1st Place: Happy Box of my Home in Ybor
by Nicole Ferrara
I was raised in Orlando, but my parents met and fell in love in Ybor. I grew up visiting frequently, whether to visit my uncle in the area, to relive some of my parents fondest memories (like visiting their professors they had together that are still teaching), or to create wonderful new memories as a family.
Despite not growing up here, Ybor always felt like home to me. Once it was time to move out, I knew I wanted to begin my own chapter here. Now I live here with the love of my life and our sweet dog. Shortly after moving here, I began painting ‘happy boxes’ of people’s happiest places to be used as keepsake boxes for all the trinkets that make them smile. I finally made my own painted with my pup, whom we rescued shortly after moving here. Now it holds all the sweet treasures of our life together in Ybor. Ybor has been a beautiful full-circle story for me. It has always been my home.
2nd Place: Henrietta and Cock-a-doodle-do: The Ybor City Chickens
by Anais Balbas
A heart warming and beautifully illustrated true story that takes place in Ybor City. Henrietta the hen and Cock-a-doodle-do the rooster, search for a safe place to hatch their PEEPS.
The place they find is as charming as it is unlikely. The story ends with children of all ages learning an essential life lesson.
3rd Place: Ybor City Drone Footage
by Steven Stryker
DJI Mavic Pro 2 flies over historical Ybor City in the heart of Tampa.