While you may have heard that Tampa and Tampa Bay are used interchangeably, there is a little different you should know that Tampa is the largest city in the greater Tampa Bay metropolitan area, and the entire metropolitan area consists of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and the Four Surrounding Counties. Tampa grew considerably as a result of World War II. Prior to the involvement of the United States in the conflict, construction began on MacDill Field, which served as the main base for the operations of the Army Air Corps and later the Army Air Force just before and during World War II, with multiple auxiliary airfields around the area of Tampa Bay and Surrounding Counties.
At the end of the war, MacDill remained an active military installation, while auxiliary camps returned to civilian control. Two of these auxiliary fields would later become the current Tampa and St. With the establishment of a U. Air Force In 1947, MacDill Field became MacDill Air Force Base.
Average temperatures drop gradually starting in September, and average daily rainfall amounts also decline as fall progresses; November is often Tampa's driest month. However, rainfall totals in the fall can increase as tropical systems pass, which can shed several centimeters of rain. The winter in the area is generally dry and cool. Average high temperatures range from 21 to 23 °C (low to mid 70 °F) during the day and 11 to 13 °C (low to mid 50 °F) during the night.
Occasional cold fronts cross the area during the season, usually bringing a brief period of rain followed by daytime highs of 50°F (10 to 13°C) and nighttime lows of about 40°F (5°C) for a day or two. Tampa experiences occasional frost, with an average annual minimum temperature of 32.8°F (0.4°C). Tampa experiences a slow rise in average temperatures starting in mid-February, and spring brings mostly warm and sunny weather to the area. While temperatures in late spring approach summer values, the rainy season usually doesn't start until June, leading to the threat of scrub fires from approximately late March through May.
Occasionally, a cold front at the end of the season crosses the area, which could lead to a brief round of severe weather followed by a few days of cold off-season temperatures. Tampa showcases a wide variety of architectural designs and styles. Most of Tampa's skyscrapers demonstrate postmodern architecture. The design of the renovated Tampa Museum of Art showcases postmodern architecture, while the Tampa City Hall and Theater belong to Art Deco architecture.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge (198) Downtown Tampa seen from Bayshore Boulevard Spanning the south side of Tampa Bay is the massive steel Sunshine Skyway Bridge. In 2000, the city's population was dispersed, with 24.6 per cent under 18, 10.0 per cent from 18 to 24, 32.3 per cent from 25 to 44, 20.5 per cent from 45 to 64 and 12.5 per cent aged 65 and over. The mean age was 34.7 years. For every 100 women, there were 95.3 men.
For every 100 females age 18 and older, there were 92.1 males. Several large corporations, such as banks and telecommunications companies, maintain regional offices in Tampa. Florida's largest credit union, Suncoast Credit Union, is headquartered in Tampa. MacDill Air Force Base remains a major employer as a primary facility for more than 15,000 active uniformed military personnel, Department of Defense (DoD) officials and DoD contractor personnel in the Tampa Bay area.
In fact, a large majority of civil service personnel and contractors are, in fact, retired career military personnel. In addition to the 6th Air Mobility Wing, which is the host wing of the base, MacDill is also home to the Headquarters, the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), the Headquarters, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), the 927th Air Refueling Wing, the Headquarters of the Marine Forces of the United States UU. (USMARCENT), Headquarters, United States Special Operations Command Center (USSOCCENT) and many other military activities of the active and reserve components of the armed forces. Tampa is home to a variety of theatres and theater and performing arts venues, including the David A.
Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa Theater, Gorilla Theater and MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater next to the Florida State Fairgrounds. Christian rock band Underoath is headquartered in Tampa. Tampa has a diverse culinary scene, from small cafes and bakeries to bistros and farm-to-table restaurants. Tampa food has a history of Cuban, Spanish, Floric-Caribbean and Italian cuisine.
There are also many Colombian, Puerto Rican, Vietnamese restaurants and barbecues. Seafood is very popular in Tampa, and Greek cuisine is prominent in the area, including around Tarpon Springs. Food trucks are popular and the area holds the record for the world's largest food truck demonstration. In addition to Ybor, the Seminole Heights and South Tampa areas are known for their restaurants.
Several restaurant chains were founded in Tampa, including Outback Steakhouse, The Melting Pot, Front Burner Brands, Carrabba's, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Bonefish Grill, Columbia Restaurant, Checkers and Rally's, Taco Bus and PDQ. ZooTampa at Lowry Park features more than 2,000 animals, interactive exhibits, attractions, educational shows and more. Zoo Serves as Economic, Cultural, Environmental and Educational Anchor in Tampa. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a 335 acre (1.36 km) African theme park near the University of South Florida.
It has many exciting roller coasters, for which it is known, such as Sheikra, Montu, Cheetah Hunt and Kumba. Visitors can also see and interact with an array of African wildlife. Adventure Island is a 30 acre (12 ha) water park adjacent to Busch Gardens. The Florida Aquarium is a 23,000 m (250,000 square foot) aquarium located in the English Channel District.
