Downtown Tampa’s Oldest Skyscraper to Host Lobby Gallery Event with Live Artist Activation, Champagne, Hors D’oeuvres, and Music September 18th
Local Painter Rachel Covello To Create Art Live in the Hotel’s Historic Lobby From 5-7PM, Followed by “Jazz & Jasmine” Happy Hour at The Dan
TAMPA, Fla. (August 21st, 2026) – Hotel Flor, located in the heart of downtown Tampa, will host a Live Artist Activation featuring local painter Rachel Covello on Friday, September 18th, from 5pm – 7pm. Set against the backdrop of the hotel’s elegant lobby space, guests are invited to watch Covello create a new work of art in real time. The activation is open and complimentary to the public, and will be complemented by passed champagne and hors d’oeuvres.
Rachel Covello brings a distinctive perspective to fine art, shaped by her background in digital media, visual storytelling, and brand strategy. Her approach blends thoughtful composition with emotional depth, resulting in work that resonates on both a visual and personal level. Covello’s art has been featured in exhibitions and installations at the Morean Arts Center, Five Deuces Galleria, The Factory St. Pete, and Floridarama. This event offers guests a rare opportunity to experience her creative process firsthand as she brings a new masterpiece to life.
The activation will take place in Hotel Flor’s storied lobby, a large part of why the building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1996. Originally opened in 1927 as the Floridan Palace Hotel, the property was the tallest building in Florida at the time of its completion and quickly became a symbol of downtown Tampa’s ambition. Following an extensive renovation, it reopened under new ownership as Hotel Flor, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and today blends its original 1920s character with a reimagined interior.
Afterward, guests are welcome to continue their evening at The Dan, Hotel Flor’s restaurant and speakeasy-inspired bar, for its weekly Historic Happy Hour, held as part of the hotel’s centennial celebration leading up to its 100th anniversary. Each Friday transports guests to a different chapter of the hotel’s past with period-appropriate live music, vintage cocktails, and themed appetizers. This September’s installment, Jazz & Jasmine, steps into the swing era of the 1930s, when big bands filled the air and cocktails were as smooth as the saxophone solos, with a curated menu of era-authentic spirits and live music from 7pm – 10pm, including the Jasmine Swing, Velvet Note, Garden Blues and Midnight in Bloom cocktails and jasmine honey ricotta crostini. The series will culminate in a New Year’s Eve gala, “A Century Uncorked,” marking a full one hundred years since the hotel first opened its doors.
Guests who book a table at The Dan and enter the code 100YEARS on OpenTable will receive a complimentary dessert for the table. Reservations are recommended and can be made on OpenTable or by calling (813) 318-9719.
About Tapestry Collection by Hilton: Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a portfolio of 100 original hotels that offer guests unique style and vibrant personality, encouraging them to connect to their destination and enjoy refreshingly uncommon, off-the-beaten-path experiences. While each property has a unique story to share, every Tapestry Collection property is united by the reliability that comes with the Hilton name, in addition to the benefits of the award-winning Hilton Honors program. Experience Tapestry Collection by Hilton by booking at tapestrycollectionbyhilton.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Tapestry Collection by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/tapestry, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
EVOLVE & CO: Evolve & Co is a full-service advertising agency located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. The company is a collective of brand strategists and creatives, specializing in the lifestyle vertical. The firm is located at 475 Central Avenue Suite M7, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. www.evolveandco.com
Editors: For details or to schedule an interview, contact Lisa Williams at lisa@evolveandco.com or 727.490.9835.
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