Tampa Bay Guestbook 2020-2021

Tampa Bay

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WELCOME TO TAMPA BAY

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CONTENTS 8

FIRST LOOK Our insider’s guide to the Bay area’s top destinations.

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COLORFUL CONNECTIONS When the sun sets on Tampa Bay, that’s when the city shows its true colors.

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THE PRIDE OF TAMPA BAY: LA SEGUNDA One of the city’s best-known brands is also one of its most beloved.

BY AMY DREW THOMPSON

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A DAY IN DUNEDIN Explore this laid-back town by foot or on two wheels.

BY BARRY GLENN

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BREATHING ROOM Get wet, get wild or go for a walk in Tampa Bay’s great outdoors.

BY AMY DREW THOMPSON

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GET IN THE SPIRIT The venues for Tampa Bay’s sports teams offer a world-class fan experience.

BY SUSAN B. BARNES

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ALL ABOUT TOWN: TAMPA

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Finding your way around the Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater area is a cinch.

Get the lay of the land and learn about the area’s top cities and districts.

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ALL ABOUT TOWN: PINELLAS COUNTY Take a closer look at the essentials of northern and southern Pinellas County.

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PARTING SHOT Serenity abounds in and around Tampa Bay. You just need to know where to look.

ALL ABOUT TOWN: GULF BEACHES Discover Tampa Bay’s award-winning pristine beaches—the perfect playground for single travelers and families.

TAMPA BAY MAP

ON THE COVER: Manatee Morning in nearby 3 Sisters Spring, Crystal River, Florida. ©JEFF STAMER/SHUTTERSTOCK

(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) ©ISAAC ARJONILLA ; COURTESY LA SEGUNDA BAKERY, BRIAN ADAMS, PHOTOGRAPHER; COURTESY ZOOTAMPA AT LOWRY PARK

PHOTOGRAPY BY ISAAC ARJONILLA

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VISIT ST. PETE’S FIRST AND LARGEST ART MUSEUM TODAY. FOR INFORMATION ON EXHIBITIONS, ADVANCE TICKETS, AND SAFETY GUIDELINES, VISIT MFASTPETE.ORG.

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TAMPA BAY G UE S T B O OK

®

ADVERTISING PUBLISHER

Kristin Merrick Suzanne Brandt

SALES MANAGER

EDITORIAL & DESIGN EDITOR Brooke

Fehr Rushbrook ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Kyisha Gandy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan B. Barnes, Barry Glenn, Amy Drew Thompson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Isaac Arjonilla ART DIRECTOR Olivia

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Delivering to your door.

Wherever that door is.

Get Publix brought to you. publix.com/shop

Prices vary from in-store. Fees, tips & taxes may apply. Subject to terms & availability.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Amy Drew Thompson The Pride of Tampa Bay: La Segunda Bakery, page 20 Breathing Room, page 26

Barry Glenn

A Day in Dunedin, page 22

Susan Barnes

Get in the Spirit, page 32 Susan is a Tampa-based travel

Barry Glenn has been editor of

writer, editor and photographer. A

Orlando magazine for nine years

proud Army brat, she was born on

and a Florida resident for more

a military base in Belgium and has

Freelance journalist and travel

than four decades. He escapes to

been on the go ever since. She’s as

writer Amy Drew Thompson

the west coast as often as possible,

comfortable swimming with whale

moved to Clearwater Beach in the

whether to bike the Pinellas

sharks, zipping through the tree-

1990s and has been in love with

Trail, take in a Tampa Bay Rays

tops and climbing ice waterfalls as

the Sunshine State ever since.

game, kayak to Shell Key, walk the

she is cheering on the Tampa Bay

She takes great pride and pleasure

beaches of Honeymoon Island,

Lightning and relaxing on the local

in touting the joys of life in the

or enjoy the multitude of superb

beaches. As a travelin’ girl, Susan’s

subtropics, whether she’s

restaurants in the Tampa-St.

passport’s in hand, ready for her

writing about the Tampa Bay

Petersburg area.

next adventure.

area or beyond.

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DAV I D O F F O F G E N E VA S I N C E 1 9 1 1 - TA M PA We have one purpose: to be the destination of choice for those who wish to explore, discover and enjoy the best premium cigars and spirits.

With unparalleled expertise, we are on hand to guide you through our unique collection of the finest cigars, accessories and carefully curated pieces. We invite you to fill your time beautifully with Davidoff of Geneva since 1911 Tampa.

C I G A R B A R A N D LO U N G E

MetWest International | 4142 W. Boy Scout Boulevard | Tampa, FL 33607 | 813.513.7560 DavidoffTampa.com

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From the hottest shopping destinations to magnificent museums and engaging animal attractions, Tampa Bay will capture your fancy in more ways than one.

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COURTESY VISITSTPETECLEARWATER.COM

FIRST LOOK

St. Pete Pier District

The new St. Pete Pier, destined to become an icon, debuted in 2020 to the delight of locals and guests alike.

