Tampa

by The Linguist

 

Tampa, Florida

Tampa is a major city located on the Gulf Coast of Florida in Hillsborough County. As of 2022, Tampa had an estimated population of 398,213, making it the 52nd most populous city in the United States.

History

The Tampa Bay area has been home to indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, with the first permanent European settlement established in 1824. Tampa saw growth in the late 19th century as a port city and railroad center. It officially incorporated as a town in 1855 and became a city in 1887. Major economic drivers in Tampa’s history include fishing, agriculture, shipping, defense, tourism, technology and finance. For more on the history of Tampa, visit the Wikipedia page.

Geography and Climate

Tampa is located on Tampa Bay which opens out into the Gulf of Mexico. It has a humid subtropical climate, with warm weather year-round. Summers are hot and humid with highs in the 90s Fahrenheit and lows in the 70s. Winters are mild and dry with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s.

Demographics

According to the US Census Bureau, the racial makeup of Tampa is:

  • White: 62.9%
  • Black or African American: 26.2%
  • Asian: 3.4%
  • Two or more races: 3.0%
  • Other race: 2.7%
  • Native American: 0.4%
  • Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.1%

Hispanic or Latino of any race were 28.9% of the population. The median household income was $51,582 with 19.7% of the population living below the poverty line.

Economy

Major industries and employers in Tampa include finance, retail, healthcare, construction, technology, insurance, tourism and the arts. The largest companies headquartered in Tampa include financial services company Raymond James, hospitality provider Bloomin’ Brands, and wellness company WellCare Health Plans.

The University of Tampa, University of South Florida and other colleges and universities also contribute significantly to the local economy. The Port of Tampa is one of the busiest ports in Florida, handling both cargo and cruise ships. Major events like the Florida State Fair and Gasparilla Pirate Festival bring in significant tourism revenue as well.

For more information on Tampa’s economy, visit the City of Tampa’s economic development website.

Government

Tampa is governed by a strong mayor form of government. The current mayor is Jane Castor, who took office on May 1, 2019. Contact information for Tampa’s City Hall:

City of Tampa City Hall
306 E Jackson St #220
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 274-8121

Tampa is located within Hillsborough County. Visit the Hillsborough County website for more county resources and information.

Education

Public schools in Tampa are operated by Hillsborough County Public Schools, the eighth largest school district in the United States. The district serves over 220,000 students in more than 275 schools. There are also a number of private and charter schools in the area.

Major colleges and universities in Tampa include:

Transportation

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a major airport located 6 miles west of downtown Tampa, handling over 22 million passengers annually. It offers domestic and international flights from airlines including Southwest, Delta, American Airlines and JetBlue.

Public transportation is provided by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART), including local and express bus routes, streetcars and door-to-door services. Major highways and interstates serving Tampa include I-4, I-75, I-275 and I-275.

Culture and Attractions

As a large city with a vibrant arts scene, Tampa has many cultural institutions and attractions to offer visitors and residents. Popular destinations include:

Landmarks

Here are some of Tampa’s most iconic landmarks:

Tampa Theatre

711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

Historic movie palace in downtown Tampa, open since 1926.

Henry B. Plant Museum

401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

Housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, built in 1891.

Ybor City

Historic Latin district known for hand rolled cigars, nightlife and entertainment.

Local Resources

Here are some additional local resources for Tampa residents and visitors: