The 21^st annual James E. Rooster Memorial Procession was a Huge Hit again this year. 100’s of mourners gather for a few words for the dearly and not so recently departed by Tommy Stephens. The band, pall bearers, undertaker and guests then proceeded down 7^th Ave in Ybor City with stops for libations. This year sponsored in part by; The Ybor merchants Association,  Brinley Gold SHIPWRECK Rum, The Dirty Shame, Tequilas, S3media, The Ybor Chickens Society, YMA Ybor Now, Bad Monkey & Big Easy.

This is a short but historic piece of Tampa history before your eyes. It is about a very important building in Tampa. Originally built in 1842 this is the oldest home still around that was built in early 1800’s Tampa. It was originally built in downtown Tampa where the Old Tampa City Hall is today. The home was moved by rail to 3210 E 8^th Ave in Gary Town, just east of Ybor City. One of the next early family’s to own the home, were the Stalnakers. Their son became Hillsborough County Judge Leo Stalnaker.

Today on the corner of East 34^th Street & East Adamo Drive is a brick wall with the original Stalnaker’s Farm & Ranch Supply names still stenciled on it. This was the home to their local Farm and Ranch Supply Store. And today, after 122 years in business, it is still open. The Stalnaker Farm & Ranch Supply is relocated to 6902 Causeway Blvd. in Tampa.

This week the home was once again taken apart and is now moving to Hyde Park.  A lot of wood dowels had to be taken apart in this historic home. The back room was removed and the roof was taken off in one piece. They too will be moved with the house. WOW if these walls could only talk!!! Read more here from reporter/ writer Paul Guzzo from Tampa Bay Times.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/realestate/oldest-home-in-tampa-has-new-owner-maybe-new-location/2307802

On Monday, February 12th,  launching the newest monthly Moonlight Market!

NOW on the SECOND Monday of the month in the new

River West Neighborhood… just blocks from downtown Tampa, Riverwalk, North Hyde Park and Tampa Heights.

An open-air makers’ market under the moon featuring the best in local artisans, created from a desire to grow a community by connecting creative locals with those who crave unique finds and one-off wonders.

Offering an alternative to the faceless transactions of mainstream retail, Monday Night Moonlight Markets offer the chance to meet your local artists, indie makers, vintage vendors, up cyclers, recyclers, mystics, foodies, DJs and cocktail crafters. They love to share the stories behind their creations, and we all know the best things in life come with a great story… not from a big store.

Stay a while… have a bevvy at our bar, grab a bite from our food trucks, shop our artisan tents or just people watch. Wander around, listen to our DJs, get a reading from one of our fortune tellers or just meet some friends.

Monday Night Moonlight Market

45+ local makers

4+ food trucks

live artists

full liquor bar

DJs

More than just a place to shop… it’s both a visual and community experience that will feed your senses and your soul.

Station

1001 W Cass Street

Tampa 33606

February 3rd was the Diamonds in Diversity 2018. The presenting scholarship sponsor was Bristol-Myers Squibb. Hosted by Balance Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce (the former Tampa Bay LGBT Business Guild)