Sticks of Fire reader Jason contacted us with a Question for Ask-a-Tampan: I have heard of a rumored bridge from Ballast point to the Apollo beach area that was tossed around as an idea for a few years back in the early part of the 20th century. Ultimately it was never built because the Port Authority [...]
Did you know that the City of Tampa has a neighborhood department. Yup. TheCity of Tampa Neighborhood and Community Relations mission is to “bring government closer to all people by serving as the liaison between the government and community to help Tampa thrive and shine.” They also include a list of 104 Tampa neighborhood [...]
Derek Reusser publishes a magazine and mails it to residents in SOG City, including Port Tampa City, Interbay, Ballast Point, and Sun Bay South. My Gandy highlights local businesses and residents, helpful articles, and historical stories of the area. If you are in the area, pick one up and check it out. They even published a historical piece I wrote [...]
95 years ago… October, 9, 1911 – Two local investors lease the Ballast Point Park area with plans to transform it into an amusement park, complete with an Atlantic City-style boardwalk. The duo planned on spending $20,000 dollars (almost $400,000 in today’s dollars) on the improvements and on sprucing up the pavilion (built in the early [...]
110 years ago… October 4, 1896 – The “young ladies” Cuban Club sponsors a picnic at Ballast Point to raise money for Cuba’s revolution war against Spain. The Consumers’ Electric Company offered a special round trip fare from Franklin Street to the picnic for $.20 ($4.50 in today’s dollars). Courtesy of the Tampa Bay History Center.
