Tampa Bay Area

Tampa Bay Area

General Information
Name	Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	Metropolitan area
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	27°57 N°82
Map
Population
Total	3,194,831
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type	Mayor–council government
Leader	Jane Castor
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

External links

• Official website