Ceremonial Groundbreaking of Cigar Workers Park at J.C. Newman Cigar Co.

Since the first cigar factory opened in Tampa in 1886, hundreds of thousands and people have worked hard to roll the best cigars in the world.  As a handcrafted, labor-intensive product, cigars are difficult to roll well, and one mistake will ruin a cigar.  It is because of the hard work, dedication, and craftsmanship of Tampa’s cigar workers that Tampa became known as the “Fine Cigar Capital of the World.”  And yet, Tampa’s cigar workers have toiled in anonymity with little praise or appreciation.

 On Friday at 11:00 a.m., Mayor Jane Castor, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, and the Newman Family will break ground on a new project to transform a small vacant lot across the street from our cigar factory into a beautiful park dedicated to the generations of cigar workers in Tampa.

 Ybor City lacks public space -- green space for residents and visitors alike to be able to gather and enjoy nature.  By building this 8,400-square-foot park, the Newman family hopes to show the connection of cigars to nature and do its part to improve and beautify Ybor City for nearby residents and visitors alike.

 Cigar Workers Park will have large shady trees and other plants native to Florida.  There will be seats, a central courtyard with a fountain, and two beautiful bat houses for our colony of 3,000 bats that are living in the eaves of the Sanchez y Haya building across the street, which J.C. Newman will begin restoring next year.