Tampa still retains 25 cigar factories, with 23 of them actively in use

In the 1920s, Tampa was rightfully known as “Cigar City” due to the presence of over 200 cigar factories, with the majority concentrated in Ybor City and West Tampa. During this era, Tampa held the esteemed title of being the global epicenter of the cigar manufacturing industry.

However, as the decades passed, a combination of urban renewal, interstate construction, and devastating fires took their toll. Now, only 25 of these historic factories remain, and just one continues to operate as a cigar factory. Nevertheless, there has been significant progress, with only two of these heritage buildings currently standing vacant.