The Tampa Bay area has a rich history of Cuban influence.  Hernando de Soto, governor of Cuba, sailed into Tampa Bay in 1539, establishing a connection that continues to this day.  Four of Florida’s governors were born in Havana.  The first cigar plants opened in Tampa in 1870 and became the cigar capital of the country.  The U.S. was the preferred destination for political refugees fleeing Cuba.  

The U.S., and Florida in particular, has always supported our Cuban neighbors.  Let’s start by ending the travel embargo and letting families reunite.  Let’s end embargoes that haven’t worked in decades and begin showing the Cuban government what an economic and freedom powerhouse the United States is. 

Original source can be found here.