Ybor street now bears famous Fuente name

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A man whose name is synonymous with Ybor City cigars was honored by the city today.  Mayor Bob Buckhorn unveiled a new street name: Part of Second Avenue will now be known as Carlos Fuente's Way.

Twenty-five years ago, Tampa's two oldest family-owned cigar companies merged.  The J.C. Newman Cigar Company and the Arturo Fuente Cigar Company became the Fuente and Newman Cigar Company.

The street was renamed in front of their historic building.

"When I saw the sign, I was blown away.  I almost started crying," offered Carlos Fuente.  "This is my whole life, Ybor City.  There's nothing like Ybor City and nothing like the United States."

Of course, cigars were handed out to everyone attending today's ceremony. 

PHOTOS: See inside the restored Fuente cigar factory