53 Tampa Facts: Explore This City In Florida Known For Its Museums

Tampa is situated on the West Coast of Florida on the Tampa Bay, which is close to the Gulf of Mexico.

Tampa is divided into different regions such as East Tampa, West Tampa, North Tampa, South Tampa, New Tampa, and Downtown Tampa. Some famous neighborhoods of Tampa comprise Ballast Point, Sulphur Springs, Ybor City, and more.

Tampa is a part of the Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area and has about 3.1 million inhabitants. Tampa is also the United States' 52nd most populated city.

The approximate area of this city is 175.8 sq mi (455.3 sq km). It is the second-largest city in terms of the Metropolitan Statistical Area and ranks the 4th largest in the Southern US.

Initially, Tampa was a military center which is evident from Fort Brooke. However, with the introduction of industries such as the cigar industry, commercial development took place. There are multiple religious communities coexisting together. The growth rate of Tampa annually is 1.63%. Besides,

Climate Of Tampa

From the geographical location of Tampa, it is evident that Tampa has a largely humid subtropical climate. Read more about the climate of Tampa.

The two primary types of climates that prevail in the Tampa region are hot and wet and mild and dry.

Principally, from May till October, Tampa has a hot and wet season, while from November till April, the season is mild and dry.

Tampa receives two-thirds of the annual rainfall from June till September.

The temperature ranges between 65-95 F (18.3-35 C), and it never exceeds 100 F (37.8 C).

However, the temperature may vary with the beginning of May or the hot wet season. The average temperature is 89.6 F (32 C), and the lowest temperature recorded during this season is around 70 F (21.1 C).

The period from May to October is extremely humid. Occasionally, there are thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon.

These thunderstorms are chiefly short periods of gusty winds, heavy rain, and lightning.

The dry season begins in November, when the weather is mostly mild, sunny, and dry.

The highest temperature recorded during this season is 70 F (21.1 C) and the minimum drop in the temperature is approximately 32 F (0 C).

However, frozen precipitation is highly unlikely in Tampa, and the only time Tampa received snowfall was in 1977.

Tourist Attractions In Tampa

Tampa is a very popular tourist destination. It is a perfect getaway with family, friends, or even for a solo trip. There are many toirist attractions in Tampa that you will love to explore:

Busch Gardens is an African theme adventure park that can be an exciting experience.

Museum of Science and Industry is one of the best museums in the city. It enables the tourist to explore, imagine and learn.

Florida Aquarium has a variety of aquatic animals. This aquarium also offers many aquatic activities.

Ybor City is the hub of Latino society. It was founded by Martinez Ybor and had some of the best cafes, restaurants, and more.

Adventure Island is the best to visit in the hot seasons of Tampa. It is family-friendly, and children will love this place.

Economy Of Tampa

The economy of Tampa is greatly influenced by factors such as finance, tourism, healthcare, retail, national defense, shipping, and sports.

There were approximately 740,000 workers in Hillsborough County itself, and by 2015, it had increased to 922,000.

From banks to telecommunications companies, there are various large corporations that run regional offices here.

Many prominent companies that are under Fortune 1000, such as TECO Energy, WellCare and Bloomin' Brands, have their headquarters in Tampa.

Downtown Tampa generates lots of revenue from residential development. There are hotels and numerous other projects that are undergoing growth.

The Tampa Bay Port deals with almost half of the entire seaborne commerce that is being conducted in the state.

Population And Culture Of Tampa

Initially, the population of Tampa was very less; however, after WWII, the scenario changed. Tampa has a rich culture as it has some amazing art galleries, stages, theaters and museums besides its remarkable cuisine and recreational centers.

David A. Straz Jr.'s Center for the Performing Arts is an art center that was established in 1987; it is an important institution of Tampa.

There are well-known performing art organizations and companies, too, such as Jobsite Theater, Opera Tampa, and Florida Orchestra.

This city is also contemplated as the city of many death metal bands such as Morbid Angel, Deicide, Obituary, and more.

There are plenty of museums to explore in Tampa, which represents a deep cultural insight into this city.

