Sulphur Springs, Tampa, Florida
Description
The area is well-known for the Sulphur Springs Water Tower, built in 1927. The community was annexed into Tampa in 1953. The neighborhood was once known for being a mineral springs-tourist attraction, primarily a draw for the middle- and working-classes.
Another widely-known landmark was the Sulphur Springs Hotel and Arcade (originally owned by Josiah T. Richardson), considered to be the first indoor shopping center in the state of Florida. It was situated near the Hillsborough River, at the intersection of Nebraska Avenue and Bird Street (on the southwest corner). Constructed from 1926 to 1927, the hotel-shopping center took up an entire city block. It represented an excellent example of the resort-style recreation facilities which became popular around the early 20th century. The most distinguishing feature of the hotel was its first and second floor front arcade in the classical style.
In 1951, a drive-in theater opened next to the Sulphur Springs Water Tower. The Tower Theatre, as it was called, was a popular drive-in that operated for nearly 40 years. The theater, with its visible neon signage, became yet another well-known Tampa landmark featuring a location facing the Hillsborough River (between Florida and Nebraska Avenue). The "neon tower" was designed after its nearby namesake.
Geography
Sulphur Springs is located at (28.02500, −82.45111), or about five miles north of downtown Tampa. The community has an elevation of 16 feet above sea level. Sulphur Springs boundaries include Rowlett Park to the east, Florida Avenue to the west, Busch Blvd. to the north, and the Hillsborough River to the south
Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 5,727 people living in the neighborhood. The racial makeup of the neighborhood was 31.1% White, 62.2% Black, 0.4% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 2.4% other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 18.6% of the population.
See also
References
- ^ http://www.theplanningcommission.org/tampa/tampaplanningprojects/tampaneighborhood/A%20Possible%20Neighborhod%20Strategy.pdf
- ^ Rejuvinated(sic) Mann-Wagnon park is among recent community improvements by Kathy Steele January 22, 2010 Tampa Tribune (TBO.com)
- ^ Sulphur Springs history museum to open in park by Marty Clear January 21, 2010 Tampa Bay Times
- ^ http://www.theplanningcommission.org/tampa/tampaplanningprojects/tampaneighborhood/A%20Possible%20Neighborhod%20Strategy.pdf
- ^ http://www.tampagov.net/dept_city_clerk/previous_mayors/curtis_hixon.asp
- ^ http://www.tampagov.net/dept_city_clerk/previous_mayors/junie_lee_young.asp
- ^ John V. Cinchett (2009). Vintage Tampa Signs and Scenes. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7385-6836-2.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
- ^ "US Cities & State Gazetteers: 179,000 community profiles & 1.8 million physical, cultural and historic features".
- ^ "Community Atlas".
External links
- Sulphur Springs Community Profile
- Sulphur Springs demographic profile from The Planning Commission
- Sulphur Springs – Ghost Town
- Sulphur Springs Oral History Project at the University of South Florida
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