El Circulo Cubano 101
All you wanted to know compiled and edited by Lloyd Carrera Santos
President Armando Dorta was the 11th and 13th president of El Círculo Cubano de Tampa. He served his first term from 1949-1952 and second term from 1955-1956.
Armando and Estela Dorta
This page was made possible by his grandson Frank Garcia, prominent paleontologist responsible for more than 30 previously undiscovered species of prehistoric animals. Frank is also the composer, writer and singer of “El Corazon de Tampa” (video below). He is also a writer. Frank inherited these photographs from his abuela, Estela Dorta. My gratitude and appreciation goes to Frank for allowing me to include his pictures and song on my website.
“El Corazon de Tampa” by Frank Garcia
A Tribute to his abuelos Estela and Armando Dorta
and his beloved Tampa, (Ybor City and West Tampa)
Frank Garcia’s grandmother Estela Dorta. Her membership passport into the Círculo Cubano de Tampa at 17 years of age.
Armando Dorta’s membership into the “Order of the Gentleman of the Light” similar to the Freemason fraternal organization, 1949.
President Armando Dorta and his Board of Directors of El Círculo Cubano de Tampa. All the pictures below are from his presidency in the 1950’s.
Beautiful picture of El Salon de Baile, 4th floor of El Circulo Cubano de Tampa. Notice this was before the wrought-iron gates were built and installed.
In the Salon de Baile / Ballroom during the displaying of Cuban Dictator Fulgencio Batista’s wife, Marta Fernandez Miranda de Batista’s portrait at a ceremony.
President Dorta escorting a new Miss Círculo Cubano.
President Dorta in the Gasparilla Parade accompanying a new Miss Círculo Cubano.
VIP visitors from Cuba and Miss Círculo Cubano.
To the far right of this picture is President Dorta and next to him is Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista and his wife, Marta and Miss Círculo Cubano.
Ceremony at El Círculo Cubano in El Teatro. At microphone is President Dorta addressing the audience.
President Dorta and his Board of Directors, in El Salon de Sesiones.
Far right, President Armando Dorta and next to him with a white jacket on is Mayor of Tampa Curtis Hixon, one of his best friends.
A dance in El Patio at El Círculo Cubano.
Not sure the location, but by the floor tiles and window decoration I don't believe this is El Círculo Cubano. But centered is President Dorta with his wife and Miss Círculo Cubano all having a toast.
President Dorta in the 1950’s, dressed in a double breasted dark suit with the National Cuban Navy.
President Dorta, meeting in the 50’s at El Círculo Cubano de Tampa.
Possible coronation ceremony of a former Miss Círculo Cubano to the new Miss Círculo Cubano. President Dorta far right.
Possible donation to El Círculo Cubano de Tampa presented to President Dorta. I zoomed in and it seems to be a $10,000.00 check. Couldn't make out the wording.
Ceremony in front of El Círculo Cubano de Tampa with the National Cuban Navy.
Ceremony in front of El Círculo Cubano de Tampa with the National Cuban Navy. President Dorta towards left side of picture with arms crossed (white suit).
Cuban Propaganda program held at El Círculo Cubano. “The Centennial Celebration of the Cuban Flag” 1850-1950
1931 old program booklet
President Dorta with his Board of Directors
A beauty pageant at the club, possibly Miss Círculo Cubano Pageant. Center, right in a dark suit is President Dorta.
Círculo Cubano Pageant. President Dorta far left with white dinner coat.
El Círculo Cubano de Tampa Saturday evening gathering.
President Dorta and Mrs. Dorta sitting far left. Armando with bow tie and Mrs. Dorta with a bee-hive hair-do at a ball /dance for the National Cuban Navy
President Armando Dorta looking up at Cuban Dictator Batista’s wife’s portrait being unveiled in a ceremony.
President Dorta and his Board of Directors
National Cuban Navy at El Circulo Cubano de Tampa