The population of Tampa, according to 2019, is 399,690, out of which 202,410 are females while 197,280 are males.

Did You Know

You have read a lot of things about Tampa. Read about these cool things too.

Tampa Bay area comprises Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Bay. Furthermore, it has 24 sq mi (sq km) of inland canals located in the Hillsborough County. 

The Ybor City in Downtown Tampa is considered to be haunted. It was established by cigar manufacturers and was acknowledged for its factories. Thus Ybor City is also referred to as Cigar City. Besides being noted for paranormal activities, Cigar City is considered to be a prominent historical landmark. 

The Ybor City was once called the 'Cigar Capital of the World' as there were approximately 12,000 cigar makers here.

Approximately 700 million cigars are manufactured by Ybor City each year.

Tampa is labeled as the 'Big Guava,' and some guava delicacies of Ybor City comprises pickled guava, guava paste and guava jelly. 

Tampa annexed West Tampa in 1925 that was established in 1894.

Tocobaga, an area where the natives of Tampa lived, was situated at the extreme north of Old Tampa Bay which is close to the present day Safety Harbor.

Henry B. Plant constructed a luxury resort with more than 500 rooms on the western ridge of the Hillsborough River in 1891 called the Tampa Bay Hotel. 

Babe Ruth, the famous baseball player, hit his highest home run at the Plant Field in Tampa. He even signed the contract of the Boston Red Sox at the Tampa Bay Hotel.

FAQs

Q: What are some interesting facts about Tampa, Florida?

A: Here are some interesting facts about Tampa that you would love to read:

Tampa is perhaps the only city that encounters pirates invasion every year.

Busch Gardens was inaugurated as a botanical garden and brewery in 1959.

The oldest restaurant in Florida is located in Tampa. It is the Columbia Restaurant which was established in 1905. The Columbia Restaurant is also the biggest Spanish restaurant in the surrounding.

The contemporary history of Tampa commenced with the founding establishment of Fort Brooke in 1823.

Fort Brooke was disengaged in 1883; therefore, besides the two cannons that are exhibited on the Tampa Campus, there is no evidence left.

The Tampa town population was never extensive during 1870, and with just 800 and it even deteriorated more by 1880. 

Tampa Bay area and the inshore regions of Central Florida are identified as the 'Lightning Capital of North America.'

Downtown Tampa has the longest uninterrupted sidewalk, which is 4.5 mi (7.2 km) long. 

The University of South Florida was founded in 1956. 

Q: What is Tampa well known for?

A: Tampa is well known for its food, culture, landmarks and recreational activities, besides its museums. Here are a few of the aspects that Tampa is famous for:

The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is celebrated only in Tampa every year.

Tampa is well-known for its Kennedy Boulevard.

Theme Parks of Tampa are really famous, particularly Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island, Grand Prix Tampa.

The Cuban Sandwich is considered as the 'signature sandwich' of the City of Tampa.

Q: How did Tampa get its name?

A: There is some conflict regarding the name as it perhaps refers to 'sticks of fire' in the language of an Indian tribe, Calusa. The name initially appeared in 1575 from the memoir of Hernando de Escalante Fontaneda. He labeled Tampa as 'Tanpa' in the memoir. Thus the new name is taken from the old name 'Tanpa.'

Q: What is the oldest part of Tampa?

A: Ybor City, which is situated in the northeast part of Downtown Tampa, is the oldest part of Tampa.

Q: What do you call someone from Tampa?

A: 'Tampans' is a term that is used to call someone from Tampa.

Q: What is Tampa's history?

A: Here is a brief history of Tampa:

The waterfronts of Tampa Bay were inhabited for thousands of years. The Weeden Island culture formulated around 2000 years ago.

The Europeans came in touching distance of Tampa around the beginning of the 16th century.

In 1821, United States bought Florida from Spain.

It was after 1880 that the economic condition of Tampa began to improve.

The South Florida Railroad was extended to Tampa and Tampa's port in 1883.

The population of Tampa grew after World War II, and today it is a major city.

Q: What ocean is Tampa on?

A: The city of Tampa is situated on the Gulf of Mexico.