Covering 26 acres of Tampa Bay waterfront, the St. Pete Pier District includes the Tampa Bay Discovery Center as well as the St. Petersburg Museum of History, and boasts waterfront dining, a marketplace, family-friendly interactive play areas, a fishing deck and public art. And of course, in addition to all of this, it’s the perfect place to catch a famous St. Pete sunset. www.stpetepier.org

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FIRST LOOK

Dedicated to one of the world’s most celebrated artists, St. Pete’s Dalí Museum houses the largest collection of Dalí’s work outside of Europe. The “Dreams of Dalí” virtual reality experience lets you immerse yourself in the master’s works like never before. Among the more than 2,400 mind-bending works of art housed inside the 20,000-square-foot space is “Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea which at Twenty Meters Becomes the Portrait of Abraham Lincoln—Homage to Rothko”— try it, you’ll be amazed. One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, 727.823.3767. www.thedali.org

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Visit the real-life stars who gave a face to the sea-life rescue documented in the popular “Dolphin Tale” movies.

Winter beat the odds when rescued from a lagoon near Cape Canaveral after being entangled in a crab trap line; her tail could not be saved and she now swims with a prosthetic. Hope was rescued near the same spot five years later, severely dehydrated after trying to nurse from her deceased mother. These amazing, resilient mammals and others like them thrive at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The rescue has also rehabilitated countless other creatures, including sea turtles. 249 Winward Passage, Clearwater, 727.441.1790. www.seewinter.com

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(THIS PAGE BOTH PHTOS) ©ISAAC ARJONILLA; (OPPOSITE PAGE:) COURTESY VISITSTPETECLEARWATER.COM

The Dalí Museum

©VISITSTPETECLEARWATER.COM (2)

Busch Gardens

One of the largest zoos in the country, Busch Gardens is home to thousands of animals living in state-of-the-art habitats. Visitors can see giraffes up close at the Serengeti Safari and or experience penguins up close at the Penguin Insider Tour.

Thrill-seekers are in for a treat with Tigris, Florida’s tallest launch roller coaster.

And we look forward to experiencing the brand new Iron Gwazi in spring 2021.

10165 N. Malcolm McKinley Drive, Tampa, 813.884.4386 WHERET RAV EL ER ® G UEST B OOK

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FIRST LOOK

Founded by Margaret Acheson as the first art museum in St. Petersburg, MFA St. Pete opened its doors in 1965, and offers a world-class permanent collection, with works

by Monet, Morisot, Rodin, O’Keeffe, Willem de Kooning and other art masters. It also exhibits Greek and Roman, Egyptian, Asian, African, pre-Columbian and Native American art. 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, 727.896.2667. www.mfastpete.org

International Plaza

Explore luxury by the shores of Tampa Bay at this twolevel, destination shopping center. You’ll find more than 200 stores and 25 restaurants at this retail powerhouse: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Nordstrom, Bar Louie and The Capital Grille are among the chic choices. It’s anchored by the Renaissance Hotel, a convenient stay for those hitting the shopping pavement. 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa Bay, 813.342.3790. www.shopinternationalplaza.com

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: COURTESY VISITSTPETECLEARWATER.COM; ©ISAAC ARJONILLA; COURTESY OF VISITTAMPABAY.COM

Museum of Fine Arts

Florida Aquarium

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From sharks to alligators, the aquarium on the bay is filled with fascinating creatures, exhibits and activities. Be sure to visit Moon Bay, an interactive exhibition where guests can touch non-stinging moon jellies. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, 813.273.4000. www.flaquarium.org

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COLORFUL CONNECTIONS When the sun sets on Tampa Bay, the waterfront bursts into color, transforming the area’s bridges into jewel-toned works of art.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISAAC ARJONILLA

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THE “LIGHTS ON TAMPA: AGUA LUCES” INITIATIVE HAS TURNED CITY BRIDGES INTO PUBLIC ART, CREATED BY ARTIST TRACEY DEAR USING LOW-ENERGY LED LIGHTING. (THIS PAGE, FROM TOP) PLATT STREET AND BROREIN STREET BRIDGES. (OPPOSITE) THE RIVERWALK, AN EXCELLENT VANTAGE POINT FOR BRIDGE VIEWING.

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ILLUMINATED NIGHTLY, THE BRIDGES CHANGE COLOR EVERY 30 SECONDS. (ABOVE) EXPRESSWAY AUTHORITY OVERPASS. (OPPOSITE) KENNEDY BOULEVARD BRIDGE SEEN FROM THE RIVERWALK.

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THE PRIDE OF TAMPA BAY: LA SEGUNDA BAKERY One of the city’s best-known brands is also one of its most beloved.

BY AMY DREW THOMPSON

Real estate development is nothing new in Florida. Case in point: Ybor City, founded in the 1880s in the core of a thenlargely lawless, burgeoning town known as Tampa. Vicente Martinez-Ybor built it. And boy, did they ever come.

They came to work in the cigar factories, Ybor’s and others’, from Italy and Spain, Germany and Cuba. They worked together, played together, married each other. Ybor, and thus Tampa, has been a family-driven city from the beginning, a melting pot from its inception. And when families broke bread, much of it was Cuban. Generations later, Tampa largely continues that tradition.

The city is home to La Segunda Bakery, arguably the

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most well-known—and lauded—baker of Cuban bread in the nation. Like its roots, inseparable from those of Tampa itself, it is family-driven and now in its fourth generation.

“It’s a point of pride in Tampa,” says Jeff Houck, native Tampanian, former food writer for the Tampa Tribune, current director of public relations and marketing for the Columbia Restaurant Group. “People brag about having La Segunda bread on their menus. It says something about how local you are, how much you care about your ingredients— and you become a part of their family story by association.”

