In the 1960s through early ’70s, there was a saying about Ybor City’s main thoroughfare:
"You could take a nap in the middle of Seventh Avenue and not worry about traffic," said Paul Wilborn, a 1975 USF graduate. "It was empty."
The situation was so dire that in 1970, Tampa officials proposed turning the district into a bullfighting arena.
Ybor was ultimately saved by bulls, but a different kind: the USF Bulls.
Artists – many from what today is known as USF’s College of Design, Art & Performance – took over Ybor, opening galleries, staging shows and throwing parties that revived the district and laid the foundation for today’s entertainment and residential hub.
USF turns 70 this year.
And Ybor is celebrating its 140th anniversary.
Though their births are decades apart, their art history remains deeply connected.
Continue reading on USF Newsroom.