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Live in Tampa 

“Tampa offers the best of Florida in one destination, and visitors of all ages get the chance to explore a growing city. When you arrive in Tampa, you’ll see and feel things differently. The way the light shines and the sensation of the bay breeze create an experience like no other. It’s a vibrant area with as much to do as there is to see, and we encourage everyone to come see firsthand what all of the excitement is about.”

—Kelly Miller

President/CEO

Tampa Bay & Company

“Tampa has numerous tight-knit communities and gorgeous parks that help make this a terrific area to raise kids. We have an award-winning school district and many youth sports programs. Whether you’re looking for an urban atmosphere or a master-planned community, we have a variety of options that fit any type of family.”

—Ken Hagan

Chairman

Hillsborough County Commission

“I love the great culture found in Tampa. From fine arts at the Straz Performing Arts Center to the nightlife in Ybor City, there’s a multitude of choices for residents. In the next five years, the economy will continue to grow and attract world-class talent, with life sciences and information technology–based businesses leading the way. The Tampa area will be a competitive economic environment and an even more desirable place to live and work.”

—Ron Barton

Economic Development Director

Hillsborough County

Facts of Life in Tampa

• The Tampa Bay area, an eight-county region on Florida’s West Coast, has a population of 4.2 million.

• Tampa is the largest city in Hillsborough County. It is also Florida’s third most populous city, following Jacksonville and Miami. 

• With nearly 200,000 students, the Hillsborough County Public School District is the eighth largest in the nation.

• The Tampa Bay region holds the U.S. record for the most consecutive days (768) of sunshine.

• More than 25 institutes of higher education are located in Hillsborough County.

• The median age of residents in the Tampa Bay region is 41.9 years old.

• The average summer high in Tampa is 90.1 degrees, and the average winter high is 71.5  degrees.

• In September 2011, Bloomberg Businessweek named Tampa one of “America’s 50 Best Cities” based on factors including school performance, green space, and cultural amenities.

Work in Tampa 

“Ybor City continues to be a popular place to do business, especially among creative industries. Business owners are attracted to the unique architecture, walkability, and sense of community. Many employees of Ybor City companies like the environment so much that they become residents!”

—Vince J. Pardo

Manager, Ybor City Development Corporation

City of Tampa

“The Tampa Bay area’s unique attributes, such as low corporate taxes, a top-ranked research university, and a world-renowned international airport, have allowed businesses to flourish here. Tampa Bay is an ideal location for businesses seeking a competitive advantage. Here you’ll find easy access to world-class ideas and infrastructure. It’s a region with diverse communities that is visited by millions each year. Our talent pool here is as deep as our Gulf waters.”

—Stuart Rogel

President & CEO

Tampa Bay Partnership

“Tampa defies the stereotypes of our state by offering a competitive business climate, a young, educated, and diverse population, and a rich history that provides a unique backdrop to modern progress. As the city is home to MacDill Air Force Base, we’re one of the top locations in the country for the defense and security industry. We’re also a magnet for medical technology, and our skilled workforce and low-cost business environment have long attracted financial service and advanced manufacturing companies. This is a dynamic community with incredible potential and the will to make things happen. There’s no doubt in my mind that big opportunities are on the horizon.”

—Rick Homans

President and CEO

Tampa Hillsborough Economic
Development Corporation

“Tampa Convention Center is one of only a few true waterfront facilities, meaning we actually sit on the water. The city gives visitors the feel of meeting in a resort destination, and due to the wealth of entertainment options in the area, many combine their convention business with a family vacation. The tropical weather and location make it a prime spot to work and play. The Republican National Convention coming to Tampa will show the rest of the world what we already know: Tampa is a treasure like no other American city.”

—Eric Blanc

Director of Sales and Marketing

Tampa Convention Center

Facts of Work in Tampa

• Tampa’s largest employer is the Hillsborough County School District. 

• The Tampa Bay region is home to four Fortune 500 companies: Jabil Circuit, Publix Super Markets, Tech Data, and WellCare Health Plans.

• In April 2012, Tampa was named among the top five cities in the country for business by investment analysis publication 24/7 Wall Street.

• The Republican National Convention will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum August 27 to 30 and is estimated to attract some 50,000 visitors.

• In December 2011, business and financial planning website Kiplinger.com included Tampa on its list of the “10 Great Cities for Starting a Business.”

• The tourism industry in Tampa represented more than 51,000 jobs and provided $1.4 billion in wages in 2011. 

• Bloomberg Businessweek ranked Tampa No. 8 on its August 2011 list of “Cities with the Biggest Growth in Tech Jobs.” 

• MacDill Air Force Base contributes nearly $5 billion annually to the regional economy.

