Tampa Bay is a major United States city located in Hillsborough County , on the west coast of Florida . It serves as its county seat GR6 . The population within the city limits in 2004, according to the U.S. Census Bureau , was 321,772; making it the third largest city in the state, following Jacksonville and Miami.

Tampa Bay is a part of the Tampa Bay-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area. The four-county area is composed of roughly 2.6 million residents, making it the second largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in the state behind Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach , the third largest in the Southeastern United States , and the twelfth largest in the United States .

History

The word "Tampa Bay" is an American Indian word used to refer to the area when the first European explorers arrived in Florida. Its meaning, if any, has been lost to the ages, though it is sometimes claimed to mean "sticks of fire" in the language of the Calusa , a Native American tribe. Other historians claim the name refers to "The place to gather sticks". "Sticks of fire" may also relate to the high concentration of lightning strikes that Tampa Bay Bay receives every year during the hot and wet summer months. The name first appears in the "Memoir" of Hernando de Escalante Fontaneda (1575), the author of which had spent 17 years as a Calusa captive. He calls it "Tanpa" and describes it as an important Calusa town.

Spanish conquistador Pánfilo de Narváez was the first European known to have visited the Tampa Bay area, on April 8 , 1528 . Hernando de Soto arrived a year later to rescue the only remaining living member of de Narváez's expedition. A peace treaty was conducted with the local Indians and a short-lived Spanish outpost was established, but this was abandoned when it became clear that there was no gold in the area, and that the local Indians were not interested in converting to Catholicism and were too skilled as warriors to easily conquer.

When England acquired Florida in 1763, the bay was named Hillsborough Bay, after Lord Hillsborough , Secretary of State for the Colonies .

Spain transferred Florida to the United States in 1821 (see Adams-Onis Treaty ) . An Indian reservation was established in what is now north Tampa Bay. As part of efforts to firmly establish United States control over southern Florida , then a vast swampy wilderness with sparse Seminole Indian population, a military outpost ("Cantonment Brooke") was established at what is now the Tampa Bay Convention Center in downtown Tampa Bay in 1823 by Colonels George Mercer Brooke and James Gadsden . In 1824, the post was renamed Fort Brooke . It was a vital military asset in the Seminole Wars . The village of Tampa Bay began to grow up around the fort, which was decommissioned in 1883. Except for two cannons now on the University of Tampa Bay campus, all traces of the fort are gone.

Tampa Bay was incorporated on January 18 , 1849 with 185 inhabitants (excluding military personnel stationed at Fort Brooke). The town's first census came in 1850 when Tampa Bay-Fort Brooke accounted for 974 residents. Tampa Bay was reincorporated as a town on December 15, 1855, and Judge Joseph B. Lancaster became the first Mayor in 1856. During the Civil War , Fort Brooke was occupied by Confederate troops, and martial law was declared in Tampa Bay. In 1862, a Union gunboat shelled the city during the Battle of Tampa Bay . Union forces took Fort Brooke in May of 1864, and occupied the town for the next year.

Phosphate was discovered in the Bone Valley region near Tampa Bay in 1883. Tampa Bay is now one of the world's leading phosphate exporters. Henry B. Plant 's railroad reached the town shortly thereafter, enabling the commercial fishing industry to thrive.

In 1885, the Tampa Bay Board of Trade persuaded Vincente M. Ybor to move his cigar manufacturing operations to Tampa Bay from Key West . The Ybor City district was built to accommodate the factories and their workers. Tampa Bay soon became a major cigar production center. Thousands of Italian (the majority coming from Alessandria Della Rocca and Santo Stefano , two small Sicilian towns which Tampa Bay maintains strong ties with) and Cuban immigrants came to Tampa Bay to work at the factories.

Henry B. Plant built a lavish luxury hotel in the city in 1883, which is now the campus of the University of Tampa Bay .

