The building at 1911–1919 N. Howard Ave is one of those places that, if its walls could talk, would whisper a century’s worth of West Tampa stories—some proud, others painful.

Built around 1905, the two-story structure originally featured retail on the ground floor and apartments above. In its early decades, the block bustled with local businesses like F. Aleman Hardware Co., Manolo’s Place—famous for its deviled crabs—and Perfecto Velo, a men's tailor. The shops enjoyed patrons from the Sicilia Club, then the Cazin Theater on the next block. By the 1950s, it was home to Joe Diaz’s Olympic Bakery, among others. Life played out in the storefronts—meals shared, haircuts given, bread baked. But not all memories were sweet.

In April 1955, the block became the scene of one of West Tampa’s most sensational crimes. Garage operator Mario Garcia began a deadly rampage two blocks away near the Giorgianni Bakery at 2201 N. Howard. He had rented a car that morning as he anticipated his killing spree and drove to North Howard Ave.. Spotting his wife, Mary, in her car, Garcia took aim and fired a shotgun blast through the rear window. Mary fled into the bakery operated by her brothers, but Garcia pursued her into the back room and shot her twice, killing her.

He then drove to James’ Barbershop in this building, and shot barber Felix Rodriguez in the head as he was cutting a customer’s hair, killing him. Garcia later phoned police and surrendered, offering a full confession.

The murders made the front page of the Tampa Times with the headline: “Jealous Husband Kills 2.” Garcia had suspected his wife of cheating with Rodriguez. Mrs. Garcia’s family strongly denied any romantic connection between her and the barber. Coroner Marion Hendry told reporters that Mario Garcia had previously spent four weeks in the psychiatric ward at Tampa Municipal Hospital. He was indicted for two counts of first-degree murder but found not guilty by reason of insanity. In May 1955, he was committed to the Chattahoochee State Hospital.

Trouble didn’t end there for this block. In 1965, police raided the Paracaida Café, located in the same building, and arrested Mario Rene Encinosa on suspicion of running a bolita operation. He was caught with illegal lottery slips, which he unsuccessfully tried to burn. Just two years later, there was more violence when two men were charged in the shotgun killing of Jesse Lee Jones outside that same café. By the 1970s, blight had taken over the neighborhood, and the building sat silent.

Today, the building, now remodeled, still hums with activity. It houses a Latino tax service, an immigration law office, and Mad Chiller World—a colorful spot offering gourmet coffee, kava, and tea by day, and hosting music and events by night. The address continues to evolve, but if those walls could talk…           

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved