SECRET MENU “SEA-GAR” CELEBRATES THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM
Tampa, FL (October 2, 2023) – For a limited time, guests who visit The Florida Aquarium have a unique opportunity to reel in a one-of-a-kind collector’s cigar at J.C Newman Cigar Company. Named the “SEA-Gar,” the specially designed El Baton cigar is wrapped with The Aquarium’s logo and a Florida Gar – one of the many fish featured in The Florida Aquarium’s iconic dome—The Wetlands of Florida Gallery. Adult visitors to The Florida Aquarium may bring their ticket to J.C. Newman Cigar Company located at 2701 N. 16th Street in Tampa, to receive one free “SEA-Gar” per ticket off the “SEA-cret” menu while supplies last. Customers may also purchase SEA-Gars and proceeds will benefit The Aquarium’s conservation research and rescue efforts.
“Tampa is known as the cigar capital of the world and as an organization devoted to community, what better way to embrace our city’s rich history than by partnering with America’s oldest family-owned premium maker, J.C. Newman, to create an exclusive cigar,” said Roger Germann, the President and CEO of The Florida Aquarium. “The SEA-Gar, as we affectionately call it, brings two strong Tampa brands together in support of our purpose to save Florida’s marine life. Drew, Eric and the entire Newman family’s longstanding commitment to community and the environment both here in Tampa and the Dominican Republic through the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, is one of the many reasons why we’re honored to bring The Aquarium’s El Baton SEA-Gar to life.”
“El Baton is one of our vintage brands made by my great-great-grandfather, J.C. Newman in 1914 and relaunched in 2008. The widely popular cigar is perfect for the partnership with The Florida Aquarium to help raise awareness about the nonprofit’s critical mission,” said Drew Newman, fourth-generation J.C. Newman Cigar Company owner and cigar maker. “For more than a century our family-owned business has been committed to giving back to our community – here in Tampa Bay and around the world.”
El Baton cigars are grown in the most fertile areas of Nicaragua, providing for a smooth, hearty smoke with a little spice. The cigars have been met with rave reviews and acclaim from a wide range of cigar enthusiasts including a 91 rating from Cigar Aficionado.
The Latest from The Florida Aquarium
-
January 23, 2026
From Parade to Purpose: Recycle Gasparilla Beads at The Florida Aquarium
Every Gasparilla season, thousands of beads are tossed into the air, and too many end up in Tampa Bay. To help keep plastics out of the local waterways, The Florida Aquarium is once again partnering with the City of Tampa on the Bead-Free Bay initiative. The effort turns a fun tradition into a meaningful way…
Read More -
January 21, 2026
The Florida Aquarium’s Stingrays Return to TECO’s Manatee Viewing Center
Seven cownose stingrays from The Florida Aquarium are once again gliding through Cownose Cove at TECO’s Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach. The return marks the reopening of the popular touch habitat following extensive repairs after damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The seven male cownose rays, known for the uniquely shaped “cow-like” nose that…
Read More -
January 21, 2026
Penguin Awareness Day Highlights Critically Endangered African Penguins
They waddle, they dive, and they charm guests with their unmistakable bray, and African penguins continue to capture hearts around the world. This Penguin Awareness Day, The Florida Aquarium is celebrating this charismatic animal while highlighting the important conservation efforts underway to protect this remarkable species for the future. Guests are invited to connect with…
Read More
Stay Up to Date
Want to know what’s happening below the surface? Sign up to receive our email newsletter, “The Current”, and dive into the latest news, events, and exhibit updates happening here at the Aquarium.