Bay News 9 - September 26, 2006

On the Town: Ybor Killer Event

Step into the past in Ybor City with a new documentary on a famous Tampa crime boss and a party that explores the public's fascination with the underworld.

A fascination Virginia Johnson from Tampa Bay On Demand also explored!

"Obviously, there's intrigue and romance I think, in Tampa, with the mob," said Lisa Figueredo, explaining why her publication - Cigar City Magazine - is hosting "A Killer Event."

In addition to a night of gambling, cigars and catered food, the party is also host to the documentary, "Ghosts of Ybor- Charlie Wall: The Documentary."

Paul and Pete Guzzo, the documentary creators, say Ybor's multi cultural underworld stories need to be told.

"You had the Sicilian immigrants, the Cuban immigrants, you had the Anglo-Saxons like Charlie wall that were running the mafia, " explained Pete Guzzo.
The brothers say they took pains to be historically accurate, from locations to clothes to cars.

You can also see some authentic pieces of underworld history at the Ybor City State Museum-boilita balls-used in the underworld's illegal lotteries.

"Not only did La France Vintage Clothing store in Ybor supply outfits for the documentary, but they are also dressing guests for the big party.

They have both vintage and vintage-inspired clothing, explained Kate Thomsen,

"We're talking 100 years almost now so the delicacy of the fabric and seems of actual 20's vintage is sometimes hard to wear for the normal person, especially if you are tough on clothes. So we started carrying about 20 years ago new vintage-inspired pieces here so that anyone of any size can find a vintage-inspired piece."

It the story, the fashion and the artifacts-all in Ybor City.

The "Killer Event" is happening Friday, September 26th, at the Cuban Club. It's located at 2010 Avenida Republica de Cuba in Ybor City.

There will be food catered by Maggiano's, cigars by Arturo Feunte, Jr., and gambling.

The 67-minute documentary will start at 7:00 pm, and festivities will begin directly afterward.

The cost is $25.00 if you purchase the tickets online, and $45.00 at the door. If you have any questions, you can call the magazine office at (813) 241-6900.