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Tampa History Center to stage cattle drive downtown

Photo by CARLTON WARD JR.

Cowboys, not dogs, will move a herd of cattle through downtown Tampa on Nov. 21.

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By SARAH HOYE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 10, 2009

It will be cows not pirates invading Tampa's streets later this month.

At 10 a.m. on Nov. 21, the Florida Cattlemen's Association and the Seminole Tribe of Florida will drive a herd of cattle down Old Water Street from Morgan Street to the Tampa Bay History Center as part the center's exhibit on Florida cattle ranching.

"Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition," which chronicles the history and culture of one of Florida's oldest industries, is on exhibit through Dec. 19.

Florida's ranching legacy began when Spanish explorers brought cattle and horses to the Sunshine State in the 16th century and remains an integral part of the state's economy.

"Florida has a long-standing connection to cattle ranching, a connection that continues today," Tampa Bay History Center President and CEO, C.J. Roberts, said in a prepared statement. "Staging a cattle drive at the History Center is a fun reminder that this aspect of Florida's heritage endures."

Onlookers are encouraged to watch the cattle drive from Cotanchobee Park and then visit the Cracker Cow Camp to experience the cattle ranching lifestyle. Those events are free.

General admission rates apply for admittance into the History Center's galleries, which includes whip making demonstrations, cowboy storytelling and youth activities. There also will be a book signing at the museum store with photographer Carlton Ward Jr. who has chronicled the life in "Florida Cowboys: Keeper of the Last Frontier.

For more information, call (813) 228-0097 or visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.

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