Tampa native Stephanie More is part of that story literally.

She married Copeland More, La Segunda’s fourth-generation

ADAMS, PHOTOGRAPHER; (THIS PAGE BOTTOM) COURTESY LA SEGUNDA BAKERY.

(OPPOSITE PAGE (2) AND THIS PAGE, TOP) COURTESY LA SEGUNDA BAKERY, BRIAN

owner/operator. But he was hardly her introduction to the family business. “I came here on a field trip in second grade!” says More, who eschews a title regarding her work at La Segunda. “I don’t know what it would be,” she chuckles. “I just do whatever needs to be done.”

As do the bakery’s three shifts, which produce roughly 18,000 loaves a day (not to mention all the other goodies in the shop’s case), each one baked more or less precisely the same way it was done when Juan Moré (later generations would drop the accent), founded the place in 1915.

A Spaniard by birth, Moré found himself in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. He learned the baker’s trade, brought them with him to Tampa and the rest is history.

“Edible history,” says Houck. “You can taste it in every bite in places like La Segunda.”

Visitors to the Ybor location (there’s a newer café on Kennedy) will find a place that hasn’t changed much in several decades. Take the tour (call ahead to arrange; it’s free, but a minimum food order is required—you won’t mind) and you’ll meet staffers who are also legacies.

“La Segunda isn’t just a part of the More family. Most of our bakers grew up doing this. Their parents and grandparents worked for my husband’s parents and grandparents,” More notes. “We have one employee who has worked at our counter for 45 years. Her father worked here, too.”

Bakers here, she says, have a great passion for what they do. Customers, too, are bonded to the business, something for which More says her family is enduringly grateful.

“Customers often tell us they used to come with their grandmother and now they bring their grandchildren,” she says. “We are so proud to be a part of their families’ histories, too. Maybe for every birthday they’d get a rainbow cookie or walk here on Sunday for a loaf of Cuban bread.”

These are traditions that endure, says Houck, as does La Segunda’s representation of Tampa for precisely what it is: a melting pot. “The customers haven’t changed,” he says.

“It’s a rainbow in there. And at lunch you see people walking out with three dinosaur-legs of bread over their shoulders.”

Indeed, the large loaves are three feet long. “You wear them out like a pageant sash!”

Certain items, gently introduced over the years, might be a little different, but La Segunda’s core—the bread, the guava cheese pastries, the café con leche, to name a few—are time capsules. “We’re not a Miami-Cuban bakery, though many

people who visit—knowing the bread—think that we are,” More explains. “We are an Ybor City bakery. We sell cannoli, we sell German chocolate cake. We have always carried these things because they are part of the heritage of Ybor, of Tampa.”

Columbia, founded in 1905, is even older than La Segunda.

Along with Bern’s Steak house, the three are a holy foodie trinity, the cornerstone of family-owned-and-operated food businesses in the city. Columbia not only uses La Segunda bread for its Cuban sandwiches, every table gets a piece. It is the restaurant’s number one expenditure.

Columbia doesn’t get many bad Yelp reviews, but even when they do, says Houck, “they still say they love the bread.”

It’s a very special place, he says. “You’re not going to find anything like it in another city. Businesses like this have gone through World War I, World War II, rationing, pandemics,” he notes. “They’ve survived food trends—low-carb, trans fats—huge challenges to a business like theirs and so there’s a reason they’re still here.”

Ultimately, both he and More agree, it comes down to family.

“You make different decisions when you’re a corporation,” says Houck. “You go in there and for 50 years, you see the same woman at the counter in her hairnet? That’s a North Star in the business. It tells you that everything’s okay.”

And for historians, food or otherwise, there’s no better way to get a sense of a city’s history than to taste it.

Opposite page: Placing the traditional palmetto leaf to split the top of the loaf is an important final step. This page: Copeland More with his father and grandfather.

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A DAY IN DUNEDIN Explore this laid-back town by foot or on two wheels for the best experience.

BY BARRY GLENN

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COURTESY VISITSTPETECLEARWATER.COM; COURTESY BARRY GLENN (2); COURTESY FENWAY HOTEL.

(PREVIOUS PAGE) COURTESY VISITSTPETECLEARWATER.COM; (THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): THE 36-MILE LONG PINELLAS TRAIL PASSES THROUGH THE HEART OF DUNEDIN; LOVE LOCKS IN DOWNTOWN; DUNEDIN LOVES ITS CANINES, AS IS EVIDENCED BY THIS MURAL AT THE CORNER OF DOUGLAS AVENUE AND MAIN STREET; DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO ENJOY A COCKTAIL WITH A VIEW ATOP THE RECENTLY RESTORED FENWAY HOTEL, WHERE YOU’LL FIND HI-FI ROOFTOP BAR.

COURTESY VISITSTPETECLEARWATER.COM (2)

A day spent in and around Dunedin is an adventure in relaxation, from bicycling to baseball to beer. Certainly, any town that offers a walking guide to its breweries deserves to be on your shortlist of places to explore in the Tampa Bay area.

This charming community north of Clearwater has seven such spots, including Dunedin Brewery, the oldest microbrewery in the state. Most are alongside or within a block or two of the Pinellas Trail, the bicycling and walking thoroughfare whose main 36-mile stretch passes through the heart of downtown.

