Ybor City in Tampa in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
United Secret Orders Hall and La Benéfica Español
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, October 27, 2026
1. United Secret Orders Hall and La Benefica Espanola Marker
Built in 1929, as the United Secret Orders Hall, this building served as the home of six secret societies. In 1932, it became a medical clinic and pharmacy, operated by the Centro Español called La Benéfica Española. The Gentro Español was established for Spanish immigrants and was one of Ybor City's mutual aid societies. The clinic and a fully functioning pharmacy occupied the second story, where Dr. Carlos Barbas and midwife Delia Barbas lived for over 35 years, providing medical services to those in need at all hours of the day and night. It remained open until the mid-70s.
One of the ground floor businesses, the trilingual newspaper, La Gaceta, had its offices here from 1942 to 1982. The Sugar Palm Ballroom was located here from 1997 to 1999. The building was acquired by Hillsborough Community College in 2004. The College's Child Development Center and Dance program are now part of this building's colorful history.
Erected 2026 by Steve and Schezy Barbas and the Barbas Family, Hillsborough College, Hillsborough County Historic Advisory Council.
Topics. This historical marker is listed
this page online
Location. 27° 57.733′ N, 82° 26.569′ W. Marker is in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. It is in Ybor City. It is at the intersection of East Palm Avenue and North 15th Street on East Palm Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1505 E Palm Ave, Tampa FL 33605, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Tampa Bay. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Attempt On The Life Of Jose Marti (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Founding of the Cigar Industry in Tampa (about 500 feet away); José Martí (about 500
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, October 27, 2026
2. United Secret Orders Hall and La Benéfica Español Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. The Cherokee Club (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed); First Duel in Ybor City 1888 (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . Unveiling of marker announcement. (Submitted on October 29, 2026, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, October 27, 2026
3. United Secret Orders Hall and La Benéfica Español Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2026, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 29, 2026, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
