Last night I went to a concert, and the opening act was a band from Chicago.  They were kids—it was their first road tour ever—and their stage presence clearly needed some polishing.  I was supportive, though, until they started criticizing Tampa. We paid for our concert tickets, drove thirty minutes, paid for parking, and gave up our evening in order to be there.  I thought it was very tacky for these tweens to show their gratitude by complaining about the heat and insisting that “people here are stuck up.”  I bristled at the notion, and I realized that after a year I am finally beginning to call Florida my home.  Sure, it’s hot for a good portion of the year, and occasionally we have some hurricane scares.  But let me tell you what I love about living in Tampa Bay…

1. Water, water, everywhere

There are few things more spectacular than a Gulf coast sunset.  Tampa Bay is home to several award-winning beaches, namely Fort DeSoto, Clearwater Beach, and most recently Caladesi Island.  If you’re not a beach bunny, rent a kayak and try paddling one of our many waterways.  You might even get to pat a manatee.

2. Food, glorious food!

Whether you are into elaborate tasting menus or a quick Cuban sandwich, Tampa Bay has the food to satisfy your cravings.  Diversity is celebrated here, and we have the restaurants and groceries to prove it.

3. Play ball

Tampa Bay residents enjoy professional sports all year long.  Hockey fans can cheer on the Tampa Bay Lightning while, in St. Petersburg, the Tampa Bay Rays keep our baseball fans excited. 

4. Experience the arts

The Florida Orchestra, The Dali Museum, The Ringling Museum, Tampa Bay Symphony, three outstanding performing arts centers each with their own packed schedule of events, galleries galore in downtown St. Pete…we have plenty of opportunities for you to get cultured.

5. Rays of Sunshine

People here are happy.  We have loads of folks here who have moved from New York, Ohio, Michigan, and New England.  Many immigrants have landed here from all over the globe, especially Cuba and the DR.  And plenty of people have lived here all their lives, like their parents did, and their parents’ parents, and so on.  The important thing is that everyone gets along.  People here are incredibly friendly and very proud of their hometown.  It’s quite a melting pot, and when you stir us all together and then throw in thousands of tourists, it’s an exciting and wonderful place.