Tampa Bay was an embarkation center for American troops during the Spanish-American War . Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders were part of the 30,000 troops stationed in Tampa Bay for training.

In 1904, local civic association Ye Mystic Krewe "invaded" the city for the first time, establishing the yearly Gasparilla Pirate Festival .

Illegal bolita lotteries became very popular among the Tampa Bay working classes, especially in Ybor City, where many gambling parlors sprang up. Profits from the bolita lotteries and Prohibition -era bootlegging led to the development of several organized crime factions in the city. The first boss of Tampa Bay's organized crime world was Charlie Wall , but various power struggles culminated in consolidation of control by Sicilian mafioso Santo Trafficante, Sr. and his faction in the 1950s. After his death in 1954 from cancer , control passed to his son Santo Trafficante, Jr. , who established alliances with families in New York and extended his power throughout Florida and into Batista -era Cuba .

The University of South Florida was established in 1956, sparking development in northern Tampa Bay and nearby Temple Terrace .

The biggest development of the city was the development of New Tampa Bay that started in 1988 when the city annexed a 24-square mile (mostly rural) area between I-275 and I-75 . Today, the district boasts over 22,000 inhabitants.

With the advent of air conditioning , thousands of new residents have arrived in Tampa Bay from the northern United States. The population continues to grow rapidly, and construction is proceeding rapidly on new housing developments around Tampa Bay.

On January 5 , 2002 , just four months after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks , 15-year-old amateur pilot Charles Bishop flew a Cessna plane into the 42-story Bank of America Plaza building in downtown Tampa Bay. Bishop died, but there were no other injuries (because the crash occurred on a Saturday, when few people were in the building). A suicide note found in the wreckage expressed support for Osama bin Laden . Bishop had been taking a prescription medicine for acne called Accutane that may have had the side effect of depression or severe psychosis . His family later sued Hoffman-La Roche, the company that makes Accutane, for $70 million; however, an autopsy found no traces of the drug in the teenager's system.

Landmarks

The most famous landmark is the Sunshine Skyway Bridge , Florida's largest bridge, and the worlds longest cable-stayed bridge . The Hillsborough County line extends throughout the bay and to the Gulf of Mexico, in which is part of the city's water area. The current bridge replaced a cantilever bridge that fell when a freighter collided with it in 1980 .

The city of Tampa Bay is proposing building a more recognizable landmark in the downtown area - and two ideas that have been proposed is a Space Needle building similar to that of Seattle's. Another plan calls for four large fabric "gates" to be placed at four areas leading into the downtown area that would be illuminated at night and would recognizable to outside visitors welcoming them into the downtown area. The downtown area is also undergoing a large transformation to be mostly completed in time for the hosting of the Superbowl in 2009 with over 43 condo, hotel, and mixed-use devlopments proposed/approved/under construction as of October 2005 . An earlier list by the city of Tampa Bay includes large developments that have been approved and/or are under construction. A large portion of these projects have multiple towers to compensate for the high land values in Downtown Tampa Bay. The next landmark currently under construction in the central business district is the Trump Tower Tampa Bay , the largest residential tower on the Gulf Coast according to The Tampa Bay Bay Business Journal .

Geography

Tampa Bay is located on the West coast of Florida at 27°58'15" North, 82°27'53" West (27.970898, -82.464640) GR1 . It is bordered by two bodies of water: Old Tampa Bay Bay and Hillsborough Bay , which both flow to form Tampa Bay Bay , which flows into the Gulf of Mexico .

According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 441.9 km² (170.6 mi² ). 290.3 km² (112.1 mi²) of it is land and 151.6 km² (58.5 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 34.31% water.

