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.  

“We will engage the entire community work toward positive change that America’s policy shift will provide - whether it is travel, trade or cultural exchange opportunities,” U.S. Rep. Castor said.

“This community is about building opportunities and we do that best when we come together proactively to pave a pathway towards that,” said Bob Rohrlack, President of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

“We’ve seen steady, continued growth in the number of people traveling to Cuba even in a restricted environment,” said Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano. “I anticipate those numbers will be even stronger when it’s easier to travel to Cuba. There’s clearly a demand for the flights.”

U.S. Rep. Castor continued:  “At the turn of the 20th Century Tampa was central to the Cuban independence movement.  Similarly, Tampa will lead the way in the coming years on the new opening for normalization of relations with Cuba. We have already made much progress, especially with establishing direct flights from Tampa to Cuba and our numerous arts and cultural exchanges to build business and cooperative ties with Cuba. Now, we must continue working together to ensure the type of positive change that benefits our all of our community, including our local small businesses, travel and tourism industry, Cuban American families and the people of Cuba. I have already heard from many in our area who are excited and want to be proactive. It is also important that Cuba hear from Tampa on our expectations for human rights reform.”

President Obama’s announcement last week charts a new course in U.S./Cuba relations by lifting restrictions on travel, commerce and financial activities. Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere Roberta Jacobson is scheduled to travel to Cuba in January for the next round of migration talks, which are key to Tampa residents with families in Cuba.

Federal agencies already are providing new information and updates pursuant to the President’s announcement:

• Detailed White House summary of FACT SHEET: Charting a New Course on Cuba:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/12/17/fact-sheet-charting-new-course-cuba

• Over the next six months, the State Department will review Cuba’s place on the list of state sponsors of terrorism and conduct discussions with Cuba relating to migration. Latest information: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2014/12/235405.htm  

• The Treasury Department will increase the amount of money that can be sent to Cubans each quarter, from $500 to $2,000, and loosen banking restrictions. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which regulates the travel and trade restrictions placed on Cuba, has already announced that implementation will begin within coming weeks through regulatory changes issued through the Departments of Treasury and Commerce. OFAC will broaden and ease travel to Cuba. OFAC normally updates Cuba-Related FAQ section as regulatory changes are announced:  http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Pages/cuba.aspx#cuba_new

• The Commerce Department will loosen an array of export limits.  See the current allowable exports here and stay tuned for details of broadening of allowable exports:  http://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/policy-guidance/country-guidance/sanctioned-destinations/cuba

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