History

History of Tampa’s Jackson House

A marker will soon be placed in front of these homes in the historic Scrub neighborhood. | Photo via the City of Tampa

Flashback to the early 1900s… Tampa became a thriving metropolis and commercial hub, growing from less than 800 residents to over 15,000. It was a time of booming tourism with the late 19th century growth of railroads, hotels, the cigar industry, and streetcars.

But only three and half decades after the end of the Civil War in 1865, there was still not a safe haven for Black travelers who came to visit Tampa. Enter: The Jackson House, Tampa’s only boarding house for African Americans during times of segregation.

🏡 The story behind the name

In 1901, a man named Moses Jackson and his wife Sarah acquired the property from its first known owner, Sarah Allen. Realizing that Blacks had no place to stay while coming into town, they decided to build their two-story home — which was originally a six-room cottage — into a twenty-four room boarding house, employing the women of their family to run it.

Together, the couple operated the business from 1910 to 1929, and passed it down to their daughters and their families and continued to house guests through 1989.

🚂 A prominent location

Located in downtown Tampa at 851 E. Zack St., The Jackson House resides in one of Tampa’s oldest black neighborhoods known as “The Scrub.” The establishment is blocks from Union Station, which made it a cultural hotspot for visitors coming in and out via train.

Throughout history, several famous black musicians and civil rights leaders have stayed at The Jackson House, including James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nat “King” Cole, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who came to visit in 1961.

📜 Today’s significance

The City of Tampa designated The Jackson House as a distinguished landmark for its contributions and significance to the city. While the building is slowly deteriorating, the foundation has plans to restore Tampa’s last-standing African American historical landmark.

They are currently seeking volunteers to help raise awareness. Supporters can also purchase a shirt to help inspire future generations to vote. And while the foundation has already raised over $2 million in donations and applied for a state grant back in January 2022, you can continue to donate on their website. Currently, efforts to rebuild have been stalled.

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Today

Haunted River Tours | Fri., Oct. 7 - Sun., Oct. 9 | 7-9 p.m. | Pirate Water Taxi, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa | $30 | Take a 45-minute cruise through downtown Tampa with a crew of haunted storytellers telling tales of terror and Tampa’s eerie past. 🔍
Super Greek Festival | Fri., Oct. 7 - Sun., Oct. 9 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | St. Stefanos Greek Orthodox Church, 3600 76th St. N., St. Petersburg | $3 | This indoor/outdoor celebration includes fresh made Greek food, DJ dancing in an outdoor party tent, a 7,500-sq.-ft. taverna, youth dance groups, and language lessons. 🇬🇷

Saturday

St. Pete Walking Mural Tour | Sat., Oct. 8 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Florida CraftArt Galleries, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | $19 | Hear the inside stories of the making of murals found in the Central Arts District in downtown St. Petersburg. 🎨
Friends Of The John F. Germany Public Library Book Sale | Sat., Oct. 8 | open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa | Free | The Loading Dock Bookstore is open from 10:00 to 3:00 on second Saturday of each month. 📚

Sunday

Taste of the Beaches | Sat., Oct. 8 - Fri., Oct. 14 | 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m. | At Participating Restaurants, 6990 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach | $10 |The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce will hold their week-long taste tour from Saturday, October 8th to Friday October 14th. 🏖️

Monday

A Documentary History of the United States: A Conversation | Mon., Oct. 10 | 6 p.m. | The James Museum, 150 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg | $23 | Author Alexander Heffner presents on his latest book. 📽️

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

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You’ll receive regular virtual Smile Check-ins™ to touch base on your progress. | Photo by Smile Direct Club

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Weather

87º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 7:26 a.m.
Set: 7:09 p.m.

Tide
Old Tampa Bay

High: 2:47 a.m. + 2:01 p.m.
Low: 7:42 a.m. + 8:43 p.m.

Clearwater Beach

High: 10:33 a.m. + 11:22 p.m.
Low: 4:18 a.m. + 5:08 p.m.

