J.C. Newman’s Cigar Float Parades Through Tampa

Tampa has two century-old traditions: The first cigars were rolled here in 1886.  Beginning in 1904, pirates have invaded Tampa in an annual celebration called Gasparilla.  The Gasparilla Parade of Pirates is reportedly the third largest parade in the USA. Last Saturday, hundreds of floats paraded down Bayshore Boulevard before 300,000 spectators.

J.C. Newman’s parade float is a replica of its historic, El Reloj cigar factory, which is the last traditional cigar factory still operating in the United States. While the float paraded through Tampa, spectators were able to watch a cigar roller on board hand roll José Gaspar cigars. In addition to longtime J.C. Newman employees, the float also carried the official 2025 Miss Florida, Casana Fink.

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

Although pirates have always smoked cigars along the parade route, cigar floats have been absent from the parade for many decades. The most recent photos of a cigar float in Gasparilla are from the 1960s.

“We hand rolled cigars on our float because we wanted to show all of the paradegoers the art and tradition of premium cigars.”

“My hope is that our J.C. Newman cigar float can participate in lots of parades in the years ago, and perhaps event attend the Premium Cigar Association trade show in Las Vegas,” said Newman.

Eric and Bobby Newman, longtime members of the original Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, were joined by Drew and Dawson Newman, newly inducted members of the Krewe, as they proudly rode J.C. Newman’s parade float in full pirate gear.