Gazing out over this area now known as Drew Park, it’s hard to imagine it as Tampa’s first municipal airport. This is a place with a rich history. Today, we’ll uncover the layers of Drew Park.
Drew Park started as Drew Field in 1928. It was named for John H. Drew. He was a cattleman and land developer. The airfield spanned 130 acres. It was Tampa’s first step into the world of aviation.
World War II changed everything for Drew Park. The federal government took control of Drew Field. It became a military base. Airstrips and barracks sprung up. Field hospitals were built. Even a POW camp for German and Italian prisoners was here. The City of Tampa leased Drew Field to the army for just one dollar a year.
During the war, Drew Field was a hub of activity. A weekly newspaper called Drew Field Echoes kept everyone informed. Parts of the film Air Force were even filmed here. The base theater still stands. It’s now the Playhouse Adult Theater. Dale Mabry Highway was built in 1943 to connect Drew Field to MacDill Air Force Base.
Drew Park also housed the W. T. Edwards Tuberculosis Hospital. It was later demolished.
After the war, Drew Field returned to civilian use. In 1950, it became Tampa International Airport. The airport’s original layout still reflects Drew Field’s L-shaped footprint.
In 1949, the federal government sold a large parcel of land to Tampa. This land became Al Lopez Field and Tampa Stadium. Now, it’s the site of Raymond James Stadium and Steinbrenner Field.
In 1992, a tragic accident occurred at Durex Industrial. Two boys died after climbing into a dumpster containing toxic chemicals. This led to stricter regulations for businesses. It also inspired a play called The Toxic Wave.
Today, Drew Park is a mixed-use community. It’s home to Hillsborough Community College and George M. Steinbrenner Field. You’ll find auto dealerships and restaurants here. Light industry and adult entertainment establishments also occupy the area.
Drew Park’s story is one of constant evolution. From its humble beginnings as an airfield to its current status as a diverse neighborhood, Drew Park continues to shape Tampa’s identity. The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office pays homage to the men and women of Drew Field. A two-thirds-scale aluminum replica P-51 Mustang fighter plane hangs from the ceiling just inside the entrance.
As we conclude our tour, remember the echoes of Drew Park’s past. A past that continues to shape its present.