In fact, “within walking distance’’ describes the proximity of nearly all of the must-dos in this Gulf Coast town. There are numerous boutiques and galleries, and the dining standouts are plentiful, including The Living Room, a homey spot offering delectables like pistachio-crusted lamb chops.

A few feet from the trail, diners enjoy portobello mushroom sandwiches and blackened chicken walnut salads on the porch of the venerable Café Alfresco. For seafood, Hog Island Fish Camp is a best bet, notable for its grouper sandwiches and smoked fish dip. And the egg and cheese sandwich served on a cheddar chive biscuit is a good choice for breakfast at Dunedin Coffee Company & Bakery.

If you’ve come to town without a bike, don’t worry: Several rental shops in town can fill that need. Once you hit the trail, a great scenic ride is the 11 miles north to Tarpon Springs, gliding through old neighborhoods and over waterways, with stops at parks providing lovely Gulf views. A spur takes you to Honeymoon Island State Park, where you can enjoy a stroll on the beach or hiking trails.

Each April, the town celebrates its Scottish heritage with the Dunedin Highland Games & Festival. Also in the spring, baseball abounds—major league no less. Dunedin is the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays, and the team’s home base, TD Ballpark, recently received a $100 million makeover. From late February through March, the team hosts about 15 games. The Jays’ Florida State League affiliate also takes the field April through mid-September.

After the game, consider another adventure along the Pinellas Trail—this time for stops at the breweries. Gems with

names like Soggy Bottom and 7eventh Sun offer fantastic flavors, with options such as coconut porter, chocolate stout and everything in between. Or hit up Woodright Brewing Company for German and European-style brews. Not into beer? Head to the Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar at the recently renovated, century-old Fenway Hotel, and savor the sunset with a cocktail while pondering what to do the next day.

Perhaps it will include sampling spirits at Cotherman Distilling Company, or taking a ferry over to the secluded beaches of Caladesi Island State Park. Whatever the choice, Dunedin is a true treasure just awaiting your discovery.

Top: See the Toronto Blue Jays play at TD Ballpark during Spring Training.

Bottom: Scenic Woodright Brewing Company offers German and European-style beers.

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BREATHING ROOM Get wet, get wild or go for a walk in Tampa Bay’s great outdoors.

When you’re finished paddling Weedon Island Preserve, check out the scenery on foot. The west boardwalk includes a 45-foot observation tower that offers panoramic views of the preserve as well as Tampa Bay on a clear day.

COURTESY VISITSTPETECLEARWATER.COM

PHOTO CREDIT GOTHAM BOOK 5.5/9PT

BY AMY DREW THOMPSON

Beaches, yes. The Tampa Bay area has them in spades. Mostly it’s one, long gorgeous strand—the names of which are separated by city boundaries—but it does give them wonderful, seaside flavor. Clearwater. Treasure Island. Indian Rocks. Pass-A-Grille.

For visitors, especially those from landlocked locales, it’s exotic.

And precisely what the doctor ordered (in particular, Dr. Beach, who’s put Tampa Bay beaches on his annual list on numerous occasions).

But, what if—this might sound ridiculous on face, but hear me out—you wanted to explore a bit of Tampa’s outdoor pursuits, but didn’t want to go to the beach?

It’s not as crazy as it sounds.

The Tampa area has countless outdoor pursuits that have nothing to do with lying on the sand or lolling in the waves, and others that brush up against beaching, but keep the focus on some other activity or event. Read on for a sampling of ideas to run with or build on.

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Kayak, to be specific, though there is much to talk about when it comes to Bay Area paddling. Surprising to some, but it’s only as beachy as you want it to be. Out in Dunedin, you’ll find Sail Honeymoon, a family-run outfitter smack in the middle of the Dunedin Causeway that links to Honeymoon Island State Park. It’s a gorgeous beach if ever there was, but you don’t have to take your car. Instead, let Sail Honeymoon hook you up with a kayak and paddle over yourself. What’s more, you can skip the ferry to neighboring Caladesi Island because you can also paddle there yourself! Sublime, sugar-

OPPOSITE: COURTESY SAIL HONEYMOON.

YAK YAK YAK

Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park’s most popular to-do is a 1.9-mile paved loop that meanders alongside the Alafia River. (Semi-obvious pro tip: there’s also canoeing.) This walk features lots of shade (bring bug repellent), is bike- and dog-friendly and a gorgeous spot for birdwatching, as well as identifying the towering cypress and oaks amid which you’ll be strolling. Footbridges and boardwalks abound as you immerse yourself if in the woodsy nature just a hop from Tampa’s downtown. hillsboroughcounty.org/locations/ aldermans-ford-conservation-park

THIS PAGE: COURTESY VISITSTPETECLEARWATER.COM.

Opposite page: Sail Honeymoon offers visitors another way to get to Honeymoon Island from Dunedin: by boat.

This page: Kayaking near Caladesi Island.

TAKE A HIKE

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But what if—this might sound ridiculous on face, but hear me out—you wanted to explore a bit of Tampa’s outdoor pursuits, but didn’t want to go to the beach? It’s not as crazy as it sounds.

