Hotel Floridan's new owners plan 'significant renovation' of Tampa's original skyscraper
At 19 stories and 240 feet, the Hotel Floridan was the tallest building in Florida when it was under construction in 1923. When it opened in 1927, it was Tampa’s original skyscraper.
At 19 stories and 240 feet, the Hotel Floridan was the tallest building in Florida when it was under construction in 1923. When it opened in 1927, it was Tampa’s original skyscraper.
Polk County: 'Region with a Record'
This circa 1963 film provides a look at Polk County, showing citrus groves and processing, Bok Tower, the Great Masterpiece and Cypress Gardens. An unusual scenic attraction is Sand Mountain, a phosphate debris pile. Next is a cattle farm and then Florida Southern College. Produced by Sanborn Film Productions; sponsored by Polk County Chamber of Commerce. Video courtesy State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.
This circa 1963 film provides a look at Polk County, showing citrus groves and processing, Bok Tower, the Great Masterpiece and Cypress Gardens. An unusual scenic attraction is Sand Mountain, a phosphate debris pile. Next is a cattle farm and then Florida Southern College. Produced by Sanborn Film Productions; sponsored by Polk County Chamber of Commerce. Video courtesy State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.
Tampa Baseball Museum's grand opening is Saturday
A new museum focused on America's favorite pasttime is opening.
A new museum focused on America's favorite pasttime is opening.
Family hopes to save life's work of Hillsborough County master gardener
A Hillsborough County woman spent decades growing a lush tropical garden. However, she passed away this summer, and now the two-acre property’s future is uncertain.
A Hillsborough County woman spent decades growing a lush tropical garden. However, she passed away this summer, and now the two-acre property’s future is uncertain.
'America is under attack:' Bush was in Sarasota classroom when grim news came
On an otherwise unremarkable Tuesday morning, President George W. Bush was in Florida to discuss education initiatives at an elementary school. But that visit was interrupted by the worst terror attack on American soil.
On an otherwise unremarkable Tuesday morning, President George W. Bush was in Florida to discuss education initiatives at an elementary school. But that visit was interrupted by the worst terror attack on American soil.
At 76 years of age, the SS American Victory lives on in Tampa
The SS American Victory has seen plenty of days, putting in plenty of service – in fact, it continues to serve the community to this day.
The SS American Victory has seen plenty of days, putting in plenty of service – in fact, it continues to serve the community to this day.
Fort De Soto’s ecosystem, history make it a ‘piece of paradise tucked away into suburbia’
Consisting of five interconnected keys with a complex ecosystem and even an historic fort, Pinellas County’s Fort De Soto Park is more than 1,000 acres of ‘paradise.’
Consisting of five interconnected keys with a complex ecosystem and even an historic fort, Pinellas County’s Fort De Soto Park is more than 1,000 acres of ‘paradise.’
Signs of the times: Photographer’s ‘Vintage Neon Project’ documents bygone era
Ten years ago, a St. Petersburg graphic designer started the Vintage Neon Project. He photographs old signs that represent a bygone era of Florida tourism.
Ten years ago, a St. Petersburg graphic designer started the Vintage Neon Project. He photographs old signs that represent a bygone era of Florida tourism.
Radar identifies three possible graves under Tropicana Field parking lots
The city of St. Petersburg will explore the next steps after archaeologists recently found a lost cemetery with three possible graves at Tropicana Field, the latest in an effort to uncover erased African American cemeteries in Tampa Bay.
The city of St. Petersburg will explore the next steps after archaeologists recently found a lost cemetery with three possible graves at Tropicana Field, the latest in an effort to uncover erased African American cemeteries in Tampa Bay.
St. Petersburg Museum of History asks for submissions of African American and LGBTQIA+ history
The St. Petersburg Museum of History is asking community members to submit images, objects, documents, and personal stories in an effort to build its archive of African American and LGBTQIA+ histories.
