Ybor City, Tampa, Florida, Award Winning
Historic 7th Avenue in the Cuban Quarter of Tampa, a Unique Visit
Nov 8, 2008
Seventh Avenue in Ybor City, lying northeast of downtown Tampa, Florida was recognized for its sense of community, Italian and Spanish architecture, and the preserved aura of history dating back to 1885. The APA, as part of its Great Places in America program, placed it among the top 10 streets of the US. A stroll down the old brick street takes the visitor back in time. A taste of original cuban bread places the visitor back in time.
Ybor, pronounced “ee-bore” has a unique colorful story. Originally, a Cuban quarter based on cigar making, it attracted a small population of Italians, Jews, Germans, and Spanish. This is not the first award nod to Ybor. Cuban American playwright, Nilo Cruz, won a Pulitzer Prize for his play Anna in the Tropics about a young cigar maker in Ybor and romance.
Ybor Tourism and Award Winning Events in Tampa FloridaDespite the many transitions Ybor has seen, it continues to attract tourists and residents to its art shows, ethnic restaurants, parades, tile and marble facades, as well as its curlicue ornate balconies. The accompanying photo of the street on a late afternoon midweek when it wasnt fixed up for party goers is revealing. Certainly parking, once a major issue, was not a problem.
The wonder of this award is it will attract tourists anew. Tampa, Florida is just cleaning up from its number 2 position in the world series for its baseball team, Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa is also gearing up to host SuperBowl 2009 visitors. Additionally, web sites now pop up extolling the fun times to be had at Ybor's many establishments. Tourists should not be disappointed. The good times are returning to Ybor. The new movie theaters are beautiful and without lines to get in. The comedy playhouse often features well known comedians. It is further hoped the new "niche" population will help rebuild the area and keep it fun, arty, and interesting. The visitor does need to heed the Tampa : Nightlife | Frommers.com gentle reminder to watch where you park.
La Séptima or 7th Avenue –One of 10 Best StreetsThe award given by the American Planning Association, as part of the Great Places in America program, was presented Nov. 12. The ceremony was on beautiful 7th Avenue which is filled with interesting shops, restaurants, small theaters, art, and the remnants of a street lost and found.
Other Top 10 Street Awards from the APAPhiladelphia, ironically, the home of the World Series winner Philadelphia Phillies against the Tampa Bay Rays, won the American Planning Association award for two of their historic streets. A street each in Arlington, Virginia, Portland, Maine, and Annapolis, Maryland completed the winning list of 10 Best Streets in America.
 |
