Sulphur Springs (Tampa)

Sulphur Springs is a neighborhood and district located within the city limits of Tampa, Florida. As of the 2000 census, the neighborhood had a population of 6,308.[1] In the late 19th century the mineral springs were a draw.[2] In the 1940s the area was a major tourist attraction and home to a 40-foot water slide and gator farm. It is home to Sulphur Springs History and Heritage Museum.[3]

Sulphur Springs
Neighborhood
The Sulphur Springs Water Tower
The Sulphur Springs Water Tower
Sulphur Springs is located in Florida
Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs
Location within the state of Florida
Coordinates: 28°1′15″N 82°27′05″W
CountryUnited States
StateFlorida
CountyHillsborough
CityTampa
Elevation
16 ft (5 m)
Population
 (2000)
 • Total6,308
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)

Description

The neighborhood is well known for the Sulphur Springs Water Tower, built in 1927.[4] The community was annexed into Tampa in 1953. The neighborhood was once known for being a mineral springs tourist attraction for the middle and working classes.[5][6]

A well-known landmark was the Sulphur Springs Hotel and Arcade, considered to be the first indoor shopping venue in the state of Florida. It was located at the intersection of Nebraska Avenue and Bird Street on the southwest corner encompassing an entire city block. Constructed from 1926 to 1927, the hotel was situated near the Hillsborough River and represents an excellent example of a resort recreation facility of early 20th century. The most distinguishing feature of the hotel was its first and second floor front arcade in classical style. Josiah T. Richardson was the original owner of the property.

In 1951 a drive-in theatre opened next to the Sulphur Springs Water Tower. The Tower Theatre was a popular drive-in that operated for nearly forty years and became another well-known Tampa landmark on property facing the Hillsborough River between Florida and Nebraska Avenue. The neon sign for the drive-in became another Tampa landmark and featured a “neon tower” that was designed after its nearby namesake.[7]

Once the Sulphur Springs Tourist Club and later a restaurant and nightclub on the Hillsborough River over two years before being destroyed by a 2014 fire

Geography

Sulphur Springs is located at (28.02500, -82.45111),[8] or about five miles north of downtown Tampa.[9] 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[10] 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
  1. http://www.theplanningcommission.org/tampa/tampaplanningprojects/tampaneighborhood/A%20Possible%20Neighborhod%20Strategy.pdf
  2. Rejuvinated(sic) Mann-Wagnon park is among recent community improvements by Kathy Steele January 22, 2010 Tampa Tribune (TBO.com)
  3. Sulphur Springs history museum to open in park by Marty Clear January 21, 2010 Tampa Bay Times
  4. http://www.theplanningcommission.org/tampa/tampaplanningprojects/tampaneighborhood/A%20Possible%20Neighborhod%20Strategy.pdf
  5. http://www.tampagov.net/dept_city_clerk/previous_mayors/curtis_hixon.asp
  6. http://www.tampagov.net/dept_city_clerk/previous_mayors/junie_lee_young.asp
  7. John V. Cinchett (2009). Vintage Tampa Signs and Scenes. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7385-6836-2.
  8. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  9. "US Cities & State Gazetteers: 179,000 community profiles & 1.8 million physical, cultural and historic features".
  10. "Community Atlas".
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