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by Gary Vitacco-Robles (Author)
Author Gary Vitacco-Robles traces the history of New Port Richey's architectural jewel. The Hacienda Hotel opened in 1927, designed in Mediterranean Revival style by Thomas Reed Martin. The masterpiece quickly became a hotbed for actors, screenwriters, literati, pop singers, and sports figures such as Thomas Meighan, Raymond Hitchcock, Flora Zabelle, Ring Lardner and Gene Sarazen. Advertised as "a bit of Spain among the palms," the Hacienda flourished as a social and cultural center for civic meetings, conventions, weddings and proms while inspiring local lore related to ghost hunting and the legendary actress Gloria Swanson.
Author Biography
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 37 years' experience in the field, Gary Vitacco-Robles holds a master's degree in Counselor Education from the University of South Florida. Gary is the author of five respected biographies about Marilyn Monroe and was a uniquely qualified researcher to untangle the web of her death in the two-volume ICON: What Killed Marilyn Monroe. Currently, Gary writes the blog Tampa Bay Author's Social Diary and is a town historian of New Port Richey, Florida. He is also the administrator and monitor of the popular Facebook group New Port Richey History and a member of New Port Richey Main Street's Design and Art Committees.
