The Flores Murder At The Old Centro Espanol of West Tampa

The historic walls of the old Centro Espanol of West Tampa building hold a rich and storied past. Once a thriving social club at the heart of the Spanish community, the building has witnessed both vibrant celebrations and darker moments.

Notably, the infamous 1951 incident involving the shooting of Armondo (Flaco) Flores added a haunting chapter to Tampa's history. In its heyday, the Centro Espanol was a bustling hub of Spanish culture, featuring a theater, cantina, and ballroom that brought the community together through lively performances and dances.

The shocking events of 1951, when Flores, a controversial figure, was killed on the premises, added a layer of intrigue to the building's already fascinating history. Flores' enigmatic persona, intertwined with rumors of underworld connections, further deepens the mystique surrounding the Centro Espanol of West Tampa.

Today the building is under the direction of the Hillsborough Education Foundation is a non-profit which has been garnering private resources to support public education since 1988.