A Drive About Tampa Bay: Recent Episodes
Jamie Robe
We are two friends from different backgrounds and different ages, but who share at least two things in common: 1) We are both born and raised in Tampa and 2) We both are local history nuts.
Come along with us as we literally take a drive about the Tampa Bay area, visiting spots of historical interest - some famous but many obscure. We talk about what we see now and what you would have seen and experienced 25, 50, 100+ years ago.
What do NASA and one of Tampa's oldest neighbohoods have in common? Find out as we drive down Bayshore Blvd.
Grant and Jamie drive about a block or so west of the Sulphur Springs Water Tower to visit a real hidden gem called Purity Springs. Jamie grew up about 6 houses away on this street and remembers playing around this when it was just a overgrown junk filled ditch. Now it is a beautiful spring of crystal clear water with birds and fish.
Millions of people drive by this landmark, catching a glimpse of a magnificent white castle from the Interstate. Grant and Jamie take you on a recent drive to this historical water tower built in 1927. And what a place to drive to, since it was also the site of the Tower Drive-In movies!
Desoto Park is at 2617 Corrine Street in Tampa, south of Ikea in Ybor. It is a waterfront city park with playgrounds, picnic areas, big trees, and lots of history. Join us as we eat lunch and talk about this special place.
The Hillsborough River Dam in Sulphur Springs has been the primary source of Tampa's drinking water since the 1920's. In today's episode, Grant and Jamie talk about some of the history of the Dam, as they stroll under giant oaks along the bank of the river.
In today's episode, Grant and Jamie drive over to one of the most unexpected parks you will find - Mann-Wagnon Memorial Park. A spot of nature along the Hillsborough River, located in Sulphur Springs. Complete with picnic tables and a museum, this would make a wonder place to visit with a picnic lunch.
It also is home to the Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center. Come join us.
Grant and Jamie take a drive over to Sulphur Springs, a neighborhood in Tampa that used to be a paradise for tourists. Many of the landmarks have been destroyed by bulldozers or fire, but enough remains today to give a glimpse of what a fun place this was for so many in the past. A group of amazing history fans have created a website all about the old theaters of Tampa, and here is a link to the Springs Theatre we talked about today. Thank you to Kelly Hickman and the crew who have put together a great collection of stories and photos. Here is another site with more history of Sulphur Springs.
Grant and Jamie kick off the new podcast with a 20 minute chat about what local history means to them.