Tampa cigar-maker earns national recognition for America250 cigars

Tampa’s cigar-making heritage is getting a spotlight during America’s 250th birthday celebration — and the commemorative products are coming straight from Ybor City. J.C. Newman Cigar Co. will host representatives of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission on Nov. 13 at its historic El Reloj factory, where the family-owned business makes cigars bearing the official America250 seal. The visit, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 2701 N. 16th St., will recognize the company’s participation in the national anniversary commemoration, according to a company announcement. A custom America250 Airstream trailer is also scheduled to stop at the factory for photographs. “J.C. Newman is proud to roll official cigars of the 250th Anniversary of the United States,” fourth-generation cigar maker Drew Newman says in the announcement. “Cigars have been an important part of our country since its founding.

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