After 90 years, lectors return to Ybor cigar factory -- at least for one day

To mark the 111th anniversary of 'El Reloj,' the last working cigar factory in Tampa, Eric Newman and his family invited special guests to be lectors, the first to fill that role since the Tampa cigar factories did away with them in 1931. 

Weedon Island’s prehistoric past gives glimpse into Native American culture

At approximately 3700 acres, Weedon Island Preserve is an ecological jewel within an urban landscape on the shores of Old Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg, but few people know about its prehistoric past.

Tampa developer seeks historic designation for old cigar factory

At the height of the cigar industry in Tampa, there were more than 200 factories operating in our area.  Today, only 24 of those brick buildings remain.

History mystery surrounds pink Lakeland home

Christopher Satterfield is in the process of renovating a more-than-100-year-old historic pink Victorian-style home in the Dixieland neighborhood of Lakeland. He says there's evidence it was built by none other than Henry B. Plant.

Exhibit showcases Booker T. Washington's little-known visit to Tampa

Charles McGraw Grough, an associate professor of history at the University of Tampa, took a look at an important era in Tampa. His research is now a new exhibit on Booker T. Washington at the Henry B. Plant Museum. 

Past, present and future: Streetcar remains a staple in Tampa’s identity

If you want to get to Ybor City or to the new Water Street District, an automobile isn't the only way to go. There are HART's TECO Line streetcars, which are a common sight in downtown Tampa with a history in the city that dates back to 1885.

Owner of historic Derby Lane hopes luck hasn't run out yet

Ninety-five years after his great-grandfather found fortune with dog racing, the owner of Derby Lane in St. Petersburg hopes the site's second century is just as lucky.

Historic Shell Dash Cottage to be rebuilt in new location

For more than a century, history was hidden in plain sight on the cottage on 2nd Ave. North In St. Petersburg. The history is in the stucco that coats the 1909 structure, whose builders used coquina shells to form the texture, millions of shells.

How the Buccaneers helped define 'Tampa Bay'

The Bucs' worst-to-first story has become part of the fabric of the Tampa Bay Area. In fact, the effort to get the NFL to award the franchise helped lead to the name “Tampa Bay.”

Remembering Disney's 1991 Super Bowl halftime show

You have to go back a few years to remember this. It’s the Super Bowl halftime show from 30 years ago. You may even know some of the performers. Three decades later, it’s still remembered as a magical night.

Getting ready for the 1991 Super Bowl halftime show
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When Tampa Stadium hosted Super Bowl XXV in 1991, the Gulf War was underway. 2,000 Tampa-area kids were part of the show, along with The New Kids on the Block and Walt Disney stars like Mickey Mouse. Here?s Alan Wendt?s original report from 1991.

How Tampa watched the Super Bowl in 1991
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When Tampa Stadium hosted Super Bowl XXV in 1991, some fans were disappointed that Joe Montana wasn?t in town. But that didn?t stop them from making the trip to Tampa, where the Tampa Bay Center Mall next to the stadium ended up being a gathering spot for many seeking tickets. Here?s Alan Wendt?s original report from 1991.

From 1986: Space shuttle Challenger explodes
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'Pulse 13' coverage of the space shuttle Challenger tragedy as reported by WTVT-TV in Tampa, then a CBS affiliate. Originally aired January 28, 1986.

Tornadoes hit same Pinellas Park neighborhood -- 28 years apart

It's been 28 years, but it hasn't been long enough for longtime Pinellas Park resident Karol Singleton, whose house has now been hit by a tornado twice since she's lived there.

Watch living history at Ybor City's red-brick cigar factory and museum

Built from red bricks in 1910, the Ybor City cigar factory with the high clock tower is a monument to the immigrants who built Tampa, one roll at a time.

'Incredible time capsule': One house remains from the lost town of Limona

The little town of Limona was long ago swallowed by Brandon in Hillsborough County. But one home from the early 1880s remains -- along with many of the original family's possessions.

Preservationists say costly Union Station repairs are worth it

Another restoration would be at least the third life for Union Station, a building that’s offered a first impression of Tampa for more than 100 years.