Ybor City is frequently featured in news stories. Below is a sampling of news about Ybor City in 2012.

For more Ybor City news, see the archives:
2011 | 2010 |  2009 |  2008 |  2007

On your radar: Tropical Heatwave makes its annual appearance, and check out Lady Antebellum or the Gipsy Kings
Tampa Bay Times - May 7, 2012
This year's WMNF-88.5 extravaganza features more than 70 artists on a whopping 13 stages around Ybor City on Saturday. Read more from the Times.

Got $5? Here are 20 fun ways to spend it in Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Times - May 3, 2012
They say $5 doesn't go as far today as it did 50 years ago. Or even a decade ago. But we're a glass-is-half-full kind of newspaper. We maintain that if you know where to look, you can still find plenty of fun things to do each week for as little as $5. Read more from the Times.

Ybor City Historic District merchants fight graffiti artists
ABC Action News - April 30, 2012
Even though much of the graffiti is in the alleys behind businesses on 7th Ave, it's a black-eye on the entire Ybor Historic District.  And merchants have taken notice. Read more from ABC Action News.

Mural on edge of Ybor City to spruce up gritty stretch of Adamo Drive
Tampa Bay Times - April 26, 2012
An ambitious project is under way to paint a massive mural on the side of a steel fabrication plant. Once completed this summer, the 12,600-square-foot artwork promises to be the largest public mural in Florida and depict the heritage and culture of Ybor, said the artist, Michael Parker. Read more from the Times.

The Cuban Sandwich Crisis has a winner: Tampa
National Public Radio - April 25, 2012
After an admirable effort by the upstart Miami Cuban community, the people have chosen Tampa as the true home of the Cuban sandwich. More than 7,200 people voted here at The Salt, and the results speak for themselves: 57 percent chose Tampa, 43 percent went for Miami as the first city of the Cuban sandwich. Read more from NPR.

Plans move ahead for public library expansion
Tampa Tribune - April 25, 2012
Construction on the two-story replacement library, at a maximum 30,000 square feet, is set to begin in 2013 with an opening in late 2014. Read more from the Tribune.

Some of the sandwiches in question, getting a press on the grill
National Public Radio - ‎Apr 21, 2012‎
Now, most food historians agree the sandwich was invented in Tampa's Ybor City, but that's not the end of our story. On Thursday, the Tampa City Council officially renamed the Cuban sandwich the "Historic Tampa Cuban Sandwich. Read more from NPR.

Then & Now: Ybor Square stemmery, 1978 and 2012
Tbo.com - April 18, 2012
Built in 1886, the three-building complex at the corner of Eighth Avenue and 13th Street was Ybor City's first cigar factory. Read more from TBO.com.

Work Begins On Adamo Drive Mural Project, Ybor City
83 degrees - April 17, 2012
With expected completion quickly approaching, prep work and design input has begun on the Adamo Drive Mural Project in Ybor City. Read more from 83 degrees.

Visit to great Ybor City inspires visions of old dark deeds among the 'Goodfellas'
Orlando Sentinel - April 14, 2012
Of course, all this was a long time ago. Ybor's streets now reverberate with history by day and legal party times by night. Read more from Orlando Sentinel.

Ybor City artists see Arts and Eats combining two of district's passions
Tampa Bay Times - April 13, 2012
Every second Saturday beginning in May, partnering Ybor restaurants will have menu specials as well as local art hanging on their walls. After dinner, customers will receive a map on a handbill that encourages them to stop by some of the galleries (there are at least six) and about 20 art-related shops within the square-mile district. Read more from the Times.

Tax revenue could help improve facades of Ybor buildings
Tampa Tribune - April 10, 2012
The Ritz Ybor, The Castle and three other Ybor City businesses soon might receive thousands of dollars for improvements to their facades. The money was generated by a special tax district within Ybor City. Read more from the Tribune.

Centro Ybor owner joins the bidders vying for Channelside
Tampa Bay Times - April 9, 2012
Chicago-based M&J Wilkow Ltd., a firm that owns and operates Centro Ybor, has submitted a bid to buy the retail and entertainment complex in the Channel District of Tampa. The firm has paired with two other investors. Read more from the Times.

Ybor City renaissance: Rediscover its history, cultures and funkiness
Tampa Tribune - April 8, 2012
I have no hesitation saying that Ybor is as safe as any other neighborhood in Tampa and actually safer than most urban communities in the United States. Read more from the Tribune.