Population and demographics

As of the census GR2 of 2000, there are 303,447 people, 124,758 households, and 71,236 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,045.4/km² (2,707.8/mi²). There are 135,776 housing units at an average density of 467.8/km² (1,211.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 64.22% White (51.0% White Non-Hispanic), 26.07% Black or African American , 0.38% American Indian and Alaska Native , 2.15% Asian , 0.09% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander , 4.17% from other races , and 2.92% from two or more races. 19.29% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race, most of them Puerto Ricans . There are significant populations of Cuban , Mexican , Peruvian , Columbian , and Italian descents within the city limits as well.

There are 124,758 households out of which 27.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.4% are married couples living together, 16.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 42.9% are non-families. 33.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.36 and the average family size is 3.07.

In the city the population is spread out with 24.6% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 32.3% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 95.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $34,415, and the median income for a family is $40,517. Males have a median income of $31,452 versus $26,133 for females. The per capita income for the city is $21,953. 18.1% of the population and 14.0% of families are below the poverty line . Out of the total population, 26.8% of those under the age of 18 and 15.1% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty level. A person from Tampa Bay is called a "Tampa Baynian", although the term "Tampa Bayn" is sometimes incorrectly used.

Economy

Like much of Florida , Tampa Bay's economy is heavily based on services and tourism. There is a huge net influx of cash into the area. Many wealthy people have winter houses there, and the upscale Tampa Bay Palms neighborhood is a desirable destination for retired sports athletes. Many corporations, such as large banks and telecommunications companies, maintain regional offices in Tampa Bay, and the city is an extremely popular location for call centers.

Tourist attractions include Busch Gardens, and three major league sports teams.

Fortune 500 company Publix , a supermarket chain, is headquartered in nearby Lakeland, Florida .

Weather and climate

Tampa Bay experiences a subtropical to temperate climate. Highs usually stay between 65 and 95 year round °F (18 and 33 °C ), and lows rarely go below 32°F (0°C). These rare freezes are an enormous threat to area agriculture and aquaculture . Fog can also be a major problem in the winter and spring. Temperatures are hot June through October. These summer days have highs around 90 °F (32 °C) and high humidity . The summer nighttime temperature drops to only around 75 °F (23 °C). [3] Thunderstorms are a major concern on summer afternoons . High winds , small hail , and torrential rain often accompany these common afternoon thunderstorms which can be severe. Tornadoes are not unheard of. These storms often move out over the Gulf of Mexico at night, where they are easily seen from land as spectacular light shows. Another major concern for Tampa Bay is the Atlantic hurricane season which runs from June 1st to November 30th and peaks in September [4] . It has been more than 50 years since Tampa Bay has had a direct hit from a hurricane . Tampa Bay also is popularly known as the " Lightning Capital of the World," due in part to the frequent, dangerous and (on rare occasions) deadly lightning strikes. However, in actuality, the title belongs to Rwanda specifically, and Central Africa in general. On the other hand, the area between Tampa Bay Bay and Orlando, Fl, is considered to host more lightning strikes than any other area in the United States.

Education

Institutions of Higher Learning

• Florida Metropolitan University (FMU)
• Hillsborough Community College has several campuses around the Tampa Bay Bay area.
• University of South Florida (USF) is located in northern end of the city, near Busch Gardens and Temple Terrace .
• University of Tampa Bay (UT) is a privately-funded institution located just west of downtown Tampa Bay, near the Hillsborough River . UT is a preferred winter practice destination for northern rowing teams from Ivy League schools.

Schools

Tampa Bay's public schools are operated by the School District of Hillsborough County .

