Local Information for the City of Tampa
Located within Hillsborough County and along Florida’s West Coast, the city of Tampa is a major location in this state. With an estimated population of 377,165, Tampa is currently the largest city in the Tampa Bay Area, according to the 2016 Census. As the home to a variety of landmarks and attractions, Tampa attracts people from around the country every year. Take some time to read some noteworthy facts about this popular coastal location.
History of Tampa
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Historians typically dispute the origins of Tampa’s name, but many believe that the name meant “sticks of fire” in language of the Calusa, a tribe that lived south of the area where Tampa stands today. In 1824, the U.S. Army established Fort Brooke in the location where the Tampa Convention Center stands today. Tampa’s first civilians settled near the fort to protect themselves from the local Seminole tribe.
By the time the American Civil War began, the area around the fort had become a decently popular shipping port. In 1849, the community surrounding the fort was incorporated into Fort Brooke, and the entire area was named Tampa Town. When 1855 rolled around, the name was shortened to Tampa, which is what we know it as today.
General Tampa Information
Source: Wikimedia Commons
From 2012-2016, the median income for a typical Tampa household was estimated to be $45,874, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This city is home to a number of historic Florida landmarks, including the Tampa Theatre in the Uptown District. Tampa is perhaps most well-known for hosting the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, during which a staged pirate invasion takes place.
In regards to transportation, you can use Interstates 4, 275 and 75 to get in and out of the city. The historic Tampa Union Station has a rail service that you can use to travel around as well. If you want to fly out of Tampa you can use the Tampa International Airport, the Peter O. Knight Airport, or the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport.
Details About Tampa Schools
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Tampa’s schools are operated by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, which is the eighth largest school district in the country. As of autumn 2014, this district has served 207,469 students across 250 unique schools. According to the district’s official website, the Hillsborough County Public Schools was ranked as one of the country’s highest performing school districts in 2018.
In regards to higher education, some of the most notable schools in Tampa include the University of Tampa and the University of South Florida.
Notable Attractions & Sports Teams
Source: Yelp
Florida’s Tampa Bay is home to a number of well-known attractions that attract visitors from around the country. One of the most well-known locations is the Busch Gardens, an amusement park with a wide assortment of rides. You can also visit the Florida Aquarium, where you can watch marine life, go on a dolphin cruise, and swim with the animals. If you like shopping for antiques, you can visit Ybor City, which is home to a number of restaurants and stores. If you’re looking for fun, interactive exhibits, check out any of the amazing museums Tampa has to offer.”
Tampa is also known for hosting three different professional sports team. These teams include the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team, the Buccaneers football team, the Lightning team for hockey. The official stadiums for these teams are the Tropicana Field, the Raymond James Stadium, and the Amalie Arena, respectively. The Tampa Bay Area is also home to the Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer team, and it plays at the Al Lang Stadium.
Thanks to these attractions, Tampa is a popular destination for people on spring break.
