Marilyn Esperante Figueredo, co-founder, co-owner and managing editor of Tampa' s Cigar City Magazine, passed Tuesday, April 19. Her tireless efforts were instrumental in bringing about an increased public awareness of Tampa' s rich history and its early contributions to the cigar industry. It's my hope that her legacy will live on through all the projects she was so passionately involved in. We'll miss you, Marilyn!

Almost a week has passed. Hard to believe how time flies! Last Friday we got a chance to taste CAO Brazilia and Criollo cigars, as well as enjoy the libations provided by AJ Liquors (including a Guatemalan rum to die for) and partake of the delicious roast pork Ivo provided for our enjoyment. All in all, we had such a great time I was there well over 5 hours and enjoyed every minute. Congrats to Rick and his team at Edwards of Valrico for putting up a great event!

The first event of this month was quite a success, combining the high quality of the Bucanero cigars with an ample variety of excellent wines and hosted by the "Cigar & Wine Shop", located on Fowler Ave. right across University Mall. We got to chat with Bob Spoden, President of Bucanero Cigars, who entertained us with many stories of his travels around the world, and got to meet Mike and the rest of the gang at this brand new shop (check the pictures of the event); they did a great job at hosting the event and provide a great time for all.

Thursday we went to Edwards of Valrico to taste REO and Vibe, made by Rocky Patel's Master Blender, Jose Fuego. Of the two, REO was my favorite, more full-bodied and with very good taste and burn. Mexican food and Budweiser complemented the cigars quite well, and Laura, the event hostess, made sure we never lacked for anything. Then on Friday it was off to Edwards of Tampa for a Don Lino Africa and La Aurora event, and this time we got to chat with Nestor Miranda, president of Miami Cigar & Co. and enjoy his special blend cigar.