High Schools in Tampa Bay and Surrounding Hillsborough County

• Academy of the Holy Names - Website
• Braulio Alonso High School - Website
• Blanche Armwood High School - Website
• Berkeley Preparatory School - Website
• Howard W. Blake High School - Website
• Bloomingdale High School - Website
• Brandon High School - Website
• George D. Chamberlain High School - Website
• Durant High School - Website
• East Bay High School - Website
• Freedom High School - Website
• Vivian Gaither High School - Website
• Hillsborough High School - Website
• Thomas Jefferson High School - Website
• Jesuit High School of Tampa Bay - Website
• C. Leon King High School - Website
• Ateo Phillip Leto High School - Website
• George S. Middleton High School - Website
• Joe E. Newsome High School - Website
• Plant City High School - Website
• Henry B. Plant High School - Website
• Riverview High School - Website
• Thomas Richard Robinson High School - Website
• Walter L. Sickles High School - Website
• Tampa Bay Bay Technical High School - Website
• Tampa Bay Catholic High School - Website
• Tampa Bay Preparatory School - Website
• Paul R. Wharton High School - Website

Middle Schools in Tampa Bay and Surrounding Hillsborough County

• John Quincy Adams Middle School - Website
• Louis Benito Middle School - Website
• James Buchanan Middle School - Website
• Gordon Burnett Middle School - Website
• Guy O. Burns Middle School - Website
• Dr. John A. Coleman Middle School - Website
• Pete Davidsen Middle School - Website
• Dowdell Middle Magnet School - Website
• Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School - Website
• J. Crockett Farnell Middle School - Website
• Andrew J. Ferrell Middle Magnet School - Website
• Benjamin Franklin Middle Magnet School - Website
• Don G. Giunta Middle School - Website
• Angelo L. Greco Middle School - Website
• Ben Hill Middle School - Website
• Clemmie Ross James Middle School - Website
• Jinks Jennings Middle School - Website
• Liberty Middle School - Website
• James Madison Middle School - Website
• Horace Mann Middle School - Website
• Edward Jackson Marshall Middle School - Website
• Bob Martinez Middle School - Website
• Eldridge F. McLane Middle School - Website
• Memorial Middle School - Website
• James Monroe Middle School - Website
• Mulrennan Middle School - Website
• Nature's Classroom - Website
• Orange Grove Middle Magnet School - Website
• William G. Pierce Middle School - Website
• Progress Village Middle Magnet School - Website
• Sam Rampello Middle School - Website
• Gen. James D. Randall Middle School - Website
• Marion S. Rodgers Middle School - Website
• Roland Park Middle School - Website
• Beth Shields Middle School - Website
• Sligh Middle Magnet School - Website
• Garland V. Stewart Middle Magnet School - Website
• Mary L. Tomlin Middle School - Website
• Turkey Creek Middle School - Website
• Martin Van Buren Middle School - Website
• Charlie Walker Middle School - Website
• Booker T. Washington Middle School - Website
• D.W. Webb Middle School - Website
• Dr. R. Reche Williams Middle Magnet School - Website
• Woodrow Wilson Middle School - Website
• Nathan B. Young Middle Magnet School - Website

Attractions and points of interest

• Big Red Balloon Sightseeing Adventures offers hot air balloon rides.
• Hyde Park is an upscale district in South Tampa Bay. There are many fine shops and restaurants in the area as well as a movie theatre.
• Tampa Bay Grand Prix is an entertainment complex with two 18-hole miniature golf courses, a gameroom, and two race tracks. This was previously known as Malibu Grand Prix.
• Seminole Gaming Palace - Seminole reservation, casino, Hard Rock Cafe
• The Skatepark of Tampa Bay is a world-famous skatepark, with many professional skateboarders flocking to it in January for the Tampa Bay Am, and in March, for the Tampa Bay Pro.
• Tampa Bay Union Station is an historic train station between downtown and Ybor City .
• Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District near downtown. It is a hotspot at night (especially on the weekends due to the many nightclubs , bars , restaurants and other entertainment venues in the area). Ybor City and Tampa Bay in general were an integral part of the Florida death metal scene.
• West Tampa Bay south of Raymond James Stadium, includes many Cuban and Spanish businesses, along Columbus Drive. Columbus Drive is also known as Boliche Boulevard after a famous Cuban dish. La Teresita, La Ideal, Lincoln Restaurant, The Italian American Club, and the Letter Carriers Hall are some of the well known local gathering places in Tampa Bay. The "Brothers to the Rescue" Corner monument is in West Tampa Bay at Dale Mabry Highway and Columbus Drive.
• The Grand Prix of St. Petersburg runs in neighboring St. Petersburg.
• Channelside located next to the Tampa Bay Bay, it contains many arcades,shops,resturants and bars, and an Imax theatre
• Horse Racing at Tampa Bay Bay Downs , in Oldsmar , first opened in 1926. The Tampa Bay Bay Downs live racing season is from December to May with simulcasting year round. They also have a card room offering poker games.
• Greyhound Racing at Tampa Bay Greyhound Track , in Tampa Bay, first opened in 1933. They have live racing from June to December, with simulcasts year round. They also have a card room offering poker games.

