What makes Tampa Bay a destination for history, culture, and world-class craftsmanship? In this brand-new episode, hosts Bryan Burns and Molly Barbieri sit down with Holden Rasmussen, Company Historian at the J.C. Newman Cigar Company, for an inside look at one of the region’s most iconic attractions.

Located in Ybor City’s historic El Reloj building, J.C. Newman is home to the last remaining large-scale, fully operational premium cigar factory in the U.S. Holden shares the fascinating stories that make this place a Tampa Bay institution—from a hidden trap door once used to safeguard cash from the mafia, to the last bale of Cuban tobacco to enter the United States, and a letter from J. Edgar Hoover thanking the company for helping identify local subversion movements in the 1950s.

Discover the artistry behind cigar rolling, from years of training for new rollers to turn-of-the-century machines still producing non-hand-rolled cigars today. Learn what makes J.C. Newman a proudly American company and a living piece of Tampa Bay’s rich history.

A 2025 Visit Tampa Bay Hospitality Hero, Holden’s passion for sharing J.C. Newman’s story makes every visitor feel welcomed and connected to Tampa’s vibrant culture

🌟 Highlights of this Episode:

• J.C. Newman Cigar Co.: https://www.jcnewman.com/
• J.C. Newman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.c.newmancigarco/
• Factory Tours & Experiences https://www.jcnewman.com/el-reloj/book-a-tour-el-reloj/
• Holden’s Hospitality Hero Video: https://youtu.be/vjALcLrUYA0?si=EeO-BaE6OxVtM61w

🧳Plan Your Visit:
BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/

📲 Stay Connected with Us:

• Website: https://www.visittampabay.com
• Online Visitor Center: https://shop.visittampabay.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitTampaBay
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visittampabay/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/visittampa

What does it take to save one of Florida’s most beloved marine mammals, and how can visitors experience that mission up close? In this brand-new episode, hosts Bryan Burns and Molly Barbieri go behind the scenes with Molly Lippincott, Senior Curator of Florida and Marine Life at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, for a peek into the highly anticipated expansion of the Straz Family Manatee Rescue, opening spring 2026.

The conversation explores how this landmark project will anchor the Zoo’s largest expansion to date, Florida Waters, and offer guests an immersive, eye-level look at manatee rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Molly shares what it takes to care for this threatened species, including temperature-controlled critical care pools, specialized nutritional feeding for orphaned calves, and the complex logistics of transporting manatees across the state.

As home to the world’s largest nonprofit manatee critical care center, ZooTampa has rehabilitated more than 600 manatees since 1991, made possible in part by visitor support and the Straz Family Foundation’s transformative gift. This episode highlights how conservation, innovation, and tourism intersect in Tampa Bay, giving travelers a meaningful way to connect with Florida’s wildlife while helping protect it for generations to come.

🎧 Tune in to Unlocking Tampa Bay to get an inside look at the future of manatee conservation—and discover how visiting ZooTampa helps save lives in Florida’s waters.

🌟 Highlights of this Episode:
ZooTampa at Lowry Park: https://zootampa.org/

Plan your trip to ZooTampa at Lowry Park: https://zootampa.org/visit/

Manatee Care Center: https://zootampa.org/conservation/florida-conservation/manatees/

Upcoming events: https://zootampa.org/events/

🧳 Plan Your Visit:
Book Your Stay in Tampa Bay: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/

📲 Stay Connected with Us:
Website: https://www.visittampabay.com
Online Visitor Center: https://shop.visittampabay.com/
Facebook: /visittampabay
Instagram: /visittampabay
Twitter: /visittampa