• In September 2011, Forbes ranked Tampa No. 6 on its list of cities where women in business are thriving.

• With more than 44,000 students, the University of South Florida is the eighth largest university in the country. The school was ranked 50th in the country for research expenditures by the National Science Foundation for fiscal year 2010, and its Center for Entrepreneurship was ranked among the top 20 entrepreneurial graduate programs in the country for 2011 by The Princeton Review. 

• Port of Tampa, a major cruise port and also a shipbuilding and repair center, has an $8 billion annual economic impact on the area and employs about 100,000 people.

Play in Tampa 

“Tampa appeals to many types of people because of the wide variety of things to do. We’ve got professional and college sports, including the Yankees spring training, and golf courses galore. Foodies will also appreciate their options here, since we have everything from food trucks to fine dining. And you can always take in a show at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. We’ve really got it all here in Tampa!”

—Kevin McGeever

Senior Editor

VISIT FLORIDA

“Tampa is an international destination, with a hometown feel and the hospitality to match. The city is undergoing a renaissance, and what it has to offer visitors is truly unmatched. From arts to culture to professional sports, there are endless ways to enjoy the destination. Whether it’s the $15 million expansion at The Florida Aquarium or the $40 million renovation to the Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa strives to constantly improve and become a better place for visitors. This is Tampa’s time to shine.”

—Kelly Miller

President/CEO

Tampa Bay & Company

“People would probably be surprised to know that Busch Gardens started as an Anheuser-Busch brewery tour in 1959 and has grown to be one of the best theme parks in the country. We have a tradition of quality that stems from the fact that we were the first major theme park in Florida. To know that friends and families come here to create their special memories is both a thrill and an obligation for all of us.”

—Jim Dean

President

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island

“The sports scene in Tampa Bay gets better every day. In the last year, we’ve undergone more than $120 million in new athletic facility construction and renovations. Our franchise owners operate with the best interest of the fans. When that’s your top priority, you’re fostering an environment for growth.”

—Rob Higgins

Executive Director

Tampa Bay Sports Commission

“The beaches and breezes in Tampa can’t be beat, and the weather means you can indulge in outdoor sports all year. People traveling through Tampa International Airport will see new amenities, such as the five new restaurants we recently opened. We’re all about making sure travelers have the best experience possible when they’re using our airport.”

—Joe Lopano

CEO

Tampa International Airport

Facts of Play in Tampa

• Tampa has hosted four Super Bowls. Only Los Angeles, Miami, and New Orleans have hosted more.

• In February 2012, two of Cigar City Brewing’s creations made CNBC’s list of “The World’s 15 Best Beers.”

• In November 2011, Tampa International Airport was ranked sixth among the 10 most-loved airports in the world by travel website CNNGo.com.

• Gasparilla Pirate Fest, the city’s annual pirate-themed celebration that happens each January, attracts some 500,000 attendees per year.

• At 4.5 consecutive miles, Bayshore Boulevard is the world’s longest continuous sidewalk and is frequented by joggers, walkers, skaters, and cyclists.

• In November 2011, online urban living publication The Atlantic Cities named Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park one of the country’s best new parks.

Happening in Tampa 

October 5–30

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo Boo,
at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo 

www.lowryparkzoo.com

November 30–December 23 

Busch Gardens Christmas Town,
at Busch Gardens 

buschgardenstampabay.com

December 1– 23

Victorian Christmas Stroll,
at Henry B. Plant Museum
plantmuseum.com

January 1, 2013

Outback Bowl,
at Raymond James Stadium
outbackbowl.com

January 17–26

Tampa Bay Black Heritage
Festival, at various locations throughout Tampa

tampablackheritage.org

January 19  
Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza, along Bayshore Boulevard
gasparillaextravaganza.com

January 26

Gasparilla Pirate Fest,

in downtown Tampa

gasparillapiratefest.com

February 7–18   

Florida State Fair,
at the Florida State
Fairgrounds in Tampa
floridastatefair.com

February 9   

Knights of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade, in Ybor City
knightparade.com

February 23–24   

Gasparilla Distance Classic,
in downtown Tampa
tampabayrun.com

February 28–March 10
Florida Strawberry Festival,
in Plant City
flstrawberryfestival.com

March & April (Dates TBD)

New York Yankees Spring Training,
at Steinbrenner Field

yankees.com

March 2–3

Gasparilla Festival of the Arts,
at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park 

gasparillaarts.com

March 9   

Gasparilla Music Festival,
at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
and Kiley Gardens
gasparillamusicfestival.com

April (Dates TBD)

Tampa Bay Pro AM,
at TPC Tampa Bay 

tampabayproam.com