Small Craft Breweries Add Up To Big Business In Tampa Bay

TAMPA, FL -- While it's not always great for the waistline, the craft beer industry has proven to be great for Tampa Bay's economy.

According to the Brewers Association, Florida's craft breweries produce 1,408,032 barrels of beer a year and have a $3.1 billion economic impact.

To acknowledge the contributions of Tampa Bay's craft breweries, which now number nearly 100, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is proclaiming Feb 15 Florida Craft Beer Day.

This is the fourth annual Florida Craft Beer Day originating from an initiative by the authors of the podcast, Craft Brews and Geek News, a Tampa-based Internet radio show.

They chose Feb. 15 to commemorate the opening of the first locally owned and operated brewery in the Southeast on Feb. 15, 1897. The Florida Brewing Company founded in Ybor City became the country's largest exporter of beer to Cuba.

The beer not only quenched the thirst of hundreds of local cigar rollers, but was enjoyed by Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders after returning to Tampa from the Spanish-American War.

“In working with the mayor’s office, the City of Tampa and dozens of local Florida craft businesses, we are humbled and honored to receive this mayoral proclamation yet again for the fourth year,” said Craft Brews and Geek News Executive Producer and Co-Host Donnie Gallagher. “This acknowledgement by Mayor Buckhorn means much more than a day to craft beer fans like us. It's businesses like Craft Life, millions of jobs, billions in revenue and even more in statewide economic growth."

Today, the Craft Brews and Geek News podcast and Craft Life Brewing will present a live, interactive recording of the 2019 Florida Craft Beer Day ceremony at Craft Life, 2624 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Land O Lakes at 7 p.m.

This dedication honoring Florida’s brewing tradition will be commemorated by Buckhorn and other special guests including craft beer industry leaders.

Attendees will enjoy local beer samples and an interactive Q&A with local craft brewers.

This event is open to the public but seating is limited. Those planning to attend should RSVP by emailing Info@brewmasters.club.

Video via Craft Brews and Geek News

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