It is home to more than 20,000 species of aquatic plants and animals. It is known for its unique glass architecture. Next to the aquarium is the SS American Victory, a Victory ship from World War II preserved as a museum ship. The Tampa Bay area has long been a site for Major League Baseball spring training facilities and for teams.
New York Yankees hold spring training in Tampa, and Low-A affiliate Tampa Tarpons plays there in summer. The Tampa Bay Vipers play in the second edition of the XFL. Its inaugural season was interrupted after five weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the Bay, in Pinellas County, Philadelphia Phillies-affiliated Clearwater Threshers and Toronto Blue Jays affiliate Dunedin Blue Jays also play in southeastern Baja.
Other nearby Low-A Southeast teams include Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate Bradenton Marauders and Detroit Tigers affiliate Lakeland Flying Tigers. The Phillies, the Blue Jays, the Pirates and the Tigers play their spring training games in the stadiums of their minor league teams. The Tarpons have won five league titles, the Flying Tigers have won four, the Threshers have won two and the Blue Jays and Marauders have each won one. The area was home to many teams from the former Florida State League that no longer exist, including the Tampa Smokers, St.
Petersburg Saints and the original Tampa Tarpons. Tampa Bay Titans play in The Basketball League (TBL). Their home games are played at Pasco-Hernando State College. The Tampa Police Department has more than 1000 sworn officers and many civil service support staff under a police chief elected by the mayor and approved by the city council.
There are several higher education institutions in Tampa. Major television stations include WFTS 28 (ABC), WTSP 10 (CBS), WFLA-TV 8 (NBC), WTVT 13 (Fox), WTOG 44 (The CW), WTTA 38 (MyNetworkTV), WEDU and WEDQ 3 (PBS), WMOR-TV 32 (Independent), WXPX 66 (ION), WCLF 22 (CTN), WCLF 22 (CTN), WTW FTT 26 (UniN) iMás) and WEVA 50 (Univision). Tampa has several highways that serve the city. There are two toll roads that carry traffic in and out of Tampa.
The Lee Roy Selmon Highway (SR 61) runs from the suburbs of Brandon in its east terminal, through downtown Tampa, to the neighborhoods of South Tampa (near MacDill Air Force Base) in its western terminal. Meanwhile, Veterans Expressway (SR 58) connects Tampa International Airport and the Bay Bridges to the northwest suburbs of Carrollwood, Northdale, Westchase, Citrus Park, Cheval and Lutz, before continuing north as Suncoast Parkway to Pasco and Hernando Counties. Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) Develops Bus, Light Rail and Other Transportation Options for the Tampa Bay Area. Our editors will review what you submitted and determine if they should review the article.
The Port of Tampa is the State's Largest Deepwater Port. Phosphates (an early economic factor) and citrus fruits account for much of the port's exports, while imports include oil, coal and steel. In addition to the port, the international airport and the rail and highway network make Tampa the regional center of trade and distribution. The city's economy is well-diversified; other important factors include insurance and financial services, manufacturing (especially medical products, fertilizers, electronics, and clothing), high-tech industries, and tourism.
MacDill Air Force Base, on a peninsula at the southernmost tip of the city, is another important part of the economy. Agriculture in the region includes strawberries, tomatoes, ornamentals, citrus fruits, beef, poultry, and dairy products. The Tampa Bay area is a popular place for retirees. The team was named Tampa Bay Buccaneers, becoming one of the few NFL teams named after a region, rather than a city.
Locals date the nickname's attachment to the region back to 1974, when business leaders began using the name in the hope that the supply of a larger market than just Tampa or St. Since the Tampa area is home to a wide range of frost-sensitive agriculture and aquaculture, severe frosts, although quite rare, are a major concern. Tampa Bay has several powerful research centers that are dedicated both to pure scientific research and to the aggressive pursuit of technology transfer to enrich people's lives. Petersburg, the University of Tampa, Florida College in Temple Terrace and Trinity College in New Port Richey are four-year institutions located in the area.
Since Tampa was still a small city at the time (population less than 5,000), Ybor built hundreds of small houses around its factory to accommodate the immediate influx of tobacco workers, mainly Cubans and Spaniards. Originally the Pittsburgh Gladiators and a founding member of the Arena Football League (AFL), the Tampa Bay Storm moved from Pittsburgh in 1991 and won ArenaBowl V that year. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL and the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL call Tampa home, while the Tampa Bay Rays of the MLB play across the bay in St. During the first decades of the 20th century, the cigar-making industry was the backbone of Tampa's economy.
The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) was formed to develop bus, express transit and other transportation options for the region. Tampa's library system began in the early 20th century, with the West Tampa Library, made possible by funds donated by Andrew Carnegie. The Rowdies were immediately successful, attracting good crowds and winning Soccer Bowl '75 in their first season to bring their first professional sports championship to Tampa. Tampa is also home to two professional sports teams, the National Football League, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Lightning National Hockey League.
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