Cinemas

• Tampa Bay Theatre is a historic movie palace that shows a wide range of independent, foreign and classic films in addition to an occasional live show. It also is the home of several film festivals that occur throughout the year.
• Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) has an IMAX dome theater
• The Fun-Lan Drive-In is the only drive-in theater left in Tampa Bay. Fun-Lan has four screens each showing first-run movies. There is also a flea market in the morning five days per week.

Live theatre

• Friday Morning Musicale The building, originally built in 1926, now serves as a community center and theatre. It is located in Hyde Park area of South Tampa Bay.
• Gorilla Theatre is an intimate venue in Drew park.
• Tampa Bay Bay Performing Arts Center is located in downtown on the Hillsborough river and hosts a variety of live shows and concerts
• Tampa Bay Theatre shows classic and art house films. It occasionally hosts live performances.
• Jobsite Theater is downtown's 8-year old regional theater company, and resident theater company of the Tampa Bay Bay Performing Arts Center

Galleries and Museums

A list of upcoming and ongoing art events in Tampa Bay can be found at the website Tampa Bay Bay and Beyond .

• African Art Gallery
• American Victory Museum
• Artists Unlimited located in the Channelside district.
• Centre gallery student art gallery at University of South Florida
• Cigar Museum And Visitor Center is in Ybor City .
• Covivant Gallery is on North Florida av. heading downtown.
• Graphicstudio is a world famous print studio located at USF .
• Henry B. Plant Museum is located at the University of Tampa Bay across the river from downtown.
• Hillsborough Community College has an art gallery at it's Dale Mabry and Ybor campuses.
• Matthers Art Gallery is located in Hyde Park near University of Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay Museum of Art .
• Museum Of Science and Industry (MOSI)
• Saunders Planetarium is part of MOSI .
• Tampa Bay Bay History Center is in downtown.
• Tampa Bay Museum of Art is in downtown on the Hillsborough river.
• Tampa Bay Police Museum is in downtown.
• Ybor City Museum State Park is near downtown Tampa Bay in Ybor City .
• Across the Bay in downtown St. Petersburg (a thirty minute drive from downtown Tampa Bay), the Salvador Dalí Museum boasts the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's art in the world.
• William and Nancy Oliver Gallery is a student gallery located at USF .

Shopping centers

• International Plaza and Bay Street , located in the Westshore business district, is home to many upscale department stores (with Nordstrom , Dillard's , Robb & Stucky Interiors and Neiman Marcus as anchors) as well as a hotel that was recently built on the premises.
• WestShore Plaza is an upper-middle class shopping center, one mile away from International Plaza and Bay Street. On the middle class end, the mall is anchored by Sears and JCPenney , and on the higher end, anchored by Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue .
• University Mall , in the northern part of the city near the University of South Florida, with Sears, Macy's, Dillard's, and Burlington Coat Factory as anchors.
• Westfield Shopping Town Brandon , A fairly large mall located in the eastern part of the city, with Sears, Dillards, Macys, and JCpennny as anchors. An upper-middle class mall.
• Citrus Westfield Shopping Town , A mid size mall located in th north western part of the city.