College Hunks is relocating to Ybor City
Tampa Bay Times - April 5, 2012
The recently acquired facility next to Centro Ybor will house corporate staff and employees of College Hunks' Tampa branch, nearly 50 people altogether. It also will become a training center for the company's 40 franchises and 350 employees around the country. Read more from the Times.

Dozens participate in run for slain student
Tampa Tribune - April 8, 2012
Walkers set out on the 2-mile course through Ybor City streets on Saturday as part of the Ryan's Run event, which raises scholarship money in honor of Ryan McCall. Read more from the Tribune.

Frozen Four: Tampa Bowls Us Over
Inside College Hockey - April 8, 2012
So why not make Tampa the permanent Frozen Four host? Hotel rooms are plentiful and reasonably priced. Most airports across the country offer affordable flights to either Tampa or Orlando, which is a little more than an hour’s drive from here. There’s plenty to do around here—museums, theme parks, the beach. Read more from Inside College Hockey.

Traveller's Guide: Florida's Gulf Coast
The Independent - April 6, 2012
Make sure you visit La Tropicana Café (813 247 4040) on East Seventh Avenue or La Segunda Bakery on 15th Street (813 248 1531; lasegundabakery.com) and try the local delicacy: a guava pastry accompanied by Cuban coffee. Read more from The Independent.

Ironic Inspiration for Gulf Coast Vacation: BP Ads
Associated Press - April 6, 2012
In nearby Tampa's Ybor City, the historic if slightly rundown district known for cigar manufacturing and Spanish-Cuban heritage, we stayed at the 1895 Don Vicente Inn, beautifully restored but with modern amenities (comfy beds and Wi-Fi). Read more at ABC News.

Festa Italiana a special Sunday
The Examiner- April 3, 2012
The Italian Club of Tampa celebrated its successful 15th Festa Italiana this past Sunday at Centennial Park in Ybor City. Read more from the Examiner.

Everything old is new again at Tampa Upcycle
Tampa Tribune - April 3, 2012
It's a hub where artists, designers and craftspeople can get materials to turn into something exciting and new. Read more from the Tribune.

High-energy music and art create community vibe
Bay News 9 - April 4, 2012
The high-energy, young vibe of rapper Jarrell and artist Travis Set mean good things for the area's autistic children and homeless population. The men call Ybor City home. Read more from Bay News 9.

A new church social: Faith leaders use technology to connect
Tampa Tribune - April 1, 2012
These days, the founder and lead pastor of the nondenominational Relevant Church in Ybor City is never without his trio of high-tech toys: a Mac laptop, an iPad and an iPhone. He is accustomed to the constant chirping of incoming tweets and text alerts. Read more from the Tampa Tribune or watch the video below.

Program matches local artists with venues
Tampa Tribune - March 28, 2012
Their art came to be on the walls through Pat Sanchez, owner of "Everything Eclectic," an organization that serves as a liaison between local artists, local businesses and local nonprofits. The Ybor Art Association is one of their participants. Read more from the Tampa Tribune.

Crowning glory awaits the Cuban
Tampa Tribune - March 23, 2012
City council members explored their options for naming an official sandwich at the urging of the city's Citizens Advisory Committee on Cultural Assets. Read more from the Tribune.

Tampa hosts convention for sexy pin-up culture
Palm Beach Post - March 21, 2012
Kelly Ackley, a 30-something mom of three, is wearing a black bustier, pink taffeta tutu and pink, kitten-heel boots. She's straddling a small rocking horse and with a saucy glance over her right shoulder, giggles as her is photo is snapped.  Read more from the Post.

Clearwater firm buys old V.M. Ybor grocery
Tampa Tribune - March 20, 2012
A boarded-up Columbus Drive grocery store that opened when cigar factories flourished in Ybor City soon will get a face-lift and a new tenant. Read more from the Tribune.

Smoke ‘em if you’ve got ‘em
Windsor Star - March 17, 2012
Leaving the rust belt cities of the American mid-west behind and heading for the sunny gulf coast of Florida it was hard to imagine I would stumble upon the remains of a once glorious manufacturing heritage. Read more from the Windsor Star.