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GET WILD From elephants to otters, there’s a lot to be wild about at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, where the staff seeks to educate and entertain as it rescues and rehabilitates its animal residents. It’s also an ideal spot for all ages to enjoy time that’s mostly spent outside in the fresh air and warm sun. Who will you meet? More than a thousand animals! There’s an emphasis on conservation—many residents come from climates similar to Tampa’s (there’s one area devoted exclusively to Florida)— and several additional programs, animal encounters and other specialized experiences to consider. zootampa.org Want a little more adventure? It’s less than an hour’s drive, but you may find that trek worth the experience of feeding exotic animals in their own habitats—all while navigating the 260-acre paradise of Safari Wilderness Park. Choose your adventure level, from guide-led treks on customized vehicles to ATV rides, kayak trips or even on camelback! This is neither theme park nor zoo. There are no lines, no wait times. Just an expansive wilderness, family-owned and operated, nestled in the heart of Florida’s Green Swamp. safariwilderness.com

Opposite page: Zoo Tampa’s David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center provides manatees a second chance. This page: Koalas, manatees and rhinos, oh my! (At Zoo Tampa.)

THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: COURTESY ZOO TAMPA AT LOWRY PARK

sand beaches await but if you’re more interested in spending time with Mother Nature, head toward the mangroves, where you’re all but guaranteed to glide among ospreys, pelicans, gulls and perhaps even gorgeous, pink spoonbills as they soar, sup and nest. Below, you’ll spot myriad fish, stingrays, young sharks, and the odds are always good you’ll enjoy a dolphin sighting. At low tide, kayakers often skip the shore, opting for the sandbar or low water, which offer all the benefits of beaching without having to beach. sailhoneymoon.com On the other side of Tampa, numerous river excursions beckon via kayak or canoe, traversing through old cypress logging trails where bald eagles soar and river otters swim, but for a bit of a hybrid experience, consider Weedon Island Preserve, a near4,000-acre playground located in St. Petersburg. Kayak rentals via Sweetwater Kayaks will set you up for the South Paddling Trail, a four-mile loop that will take you over wildlife-rich seagrass flats and winding waterways where tangly mangrove roots shelter young marine life while protecting the coastline.

You can self-guide or hit the water with a Sweetwater guide for half- or full-day jaunts. Other cool trips include off-trail paddles, Shell Key excursions, even a nighttime city-lights paddle that highlights downtown St. Pete. weedonislandpreserve.org/, sweetwaterkayaks.wordpress.com/

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OPPOSITE: ©TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS. THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: ©MATTHEW PAULSON/FLICKR, CREATIVE COMMONS (2); ©CITY OF ST. PETE/FLICKR

GET IN THE SPIRIT Tampa Bay Sports Teams Up Their Games with Fan Experiences

BY SUSAN B. BARNES

Sports hold a special place in the hearts of Tampa Bay residents and visitors, and with Tampa Bay playing host to Super Bowl LV in 2021, it is a great time to revisit this 2018 story.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Since 2014, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Sports Authority have invested $160 million in renovating Raymond James Stadium to better serve Bucs fans. The renovations can be seen in the concessions on the Main Concourse; two new all-inclusive clubs, the Ring of Honor and the Hall of Fame; state-of-the-art HD video boards in each end zone; upgrades and renovations to the East and West Stadium Club Lounges; and a team store that is open throughout the year.

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Previous page: Bucs games are celebrated affairs at Raymond James Stadium; batter up at the Rays’ Tropicana Field.

Above: Get ready to tailgate outside the Lightning’s Amelia Arena.

Opposite: Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) runs for yardage after a catch against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL game.

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TAMPA BAY LIGHTING Before they even enter Amalie Arena, Tampa Bay Lightning fans can enjoy pre-game entertainment in Ford Thunder Alley. Once inside, the fun continues in the outdoor Budweiser Biergarten, which overlooks downtown Tampa and is open to everyone. During intermissions, fans may be selected to play on-ice games, or even ride on the Fan-Zam. When the Lightning are back on ice, Tesla coils hanging from the ceiling light up with real lightning to celebrate each home team goal.

Amalie Arena tours on game days give fans access behindthe-scenes and every floor of the building, including the press box, and provides peeks at the pipe organ and Zambonis; you can even take a picture next to the game-day ice.

TAMPA BAY RAYS The Tampa Bay Rays have made changes in and around Tropicana Field to improve fan experiences, beginning in the parking lot. All Tropicana parking lots are now credit cardonly, and there are more entry and exit points to alleviate pre- and post-game traffic.

Inside the ballpark, local flavor has arrived at the food concessions, including the Rocco Ball Deli, a meatball sub named for Rays player-now-coach Rocco Baldelli. Ballpark & Rec features classic arcade games, cornhole and giant beer pong, and the Rays Touch Experience, presented in partnership with The Florida Aquarium, provides fans with a free 10-minute touch tank experience to get up-close to and maybe even touch cownose and Southern stingrays.

Tours of Tropicana field are available Tuesdays during the season, and twice a week off-season. In 90 minutes you will visit the control room, press box and touch tank, and even go into the dugout and on the field for some fun photo opps.

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Tours of Raymond James Stadium are available yearround through the Tampa Sports Authority, which manages the stadium. The 75-minute walking tour goes backstage and to a luxury suite, the all-new West Club, the locker room, the field and, of course, the pirate ship.

