J.C. Newman Celebrates Tampa’s Gasparilla Tradition with Historic Cigar Float

Tampa is a city steeped in tradition, with cigars and pirates playing a central role in its history. The first cigars were rolled in Tampa in 1886, and since 1904, the city has hosted the annual Gasparilla celebration, where pirates “invade” the city. At the heart of the festivities is the Gasparilla Parade of Pirates, the third-largest parade in the United States. Last Saturday, over 300,000 spectators gathered along Bayshore Boulevard to witness hundreds of elaborate floats, including a standout contribution from J.C. Newman Cigar Co.

J.C. Newman’s float was a faithful replica of its historic El Reloj cigar factory, the last operational traditional cigar factory in the United States. The float featured a live cigar roller handcrafting José Gaspar cigars, paying homage to Tampa’s rich cigar-making heritage. Adding to the excitement, the 2025 Miss Florida, Casana Fink, joined the float alongside long-time J.C. Newman employees.

“Cigars and Gasparilla have been essential parts of Tampa’s identity for more than 100 years,” said Drew Newman, a fourth-generation owner of J.C. Newman. “We wanted to bring them together by rolling José Gaspar cigars and being featured in the Gasparilla parade.”

The parade marked a significant moment for cigar floats, which had been absent from Gasparilla since the 1960s. “We hand-rolled cigars on our float to showcase the art and tradition of premium cigars,” Newman explained.

Dressed in full pirate gear, Drew, Eric, Bobby, and Dawson Newman—all members of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla—rode proudly on the float. Drew also expressed hopes of taking the float to future parades and even the Premium Cigar Association trade show in Las Vegas.

With its blend of history, craftsmanship, and spectacle, J.C. Newman’s participation was a fitting tribute to Tampa’s vibrant culture.