Columbus Drive (Tampa)

Columbus Drive is a major road in Tampa, Florida from State Road 589 on its west side east through West Tampa. It was originally known as Michigan Avenue[1] and was renamed Columbus Drive in 1933.[2] On its west end, International Plaza, an upscale mall, and several upscale restaurants are located off Columbus Drive on Jim Walter Boulevard, named in 2003 for Jim Walter.[3] East on Columbus there are several Latin markets and eateries including La Teresita and Arco Iris. Columbus Drive crosses the Hillsborough River via the Columbus Drive Bridge.[1]

Lee Elementary School of Technology/World Studies on Columbus Drive in Tampa, Florida
St. James House of Prayer Episcopal Church
Bethel Primitive Baptist Church on Columbus Drive in Tampa, Florida 2014 entrance
Buffalo Soldiers plaque on Columbus Drive in Tampa, Florida

East Columbus Drive travels through a historic area of Tampa, Tampa Heights. Latin food restaurants on East Columbus Drive include Arco-Iris and Brocato's Sandwich Shop. The area is a center of Latin culture in Tampa.[4] The Michigan Avenue grammar school opened in 1907 and became Robert E. Lee Elementary School in 1933.[2][5] and is located at 305 East Columbus Drive between Jefferson Street and Morgan Street. It is Hillsborough County, Florida's oldest brick school building.[2][6] The Villa Madonna School was established at 315 West Columbus Drive.[7][8]

A historic marker commemorating "Buffalo Soldiers" is located at Central Avenue and Columbus Drive. The all-black regiment settled in Tampa Heights during the Spanish–American War.[8]

References
  1. "Columbus Drive Bridge / Hillsborough River / West Tampa". Tampa Pix. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  2. "Lee Elementary School of Technology/World Studies". Seminole Heights Patch. Archived from the original on March 24, 2014. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  3. Jim Walter Boulevard Archived 2012-09-24 at the Wayback Machine Press Release Tampa Airport
  4. "Thriving Hispanic Heritage Undiluted along Columbus Drive". Tampa Tribune. August 28, 2012.
  5. Leonard, Marston C. "Tampa Heights: Tampa's First Residential Suburb" (PDF). Tampa Heights. p. 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 24, 2014. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  6. "Robert E. Lee Elementary School at 305 E. Columbus Drive in the Tampa Heights Historic District". Florida Memory. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  7. Davis, Ennis (July 14, 2011). "Revitalizing Neighborhoods: Tampa Heights". Metro Jacksonville. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  8. Matus, Ron; Batts, Denise Watson; Wos, Cathy (June 11, 2004). "The price for the Heights". St. Petersburg Times (State ed.). p. 1. Archived from the original on December 27, 2012. Retrieved March 25, 2014.


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