TAMPA, Fla. — Jeffrey Epstein's files reveal a surprising number of connections between the disgraced financier and the Tampa Bay region — from foreign dignitaries and political figures to a traffic accident and even a cholesterol test.
I-Team Investigator Adam Walser and photojournalist Randy Wright have been digging through the Epstein archive, where typing "Tampa" returns 1,296 hits. What emerges is disturbing, bizarre and, occasionally, downright weird.
Israeli prime minister's wife emailed Epstein about Tampa visit
In December 2013, Nili Barak — wife of former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak — emailed Epstein about an upcoming trip.
"Ehud has a lecture in Tampa… we thought to arrive on the 22nd and enjoy your company and go to Tampa on the 26th morning," Barak said.
According to an article in the Jewish Press of Tampa Bay, Barak was scheduled to be the featured speaker at the Jewish Community Center's annual President's Day Dinner.
Records show the former prime minister and his wife spent days at Epstein's Palm Beach mansion before a flight record confirmed they flew from Palm Beach to Tampa, arriving at Tampa's Landmark Aviation Terminal on Jan. 26, 2014.
Epstein’s schedule shows that after dropping Barak off in his private jet, he flew to a New Jersey airport, then dined with Woody Allen later that night.
FBI memo linked Tampa Bay to Epstein investigation years before his arrest
In July 2019, following Epstein's arrest, an FBI memo to Tampa agents announced that New York agents would travel to Florida to interview roughly 25 victims.
Most were in South Florida, but one was in Palm Harbor — within the Tampa Field Office's area.
The Tampa FBI Field Office had already been notified 12 years earlier about an ongoing investigation into Epstein through a 2007 memo, which stated:
"The investigation involves numerous underage females who attended local high schools and were recruited for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with Epstein. At the conclusion of the sexual activity, the minors were paid sums of money ranging from $200.00-$1,000.00."
A 2016 email to Epstein from one of his employees also references an American Airlines flight from Tampa to the Virgin Islands — the closest commercial airport to Epstein's infamous private island.
"Would you like me to drop off the girls and come back?" the employee wrote. Epstein replied, "Yes."
From a Tampa car crash to a Match.com profile, the files get strange
The files take a bizarre turn in 2012 with a short email Epstein sent after a car accident.
"Just got in car accident in Tampa… talking to police," Epstein said.
When asked if he was okay, Epstein replied:
"Fine, minor damage… just dealing with Florida police scared me more than the collision."
In 2012, a 25-year-old Tampa woman identified as "Lexy FSU" appeared in Epstein's Match.com search results.
The archive also surfaced two medical records from Quest Diagnostic Labs on East Fowler Avenue in Tampa, where Epstein's blood was tested. The results showed he had high cholesterol, high glucose levels and low levels of testosterone.
Ken Starr and Charlie Crist both appear in Epstein's Tampa-area files
The political connections in the Tampa files are equally striking.
Former Independent Counsel Ken Starr — best known for prosecuting President Bill Clinton — emailed Epstein in 2009, 13 years before Starr's death.
"Can I zip down and over to see you next week (from Tampa/Clearwater)? Does either the 29th or the 30th look doable?" Starr said.
Epstein responded:
"Either date is fine - I have an apt for you if you would like to stay the night, and a car for your use," Epstein said.
Starr replied:
"You're wonderful. With thanks, I'll have a car, but let me check on family schedules re overnighting. In any event, it'll be great to see you," Starr said.
Epstein also mentioned then-Governor Charlie Crist in a 2010 email to an unknown recipient.
"I'll be asking Charlie Christ for a pardon. Any ideas?" Epstein said.
The following month — days after Crist lost his bid for re-election — Epstein received a letter from his lawyer saying it was doubtful Crist would consider it, writing that it "Appears Crist believes he is still alive and kicking in politics… contemplating a run for Congress in his St. Pete/Tampa district."
From Israeli dignitaries to dating apps, political lobbying to lab reports — the Tampa trail in the Epstein files is as strange as it is wide-ranging.
Share Your Story with Adam
Adam Walser has spent more than a decade fighting for what’s right in Tampa Bay as part of the I-Team. He’s helped expose flaws in Florida’s eldercare system and held leaders accountable for how they use your tax dollars. Reach out to Adam with any issue you think he needs to investigate.
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