Explore Cuban heritage in the Tampa and Miami areas

With only 90 miles separating Florida and Cuba, you're closer to Havana than to Washington, D.C., when you are in the Sunshine State. Cuban music, food, literature and culture are alive and well in Florida.

Now the state tourism office is highlighting Florida's Cuban connection with the new Cuban Heritage Trail. The trail points visitors to historical points of interest in Tampa and Miami. You can see the only parcel of land in the United States that is actually owned by Cuba. And you can experience Calle Ocho, the street at the heart of Miami's teeming Little Havana district.

For more information about the trail, get a copy of the Florida Cuban Heritage Trail Guide by calling 1-888-7-FLAUSA or by visiting www.flausa.com on the Internet.

Here are some highlights of the trail:

** The Ybor City neighborhood in Tampa is a National Historic Landmark District. It started in the 1880s as a Cuban cigar maker's company town and was renowned as the "Cigar Capital of the World." Today, the 60-acre district has nearly 1,000 historic sites.

** Don't miss the Ybor City State Museum, 1818 E. 9th Ave., which has exhibits related to Jose Marti, the Cuban Revolutionary Party and the Spanish-American War.

** At the corner of 8th Avenue and 13th Street in Ybor City, the Jose Marti Memorial Park is the only soil in the United States that is technically part of Cuba. It is part of a walking tour along the brick-lined streets of the area. Get a free self-guided walking tour brochure at the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, 1800 E. 9th Ave. Phone 813-248-3712.

** In Miami, the Little Havana district covers 3.3 square miles west of downtown, between Flagler Street and Southwest 8th Street. Calle Ocho is the heart of the area. Spanish is the dominant language and fruit stands, Cuban bakeries and sidewalk cafes dot the area. A massive weeklong street festival, Calle Ocho Carnival, is held each March.

** The Historical Museum of Southern Florida, 101 W. Flagler St., has permanent exhibits relating to Cuban history and culture. It also offers three-hour biking and walking tours of Little Havana. Phone 305-375-1492.

** A two-block stretch of Miami's 8th Street, near 14th Avenue, is known as Cuban Memorial Boulevard. It is lined with monuments honoring Cuban independence heroes.

** At Woodlawn Cemetery on Southwest 8th St. in Miami is a black marble wall featuring a tribute to the "Unknown Cuban Freedom Fighter" who died in the Bay of Pigs invasion. Exiled Cuban presidents Gerardo Machado and Carlos Prio Socarras are buried in Woodlawn.

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