CIAO.
Czechs in America ORG.
Czechs of Tampa Bay
A research project on a group no one has yet focused on—the Czechs of the greater Tampa Bay area.
Vlasta Hilmar, Grey Gull Motel & Milan Hilmar, Sun Island Motel
The Czech immigrants who entered the United States from the 16th to the 21st centuries were changed by America, and also changed this nation. They and their descendants made incalculable contributions in politics, industry, organized labor, religion, literature, music, and art. Czech Americans contributed enormously to numerous American movements including championing safe working conditions, advocating for women's rights, and fighting racism, prejudice, and income inequality. Some of the best writers, novelists, poets, and playwrights in the world have come from Czech lands. Czech Americans bravely answered the call to serve, defending our Union and its values in every battle.
Here we meet and focus on the
Czechs of Tampa Bay.
Florida's Gulf Coast Counties Czechs Love
There are 347,355 Czech Americans in Florida comprising 5.1 % of the total population according to US 2000 Census. There are over 5,000 Czechs concentrated in the small area of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee and Sarasota counties. In this project, we will learn about the history of Czech people in this area and their lives today.
Pinellas & Hillsborough
Pasco &
Hernando
Manatee &
Sarasota
Research & Outreach
In 2002, the state of Florida had 42,890 people who said they were of Czech descent. We are focusing on the six counties of the greater Tampa Bay area located in the red box on your right.
Do you, or does someone you know hail from or live in this area? If so, we really want to hear from you!
Czech in with Us!
We are compiling a count of Czechs in the six counties mentioned, not only for research but also for a book on many of the Czechs in this area.
If you live(d) in this area or know those who do, please visit the link below to aid in our research. Even if it was generations ago, we'd love to hear from you!
Our Work
There is a book and educational project in progress which focuses on the Czechs in the greater Tampa Bay area.
Ft. DeSoto Picnics of the 1980's.
We'll show how some communities have died away while others are growing through the efforts of younger Czechs in the area.
Masaryktown, Founded in 1924.
Meet some Czechs of Tampa Bay
Located on Tierra Verde in St. Petersburg, Zdenek and Marie Krampera offered 45 years of uncompromised service to their loyal patrons and friends.
- Good Times Continental Restaurant
Owner and master baker. Specializing in rustic artisan breads. They offer excellent coffee, quality bread, pastries, desserts, cakes, and sandwiches.
- Pavel Hasenohrl, Cremesh Bakery
For 30 years Sun Island Motel was a hub of Czech activity in Pinellas County. Czechs the world over would contact Anna & Milan Hilmar when relocating to the area.
- Anna Hilmar, Sun Island Motel
Let's work together
If you live (or had lived) in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee or Sarasota County and/or are of Czech decent, we want to hear from you.
You can add your information at this link.
Phone
Call us at (727) 238-7884
Donate