Ybor merchants, Chamber come together (sort of) on un-fencing Guavaween
Creative Loafing - March 15, 2012
It's looking like there will not be a fence surrounding the Ybor City entertainment district at this year's Guavaween celebration. Read more from Creative Loafing.

Under Bob Buckhorn, Tampa continues legacy of embracing equality
Watermark Online - March 14, 2012
"...We want to tell the story about Tampa, the story of diversity, Ybor’s history and the stories of east and west Tampa. It’s not just downtown, it’s the great paella that is this city.” Read more from Watermark.

Memories of Ybor City in Tampa
Birmingham Weekly - March 10, 2012
One of the very special treats was going by Ybor City, a Cuban district in part of Tampa. There was an all night window at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. No matter what time we arrived we could always pick up Cuban sandwiches. Read more from Birmingham Weekly.

Ybor newcomer works out kinks
Tampa Bay Business Journal - March 9, 2012
In certain neighborhoods in Tampa Bay, medical offices are common. Although its restaurants and entertainment venues are numerous, Ybor City’s medical offices are less abundant. Read more from the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

James Joyce Irish Pub reopening
Tampa Bay Times - March 9, 2012
Just in time for leprechauns, James Joyce Irish Pub opens Monday in the former Eighth Avenue location of Mema's Alaskan Tacos. Read more from the Times.

Riverwalk monuments will honor Tampa greats
Tampa Tribune - March 7, 2012
"It's a great honor for me, as a living relative, to see him being recognized," said Rafael Martinez-Ybor, 83, of Temple Terrace. "All these people, including my great-grandfather, did so much. … They helped make Tampa the metropolis it is today." Read more from the Tribune.

Pinup and burlesque is hot in Ybor
My Fox Tampa Bay - March 7, 2012
An old brick building in Ybor City holds a kind of time bridge from the 1950s to today. It's called American Pinup, a photography studio and magazine bringing back old-school sex appeal. Read more from My Fox Tampa Bay or watch the video.

Yankees share laughs on team-building day
New York Post - March 1, 2012
Yankees players and coaches on Thursday participated in improvisational skits and activities at Tampa Improv in Ybor City as part of the annual team outing. Read more from the Post.

Ybor City's community cop is winning over hearts and minds
ABC Action News- February 29, 2012
Though he's only been on the Ybor City beat for two years, officer Sean Mahabir seems to know everyone. Business owners in particular beam when the district's community police officer strolls by. "They just call me Officer Sean" laughs Mahabir. Read more from ABC Action News or watch the video below.


After renovations, historic building reopens in Ybor City
My Fox Tampa Bay- February 29, 2012
"It's our history." Those were the words of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn on Tuesday as he stood inside a newly renovated building in Ybor City – another revamped piece of history in the area. Read more from Fox Tampa Bay.

Artists offer differing takes on life's journey
Tampa Tribune - February 29, 2012
It's always fascinating to see how two very different artists interpret a shared theme. That's why I'm eager to see the new exhibit opening Thursday at the Hillsborough Community College's Ybor Campus Art Gallery. Read more from the Tribune.

Festival Day honors Ybor City's roots
TBO.com - February 25, 2012
The family-oriented street festival offered food, dancing and music. Visitors sampled native cuisine and traditional dances. Read more from TBO.com or watch the video below from WFLA NewsChannel 8.


Ybor civic leader, baseball and cigar legend Marcelo Maseda dies
TBO.com - February 25, 2012
A two-time honorary mayor of Ybor City and a local legend in baseball and cigars, Marcelo Maseda died early Saturday. Read more from the Tribune.

Annual James Beard Resturant award nominees include three from Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Times- February 22, 2012
Nominated by local food writers and a national panel of James Beard Foundation judges, this year's Tampa Bay nominees are Richard Gonzmart, owner of the Columbia, in the outstanding restaurateur category, and Refinery co-owner and chef Greg Baker and SideBern's executive chef Chad Johnson, both in the regional category of Best Chef South. Read more from the Times.

Historic Ybor Macaroni Factory Preserved
Tampa Tribune- February 21, 2012
The Ferlita Macaroni Factory building, once destined for demolition, is better than saved. It's restored. Read more from the Tribune.

Photos: Church of Scientology renovates historic building
MyFox Tampa Bay (WTVT) - February 20, 2012
Tampa's first cigar factory, built in 1886 and located at Ybor Square, now is home to the Church of Scientology. See the photo tour from My Fox Tampa Bay.

