At a celebration for his 70th birthday, Carlos “Carlito” Fuente made an announcement for plans to open a Fuente Cultural Center in the city he was born in, Tampa, Florida. The announcement was made in front of several hundred friends and family at The Cuban Club located in Ybor City, Florida.

When he was asked where he wanted to celebrate his 70th birthday, Carlito was insistent it be in his birth city of Tampa. The cultural center is something he wants to give back to the city that has been very important to him. The new center will be complete with musical theater, museums, retail store, and of course an Arturo Fuente Lounge and Cigar Club. A video presentation showed the artist rendering for the plans. The project is still in a conceptual phase at this time with no groundbreaking date.

The announcement capped off a gala evening. Carlito arrived at the Cuban Club wearing an Elvis-style costume and driving a GTO Convertible. The theme of the evening was “Tampa Boy.” The slogan was painted on the convertible as well as on cigars that were given out that night.

In attendance were members of the Fuente family and industry personalities as well Carlito’s longtime friend, musician Arturo Sandoval. Also in attendance was Kid Rock, who stayed the evening and even performed with Sandoval on stage.

The night also featured food, drinks, and even a cigar roller.

The Tampa City Council also honored Carlito on his birthday. Although Tampa Mayor Jane Castor couldn’t attend the event, she sent a video message to congratulate him. There were other video greetings, including one from Carlito’s daughter Lidiana who couldn’t attend as she’s soon to give birth to his first grandchild.

Photo Credits: Cigar Coop, except where noted