By: Sally Baker

The 2011 Havana Nights at the Tampa Bay History Center was the 4th year for this spectacular event provided by Business Buddies Tampa. The valets were ready as the beautiful people of Tampa Bay began to pull up to experience this wonderful evening. Designer dresses and menswear were all you could notice as guests strolled down the red carpet past the Business Buddies step-and-repeat. But it was inside the Tampa Bay History Center that the true essence of everything that encompasses Havana Nights was experienced.

As hundreds of attendees arrived and climbed the staircase, they were greeted by the sounds of the Hot Sun Quartet, one of the hottest jazz ensembles in Florida. The first spacious room, with beautiful views of Harbour Island through the glass walls, was graced with VIP Cabanas from Chillounge while servers passed around h’orderves to the beautiful crowd. Bordering this room were tables presenting the fabulous gift baskets for raffle, flavored Mojitos from Tinatapa’s and even cigars for donations.

Just past the first room for the 2011 Havana Nights was the casino room, where all the Havana fun was happening. Roulette, Craps, Blackjack and two tables in the center for the intense Texas Hold’em poker tournament filled the room and patrons flocked to be part of the action. The winner of the poker tournament won a 40” flat screen Sony television and memories to last a lifetime.

As the night went on, winners were announced and congratulated for the luxurious gift baskets while guests continued to mingle with the finest in Tampa Bay.  Pictures from Havana Nights were also being taken by professional photographers to remember the evening for years to come.

Every year this event seems to surpass itself, and it is no wonder with all the details that went into the entertainment and exceptional treatment towards each and every guest. Havana Nights has become a staple for must-attend annual events in Tampa, and one can only imagine what the 5th Annual Havana Nights will bring.