Adhering to the “Guests Are Like Fish Rule” we left Keith and Mary’s place in The Villages, Florida and headed for the Tampa Bay area on March 1, 2022. We booked an Airbnb at Indian Rock Beach a block from the gulf’s edge.
We began our exploration of the Tampa Bay area in the National Historic Landmark District of Ybor City. Founded in the 1880s by Vincente Martinez-Ybor the town was almost entirely owned and operated by immigrants mainly from Cuba, Spain and Italy.
Mike and Amy met us for lunch at Florida’s oldest restaurant, still owned and operated by 4th and 5th generation family members. Founded in 1905 by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr.,the Columbia is the largest Spanish restaurant in the World.
Ybor City was “The Cigar Captial of the World” by 1900. At its peak, there were more than 200 cigar factories producing more than 500 million cigars per year. Cuban masters still roll fine cigars in boutique shops on 7th Avenue.
Roland Monteiga began his career with the La Graceta newspaper in 1930 at age 10. By age 17, he was the circulation manager of our nation’s only trilingual newspaper. He went on to become editor and publisher, leaving the paper to his son when he passed in 1998. His statue in Ybor City was dedicated by Tampa’s mayor in 2003.
Survivors from the early days of Ybor City, chickens are allowed to roam freely. When residents attempted to run off the mess-making birds the courts paraphrased a 1989 ordinance: “Run wild, run free, you chickens of Ybor City.”
My early morning walks alone on Indian Rocks Beach were perfect for peace and reflection.
We set an umbrella up to block the wind our first day on Indian Rocks Beach. The sun felt wonderful under a clear-blue sky and we lazed away the day.
The wind was still blowing and the evening turned chilly when we made the short walk back to the beach to watch the sunset. No green flash, but it was still beautiful.
Our second beach day was warmer and just as clear and pretty as you please. This is a chillin’ beach, not a wild party place like Ft. Lauderdale. The white sand felt like cool sugar on our feet.
Mike and Amy had a snowbird rental in Orlando and we stayed a few days with them. It was time for some Florida roadside attractions. Showcase of Citrus is a 4th generation citrus farm growing thirteen-types of oranges plus limes, tangerines, lemons and grapefruit on 2500 acres near Clermont.
Tours of the massive farm are given on the “World’s Largest 4X4’s” measuring 14-feet wide, 16-feet tall and 40-feet long. Showcase of Citrus holds a wildlife exhibitor license and boasts zebra, watusi, water buffalo, alligators, snakes and native birds on the grounds.
No self-respecting, Florida, roadside attraction the size of Showcase of Citrus would be complete without a shark photo op. Hokeyness counts.
Just up the road from the fruit farm is Clermont, known as “gem of the hills.” It’s home of Florida’s first constructed landmark. The Citrus Tower rises 226 feet on one of the highest hills in the area. We walked through the historic downtown and watched catamarans race on Lake Minnehaha.
We spent very little time in the heart of Florida when we lived in Ft. Lauderdale. In a flat state, the rolling hills are a surprise and the Gulf beaches are perfect for long, relaxing walks. We have so many wonderful friends in Florida that no trip could include them all. I’m sure there are more visits to the Sunshine State in our future.