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ALL ABOUT TOWN

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Tampa Bay’s neighborhoods offer everything from big-city excitement to small-town charm.

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Tampa Bay TAMPA For nearly 130 years, people have been making Tampa Bay their vacation destination. In fact, railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant built the Tampa Bay Hotel in 1891 for his guests. Following Plant’s lead, Tampa is quite the hospitable host—just ask the nearly 14 million people who visit each year. There’s so much from which to choose—historical and cultural sites, thrilling attractions, amazing restaurants and shopping galore. And that’s not all. Venture beyond the city limits, out into Hillsborough County, and discover even more of what this exciting area has to offer.

Tampa Bay boasts a whopping 361 days of sunshine each year, which makes it a coveted destination for those looking for a beach vacation— locals and tourists alike.

A terrific way to view the impressive Tampa skyline is

from Bayshore Boulevard, the world’s longest continuous sidewalk, where you can run, walk, rollerblade or bike without interruption. In addition to the great bay views, you may see manatees, sea turtles, ospreys or dolphins during your outing.

When it’s time to get wild, be sure to visit Big Cat Rescue. The largest accredited sanctuary in the world, located in Citrus Park in Tampa, it is home to more than 100 lions, tigers, leopards, bobcats and cougars that have been rescued. Get up close to these magnificent native wild cats and be mesmerized by their beauty.

Another place to get a close-up view of animals is Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, consistently recognized as among the best zoos in the U.S. Spend a day watching animals from throughout the world—from Africa and Australia, Asia and beyond—and learn about their habitats as well as OPPOSITE PAGE: A new day dawns on Downtown Tampa. THIS PAGE: Tampa Riverwalk offers wonderful views of the city day or night.

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efforts to protect these fascinating creatures.

Additional animal encounters can be had at Busch Gardens Tampa; take a Serengeti Safari and feed lettuce to the giraffes; visit Lory Landing to make dozens of new feathered friends who’ll perch anywhere—your head, hands and shoulders—for a taste of the sweet nectar served in cups; at Kangaloom you can hand-feed the free-roaming wallabies and wallaroos. Fans of ABC’s “The Wildlife Docs” can visit the Animal Care Center seen on TV and observe Busch Gardens’ veterinarians as they provide daily care to more than 300 species.

For sports lovers it’s game on in Tampa, and there are plenty of different ways to play and watch. In March, Major League Baseball’s New York Yankees take to the diamond at George M. Steinbrenner Field for spring training; during the rest of the year, the minor league afflilate Tampa Tarpons make it their home. The Tampa Bay Storm, an arena football team, hits the gridiron in late spring and into summer, and the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers follow suit in the fall at Raymond James Stadium. Also in the fall, the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning takes to the ice at Amalie Arena. If you’re ready “fore”

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golf, hit the links at any of the dozens of public, semi-private and private golf courses to tee off.

For a dose of shopping and dining, International Plaza and Bay Street, adjacent to Tampa International Airport, is the most distinctive entertainment destination on Florida’s West Coast. This high-end mall features 200 specialty stores and more than 20 restaurants and bars, including Apple, Crate & Barrel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., The Cheesecake Factory and The Capital Grille, plus Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard’s and Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel.

As you’ll see, Tampa is a city made up of many neighborhoods waiting to be discovered.

DOWNTOWN TAMPA By day, downtown Tampa bustles with business. By night, the streets come alive as arts patrons trade in their suits for evening wear. Downtown is home to many of Tampa’s cultural attractions. Take in standout entertainment at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. Each season the Straz brings an amazing lineup of touring blockbuster Broadway shows, opera and

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thought-provoking plays, in addition to dance, music and educational events. Sink into the plush chairs and a movie classic at the Tampa Theatre. Just down the Hillsborough River is another artistic jewel, the Tampa Museum of Art. Its collections include 20th-century works, contemporary art and Greek and Roman paintings.

In downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is the main attraction, a green space with a playground, a water feature and a venue for outdoor concerts and events throughout the year. Also along the Riverwalk are such attractions as The Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Bay History Center, Amelie Arena, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and the Glazer Children’s Museum.

SOHO Just south of downtown Tampa is South Howard Avenue, or SoHo to the locals, the north/south avenue that runs between Hyde Park and Palma Ceia, ending on Bayshore Boulevard.

During the day, sidewalk cafes and restaurants are filled with diners enjoying a variety of cuisines, from diner-style to Mexican to Thai and more. If you crave steak, make a reservation at Bern’s Steak House, a

OPPOSITE PAGE: Amalie Arena hosts hundreds of performances annually and is home to the Tampa Bay Lightning; THIS PAGE: Ybor City.

highly acclaimed restaurant in SoHo since 1956.

The area’s historic architecture also beckons, so make sure to bring a camera with you to snap lots of pictures in front of some of Tampa’s most beautiful and eye-catching buildings. And when night falls, SoHo is the place to see and be seen. Bars and nightspots line the avenue, and there’s a place for everyone to enjoy themselves. Pop into a club and dance the night away to great music, chill in a sports bar, sip a pint in an Irish pub, or clink glasses at a true locals’ haunt.

