampa’s history as early as the early 1880s, and the entire region has enjoyed playing and watching the game ever since. Baseball played during its …

Mar 24, 2024

Tampa Bay History

A hidden gem in the Sunshine State

Developed during the 1920s Florida Land Boom, Temple Terrace grew from an orange grove development to a city that included a country club and an 18-hole golf course. Prior to …

Mar 17, 2024

Tampa Bay History

Oddities around every corner!

No story of St. Petersburg would be complete without a mention of Webb’s City, “The World’s Most Unusual Drug Store.”

Mar 03, 2024

Tampa Bay History

Florida’s sweetest festival

Attracting and entertaining tourists and locals alike since 1930, Plant City’s yearly event celebrates the sweet red berry with musical acts, carnival games and rides, agricultural exhibitions, and literal tons of strawberry shortcake.

Feb 25, 2024