Why Tampa Was the “Ellis Island of the South” | Forgotten Immigrant Stories

In Episode 112 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Judge E.J. Salcines and Professor James Fernández to talk about Tampa’s Spanish immigrants and how they shaped the city. They get into the cigar industry, the immigrant communities that built Tampa’s economy, and why many Spaniards never planned to stay in the U.S. The conversation covers how Tampa grew into a major entry point for immigrants and why its history often gets overlooked.The Tampa Bay History Center is a museum in downtown Tampa that focuses on the region’s past. It covers everything from early indigenous settlements to Tampa’s cigar industry and immigrant communities. The museum has historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and educational programs that explain how the area developed. It’s located on the Tampa Riverwalk and is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.This episode is sponsored by KohlerHaus Remodeling Co, the Official Remodeler of the TBD POD. KohlerHaus is built on integrity, craftsmanship, and clear communication, setting a high standard for home remodeling. Their work ranges from condos in Channelside to century-old homes in South Tampa, delivering quality renovations that are built to last.Visit kohlerhaus.net to explore their portfolio and start yourresidential remodeling experience today.