a sixtysixfilms production - great job!

Passport Magazine and Visit Florida reached out to 66 Films to produce a travel piece for Tampa’s historic district Ybor City. Directed by Freddy Rodriguez, the video highlights Ybor City as Tampa’s “Gay Latin Quarter” with interviews of legendary Ybor City drag superstar Amy Demilo and Ybor resident and historian Manny Alvarez. The video is an epic journey through Ybor’s history and wild New Orlean-esque, inspired nightlife. Featured in the video are Ybor’s best of the best for LGBT people to shop, dine, stay, and party including Carne’s Chop House, Hamburger Mary, Bernini, Columbia Restaurant, Liquid, The Honey Pot, Reservoir Bar, Bradley’s on 7th, Ybor House, and many other wonderful places to experience when visiting Tampa’s, Florida’s historic district Ybor City.

Creative Agency: 66 Films

Produced by Monica Lopez & Don Tuthill

Directed by Freddy Rodriguez

Post: 66 Films

Aerials: Ascend Media Production

Music: Bensound.com

Florida's First People - The Mound Builders

Twelve thousand years ago, Paleoindians, continuing their southern migration through the North American continent, entered the peninsula of Florida.

One interesting feature of these early inhabitants was their construction of large earthen or shell mounds, some for ceremonial or spiritual purposes. Others were simply large collections of shells and other debris. Numerous mounds dotted the landscape around the Tampa Bay area, including one exceptionally tall one that stood on what would become the southern edge of Fort Brooke, located near today’s hockey arena.

With the passage of centuries, these "First Floridians" formed separate groups or tribes. The two largest were the Timucua, living in the northern parts of Florida, and the Calusa, covering the southern parts. A smaller group, the Mocoso, lived on Hillsborough Bay between the Hillsborough River and the Alafia River. Their territory included what is now downtown Tampa.

Other small groups, including the Tocobaga and the Pohoy, lived along Old Tampa Bay.Florida's first people lived in a natural paradise. They utilized the Gulf of Mexico for their supply of food and were accomplished seamen.

The Timucua and the Calusa frequently fought over territory, and it is likely that the area between the northern coast of Tampa Bay and Manatee County was disputed land.

During the late 1600s and early 1700s, the tribes of north Florida, including the natives of Tampa Bay were decimated by European diseases such as measles, smallpox, and influenza, as well as by warfare and slaving raids.

Photo by Michael Piazza 2016

Tampa's Fourth Friday event along the Riverwalk | Tampa Bay Times

Tampa launches first Fourth Friday event along the Riverwalk | Tampa Bay Times

The New Year Brings New Projects to Ybor City

Plans call for the Oliva Tobacco Company building, Ybor’s last remaining wooden cigar factory, to be converted into studio and one-bedroom apartments.

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A few years from now, 2016 may be remembered as the time multi-unit housing was re-established in the Historic District north of 7th Avenue.

Since the opening of The Quarter apartments and condominiums nearly 15 years ago, most new housing has been developed south of 7th. But with the announced renovation of the Oliva Tobacco Company factory,  the planned construction of the Marti project and the Urban Apartments on 12th Avenue, it appears that trend is being reversed.

The Oliva building, built in the late 1800s and the District’s last wooden cigar factory, is located at the corner of Palm Avenue and Angel Oliva Sr. Street. Plans call for it to be converted into about 38 studio and one-bedroom apartments, each featuring 13-foot ceilings.

The Marti, scheduled to be built at the northeast corner of Nick Nuccio Boulevard and 7th Avenue, will include a four-story building with 100 apartments, in addition to retail space and an underground parking garage.

Behind both projects are partners Ariel Quintela and Darryl Shaw. They say reflecting Ybor’s history and heritage is an important part of their plans.

Of the Oliva restoration, Quintela told Bay News 9 last year, “What we want is the feel and look of an old cigar factory, but yet with the modern convenience of nice apartments.”

Links to the past also will be part of the Marti, which will feature wrought-iron railed balconies and exposed brick walls.

The coming months likely will have more announcements about Ybor’s housing situation as demand for residential units continues to be high. The Ybor City Development Corporation (YCDC) is tracking new projects and has a development map that can be accessed via the City of Tampa website, TampaGov.net/YCDC.

Work starts on 23-story tower on Tampa's N Franklin Street | Tampa Bay Times

Work starts on 23-story tower on Tampa's N Franklin Street | Tampa Bay Times

Tampa Bay area named 15th best major metro for college students | Tampa Bay Times

Tampa Bay area named 15th best major metro for college students | Tampa Bay Times

USA Today Tampa's 10 best restaurants

And look who is #1 Columbia Ybor