Hillsborough County Celebrates 250 Years of the United States
The 250th anniversary of the United States marks a historic milestone and an opportunity to celebrate the nation’s founding. For 192 of those years, Hillsborough County has been part of this monumental story, with a rich history that continues to shape our community today.
Nationally recognized landmarks in Hillsborough County
Ybor City Historic District
Ybor City was founded in 1885 and grew into the “Cigar Capital of the World," attracting Cuban, Spanish, Italian, and German immigrants. Today, the National Historic Landmark District features more than 950 historic buildings. The contributions of Ybor's cigar factories and Henry Plant's railroad laid the foundation for Tampa’s emergence as a major American city in the New South.
The Nation’s Winter Strawberry Capital
Over 100 years ago, Henry Plant settled Plant City where most of Florida’s winter strawberries were grown, and he constructed a railroad connection to Tampa that would allow local farmers to sell their crops. To preserve the heritage, the Florida Strawberry Festival invites the world to Plant City annually for a showcase of true Americana and Florida charm.
Visit America250FL Roadtrip to see information on these landmarks.
Celebrating across the County
- Brandon Fourth of July Parade
- Funded by the Arts Council, this tradition brings residents together for a patriotic celebration featuring local organizations, performers, and families
- Located at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
- 10 AM on July 4th
- FUNFEST will be held after parade
Faces Behind the Places
Hillsborough County is shaped by extraordinary people. Meet the people who local buildings, parks, roads, and even towns are named for in Hillsborough County.
Historical Hillsborough
Hillsborough has a rich history full of milestone events that shaped the county, the state, and the nation. Learn more about the historical markers and landmarks that transformed Hillsborough County and the United States.
Newsroom spotlights
- Celebrate 250 in Hillsborough County: Summer Fun for America's Birthday
- 2,000 Years Later, Traces Remain of Indigenous People in Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park
Solid Waste tips for a sustainable Fourth
Red, White, and Blue – Recycle what you know is true:
- Cardboard
- Cartons
- Paper
- Paperboard
- Plastic bottles and jugs
- Metal food and drinks cans
- Glass bottles and jars
Safe disposal
Have propane tanks, fire extinguishers, or fireworks to dispose of after the holiday cookout?
- Take the above and other household hazardous waste items to an HHW Collection Site.
- Soak used fireworks in water for several minutes before disposing in the trash.
Solid Waste 4th of July fun facts:
- Hillsborough County’s Solid Waste department collects 1.5 to 2 Washington Monument's worth of recycling every month.
- If 250 residents switched to using at least one reusable bag, that would avoid over 42,500 single-use plastic bags from ending up in disposal or as litter per year.
- Recycling 250 aluminum cans saves enough energy to power one TV for over 31 days straight.
- One year of Hillsborough County’s Recycling Program saves over 33 Olympic-sized swimming pools of landfill space from being used.
Docu-style stories
Showcasing the resilience, heritage, and personal journeys that residents in our county have achieved.