Guns of Tampa: A Look at Notorious Underworld Slayings in Tampa

"The Guns Of Tampa" series, first published in 1971 in The Tampa Times, the long-time afternoon paper in Tampa, Florida, was written by Tom Inglis, a no-nonsense, stick-to-the-facts reporter who thoroughly and accurately covered the colorful political goings-on at Tampa's City Hall and Hillsborough County's Courthouse for many years. As a colleague at the Times, I admired his professionalism and his old-style, hard-nosed news reporting -- traits rarely seen in today's media.

Thankfully, the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library has preserved The Tampa Times on microfilm, as well as the Burgert Brothers photography collection, which enabled me to recreate the series and also add pictures and headlines of events at the time. However, in rereading the series, it became painfully obvious that the original narratives were not carefully edited and also cut to fit the available space, and so some rich detail has been lost forever. Nonetheless, what remains is still a delightful read -- and an eye-opener -- into Tampa's notorious underworld history.

The "Guns Of Tampa" series was a testament to Tom Inglis' dedication as a reporter. He meticulously covered the political landscape of Tampa and Hillsborough County, providing readers with a comprehensive and accurate account of the city's affairs. Inglis' reporting was characterized by his no-nonsense approach and his adherence to the facts, a trait that is increasingly scarce in today's media landscape.

Thanks to the preservation efforts of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library, the series and its accompanying Burgert Brothers photography collection have been made available for re-examination. This has allowed me to revisit the series and add visual elements that enhance the reader's understanding of the events and characters involved.

While the original narratives may have been subject to editing constraints, the essence of the series remains intact. Readers are still able to immerse themselves in the captivating underworld history of Tampa, a world filled with colorful characters and intriguing political machinations. The series serves as a testament to the power of investigative journalism and its ability to shed light on the hidden corners of a community.

In conclusion, the "Guns Of Tampa" series stands as a valuable historical resource, preserving a crucial aspect of Tampa's past and offering readers a glimpse into the city's notorious underworld. Despite the loss of some detailed information due to editorial constraints, the series continues to provide a fascinating and insightful read, thanks to the dedication and professionalism of Tom Inglis and the preservation efforts of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library.

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