Tampa, Florida
Tampa is a multi-cultural city that it is regarded as one of the five most diverse, integrated urban areas in the country. Its thriving Hispanic population represents every Latin American country. It is the county seat and the largest city in Hillsborough County.
About The Community
With a population of over 387,000, it is the third most populous city in Florida. Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida and is a part of the Tampa Bay Metropolitan area which is home to over three million people. The area has a long history even if one just considers the past two centuries. The United States purchased Florida from Spain in 1821. By 1828 traders had arrived in Fort Brooke attracted to what is now downtown Tampa. The settlement became the town of Tampa in 1855.
In addition to being a leading commercial center, Tampa has a host of tourist attractions that one will never tire of visiting. Busch Gardens a 335 acre, African theme, family amusement park is perhaps the most popular. It is the nation’s fourth largest zoo where you can see African animals roaming free. Enjoy its world-famous rides like Kumba and the new inverted roller coaster, Montu. Kids will enjoy the Land of the Dragons and Dolphins of the Deep. Live entertainment, shopping, and dining are part of the fun. Busch’s water theme park, Adventure Island features 36 acres of 17 water play areas with a beach volleyball complex. Do not miss Solar Vortex where you splash your way through 700 feet of twists and water mines and finally plunge into a refreshing pool.
Important Links (Suggest / Report)
The Tampa Convention Center located directly on the waterfront in the heart of downtown Tampa, hosts a variety of conventions, tradeshows, and other special events year-round. The Florida Aquarium is a three-story, glass domed aquarium describing Florida’s ecosystem and aquatic habitats. Florida Wetlands with a cypress swamp, mangrove roots, and a river with otters, Florida Bays and beaches, Coral Reefs with many fish and colorful reefs are just some if the live features. The Lowry Park Zoo is home to more than 350 exotic animal species from around the world. Manatee viewing tanks offer a close up of these gentle animals.
By the early 1950s, the cigar factories were gone. Ybor was revitalized in the late 1990 s and today has an ornamental garden and three restored cigar worker’s houses a museum, shops, restaurants, and galleries. Channelside offers every kind of entertainment, catamaran cruises, IMAX movies, games arcades, dance clubs, unique shops and restaurants along the waterfront, where you can watch the Port of Tampa at work.
Vicinity of Tampa
Additional Details
Ybor City is one of three National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida. Cobblestone streets and huge old cigar factory buildings make up this historic and legendary town. Founded in 1886 by Vicente Martinez Ybor, it was once “the cigar capital of the world.”
The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is located in downtown Tampa. Children’s Museum of Tampa is a hands-on fun learning center for kids. Tampa is home to a large number of colleges including the University Of South Florida, Hillsborough Community College and the University Of Tampa.
