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 be taught 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 large enough 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 certainly one of our founders, @bennyhodl, hosted the primary Bitdevs meetup. It started with only a few folks speaking about Bitcoin outdoors a neighborhood restaurant, nevertheless it quickly grew into one thing a lot greater. We had a imaginative and prescient: to make Bitcoin Bay the go-to place for every thing Bitcoin in Tampa Bay. We needed to create a neighborhood financial system powered by Bitcoin, the place folks may join, be taught, and spend their bitcoin.
With a transparent mission and a dedicated workforce, Bitcoin Bay shortly gained steam. Weekly meetups become a powerful community the place newcomers, builders, and enterprise house owners may join, be taught, and share concepts. Bitcoin Bay grew to become greater than only a meetup; we have been a useful resource for Bitcoin data and assist 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 received the grand prize of 1 BTC. However as an alternative of preserving 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 concept 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 Area.” By sharing our prize, we confirmed that Bitcoin Bay is right here not just for our personal development however to assist Bitcoin communities in all places.
By the top 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 Robust, Supportive Neighborhood
For the reason that starting, Bitcoin Bay has made an actual affect throughout Tampa Bay. Our members assist one another’s companies, like HVAC companies, property planning, and even native beef suppliers. Our ethos of Neighborhood, Prosperity, and Resilience guides us as we construct a related community the place folks can depend on one another.
One in every of 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 a much bigger affect in Tampa Bay.
Schooling is a serious a part of Bitcoin Bay’s mission. By means 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 season, we’re internet hosting our first Bitcoin summer season 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 powerful, resilient neighborhood is extra than simply phrases—it’s a lifestyle.
Trying 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 exhausting work, resilience, and neighborhood spirit, and it marks the start of our subsequent chapter.
“We’re excited to carry 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 area people and past.”
To be taught extra concerning the Bitcoin Bay Basis, Gasparilla occasion particulars, and how one can become involved of their neighborhood efforts, please go to:
* Web site: bitcoinbay.basis
* Twitter: @bitcoinbaytpa
* Nostr: npub1tampasjf5z0rllvrh8nlqckrjtzzj9590uljzeuu6ymsr8hq9pjsrw0ynt
* Electronic mail: Wesley@bitcoinbay.basis
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 publish by Bitcoin Bay Basis. Opinions expressed are totally their very own and don’t essentially mirror these of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Journal.
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