Civic

This week, City of Tampa reopened its Rental & Move-In Assistance Program (RMAP) to financially assist residents. Every Wednesday + Thursday, the Housing team will open its online portal to the public until funding is used up. More than 3,500 who were waitlisted have now been helped.

Open

Looking to score European goods? German grocer company Aldi opened a new location in Clearwater this week. The affordale grocery spot is the eighth location in the Tampa Bay are + offers fresh produce, dried goods, and European imports. 🥐 (WFLA)

Announced

Let’s hit the club — sandwich that is. Potbelly Sandwich Shop is expanding into 14 different locations between Tampa Bay and St. Pete. The national franchise plans to also open drive-thru locations so you can enjoy cold brew shakes + breakfast sammies on-the-go. 🥪 (That’s So Tampa)

Biz

Back in business. Since Hurricane Ian’s landfall and aftermath, Tampa’s tourism industry wants folks to know we’re ready for visits again — but to keep in mind parts of our city are still rebuilding from the hit. Before the storm, Florida had reached a record 36 million visitors. ✈️ (Tampa Bay Times)

Active

It’s going to be wheel-y great. Cycle company, Lime, is bringing 1,500 e-bikes to Tampa. Downtown will have 1,000 e-bikes available for rent to explore the city. Each bike features automatic two-speed settings for riders. 🚴 (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Development

Downtown St. Pete has officially approved construction for a 20-story apartment building. The Sky St. Pete, located at the corner of 17th Street North and Burlington Avenue North, will feature 246 units, including 86 studios, 103 single bedroom, and 57 double-bedroom units. 🏢 (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Community

Spooky things on the way. Armature Works welcomes a Haunted Carnival experience to its pavilion this month, bringing the delight of amusement rides with a chilling twist. From Thurs., Oct. 27-Sun., Oct. 30, you can expect rides on the classic merry-go-round along with festive treats like elephant ears and cotton candy. 🎠 (That’s So Tampa)

Drink

Getting groceries delivered is great, but getting your favorite beer, wine, and liquor delivered is even better. With Drizly, you can order your go-to libations as well as mixers, party supplies, and snacks + they’ll be delivered to your door in under 60 minutes. Order now. 🥂*

Travel

Experience Florida at its best. Lakeland’s Bonnet Springs Park is intended to be a place to connect with and experience the nature + history of Central Florida. Here’s a sneak peak of the 168-acre park, set to open Sat., Oct. 22.*
Who’s planning on traveling out of Tampa International for the Thanksgiving holiday? Pro tip: It’s never too early to book those flights. Pro, pro tip: Scott’s Cheap Flights Elite Plan gets you up to 90% off premium economy, business, and first class seats. ✈️*

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Something to rawr about

This Jurassic encounter stomps through Tampa Bay

Around 70 realistic dinosaurs are walking around at this live experience. | Photo by Jurassic Experience

Fossil out. In 2023, Tampa Bay will be taking a huge step back in time. North Carolina’s Jurassic Encounter is coming to Largo Central Park and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, bringing prehistoric fun for the whole family.

Ready for a dino-mite time? The experience is soon announcing their new dates coming in spring 2023 — after rescheduling from their fall 2022 dates. But here’s a glimpse of what you can expect.

Some rawr details 🦕

For starters, you’ll be able to observe animatronic replicas of nearly 70 dinosaur species at this 10-day local experience. You can find your favorite, whether it’s a pterodactyl or the famous T-Rex. The tour will also bring fun interactive activities, such as bounce houses and a dino dig for the kiddos. 🦖

Kids two years and under get in free. General admission is $19. Reserve your tickets now.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Victoria.

Editor’s pick: Hispanic Heritage Month is over on Sat., Oct. 15. As a proud Hispanic, I can’t wait to celebrate at this year’s Viva Tampa Bay fest on Sun., Oct. 9. See you there? Find me near the café con leché and live salsa dancing.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Find a place to take your pumpkin patch photos, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Bailey LeFever, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea| Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke| Advertise with us.

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