The Newman family legacy of hand-rolled, Cuban-style cigars

YBOR CITY, Fla. - For four generations, the Newman family has been keeping the art of cigar making alive and well in the Bay Area. 

They are the only manufacturers in the United States that make cigars like their grandfather did, almost 100 years ago in Cuba. 

His name was Julius Ceasar Newman, patriarch and founder of Tampa's J.C. Newman Cigar Company. 

In 1954, he moved his family to Tampa and the legend was born. 

Portrait of J.C. Newman

Locals now work with the Newman family to produce 65,000 cigars each day, shipping to more than 80 countries across the globe. 

The Newmans say their cigars are not meant to be smoked like a cigarette. Rather, they should be savored like a fine wine. 

The cigars are crafted on hand-operated machines that have been used since 1931.

The Newmans' operation helps keep the history of Cigar City alive. 

The Newman Family’s Foundation also reaches far beyond the Bay Area. In the Dominican Republic, they’ve built a tech school, nursing school and a music academy.

Aerial view of J.C. Newman Cigar Company in Ybor City