YBOR CITY A short trolley ride east of downtown Tampa is historic Ybor City. The city-within-a-city was once a thriving cigar manufacturing epicenter—in its heyday Ybor City was known as the “Cigar Capital of the World.” The age-old cigar tradition carries on at Ybor City, where you can still see them hand-rolled at many cigar shops.

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is dedicated to Cuban poet and revolutionary José Martí and has been owned by the Cuban government since 1956.

Today, its brick streets are lined with restaurants, shops and nightclubs, lighting up at night, when locals and visitors take to the area to enjoy the entertainment scene. Be sure to dine at The Columbia; at more than 100 years old, it’s Florida’s oldest restaurant.Ybor—or GaYBOR, a collective of 200-plus LGBTQ-friendly businesses—is home to one of the most thriving gay populations in the area, and hosts Tampa Bay Pride every March. Ybor’s Seventh Avenue is home base to LGBTQ mainstays such as Hamburger Mary’s—musts are burgers and Drag Queen bingo— Bradley’s on 7th, Southern Nights Tampa and the Honey Pot.

HYDE PARK One of the most sought-after neighborhoods in all of Tampa is Hyde Park, with its tree-lined streets, bungalow homes and a sense of tranquility and community. Located next to the University of Tampa and downtown Tampa, many noteworthy buildings in historic Hyde Park contribute to the character and ambience of the district and are standout examples of varying architectural styles—from Queen Anne, Tudor, Classical, Colonial and Mediterranean Revival.

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At its center is Hyde Park Village, a popular outdoor European village-inspired shopping and dining destination. It’s easy to spend a full day here. In the morning, browse name-brand stores such as West Elm, Kendra Scott, lululemon athletica, Brooks Brothers and many others. Afterwards, relax with a bite at Timpano Italian Chophouse, or enjoy a glass of wine at the Wine Exchange Bistro & Wine Bar. Indulge in an afternoon of pampering at the Aveda Level Salon Spa, where specialists are ready to beautify and to melt away the day’s stress.

A local artisan market sets up shop at Hyde Park the first Sunday of each month year-round with nearly 100 local vendors. With a beautiful fountain feature, majestic oak trees and brick walkways, you can enjoy a sophisticated scene.

Hyde Park is known for its dedication to landscaping and beautification.

It seems there’s always on improvement underway to ease pedestrian access, create new gathering spaces and renovate building facades.

Hyde Park’s Palace of Florence, an example of Mediterranean Revival Architecture, is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

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Spanning the entire peninsula across the bay from Tampa is Pinellas County. The area has been named a “Top Place to Visit in the World”

by The New York Times and Delta Sky, and with its rich diversity of natural beauty, culture and stellar dining, it isn’t hard to see why.

Put the pedal to the metal when the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg takes to the streets of downtown St. Pete each spring.

The Tampa Bay Rays call Tropicana Field outside of downtown St. Petersburg home; and the Trop offers another draw—it’s 72 degrees year-round under the dome, making it a wonderful way to cool down.

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, St. Petersburg is a great starting point for a day of deep-sea fishing. Mark Hubbard of Hubbard’s Marina in Madeira Beach will navigate the waters and find the perfect spots for you to cast a line for redfish, snook, trout, flounder and more.

CLEARWATER On the way to Clearwater Beach, stop in downtown Clearwater; it’s more than just a gateway to the Gulf of Mexico’s beaches.

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Pinellas County

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ALL ABOUT TOWN - PINELLAS COUNTY

The Cleveland Street District, overlooking the Clearwater Harbor and Marina, is a venue for concerts, festivals and exhibits. The fourday, world-renowned Clearwater Jazz Festival takes place here every October. For a special treat, catch a show at the Capitol Theatre, one of the oldest operating theaters in Florida, built in 1921. Ruth Eckerd Hall, an acoustically perfect space, welcomes big names in entertainment throughout the year.

COURTESY BARRY GLENN

DUNEDIN The modern history of Dunedin begins in 1852, shortly after Florida joined the Union and had a large Scottish immigrant population.

Recently named “The Best Little Walking Town in America” by Walking Magazine, the entire city of Dunedin is accessible via foot. As a nod to its deep Scottish roots, the city hosts its own Scottish Highland Games each spring. Dunedin even has its own official plaid, “The Edgewater,” created by the Lothian Kilt rental shop. For a look at the city’s history, take a tour with the Dunedin History Museum. If you plan to be in Dunedin on the second Friday of the month, don’t miss the city’s Wine/Art Walk. See an exhibit at the Dunedin Fine Art Center, or attend any of the art festivals held throughout the year. Order a pint at the Dunedin Brewery, Florida’s oldest craft brewery. Baseball fans can take in a game when the Toronto

The sun sets over the Fort De Soto fishing pier illuminating a beautiful twilight sky; Woodwright Brewery in Dunedin is a favorite hangout spot for locals and visitors alike.

Blue Jays come to town for spring training at Dunedin Stadium.

GULFPORT Nestled along the shores of Boca Ciega Bay, this artist enclave offers a step back in time, with tree-lined brick streets and people greeting each other by name in local shops. Although best known as an artist community, Gulfport also offers an eclectic collection of restaurants that offer a wide a variety of options, from traditional Italian to vegan delicatessen and more. In the evening, head to Williams Pier, the waterside walkway or Gulfport beach to watch the sunset. On First Fridays, mingle with artists along Beach Boulevard, which takes on a celebratory atmosphere, complete with live music.