Ybor Knight Parade draws thousands
WTSP 10 News - February 19, 2012
Thousands of people packed Ybor City Saturday night to watch the annual Knights of Sant' Yago's Knight Parade. Read more from 10 News or watch the video.


Adamo Dr. Mural Project to cover 10000 sq. ft. wall in Ybor City
Bay News 9 - February 18, 2012
Art students at Hillsborough Community College's Ybor City campus are taking their skills out of the classroom and onto the streets as they prepare to make one of the largest murals in the state of Florida. Read more from Bay News 9.

Foster Children Get Makeovers before heart gallery photo shoot
Tampa Bay Times - February 15, 2012
The new hairdos, nails and makeup came just before their afternoon photo shoot for the Children's Board Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay, a traveling exhibit of foster children who need permanent homes. Read more from the Times or watch the video below.

Mural to highlight Ybor City, Tampa
Tampa Tribune - February 13, 2012
As the first step of a project to add art to an industrial stretch of south Ybor City, a local artist and 14 of his students will paint a 35-by-360-foot mural on an Adamo Drive building. Read more from the Tribune.

Ybor City microbrewery reaches bay area milestone: craft beer in cans
Tampa BayTimes - February 13, 2012
Coming to a store near you, Tampa Bay Brewing Company's flagship Old Elephant IPA will be sold $10 for a four pack of 16 ounce cans. It's a fancy, local beer in a convenient and accessible package. Read more from the Times.

Spotlight stokes hunger of fans of local diners
Tampa Tribune - February 12, 2012
Destination dining brought a group of 11 from Salt Lake City to Vicky Doble's Tampa Bay Brewing Co. in Ybor City earlier this year. Read more from the Tribune.

Top citizen award goes to Ybor City stalwart
‎Tampa Tribune - February 10, 2012
Richard Gonzmart, president of the Columbia Restaurant chain, was named Tampa Metro Civitan Club Citizen of the Year on Thursday at the Governor's Day Luncheon at the Florida State Fair. Read more from the Tribune.

Tampa Bay craft brewers plan beer week in March
Tampa Bay Times - February 10, 2012
The week kicks off March 3 with the annual Florida Brewers Guild Beer Fest at Centro Ybor — it has sold out in advance the past three years — and ends March 10 with Cigar City's third annual Hunahpu's Day. Read more from the Times.

'It just screams to be a bank'
Tampa Tribune - February 8, 2012
On April 19, US Ameribank plans to hold a grand opening for the first community bank in Ybor City since the former Columbia Bank closed more than a dozen years ago. Read more from the Tribune.

Tampa restaurants waiting for nibbles from Republican National Convention
Tampa Bay Times - February 4, 2012
Fernandez has signed a contract to host a media organization for convention week, Aug. 26-30, in his as-of-yet-unopened Carne Chophouse in Ybor City. Read more from the Times.

ELEMENT Engineering Group Expands, Relocates in Historic Ybor City
Seminole Heights Patch - February 2, 2012
ELEMENT Engineering Group, LLC, a civil engineering firm, has outgrown its initial Ybor City office and has moved four blocks to larger office space within the historic district.  Read more from Patch.

Columbia Restaurant's Flan
Orlando Sentinel - February 2, 2012
In a regular column, 'Thought You'd Never Ask,' Orlando Sentinel food editor Heather McPherson shares restaurant recipes. See the Columbia's flan recipe.

Tampa façade programs helps businesses renovate
Tampa Tribune - January 31, 2012
The first facade grant went to Eric Schiller, owner of Gaspar's Grotto. He remodeled and expanded his restaurant, creating a patio dining area and a kitchen façade that mirrors Ybor's traditional casita-style housing. Read more from the Tribune.

Ybor City officer becomes part of community
Tampa Tribune - January 30, 2012
He joined Tampa police a few years ago and is now the community police officer for Ybor City, the city's historic and entertainment district. He was recently named the police department's 2011 Community Officer of the Year. Read more from the Tampa Tribune.

Columbia Restaurant group chosen for Water Works project
Tampa Tribune - January 26, 2012
"This site is off Seventh Avenue, the Columbia is on Seventh Avenue, and my grandfather's home was on Seventh Avenue between the two," Gonzmart said. Read more from the Tampa Tribune.

