Grandson of the founder of Ybor, Salvin, will be honored with street renaming ceremony

The Tampa City Council, alongside Senator Jay Collins and various community representatives, will come together on Monday to honor the late Salvador Martinez Ybor Jr. with a street renaming dedication ceremony.

Salvador Martinez Ybor Jr., affectionately known as Salvin, was a native of Ybor City, born in 1910. His grandfather, Vicente Martinez Ybor, founded the historic district in 1885, laying the groundwork for what would become a culturally rich and vibrant community. Salvin’s life was one of service and sacrifice, notably during World War II. At the age of 32, he enlisted in the Army Infantry Division, significantly contributing to the 43rd Infantry’s invasion of the Philippines. His bravery and dedication culminated in his tragic death during the Battle of Luzon in January 1945. He was posthumously buried at sea.

Salvador Martinez Ybor Jr. was awarded the Purple Heart, a testament to his valor. His memory endures on the Wall of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery. In 2023, his nephew, Ignacio Martinez Ybor, donated the Purple Heart to the Ybor City Museum, where it is now prominently displayed in the Made in the USA Exhibit.

The ceremony to rename a portion of E 9th Avenue in Salvador Martinez Ybor Jr.’s honor will occur on June 10, 2024, at 11:00 AM. The dedication will take place at the southwest corner of E. 9th Avenue and N. 19th Street. Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera will lead the event, joined by Senator Jay Collins and representatives from the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Ybor City Museum State Park.

This renaming serves not only to honor a local hero but also to remind the community of the profound impact of those who have served and sacrificed for their country.