When: Sunday, October 25th 2009 11:00am to 5:00pm

Where: Self-guided tour starts at the corner of Columbus Drive and Avenida Republica de Cuba (14th Street) and includes the entire VM Ybor neighborhood.  Maps and wrist bands will be distributed from this point.

Tickets: $10.00 per person in advance, can be purchased online or by picking up an Advanced Ticket Price Coupon from LaSegunda Bakery (2512 N. 15th Street) or King Corona Cigars (1523 E. 7th Avenue); $15.00 day of event (cash or check only)

All proceeds to benefit the VM Ybor Neighborhood Association and bettering our community

VM Ybor is located just north of Ybor City and has held an important place in Ybor and  East Tampa history since its inception.  Home to over 3,000 residents, the neighborhood is rich in history and within walking distance to Ybor City and downtown Tampa. 

This “not so typical” home tour will feature our eclectic, diverse and historic community.  With 8 houses and the historic, award winning Cuscaden Pool to be featured, the tour will be sure to please local Tampa residents, historians and visitors alike.  While many homes have been restored or remodeled, they all still contain original elements that characterize our unique community.  The self guided tour will begin from historic Columbus Drive at the corner of Avenida Republica de Cuba, where guests will receive neighborhood maps and information on each of the featured properties.

Featured is the infamous Charlie Wall House, historic home of one of Ybor’s most illustrious characters.  Wall, was Tampa’s first major crime boss and son of a prominent doctor and socialite (Lykes family).  He ran gambling, extortion and narcotics rings before he was pushed aside by the Mafia in the mid 1940s. On April 19, 1955, Wall's wife came home from a vacation and found Charlie lying dead on the floor of their bedroom, his throat slashed, his skull fractured and his face a mess of bruises.  This home will be featured from 11am – 2pm only.  All others will be available for guests from 11am-5pm.

More Information:  Kim Headland, (813) 263-7388 or kim.headland@vmybor.org