• Submitted by: manso
• Politics and Government
• 09 / 12 / 2011

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By Kristy Wolski, Reporter.Sunday, September 11, 2011. TAMPA. This week dozens of passengers have made their way to Cuba via Tampa International Airport.

Many of those passengers, including Tampa resident Steve Rupert, have been waiting a long time to be able to take such a flight.

With a camera, Steve Rupert documented his historic trip to Cuba. He flew there from TPA on board the first commercial flight to take off from Tampa to Cuba in nearly 50 years.

The owner of a Cuba travel company, Rupert's been to Havana dozens of times. However, he's waited for the day he could fly there from TPA.

"I've been there about 60 times," said Rupert. "I'm always taking people around the old city and showing them the highlights."

Over the years, Rupert has developed a love for Cuba. It's a love he said he enjoys sharing with others by giving tours of the country. Now, with these commercial flights, a lot more people will get the opportunity.

"99 percent of the people say the same things to me. First of all, they say, 'This is not anything like I expected it was going to be.' Second of all them say, when is your next trip? I'm coming back'."

Currently there are two flights weekly from Tampa to Cuba. Later this year the airport will add a third weekly flight.

Source: www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/september/310347/Dozens-begin-flying-...