Eagle Cleaning Company, 3116 Florida Avenue

Eagle Cleaning Company, 3116 Florida Avenue 1926. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System

Carlstadt's LLC- 3116 Florida Avenue.2021. © Chip Weiner

Eagle Cleaners president C. H. Phelps wanted to offer his customers a higher level of service. In 1927, he began a valet service for customers of the just-opened $1.9 million Floridan Hotel downtown. Eagle offered fast cleaning, pressing, and repair work that benefitted both businesses. The cleaners established a good reputation in town, and The Floridan added a much-needed service to meet the expectations of their wealthy patrons. Records indicate the business closed in 1931. By 1933, Fitch’s Grocery was operating here, and by 1942, it had transitioned to Sunrise Market. In 1947, Leggett Music Co., purveyors of pianos, and music teachers took up residence, lasting until the early 1960s. In 1962, Automotive Supply Company had its grand opening at the spot.

In the mid-1990s, the Carlstedt Company, a wholesale distributor of fresh flowers and plants, opened one of nineteen wholesale distribution points here and continues those operations today.

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved

From Burgert Brothers: Look Again, Vol.2