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 folks. 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 Basis 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 corporation sufficiently big to earn a spot in Tampa’s largest celebration?
Rising a Bitcoin Economic system in Tampa Bay
Bitcoin Bay’s journey began in October 2021 when considered one of our founders, @bennyhodl, hosted the primary Bitdevs meetup. It started with just some folks speaking about Bitcoin exterior 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 every part Bitcoin in Tampa Bay. We needed to create a neighborhood economic system powered by Bitcoin, the place folks might join, study, and spend their bitcoin.
With a transparent mission and a dedicated crew, Bitcoin Bay shortly gained steam. Weekly meetups became a robust community the place newcomers, builders, and enterprise house owners might join, study, and share concepts. Bitcoin Bay grew to become greater than only a meetup; we had been a useful resource for Bitcoin information and assist within the area.
The 2023 Miami Bitcoin Convention was a watershed second for The Bay. Competing within the first Bitcoin Video games in opposition to grassroots meetup teams from throughout the nation, Bitcoin Bay received the grand prize of 1 BTC. However as an alternative of preserving the complete 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 may 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 House.” By sharing our prize, we confirmed that Bitcoin Bay is right here not just for our personal development however to assist Bitcoin communities in every single place.
By the tip of 2023, we grew to become 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 succeed in extra folks within the Tampa Bay space.
Constructing a Sturdy, Supportive Group
For the reason that starting, Bitcoin Bay has made an actual impression throughout Tampa Bay. Our members assist one another’s companies, like HVAC companies, property planning, and even native beef suppliers. Our ethos of Group, Prosperity, and Resilience guides us as we construct a linked community the place folks can depend on one another.
One among our proudest achievements was internet hosting the Sound Cash Soiree, our first charity gala attended by 120 folks, together with enterprise leaders, Bitcoiners, and neighborhood leaders. Collectively, we raised practically $30,000 to assist 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.
Schooling is a significant 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 training 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 technology, 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 yr of arduous work, resilience, and neighborhood spirit, and it marks the start of our subsequent chapter.
“We’re excited to convey Bitcoin to the Gasparilla Parade and share our mission with Tampa Bay,” says President Wesley Schlemmer. “Bitcoin Bay is greater than a corporation; it’s a motion shaping the way forward for our local people and past.”
To study extra in regards to the Bitcoin Bay Basis, Gasparilla occasion particulars, and how one can get entangled 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!
It is a visitor publish by Bitcoin Bay Basis. Opinions expressed are completely their very own and don’t essentially replicate these of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Journal.