Every neighborhood has a story, but few are as deeply connected to the history of Tampa and the spirit of America as Interbay.
That connection is exactly what inspired my newest Fourth of July song, "Interbay (South of Gandy Is My Home)." I wanted to create something that celebrates not just Independence Day, but the people, places, and traditions that make Interbay one of the most unique neighborhoods in Tampa.
A Peninsula That Helped Build Tampa
Long before there were neighborhoods, roads, or businesses, the Interbay Peninsula was home to the Tocobaga people, who lived along Tampa Bay for centuries. They relied on the rich waters surrounding the peninsula for fishing, hunting, and trade, making this one of the earliest communities in the region.
By the late 1800s, Henry B. Plant recognized the peninsula's strategic location and extended his railroad south to create Port Tampa in 1885. What became a quiet residential community today was once one of Florida's busiest transportation centers, connecting Tampa to Cuba and the Caribbean.
During the Spanish-American War, thousands of American soldiers departed from nearby Port Tampa, making this area an important part of our nation's military history long before MacDill Air Force Base was ever built.
The Sound of Freedom
In 1941, everything changed again. The U.S. Army established MacDill Field on the southern end of the peninsula. Today, MacDill Air Force Base remains one of the most important military installations in the United States, home to the 6th Air Refueling Wing and U.S. Central Command.
For Interbay residents, patriotism isn't something reserved for holidays. It's hearing reveille echo across the neighborhood in the morning. It's hearing retreat in the evening as the flag is respectfully lowered. It's watching military aircraft fly overhead and knowing that thousands of service members and their families proudly call this community home. Those everyday moments became one of the biggest inspirations behind this song.
A Neighborhood That Still Feels Like Home
Interbay has grown over the decades, but it has never lost its neighborhood feel. Walk through Gadsden Park and you'll find families enjoying the Greenway Trail, fishermen around the lake, and birds filling the trees. The park remains one of South Tampa's hidden gems.
Drive along Interbay Boulevard or MacDill Avenue and you'll pass local favorites that have become part of the neighborhood's identity. Grab breakfast at SOG Café, pick up steaks from Interbay Meat Market, or enjoy fresh seafood at Big Ray's Fish Camp. These aren't just businesses—they're gathering places where neighbors become friends.
The streets themselves tell a story. Roads like Van Buren Street, Adams Street, Interbay Boulevard, and MacDill Avenue have watched generations of families grow up while preserving the character that makes this community special.
Fourth of July Means Something Different Here
There are plenty of places to celebrate Independence Day, but Interbay carries a unique meaning. This is a neighborhood where American flags fly year-round. Where military families live beside lifelong Tampa residents. Where history, sacrifice, and community come together every single day—not just on the Fourth of July. As fireworks light up the sky over Tampa Bay, they shine over a neighborhood that has played a role in America's story for generations.
Why I Wrote This Song
One of my goals has been to create original songs that celebrate Tampa's neighborhoods and preserve their stories through music. Interbay deserved one. This song is my way of saying thank you to the veterans, active-duty service members, longtime residents, business owners, and families who make this neighborhood what it is.
Whether you've lived here your whole life or just moved in, I hope this song reminds you why so many people are proud to say: "Interbay… South of Gandy is my home." Happy Fourth of July, Interbay. 🇺🇸