The sounds of cannons and cheers fill the air as Tampa Bay’s well-known Gasparilla Parade of Pirates begins, drawing a crowd of over 600,000 individuals. Among the many colourful floats and pirate-themed enjoyable, one float stands out— The world’s first Bitcoin Pirate ship proudly flying the Bitcoin Bay Foundation flag. For the primary time ever, Bitcoin is a part of this historic occasion, and Bitcoin Bay is as soon as once more making historical past.
As parade-goers cease by Bitcoin Bay’s tent alongside the parade route, they’re welcomed with meals, drinks, and an invite to study extra about this mission-driven group. However how did Bitcoin Bay get right here? How did a small group of Bitcoin followers develop into a company sufficiently big to earn a spot in Tampa’s largest celebration?
Rising a Bitcoin Financial system in Tampa Bay
Bitcoin Bay’s journey began in October 2021 when one in all our founders, @bennyhodl, hosted the primary Bitdevs meetup. It started with only a few individuals speaking about Bitcoin outdoors a neighborhood restaurant, nevertheless it quickly grew into one thing a lot larger. We had a imaginative and prescient: to make Bitcoin Bay the go-to place for all the pieces Bitcoin in Tampa Bay. We needed to create a neighborhood financial system powered by Bitcoin, the place individuals may join, study, and spend their bitcoin.
With a transparent mission and a dedicated group, Bitcoin Bay shortly gained steam. Weekly meetups changed into a robust community the place newcomers, builders, and enterprise house owners may join, study, and share concepts. Bitcoin Bay turned greater than only a meetup; we had been a useful resource for Bitcoin data and help within the area.
The 2023 Miami Bitcoin Convention was a watershed second for The Bay. Competing within the first Bitcoin Video games towards grassroots meetup teams from throughout the nation, Bitcoin Bay gained the grand prize of 1 BTC. However as a substitute of holding all the prize, we selected to share half of it with different Bitcoin meetups in a observe up competitors.
On the time, we had no thought what the ripple results of this could be. We’ve since consulted with and impressed different teams to tackle comparable missions. Denver Bitdevs, one of many recipients, has even opened their very own Bitcoin neighborhood hub referred to as “The Space.” By sharing our prize, we confirmed that Bitcoin Bay is right here not just for our personal progress however to help Bitcoin communities all over the place.
By the top of 2023, we turned the world’s first Bitcoin-only meetup to obtain 501(c)(3) nonprofit standing. This recognition helped us develop much more and allowed us to achieve extra individuals within the Tampa Bay space.
Constructing a Sturdy, Supportive Neighborhood
For the reason that starting, Bitcoin Bay has made an actual impression throughout Tampa Bay. Our members help one another’s companies, like HVAC providers, property planning, and even native beef suppliers. Our ethos of Neighborhood, Prosperity, and Resilience guides us as we construct a related community the place individuals can depend on one another.
One among our proudest achievements was internet hosting the Sound Cash Soiree, our first charity gala attended by 120 individuals, together with enterprise leaders, Bitcoiners, and neighborhood leaders. Collectively, we raised almost $30,000 to help our mission. This cash has gone towards increasing our outreach and rising our neighborhood, serving to us make an even bigger impression in Tampa Bay.
Training is a serious a part of Bitcoin Bay’s mission. By way of partnerships with the College of Tampa and the College of South Florida, we’re bringing Bitcoin schooling to college students. We offer visitor lectures, internships, and this summer time, we’re internet hosting our first Bitcoin summer time camps. By investing within the subsequent era, we’re ensuring Bitcoin’s potential continues to develop in Tampa Bay.
Our neighborhood’s resilience was examined when hurricanes Helene and Milton struck. Bitcoin Bay members shortly got here collectively to assist. Volunteers fashioned cleanup groups to clear particles, whereas others helped coordinate meals, water, and fuel for these in want. This confirmed that Bitcoin Bay’s mission to construct a robust, resilient neighborhood is extra than simply phrases—it’s a lifestyle.
Wanting Forward: The Journey Continues
As Bitcoin Bay’s Pirate float sails down the Gasparilla Parade route, it’s greater than a celebration—it’s a press release. We’re right here to construct, educate, and empower. This float represents a 12 months of arduous work, resilience, and neighborhood spirit, and it marks the start of our subsequent chapter.
“We’re excited to bring Bitcoin to the Gasparilla Parade and share our mission with Tampa Bay,” says President Wesley Schlemmer. “Bitcoin Bay is more than an organization; it’s a movement shaping the future of our local community and beyond.”
To study extra concerning the Bitcoin Bay Foundation, Gasparilla occasion particulars, and how one can become involved of their neighborhood efforts, please go to:
* Web site: bitcoinbay.basis
* Twitter: @bitcoinbaytpa
* Nostr: npub1tampasjf5z0rllvrh8nlqckrjtzzj9590uljzeuu6ymsr8hq9pjsrw0ynt
* E-mail: [email protected]
Collectively, we’re constructing a greater future with Bitcoin. We invite all Bitcoiners to hitch us on this thrilling journey and make historical past with us!
This can be a visitor submit by Bitcoin Bay Foundation. Opinions expressed are solely their very own and don’t essentially replicate these of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Journal.
