This 1950 image of Clark’s Drug Co. is a prime example of a mid-century drug store. It housed a cafeteria, a soda fountain, gifts, clothing, cosmetics, tobacco, and even hardware. Notice the coin-operated scale at the far end outside of the cafeteria. With Lofton Package liquor store next door, the block provided a one-stop shopping experience for its Tampa Heights neighborhood. According to newspaper reports in 1953, an employee of the liquor store was arrested for selling Bolita, a popular numbers racket run by Tampa’s organized crime circles. By 1959, the liquor store was named Freddy’s Package Store.

Opening in 2010, Seminole Heights Charter High School now operates in the building. It serves at-risk youth, those who for one reason or another, are potential dropouts. Florida Medical Clinic for Rheumatology provides care and is located where the liquor store once was.

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved