A Fresh Look at Ybor
Ybor City – pronounced E-bore and known as “Florida’s Latin Quarter” – is a historic cuban hub and home of those famous cigars. The introduction of machine-made cigars, the popularity of cigarettes and the Great Depression took a toll on this once booming community. The area became run down and violence was a prominent fixture.
Ybor City – pronounced E-bore and known as “Florida’s Latin Quarter” – is a historic cuban hub and home of those famous cigars. The introduction of machine-made cigars, the popularity of cigarettes and the Great Depression took a toll on this once booming community. The area became run down and violence was a prominent fixture.
The new: Rejuvenation
In the 1990s, this jewel started revving back up and soon became the areas hot spot for college students and 30-somethings looking to let loose. The word spread quickly and soon more and more flocked to Seventh Ave., the main corridor to all the bars and clubs. Now, every Friday and Saturday, Seventh Ave., the bourbon street of Tampa, is closed to traffic so visitors can freely hangout, bar hop or float from club to restaurant to tattoo parlor.
This well-known clubfest is enjoying an urban renewal and has grown to include a family-friendly setting in the process. The biggest new addition to Ybor is Centro Ybor, which features retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues. Anchored by the Muvico Centro Ybor 20 Theater and featuring such names as GameWorks, The Improv and Urban Outfitters, Centro Ybor provides something for everyone. This addition has done much to not only improve the image and real estate but also rejuvenate the spirit and access to this area known more for its mixture of dance, drug and booze.
The old: Stabilization
Don’t be fooled too much by the improvements. Though violence has decreased tremendously and now preppy kids aren’t afraid to walk to their mercedes after a late night at the club, it isn’t a completely clean area. Seems some things just remain constant.
Ybor has more ecstasy – MDMA – than you can shake a glowstick at. This social hub, or at least the kids that grew up in the area, claims to be the origin of the techno music craze. Some how these two seem to go hand-and-hand.
If you’re into being watched, this is the place to be. There are ‘big brother’ surveillance cameras watching everywhere on 7th Ave. The cameras have been the subject of much controversy fueling debates and arguments from safety and privacy advocates. The cameras were also featured on the news for a while when one captured a stabbing in the middle of the street.
The fascinating: Jubilation
In addition to the weekly party atmosphere that can get down right “Ehh-boring” to locals, the city hosts the two wildest parties in the area – Gasparilla Piratefest night parade in February and Guavaween on Halloween. Both events are WAY crowded. But if you venture out anyway, you can expect:
* A huge parade
* Beads and prizes
* Car crashes and traffic jams on the way over and/or on the way out
* Exposed boobs/shlongs flashing for beads and/or just for the fun of it
* HUGE parties some featuring celebrities
* Lots of money exchanging hands
* Fights because some drunk guy bumped into someone
* Pregnant women and parents putting their children in harms way and exposing them to things they are likely not ready for. *Note* Keep the kids AWAY from the night festivities. There is a day parade.
* Stores and vendors that open only two times a year and make all they need to off these two events
* Music stage(s) featuring nationally recognized acts
The Centro Ybor Museum and Visitor Information Center, located at 1600 E. 8th Avenue, Suite B 104, is open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays.
