TAMPA, Fla — In the little piece of Britain that is Mad Dogs & Englishmen on S. MacDill Avenue in Tampa, Thursday was a somber day.
"It's a little slice of home, absolutely yes," said the pub's owner Wilton Morley, "I was born the same year she ascended the throne so it's almost like your mother going."
And at London Pride in Largo, the feeling—following news of Queen Elizabeth II's death— was the same.
"I think we were speechless to start with," said shop owner, Carole Lannon, "Very sad. I think if you've ever lost a parent, [or] grandmother it feels that way."
In the coming days, she said he'll take comfort in the memorabilia around her and think about the Queen's legacy.
"She embodies the 'Keep Calm and Carry On.' So she's always calm and always collected, always dutiful, goes about her job just quiet[ly]. And [was] well respected and well-liked," Lannon said.
Over the years, the Queen's legacy left an impact on Tampa Bay.
According to the University of Tampa, in May of 1991, the Queen visited campus for a reception at Plant Hall’s Fletcher Lounge.
She arrived in Tampa by royal yacht, which was docked on Harbour Island.
She also attended a ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, where she named U.S. Army General Norman Schwartzkopf an honorary knight.
“Queen Elizabeth II made an incredible mark in our world’s history, dedicating her life to a unique and demanding role, with countless responsibilities and duties that crossed geographical boundaries and made her a universally prominent and remarkable figure," Tampa Mayor Jane Castor wrote in a statement. "Undoubtedly, her name and legacy will live through the ages. From our corner of the world, we send our deepest sympathy to the royal family, her followers, and her country.”
The Queen was also instrumental in what became a facet of the City of Lakeland's identity: swans.
According to the city, Lakeland's lakes — including Lake Morton — have hosted swans since the 1920s. However, the city became "swan less" in 1954 when the last of the city's swans died.
"A former Lakeland resident who had been living in England decided to take the matter to none other than Queen Elizabeth II," the city wrote online. "The Queen responded to the request by donating a mated pair of swans from her royal flock. Lakeland would need to cover the costs of wrangling, transportation and licensing which totaled $300. The total fee was paid by a good Samaritan after fundraising efforts fell short."
After an elaborate transport process, the two swans arrived at Lake Morton.
Read more here from the City of Lakeland.
Eventually, the flock grew, and the birds have since become a beloved attraction at Lake Morton and an icon of Lakeland.
Meanwhile, they toast to her honor back at Mad Dogs & Englishmen in South Tampa, where Morley said the Queen's legacy will be one for the ages.
"Whether or not Charles will carry on, I think he will, but I don't know if he'll be as successful. She's an impossible act to follow," Morley said.
Morley said they would also be holding a community toast in the late Queen's honor on Saturday, September 10, at 8 p.m., and they ask that people come to the pub to join them.
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