2012 Fiesta Day in Ybor City - Latin Music, Food, Entertainment
813Area.com - January 25, 2012
Head out to the 65th Annual Fiesta Day in Ybor City for a day full of Latin-inspired food, fun, and more. Going down on Saturday, February 25 in Ybor City. Read more from 813Area.com.

Tampa Bay Brewing Company shares favorite football food ideas
ABC Action News - January 22, 2012
Ryan Kelly, Tampa Bay Brewing Company's General Manager, joined ABC Action News in studio to share some suggestions for Super Bowl party food ideas. Watch the video to see their ideas.

Concierges savor the Ybor experience
Tampa Bay Times - January 22, 2012
It's a chance for Ybor City restaurants, bars and attractions to show what they have to offer to a group of people who can send paying customers their way. And the concierges get acquainted with the people who can make things happen for a guest. Read more from the Times.

The top 50 restaurants in the Tampa Bay area
Tampa Bay Times - January 19, 2012
The Laughing Cat, Bernini of Ybor and The Columbia Restaurant make the Tampa Bay Times' food editor's list of top 50 restaurants. See the list at TampaBay.com.

Ybor businesses band together to collect Cigars For Soldiers
WTSP 10 News - ‎January 18, 2012‎
Last year, they collected 2,000 cigars. This year, they collected even more with a dozen stores and manufacturers participating. Read more from 10 News.

Stone Soup Company, Tampa, FL
Visit Tampa - January 16, 2012
Tampa's Soupman taps local ingredients, local talent to create restaurant & catering business and contribute community service. Read more from Visit Tampa.

Paws-itively delightful Pirate Dog Contest
Examiner.com - January 15, 2012
On Saturday January 14, the Krewe of Alegria teamed up with Animal Coalition of Tampa (ACT) to host the Cutest Pirate Dog Contest at Gaspars Grotto in Ybor City and the event was a barking success! Read more from Examiner and see the photo slideshow.

Ybor City, Florida Revisited
Jade Gryphon's Tavern - January 13, 2012
Today I visited Ybor City for the second time in a week. It is a colorful section of Tampa, rich in cultural heritage. Read more from Jade Gryphon's Tavern.

Art, Anywhere
Tampabay.com - January 12, 2012
More and more restaurant, bar and coffee house owners are hosting painters, photographers and sculptors, offering the stark walls of their facilities as a commission-free gallery. Ybor City's Tre Amici and The Bricks of Ybor are highlighted by Tampa Bay Times.

Two exhibits make splash as 2012 begins
TBO.com - January 11, 2012
Hillsborough Community College ushers in the new year with separate exhibits at its two campus art galleries. The Ybor Campus Art Gallery is showcasing the works of Ybor native Gil DeMeza in an exhibit called "Notes of Interest." Read more from TBO.com.

Image of Virgin Mary appears at hamburger restaurant
WTSP 10 News - ‎January 10, 2012‎
An Ybor City restaurant's name has taken on a new meaning after some say the image of the Virgin Mary appeared on one of its walls. Read more from 10 News.

Investing in history and jobs
Tampa Tribune - January 8, 2012
The goal here is more ambitious than repairing aging structures. Commissioners are going to create jobs by building "heritage tourism" in Hillsborough. Read more from the Tampa Tribune.

Flavors of Tampa Bay: El Puerto Restaurant and Grill
WTSP 10 News - January 5, 2012
El Puerto Grill is owned by a Peruvian and an Argentinean, Yanko Maceda and Nelson Umana, who both create delicious dishes from their homeland. Read the article from 10 News or watch the video.

Guinness World Records Rivalries and the Longest Cigar in the World
Huffington Post - January 5, 2012
Would anyone be interested in traveling down to Ybor City, Tampa Bay, Florida to judge an attempt on the longest cigar record? Read more from the Huffington Post.

West appointed to historical advisory board
Watermark Online - January 4, 2012
In December, GaYbor District Coalition president and MC Film Fest co-owner Carrie West was named to the Hillsborough Historical Advisory Board by Ken Hagan, chairman of the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners. Read more from Watermark.

MSU band and cheerleaders highlight Ybor City parade
WILX-TV- January 1, 2012
The Michigan State University marching band and cheerleaders were the grand finale of the Ybor City New Year's Eve Parade in Florida Saturday night. See more from WILX or watch the video.

For more Ybor City news, see the archives:
2011 | 2010 |  2009 |  2008 |  2007