Tampa Bay Area

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Tampa Bay Area
Metropolitan area
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area
Skyline of Tampa, the largest city in the Tampa Bay Area
Skyline of Tampa, the largest city in the Tampa Bay Area
Flag of Tampa Bay Area
Flag
Official seal of Tampa Bay Area
Seal
Nickname(s): 
The Bay Area
Motto(s): 
"In God We Trust"
Coordinates: 27°57′N 82°27′W / 27.950°N 82.450°W / 27.950; -82.450
Fatal error: The format of the coordinate could not be determined. Parsing failed.


[1]
CountryUnited States
StateFlorida
CountiesHillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando
Founded1824
Incorporated (Tampa)1855
Incorporated (St. Petersburg)1892
Incorporated (Clearwater)1897
Founded byVincente Martinez Ybor, Peter Demens, Frank Hibbard
Government
 • TypeMayor–council government
 • BodyTampa City Council, St. Petersburg City Council, Clearwater City Council
 • Mayor of TampaJane Castor
 • Mayor of St. PetersburgRick Kriseman
 • Mayor of ClearwaterFrank Hibbard
Area
 • Metropolitan area2,554.6 sq mi (6,616 km2)
 • Land1,032.2 sq mi (2,673 km2)
 • Water1,522.4 sq mi (3,943 km2)  59.6%
Elevation
48 ft (15 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Metropolitan area3,194,831
 • Density3,096.2/sq mi (1,195.4/km2)
 • Urban
2,975,225
 • Urban density2,886.4/sq mi (1,114.4/km2)
 • Metro
3,194,831
 • Metro density3,096.2/sq mi (1,195.4/km2)
 • Demonym
Tampa Bayan
Time zoneUTC-5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes
33601-33626, 33629-33631, 33633-33635, 33637, 33647, 33650-33651, 33655, 33660-33664, 33672-33675, 33677, 33679-33682, 33684-33689, 33694, 33701-33716, 33729-33734, 33736-33737, 33740, 33742-33743, 33747, 33755-33764, 33765-33769, 33770-33777, 33778-33782, 33785, 33786, 34677, 34683-34688, 34689, 34695, 34697-34698
Area codes813, 727, 941
Websitetampabay.org


The Tampa Bay Area, officially known as the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area, is a metropolitan area located on the west coast of Florida, United States. It encompasses several counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando. The area is named after Tampa Bay, a large natural harbor and estuary along the Gulf of Mexico.

History[edit | edit source]

The Tampa Bay Area has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1824. The city of Tampa was incorporated in 1855, followed by St. Petersburg in 1892 and Clearwater in 1897. The area experienced significant growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fueled by industries such as cigar manufacturing, shipping, and tourism.

Geography[edit | edit source]

The Tampa Bay Area covers a total area of 2,554.6 square miles, with 1,032.2 square miles of land and 1,522.4 square miles of water. It is located on the central west coast of Florida, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west. The area is known for its diverse geography, including coastal plains, wetlands, and barrier islands.

Cities and Communities[edit | edit source]

The Tampa Bay Area is home to several cities and communities, including:

  • Tampa - The largest city in the Tampa Bay Area and the economic center of the region. It is known for its vibrant downtown, cultural attractions, and professional sports teams.
  • St. Petersburg - Located on the Pinellas Peninsula, St. Petersburg is known for its beautiful beaches, arts scene, and waterfront parks.
  • Clearwater - Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater is famous for its white sandy beaches and tourist attractions, including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Other notable communities in the Tampa Bay Area include Brandon, Largo, Palm Harbor, and New Port Richey.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The Tampa Bay Area has a diverse and robust economy. Key industries include healthcare, finance, tourism, technology, and defense. The region is home to several major corporations, including Publix, Raymond James Financial, and Tech Data. The Port of Tampa is one of the largest seaports in the state, facilitating international trade and commerce.

Culture and Attractions[edit | edit source]

The Tampa Bay Area offers a wide range of cultural and recreational attractions. Some notable highlights include:

  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - A popular theme park featuring thrilling rides, live entertainment, and a variety of animal exhibits.
  • The Dali Museum - Located in St. Petersburg, this museum houses the largest collection of Salvador Dali's artwork outside of Europe.
  • Tampa Bay History Center - A museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the Tampa Bay region.
  • Clearwater Beach - Voted one of the best beaches in the United States, Clearwater Beach offers pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Education[edit | edit source]

The Tampa Bay Area is home to several universities and colleges, including the University of South Florida, University of Tampa, and St. Petersburg College. These institutions offer a wide range of academic programs and contribute to the region's intellectual and cultural vibrancy.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

The Tampa Bay Area is served by several major highways, including Interstate 75, Interstate 275, and Interstate 4, which connect the region to other parts of Florida. The area is also served by Tampa International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the state.

Sports[edit | edit source]

Sports play a significant role in the Tampa Bay Area's culture. The region is home to several professional sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), and Tampa Bay Rays (MLB). The area also hosts various sporting events, such as the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival and the Valspar Championship golf tournament.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2021-02-15.

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://wikimd.com/w/index.php?title=Tampa_Bay_Area&oldid=5107998"

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD