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Tampa Bay History Center Marks Construction Start

Paul Lamison / News Channel 8

Construction has started on the new Tampa Bay History Center.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 4, 2007

TAMPA - The Civil War re-enactors and politicians past and present who gathered Monday were just a taste of what residents can expect from the new Tampa Bay History Center.

The center - more than 20 years in the works - held a groundbreaking ceremony complete with musical performances and speeches. Attendees included several people whose hands have shaped the region's history, including former congressman Sam Gibbons and former judge John Germany.

Civil War re-enactors and members of the Rough Riders, who commemorate the famous Spanish-American War troops led by Teddy Roosevelt, also dotted the crowd.

There were no shovels digging the ground Monday; the heavy lifting will be done by a series of cranes and other machinery already working.

Museum officials hope the doors to the 60,000-square-foot center will open by December 2008, allowing residents to learn about 12,000 years of Florida history through interactive exhibits.

The four-story museum will be across from the St. Pete Times Forum, within walking distance of several downtown hotels and the Channel District.

"It will make our community complete," Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio said.

Anthony McCartney

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