Tampa Bay celebrated the area’s rich Hispanic heritage at this 36th annual gala

Felicidades and congratulations to Andrea Gonzmart Williams, the fifth-generation owner of the Columbia Restaurant Group, and Rafael Gonzalez, Esq., partner at Cattie & Gonzalez, who were honored as the 2024 Hispanic Woman and Hispanic Man of the Year at the annual Tampa Hispanic Heritage Inc. gala. For the 36th year, the organization honored two outstanding community members for advancing, promoting and preserving Tampa Bay's rich Hispanic heritage. The festive evening at the Hilton Tampa Downtown was filled with vibrant cultural performances, featuring the Tampa Bay Flamenco Dance Company, dancers from Frank Rey Dance Studio and the Cuarteto Infinidad band. While presenting the awards, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor officially proclaimed September, October and November as Hispanic Heritage Season. Proceeds from the Sept. 21 benefit will fund scholarships for local Hispanic college students.