The St. Petersburg Museum of History is asking community members to submit images, objects, documents, and personal stories in an effort to build its archive of African American and LGBTQIA+ histories.
Paranormal hunters beware: Police warn Sebring's abandoned Kenilworth Lodge is off-limits to the living
Ghost hunters have traveled far and wide to search the grounds of the Kenilworth Lodge in Highlands County, but police warn: the still-living are no longer welcome.
Ghost hunters have traveled far and wide to search the grounds of the Kenilworth Lodge in Highlands County, but police warn: the still-living are no longer welcome.
Photographer recreates iconic Burgert Brothers pictures of early 1900s Tampa
Then and now: An historic collection of photos has been recreated by Tampa photographer Chip Weiner, and some of the changes are stunning.
Then and now: An historic collection of photos has been recreated by Tampa photographer Chip Weiner, and some of the changes are stunning.
After four decades, Kojak's House of Ribs will close in South Tampa
Since 1978, Kojak's House of Ribs has been serving up some of Tampa's most famous ribs -- and homemade sangria. This weekend, they will be shutting their doors to make way for a new apartment complex.
Since 1978, Kojak's House of Ribs has been serving up some of Tampa's most famous ribs -- and homemade sangria. This weekend, they will be shutting their doors to make way for a new apartment complex.
Lakeland bungalow moved as part of man's mission to preserve history
You may have moved into a new house, but a Lakeland man is known for actually moving houses -- old ones that are historically torn down -- to save them from demolition.
You may have moved into a new house, but a Lakeland man is known for actually moving houses -- old ones that are historically torn down -- to save them from demolition.
Ca’ d’Zan restorations should carry historic mansion well into its second century
If John Ringling was the king of Sarasota in the early 20th Century, his home, Ca’ d’Zan, was his crown jewel. As it nears its 100th birthday, the historic mansion has been undergoing a few upgrades.
If John Ringling was the king of Sarasota in the early 20th Century, his home, Ca’ d’Zan, was his crown jewel. As it nears its 100th birthday, the historic mansion has been undergoing a few upgrades.
Scholarship fund established for descendants of Ocoee Massacre victims
It is a dark and often-overlooked chapter in Florida’s past; 100 years ago, the largest incident of voting day violence in U.S. history took place not far from Tampa Bay.
It is a dark and often-overlooked chapter in Florida’s past; 100 years ago, the largest incident of voting day violence in U.S. history took place not far from Tampa Bay.
Tampa aims for return of 'Honor to the Mothers of the World'
Outside a Tampa city warehouse, strapped in a crate, is an odd place to find a statue with a long history. Decades ago, families would come to the statue on Mother’s Day and lay flowers at her feet.
Outside a Tampa city warehouse, strapped in a crate, is an odd place to find a statue with a long history. Decades ago, families would come to the statue on Mother’s Day and lay flowers at her feet.
Time flies: Tampa International Airport celebrates 50 years in the Bay Area
There was a time where TPA (TIA?) would have ended up where the University of South Florida is located today, or even in Pinellas County. But it "made sense" to use the old WWII base Drew Field, and residents have been loving their airport ever since.
There was a time where TPA (TIA?) would have ended up where the University of South Florida is located today, or even in Pinellas County. But it "made sense" to use the old WWII base Drew Field, and residents have been loving their airport ever since.
Historic cigar factory gets modern makeover, keeps heart and soul of Tampa tradition intact
The JC Newman Cigar Company is the only cigar factory in Ybor City that still hand-rolls cigars and it recently opened its doors to show off renovations to the 125-year-old building.
The JC Newman Cigar Company is the only cigar factory in Ybor City that still hand-rolls cigars and it recently opened its doors to show off renovations to the 125-year-old building.
Tampa’s history in pro wrestling played vital role in developing superstars – past and present
Tampa finally has the chance to host a WrestleMania, and it's a long time coming considering wrestling is in the city's DNA.
Tampa finally has the chance to host a WrestleMania, and it's a long time coming considering wrestling is in the city's DNA.