Tampa History

Tampa History explores the people, places and decisions that shaped the city and region over time.

From landmark institutions and cultural movements to overlooked chapters and living history, this category connects Tampa’s past to the forces shaping its future.

At 100, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay define how they grow next Historic Boys & Girls Club building in Tampa Bay, photographed in the early years of the organization.An early Boys & Girls Club site in Tampa Bay. Founded in 1926, the organization marks 100 years of youth development in 2026.

Historic Boys & Girls Club building in Tampa Bay, photographed in the early years of the organization.An early Boys & Girls Club site in Tampa Bay. Founded in 1926, the organization marks 100 years of youth development in 2026.

At 100, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay define how they grow next

Chuck Merlis January 28, 2026

At 100, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay clarify how discipline, data, and workforce strategy...

Gasparilla: How Tampa invented its defining tradition Historic illustration of the Gasparilla invasion ship sailing through downtown Tampa as crowds line the riverbanks and bridges.

Historic illustration of the Gasparilla invasion ship sailing through downtown Tampa as crowds line the riverbanks and bridges.

Gasparilla: How Tampa invented its defining tradition

Chuck Merlis January 19, 2026

How Gasparilla evolved from a staged pirate invasion into one of Tampa’s most durable civic traditions.

How John Bell rebuilt Tampa Theatre’s business model John Bell smiles outside Tampa Theatre beneath the historic marquee lights during an interview about his leadership and legacy.

John Bell smiles outside Tampa Theatre beneath the historic marquee lights during an interview about his leadership and legacy.

How John Bell rebuilt Tampa Theatre’s business model

Chuck Merlis January 15, 2026

John Bell explains the philosophy and business decisions that helped Tampa Theatre thrive for 40 years.

New History Center CEO frames Tampa’s past as power Audrey Chapuis stands outside the Tampa Bay History Center, where she serves as president and CEO, as the city undergoes rapid growth and change.

Audrey Chapuis stands outside the Tampa Bay History Center, where she serves as president and CEO, as the city undergoes rapid growth and change.

New History Center CEO frames Tampa’s past as power

Chuck Merlis January 8, 2026

As Tampa grows faster than its memory, the History Center’s new leader sees the past as civic...

From Bolita to Billups: Tampa’s long history with La Cosa Nostra Historic photo of Tampa mob figures from the early 20th century posing outdoors in suits, representing the city’s organized crime network during the bolita gambling era.

Historic photo of Tampa mob figures from the early 20th century posing outdoors in suits, representing the city’s organized crime network during the bolita gambling era.

From Bolita to Billups: Tampa’s long history with La Cosa Nostra

Chuck Merlis October 28, 2025

Tampa’s long history with gambling and organized crime echoes through today’s NBA betting scandal.

Tampa Bay History Center selects new president and CEO Audrey Chapuis stands along Tampa’s Riverwalk ahead of her appointment as president and CEO of the Tampa Bay History Center.