Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) praised the President’s decision to rescind Cuba’s State Sponsor of Terrorism designation. “Cuban families, including many of our neighbors in the Tampa area, businesses and educators will benefit as both countries cast off outdated Cold War policies that limit interaction and progress on economic and human rights reform,” she said. Read more »

Greetings to the Cuban government: Hola, you all come on up now, you hear? Read more »

Today, local businessman and past Greater Tampa of Chamber of Commerce chair, Jose Valiente, will accompany U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) to the President’s State of the Union address. Coming off the heels of the President’s announcement last month to normalize relations with Cuba, Cuban-born Jose Valiente epitomizes the evolving views towards Cuba and the leading role Tampa Bay is poised to take as more engagement and expanding business ties with Cuba are underway. Read more »

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) praised historic changes to U.S./Cuba travel and trade policy that are certain to boost Tampa International Airport, expand educational, cultural and religious exchanges, and empower Cuban entrepreneurs. The U.S. Treasury and Commerce Departments announced broad new regulations effective tomorrow that execute President Obama’s recent announcement of modernization of U.S. policy toward Cuba. Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced today that she will host a Community Forum early in 2015 with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and Tampa International Airport to educate Tampa Bay families and businesses on the evolving landscape tied to President Barack Obama’ historic announcement to normalize relations with Cuba last week. Read more »

Today, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor announced strong support for historic changes in U.S. policy towards Cuba. President Obama detailed the changes which include reestablishing diplomatic relations, expanding travel opportunities and support for the Cuban people. U.S. Rep. Castor has been working for years to encourage the changes announced by the President today. Read more »

The flight from Florida to Cuba is a little over an hour, yet the countries remain a world apart. Read more »

Upon her return from a fact-finding trip to Cuba, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor stated that she would share what she learned with President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry regarding modernizing the U.S.-Cuba relationship. Today she sent a letter outlining the changes, challenges and opportunities. Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s three-day visit to Cuba last week reinforced her belief that overarching U.S. policy change is required to achieve benefits for U.S. and Cuban interests alike. Read more »

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) met with Cuban dissident Yoani Sanchez to discuss human rights, lifting the embargo and improving engagement between the American people and Cuban people. Ms. Sanchez and her blog, Generación Y, are focused on improved human rights in Cuba. Ms. Sanchez has been touring the United States since March 14. Read more »