Cigars: Photography & History

0:00This week marks 140 years since the first cigar rolled right here in Tampa's Ebor City, kickstarting an industry that put us on the map. Local photographer Zach Whitman is shining a light on that legacy with his new exhibit called Cigars, Photography, Industry and Identity at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. At its peak, more than 200 factories buzzed in Ebor City and West Tampa, drawing folks from everywhere and exploding the population. Whitman compares Eibors Vive to timeless spots like New Orleans or Savannah, where old architecture tells the city story. He teamed up with experts from America's oldest family-owned cigar maker, JC Newman, to snapshots of sturdy factories and crumbling ruins. The exhibit captures what's left of that golden era before it fades completely. Swing Vive before Raps on July 19, it's included with museum admission and it's a fresh way to connect with Tampa Bay Roots. Local News, powered by AI. This is Tampa Bay News today. I'm Corey with the story.