Tampa Taxi Shots

My taxi friend, Tom Castros (pictured) is a taxi driver for United Cab - Tampa's finest cab company. He and I have driven by Oaklawn cemetery for years but never understood the history of it. It is Gothic in design and was created in 1850 for "slave and freeman." We were able to find the most famous grave in there. The grave of William & Nancy Ashley is a testimony to eternal love. Nancy was a slave and William was her master. They were in love and married. Because of this, they were both hanged. What is strange is the executioner was named Jackson. He is the one that put this tombstone on the grave. That's a little creepy. posted from Bloggeroid

Well, searching for a good image. I had this concept of juxtaposing the modern skyline of downtown Tampa with the Gothic theme of Oaklawn cemetery. Sunday morning was calm with nobody around. I found my shot but could only notice the state of care for this historic place. They need to at least cut the grass. Everyone from slaves to a Florida governor are buried here. posted from Bloggeroid

Tom and I recently went to Oaklawn cemetery in downtown Tampa. This was in July and I ended up changing my shirt! This was in the Catholic section Tom knew there were many Civil War veterens and Jose Martinez Ybor, amoung others, buried here.  Tom taking my photo!  The tomb of Ybor of Ybor City fame  Tim Fasano checking it out   The entry to Oaklawn Cemetery Tampa