The Statue of Roland Manteiga in Ybor City
Who: This is the statue of Roland Manteiga. Famous and beloved editor of La Gaceta — American’s only trilingual newspaper. Roland’s father, Victoriano Manteiga, started La Gaceta in 1922. Back then, the paper was written only in Spanish. Roland started delivering the paper throughout Ybor City when he was 10 years old. After serving in WWII, Roland went back to La Gaceta. During the late 1940s, the newspaper became bilingual and then trilingual. (Spanish, Italian, and English) Victoriano retired in 1961 and Roland took charge until his death in 1998.
When: Tampa Mayor Dick Greco dedicated the state to Roland in 2003.
Where: Roland leans up against El Centro Español de Tampa in Ybor City. El Centro is one of the first social clubs in mutual aid societies in Ybor City.
Why: Roland Manteiga was not only the editor of La Gaceta, he also wrote a weekly column As We Heard It. Through his writings he developed a reputation for being fair, honest, and always able to get the best political scoop. Through this column, Roland became a powerful force in Florida politics.
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