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What’s the story?
Trace Tampa’s history and culture through “The Story of Tampa” mural
The mural was unveiled in 2006. | Photo via City of Tampa
If you want to learn more about Tampa’s unique history and culture, but you’re more of a visual learner, we’ve got just the thing for you. In 2003, the City of Tampa’s Public Art Program gave local artist Lynn Ash a task: Create a piece of art to showcase the cultural landscape and history of the 813.
Three years later, Ash’s 4x8-ft mural, named “The Story of Tampa,” was unveiled after he studied hundreds of photographs and met with countless community leaders to craft his masterpiece. The result? Nearly 200 vignettes containing images, icons, symbols, and famous faces associated with Tampa within a border made of 50+ images.
Follow along as we break down some our favorite aspects of the piece:
A quick glance will have you dreaming of the high seas. Fictional pirate Jose Gaspar dominates the center of the canvas, a sword outstretched in one hand, and the other holding onto a ship’s roped ladder. You may recognize his ship by the left border from Gaspy celebrations.
Even before the Bucs’ second Super Bowl win and the Bolts’ recent back-to-back Stanley Cups, the spirit of Champa Bay was alive and well. Peep the famous trophies at the mid-to-bottom right.
Foodies may recognize a couple of iconic local spots. The Columbia Restaurant is to the right of center at the top of the artwork, next to a visage of Cesar Gonzmart — an in-law to the generations-old family-run eatery — playing the violin. The scrumptious Goody Goody Burgers is in the bottom left corner.
The mural is also on show at the Tampa Municipal Office Building inside Old City Hall, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Asked
In your opinion, what is Tampa Bay’s most iconic landmark?
A. University of Tampa minarets B. The Dalí Museum C. Centro Ybor D. Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Danae Hays | Friday, Sept. 13 | 8 p.m. | Tampa Theatre | $56+ | Get ready to laugh as Hays performs a cast of zany southern characters and parody country music songs inspired by her Alabama upbringing.
DJ Donnie Luv | Friday, Sept. 13 | 8-11:59 p.m. | The Tampa EDITION, Tampa | Free entry | Boogie on the rooftop overlooking the 813 skyline.
Saturday, Sept. 14
September Free Saturday | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa | Free | Tour the historic museum on the house with a first-come, first-served guided tour at 1 p.m.
2024 Annual Fall Festival | Saturday, Sept. 14-Sunday, Sept. 15 | Times vary | New Tampa Performing Arts Center | Free | Kick off fall with performances from Tampa City Ballet’s “Don Quixote,” an instrument petting zoo, and all kinds of artsy fun.
Hope in Action: An Evening with Dr. Jane Goodall | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Tropicana Field | $9+ | Listen to the legendary conservationist as she spreads her decades-long message of environmental unity.
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Al Lang Stadium | $22+ | The Rowdies have won only once in their past seven games — get down to the waterfront and cheer them on.
Sunday, Sept. 15
Yoga in the Park | Sunday, Sept. 15 | 6 p.m. | Curtis Hixon Park | Free | Start your week with a sweat sesh in the scenic riverfront park — bring your own mat and towel.
Herbie Hancock: “2024 North American Tour” | Sunday, Sept. 15 | 8 p.m. | Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg | $60+ | Catch the tunes of the genre-defining jazz musician whose storied career has taken him across the globe.
$225. That’s how much you can expect to be fined if you ignore an active Hillsborough County Schools bus stop sign arm. As of yesterday, all of the district’s ~1,000 school buses have functional cameras equipped to keep kids safe. (Bay News 9)
Sports
Want to catch a game this weekend? Tampa Bay Sun FC is going for its first-ever home victory tomorrow, Sept. 14 vs. Brooklyn FC. Tickets for the potentially historic moment start at $12, and kickoff at Riverfront Stadium is at 7 p.m.
Kids
Pinellas County Schools staff have access to a new low-cost childcare program. Around 80 kids between the ages of one and three are already enrolled at a facility previously called Pinellas Secondary School. Rates start as low at $75 per week. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Closing
Harold Seltzer’s Steakhouse is closing after nearly three decades in business. First opened as Sam Seltzer’s in 1995, the St. Pete spot will close permanently after serving its last customers on Sunday, Sept. 29. Until then, diners at 3500 Tyrone Blvd. N. can enjoy special discounts + deals.
Real Estate
Properties in St. Pete’s Mirror Lake neighborhood may get added protection. The city is considering designating nearly 21 acres in the area as a local historic district for preservation purposes amid ongoing development. If approved, any exterior changes would need official authorization. (St. Pete Rising)
Watch
It’s Friday the 13th, after all. Howl-O-Scream is back at Busch Gardens, running on select nights throughout the spooky season. We were there on opening night, and tickets start at $50.
Quoted
“We are going to continue to break records and exceed expectations,” said USF President Rhea Law as she announced the school’s vision to become a top 25 public institution. Forbes ranked USF No. 41 this year, up 22 spots from 2023. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Listen
FSU is looking to avoid a third straight loss. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Florida State Seminoles with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Finance
Rates just dropped. Now could be the perfect time for you to tap into your home equity — calculate your payment.*
Level up your fall wardrobe with this stylish and versatile men’s quarter zip sweater. Its sophisticated mock neck design makes it perfect for both casual and formal wear.*
Food
Taste buds at the ready
Ready your taste buds for Safety Harbor Restaurant Week
The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions is a popular local spot. | Photo by @thetidesmarket
If you’ve been meaning to visit one of the Tampa Bay area’s quaint idyllic seaside cities, here’s your chance. Safety Harbor Restaurant Week’s third year runs Monday, Sept. 16-Sunday, Sept. 22, featuring 25+ local eateries with prix fixe menus and enticing deals.
Here’s some stand-outs:
The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions is serving up three courses for $35, with menu items including gumbo, crab bisque, and a lobster BLT.
The Pub at Safety Harbor has date night sorted, with dinner for two for $45. We’re looking at the meatballs.
Keep your eyes peeled for The Nona Slice House’s deals. The award-winning pizzeria is taking part in the foodie festivities, but has not yet dished out specific details.
If you’re still hungry, make sure to tag #SHRestaurantWk in your social posts for a chance to win a gift certificate for a participating restaurant of your choice.
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