Tampa Honors 65th Anniversary of Bay of Pigs Invasion

Ceremony recognizes last surviving member of Brigade 2506 in Tampa Bay's Cuban-American community.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:33pm

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A moody, textured painting of an old Cuban flag hanging from a dilapidated building in downtown Tampa, the flag's faded colors and tattered edges reflecting the somber mood of the Bay of Pigs anniversary commemoration.Tampa's Cuban-American community gathers to honor the sacrifices of the Bay of Pigs Invasion on its 65th anniversary.Today in Tampa

Tampa marked the 65th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs Invasion at Old City Hall, honoring Colonel Orlando Rodriguez, one of the last surviving members of Brigade 2506. Tampa Bay is home to one of the largest Cuban-American communities in Florida, outside of Miami.

Why it matters

The Bay of Pigs Invasion was a failed military invasion of Cuba in 1961, organized by the CIA and supported by the U.S. government. The anniversary is an important commemoration for Tampa's sizable Cuban-American population, many of whom have personal or family connections to the historic event.

The details

The ceremony at Old City Hall recognized the service and sacrifice of Colonel Orlando Rodriguez, a member of Brigade 2506 which led the failed invasion attempt. Tampa Bay is home to one of the largest Cuban-American communities in Florida outside of Miami, with many residents having direct ties to the Bay of Pigs and Cuban exile history.

  • The Bay of Pigs Invasion took place on April 17, 1961.
  • Tampa marked the 65th anniversary of the invasion on April 17, 2026.

The players

Colonel Orlando Rodriguez

One of the last surviving members of Brigade 2506, which led the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion of Cuba in 1961.

Brigade 2506

A CIA-organized military force of Cuban exiles that attempted to overthrow Fidel Castro's communist government in the 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion.

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What they’re saying

“The Bay of Pigs Invasion is a pivotal moment in Cuban-American history that we must never forget.”

— Mayor Jane Castor, Mayor of Tampa

The takeaway

Tampa's commemoration of the Bay of Pigs Invasion anniversary underscores the city's deep Cuban-American roots and the lasting impact of this historic event on the local community.