Hispanic Heritage Month in Pinellas

Feature Article

Author

Carlos Miro
September 21, 2024

Feature Articles: From time to time, we like to dive deeper into stories that resonate with our communities. This special feature brings you a closer look at the people, places, and events that make our area unique.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

By Carlos Miro

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States from September 15th to October 15th each year. This month-long observance honors the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the country's rich cultural tapestry.

Hispanic Heritage Month aims to recognize the history, culture, and achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans who come from diverse countries such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Spain, and many others.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the United States has approximately 63 million Hispanic or Latino U.S. Citizens or legal residents, making up about 18% of the total population. This diverse community has enriched American society through its contributions to various fields, including arts, literature, music, science, and business.

In this article, I’ll explore the impact that Spaniards and Cubans have had on the development of our communities in Tampa Bay.

A Rich Tapestry: The Spanish and Cuban Legacy in Pinellas County

Pinellas County, located on the western edge of the Tampa Bay area, boasts a storied history shaped by its diverse settlers. Among these, the Spanish explorers and Cuban fishermen played pivotal roles in the region's early development. Their influence is particularly evident in the County’s western edges along the Gulf Coast, a region where the echoes of their legacy still resonate today.

The Spanish Foundations

The history of Pinellas County begins with its early European explorers. Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Tampa Bay area as early as 1513, with Juan Ponce de León's expedition marking the start of European contact in the region. However, it was the ill-fated Narváez Expedition in 1528 that first touched down on the Pinellas Peninsula. Led by Pánfilo de Narváez, the expedition aimed to establish a colony but soon abandoned their efforts due to the lack of promised riches and conflicts with local, indigenous tribes.

The marker is at the intersection of Park Street North and Elbow Lane North, on the left when traveling north on Park Street North (at the entrance of Jungle Prada/Panifilo de Narvaez Park).

Despite these early setbacks, the Spanish left an enduring mark on the region. The name "Pinellas" itself originates from the Spanish words "Punta Pinal," meaning "point of pines," aptly describing the area's lush pine forests when it was first mapped. The Spanish explorer Panfilo de Narvaez first documented this name, which has persisted through the centuries.

Cuban Fishermen and Transient Camps

As time progressed, the influence of Spanish settlers was joined by Cuban fishermen, who began arriving in the early 19th century. These Cubans established temporary fishing camps along the Pinellas shores, primarily targeting the abundant mullet in the Gulf waters. The transient nature of these camps resulted from the seasonal fish migrations and the high demand for preserved fish in Cuba.

These Cuban fishermen were not alone in their ventures. Fugitive African American slaves also sought refuge in these fishing camps or integrated into native Seminole communities. This multicultural mingling contributed to the rich tapestry of the region’s early population.

The Evolution of Commercial Fishing

Commercial fishing in Pinellas County has its roots in the early 19th century, with figures like Antonio Maximo Hernandez making significant contributions. Hernandez, a Spaniard, was awarded a land grant for his service during the Seminole War and established a fishing rancho at Maximo Point. His efforts and those of others laid the early groundwork for the region’s burgeoning fishing industry.

The Cuban connection continued with John Bethell, who enthusiastically pursued the mullet trade. This industry evolved over the years, becoming an integral part of the local economy and contributing to the area's growth.

The Cigar Boom and Immigration

The late 19th century brought another wave of transformation to the Tampa Bay area with the rise of the cigar industry. Vicente Martinez-Ybor established Ybor City in 1885, attracting diverse immigrants, including Cubans, Spaniards, and Italians. This period marked a significant population surge in Tampa, from fewer than 800 residents in 1880 to over 15,000 by 1900. The cigar industry, alongside the phosphate industry spurred by Henry B. Plant's railroads, turned Tampa into one of Florida's most prosperous cities.

Jungle Prada and Cultural Heritage

The cultural imprint of the Spanish and Cuban influence is also reflected in the name of Jungle Prada. Built in 1924 by Walter Fuller, this shopping center was originally named "Jungle Prado," after the famous boulevard in Havana, the Paseo del Prado. A typographical error led to the name being listed as "Jungle Prada" in the St. Petersburg Times in 1941, and over time, this misspelling became the accepted name. Today, the name is a testament to the enduring connection between Pinellas County and its Hispanic heritage.

The Paseo Del Prado in Havana, Cuba

Formerly Known as “Jungle Prado”

Exploring Further

For those interested in delving deeper into this fascinating history, the Florida Maritime Museum offers valuable insights into the Cuban fishing ranchos and other maritime aspects of the region. While the museum is currently undergoing renovations, its online resources provide a wealth of information for history enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the history of Spaniards and Cubans in Pinellas County is a rich and multifaceted narrative. Their legacies have shaped the county's cultural and economic landscape from the early Spanish explorers to the vibrant Cuban fishing communities and the cigar industry's transformative impact. As you drive along North Park Street, remember that the echoes of these early settlers still resonate in the region’s history and heritage.

On a Personal Note…

I was born in Cuba and became a naturalized U.S. Citizen at 18 months of age after my parents became U.S. Citizens. Between 1959 and 1962, approximately 248,100 Cubans legally immigrated to the United States. This initial wave of migration was largely composed of middle- and upper-class Cubans who opposed Fidel Castro's communist regime. Many of these immigrants settled in South Florida, forming a vibrant Cuban-American community significantly contributing to the region's culture, economy, and politics.

At the top of the stairs, that’s my mother holding me as a baby — I was arriving in Miami for the first time.

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