HCP Associates Helps Bring Discovery Channel to Ybor City – Uncovering Ybor’s “Hidden” History

In January 2024, HCP Associates’ web of community connections led to Ybor City’s “hidden history” being uncovered on the big screen – thanks to the work of the Discovery Channel. When Hillsborough County Film Commissioner Tyler Martinolich was approached by producers to assist with location scouting for their new series, he knew just the right crew for the job. HCP’s managing partners Eric Polins and Sean Coniglio led the UK-based producers of the Discovery Channel show “Hidden America” down the bricked avenues of Ybor City to their friends Eric, Bobby, and Drew Newman of the famous J.C. Newman Cigar Factory.

Newman’s ‘El Reloj’ is the last operating cigar factory in America, and it was from here that the producers found the perfect next subject for their series. From this connection, Ybor City’s long history as the booming cigar capital of America became unraveled on national television, highlighting the unique district from whence Tampa as we know it was born.

Uncover the rich history of Ybor City and the Newman Family in this episode of “Hidden America” on the Discovery Channel.