Andy Huse, a former USF Libraries archivist, was working on a book about the history of the Tampa Theatre before he died. ORACLE PHOTO/ISABELLA OEFELEIN
USF Libraries archivist Andy Huse dedicated his life to telling the story of Tampa Bay, whether through his work at the university or through his literary work highlighting the complex history of Tampa’s food scene.
At USF, Huse oversaw the Florida Studies and University Archives collections and played a large role in establishing the Florida Environment and Natural History Collection, according to the university.
Before his death in August 2025, Huse had completed a final draft of a novel about the Tampa Theatre — titled Tampa Theatre: A Century of Stories — which is now scheduled for posthumous publication in September.
The 272-page book is available for preorder on Amazon and will be published through the University Press of Florida, and will also be included in an archive of the theatre’s century-long history for its October anniversary.
Joey Hagar, the Operations Manager for the Tampa Theatre, said Huse spent 18 months building a relationship with Tampa Theatre to work and gather information for a comprehensive novel on its history to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Hagar said he told Huse about the different films the theatre hosted over the course of its history, as well as about the films that never made it to screening.
He sat in on more than 30 interviews Huse had with locals to gather information on the book — from people who attended screenings to those who got married at the theatre or had it tattooed on their bodies — to add color and background to the book.
“The book was less about the actual physical history of the theatre [and more] about the stories about people, the people who worked there, the people that made the theatre what it is,” Hagar said.
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Jill Witecki, the Vice President and Director of Marketing for the Tampa Theatre, said Huse was an expert in Tampa, making him uniquely qualified to document the theatre’s past for its 100th anniversary.
Huse’s experience with historical novels included writing for the 100th anniversary of the Tampa restaurant, Columbia, as well as a book on the extensive history of the Cuban sandwich.
“[Huse] was the clear and obvious choice given his experience, and he was equally excited,” Witecki said. “Most of his work was food-related, so this was an exciting pivot to something different.”
Witecki said Huse’s neighbor recommended he write a book about the theatre, and also worked with Witecki to edit the novel and create its index.
Witecki said Huse had a clear passion not only for Tampa but for the people who make the city unique, which he made clear through his dedication and relationships.
She added that Huse could explain Tampa’s development through both historical and human lenses that connected with the community, which he also discussed in the novel.
“I am proud to be with his story, I am proud to be a part of it,” Witecki said. “I personally hope to sell a million copies, and that becomes the legacy of the book.”
Witecki said that his care shines through the novel, which she said was a “group project of labor and love” honoring his legacy.
“The publisher said they will make sure, with every resource they have, that the book was completed,” Witecki said. “It would have been something Andy would have appreciated.”