Community Overview

ABOUT TAMPA BAY:

 

Tampa Bay, positioned along the west coast of Florida forms the coastlines of Hillsborough, Manatee and Pinellas counties, three of the major areas that typically identify this unique location. In addition, Pasco, Hernando, Polk and Sarasota Counties are also usually included when defining the Tampa Bay region. The population of our area has grown more than 14 percent in the past seven years and is projected to grow an additional 9 percent over the next 3 years. Dubbed the “Wall Street of the South,” Tampa Bay has a large concentration of financial institutions and continues to grow in technology, information and science-related industries.

Tampa Bay is also a hub for technical and higher education. The University of South Floridais the third-largest University in the southeast and the ninth-largest nationally, located right across from Tampa’s own Museum of Science and Industry. For families with children in kindergarten through high school, the public schools of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties equaled or exceeded the state’s average in scores on FCAT tests, school district monies spent per student and senior graduation rates. In addition, there are over 39 private schools in our region alone.

Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest open-water sanctuary, connecting to the stunning, warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Beautiful water means beautiful beaches in Tampa Bay, boasting some of Florida’s most acclaimed waterfront properties including St. Petersburg’s Fort De soto. This beach was named Trip Advisor’s #1 beach in America for the second year in a row. Pinellas County alone offers 3 immaculate state parks including Fort De Soto, Sand Key and Howard Park, as well as seven distinctive beach accesses including Indian Rocks, Indian Shores, Redington Shores, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach as well as the world-renown Clearwater Beaches.

Beaches and State Parks

Tampa Bay is also becoming one of the fastest growing sports cities in the United States. The Major League Baseball 2008 American League Champions, the Tampa Bay Rays, as well as the spring training facilities for the 2008 World Champions, Philadelphia Phillies, are a mere 40 minutes from one another. Raymond James Stadium, home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the University of South Florida Bulls, is conveniently located in the heart of Tampa. The New York Yankees spring training facility is right across the street. Just 20 minutes away, you’ll find St. Pete Times Forum, one of the most prolific entertainment venues in the state of Florida, where die-hard hockey fans cheer on the Tampa Bay Lightning. On the Pinellas side, Clearwater beach was chosen as the host city for the World Championship 70.3 Ironman competition, one of the world’s most prestigious and celebrated athletic events.

What residents also appreciate is one of the shortest commute times in the United States. Most residents enjoy drive times of under 30 minutes from work to home. Major thoroughfares such as I-275, Veterans Expressway and the Leroy Selmon Crosstown Expressway, as well as an easy-to-travel network of bridges including the Sunshine Skyway Bridge for southbound traffic to the Sarasota area and I-75, as well as the Gandy Bridge, Howard Franklin Bridge and Courtney Campbell, connecting north and south Tampa Bay, help ensure traffic is flowing. The city has undertaken massive initiatives in both Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties in regards to roadways and interstates to help support our growing metropolises. Locals also enjoy one of the best navigationally-designed airports in the United States, the Tampa International Airport, as well as the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. The Port of Tampa is Florida’s largest and most diverse seaport used for both entertainment and cruise lines as well as cargo fulfillment and ship repair, located in Tampa’s fun and lively Channelside district.

From big-name theme parks like Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, to historical destinations like Ybor City to arts and entertainment such as The Tampa Museum of Art, Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, there is a plethora of activities and attractions in the Tampa Bay area. The world-acclaimed International Plaza and Bay Street offers the most discerning of shoppers a beautiful setting of fine restaurants, unique night clubs and high-end name brands, all conveniently located off I-275. We also have our very own IKEA. Want to see Florida’s beautiful wildlife? The Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, Cypress Gardens and Clearwater Marine Aquarium featuring Winter, the famous prosthetic tail dolphin, are great family outings full of fun and adventure. And, if you want to leave town, Orlando’s signature theme parks are a comfortable hour and half drive away. Sarasota's boutique mecca and pristine beachfront of St. Armands Circle, along with the Ringling Museum of Art, are just 45 minutes away. You’ll never run out of fun attractions and weekend destinations in Tampa Bay.