YBOR CITY, FL -- Right in the midst of Tampa's Latin quarter -- on the corner of 8th Avenue and 13th Street -- sits a piece of property that is sorta sacred to Cuban-Americans.
Parque Amigos de Jose Marti (the "Friends of Jose Marti Park") has been a part of this city's history since Mr. Marti -- the George Washington of Cuban independence -- came here in the late 1800s.
"Jose Marti visited this town 23 times in order to obtain support and to maintain the ideals of independence, so it was very important," said Ybor historian, Wallace Reyes.
"Tampa is a very important link to Cuba in that respect."
And the link is even stronger, thanks to Marti's legacy. You see, when he visited Tampa, Marti often stayed with Roberto and Paulina Pedroso, whose home stood on that plot of land at 8th Avenue and 13th Street.
"That house was a refuge for him," said Reyes.
Marti died in battle in 1895, but Cuba gained its independence. The Pedrosos moved back to Cuba in 1910 and sold their property. It passed through several hands and was purchased in 1951 by a couple living in Havana who wanted to give the property to the Cuban state as a Memorial to Marti. In 1956, it was turned over to Cuba.
"Technically, said Reyes, explaining further. "Yes... it is part of Cuba. A foreign country, a territory, like an embassy."
And on this foreign soil, deposits of soil from the Island nation.
"As a token of appreciation, visitors bring from all the different provinces of Cuba," said Reyes. "About two pounds of soil and each one of the provinces are represented by the flag and their name in the park."
It allows the casual visitor to actually step on "Cuban soil," right in the middle of Tampa.
"It is very important to me," said Wallace Reyes. "Whenever anyone wants to go, I gladly take 'em there."
Now, by extension through this story... he can take you, too!
