TAMPA, Fla. (May 16, 2017)—The Ybor City Development Corporation (YCDC) is launching the “Faces of Ybor” video series showcasing vignettes of Ybor City stakeholders. Produced by HCP Associates and filmed by the City of Tampa Television (CTTV), these testimonials share unique and inspiring stories of success from the actual people who live, work and thrive in Ybor City. The series includes topics on history, education, redevelopment, new businesses, cultural diversity, special events and much more.

No stranger to producing an entertaining television series, YCDC’s Economic Development Specialist Brenda Thrower and former producer of CTTV’s Ybor Flavors show said, “We are producing a dozen or so videos featuring Ybor City stakeholders with unique attributes in business, residential housing, retail development and entertainment. The rich vignettes are roughly 2-3 minutes long and our goal is to promote economic growth and development in Ybor City, Tampa’s National Historic Landmark District. It’s a fun and creative way to share interesting stories from the  folks that live, work, play and invest in the historic district so that they will inspire others to do the same.”

The first video features homebuilder Ariel Quintela; Quintela and partner Darryl Shaw, the CEO of BluePearl Veterinary Partners, a Tampa-based company with emergency animal hospitals and specialty veterinary clinics in 17 states, together have purchased and renovated numerous properties in Ybor.  Quintela’s signature style is restoring buildings back to their original architecture and preserving the history.

The series recently launched online at www.yborcityonline.com and will be distributed to local broadcast stations, partners and on YCDC’s social media channels. The videos will be rolled out over the next few months.

About Ybor City Development Corporation (YCDC)
Our mission at the YCDC is to facilitate the development, redevelopment and economic revitalization of the Ybor City Historic District in order to market and place new business, merchants, residents and visitors.

YCDC serves as the community’s liaison for economic development, City of Tampa municipal services and special events, residential and commercial real estate inventories and coordinates infrastructure improvements, and manages the District’s Clean Team (YES Team) and Ambassador Program.

Ybor City is a historic district in the City of Tampa. Several structures in the historic district are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Evoking the history of Ybor City, the classic brick streets and historic facades blend into a distinct sense of culture that enlivens the environment while preserving a rich history of diversity, community and industry.

Professional office, retail stores and services, lodging, dining and entertainment, technology, manufacturing/construction/industrial services are just a few of the industries thriving in Ybor City.