Did you know Seffner was once the fourth-largest town in Hillsborough County? That’s right. This unassuming suburb east of Tampa boasts a rich history. We’re standing where streets were first laid out in 1862 though not officially recorded until 1885. The arrival of the railroad in 1884 changed everything. That year Seffner’s post office opened. It was named for its first postmaster Frederick P Seffner. The same year the first school and store opened.
Seffner quickly became a thriving community. Citrus groves flourished. A hotel provided lodging. Dry goods stores and even a livery stable served the growing population. Imagine the bustle of activity. The town’s prosperity was undeniable. However its idyllic existence was disrupted. A devastating yellow fever epidemic hit Tampa in 1887 and 1888. Many fled to Seffner seeking refuge in the town’s hotel. Ironically both refugees and mail were fumigated upon arrival as a precaution.
One notable refugee was T C Taliaferro. He was from the First National Bank of Tampa. He cleverly set up a branch in Seffner during the epidemic. This shows Seffner’s importance as a vital connection to Tampa. Seffner’s main street was Lenna Avenue. It ran north and south. Highway Number 23 ran east and west. It was once a buffalo trail. It was renamed Buffalo Avenue then Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard in 1989.
Seffner along with Mango and Dover were crucial towns along the South Florida Railroad. This railroad connected Tampa and Plant City. These towns flourished because of the railroad’s presence. They became major shipping centers. Tragedy struck in the winter of 1894-1895. A harsh freeze devastated Seffner. Many residents left. But the town survived. It eventually regained its prosperity.
Today Seffner continues to evolve. Once a rural landscape with live oak trees and strawberry farms it’s now dotted with housing subdivisions. But traces of its past remain. The names of its streets. The legacy of its first postmaster. Its role as a refuge during a time of crisis. Seffner’s story is one of resilience growth and a vibrant community. It’s a place where history and progress intertwine. Come explore Seffner. Discover its fascinating past for yourself.