Downtown thrives with shopping, dining, culture and recreation.

Kayaks, sailboats, jet skis and other rentals are available at the marina.

Other highlights include The Dalí Museum, the Chihuly Collection, the Rowdies soccer team, the Museum of Fine Arts and shopping the Grand Central District.

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TARPON SPRINGS Greek traditions are alive and well in Tarpon Springs. In addition to more than 100 Greek restaurants, markets, bakeries, shops and cultural sights, here you’ll find the historic Sponge Docks. For a closer look at the sponges, take a sightseeing cruise for a sponge-diving exhibition. Make sure to also explore the Historic Antique District located at Craig Park, which features natural history and maritime exhibits.

Relax and renew at the beaches of Pinellas County, where more than 35 miles of sugar sand shore beckon you to slow down and breathe.

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Gulf Beaches Though it’s the second-smallest county in all of Florida at 281 square miles, Pinellas County is big on beaches—35 miles of them, to be exact.

The sugar-white, powder-soft sandy beaches found along the Gulf of Mexico each have their own personality, and they are the perfect playgrounds for kids and for kids at heart.

It’s not only Floridians who think the beaches here are fantastic.

TripAdvisor named St. Pete Beach (#3) and Clearwater Beach (#4) “Best Beaches in America.”

The Gulf’s calm waters provide the perfect conditions to get out and play. Take it easy and float under the sun, ride on a WaveRunner, or kick it up a notch and try stand-up paddleboarding. Or, opt for total relaxation, as you order a drink and watch the waves roll in.

Incredible sunsets celebrate the end of each day and promise beautiful days to come. Here is a look at some of our favorite beaches—which will be your favorite?

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SAFETY HARBOR Located along the west shore of Tampa Bay is Safety Harbor, home to historic Espiritu Santo Springs, a natural mineral spring named in 1539 by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto as he searched for the Fountain of Youth. Prior to the Spanish exploration of Florida, the Tocobaga and Timucua tribes are believed to have fished and bathed in these waters. Located by the springs is Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, one of America’s oldest spa resorts, where guests have enjoyed the healing waters since the early 1900s.

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Voted one of the “20 Best New Restaurants” in Florida – Florida Trend magazine ST. PETE BEACH Called the “Sunset Capital of Florida,” this beach

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brings in scores of vacationers and locals for all kinds of activities.

Even though the west coast of Florida isn’t known for surfing, this is perhaps one of the only spots along the Gulf where surfers can jump on their boards to catch some waves.

You can also see the historic Don CeSar, also known as the “Pink Palace,” which has welcomed visitors since 1928. A frequent guest was author F. Scott Fitzgerald. Today it continues to be a destination for visitors and a popular site for weddings or anyone looking for a lavish stay on the water.

TREASURE ISLAND Tucked between St. Petersburg and Clearwater, the aptly named Treasure Island boasts 4 miles of beach and a trove of activities, from offshore fishing and diving to an annual sandsculpting contest to simply relaxing under an umbrella. If you have your own vessel, head over to the town’s three public marinas and make your boat your home during your vacation. Also, with so many nature trails and parks, it’s ideal for breaking out the bicycles or hiking boots or to let your furry friend get in on some of the action.

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MADEIRA BEACH This beach is home to the famous John’s Pass, where in 1848, a massive hurricane broke the land in two. The discovery of the pass by a turtle farmer is celebrated every year with much pirateand fisherman-themed fanfare.

A turn-of-the-century feel remains along the boardwalk, with its unique shops and restaurants. Fresh fish is all the rage—more grouper is brought into John’s Pass than anywhere else in Florida.

For a sweet treat, stop by the original Candy Kitchen for candies that will take you back to your childhood, a scoop (or two) of homemade ice cream or a decadent caramel apple.

If you see people walking the beach with their heads down and squinting at the sand, they just may be searching for fossilized sharks’ teeth. If water sports are the name of the game, John’s Pass is the place for boat rentals and parasailing.

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH Legend has it the town got its name when a medicine man used water from a natural sulfur spring to treat his chief’s ailments. It’s believed that the spring is in Kolb Park, across from city hall. The town retains an Old Florida ambience, with a relaxed, laidback feel. Among the early landmarks were the Indian Rocks Sundry Store and the Indian Beach Hotel. The only high-rises you’ll find along this beach are the sand dunes, as well as small motels, cottages and condos. Explore the waters, or take a stroll through the Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve. For the perfect end to your day, dine in one of the restaurants that offer views of the water.

CLEARWATER BEACH Broad beaches, turquoise water and

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nearby hotels, shops and restaurants make Clearwater Beach one of the area’s most popular beaches. The waters are great for dolphin-watching.

Perhaps the biggest draw is Pier 60, which hosts free nightly celebrations with street performers, live music, vendors and fun for the entire family. Clearwater Beach also boasts a wide selection of restaurants, many just steps from the beach.

One of the world’s most renowned marine-life rescue centers, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, is host to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (including Winter, who swims with a prosthetic tail, and Hope, both stars of the “Dolphin Tales” films), sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, sharks and more. Interact with the animals, take an eco-boat tour, and go behind the scenes to see the animal hospital in action.

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Serenity Now “RIVERS KNOW THIS: THERE IS NO HURRY. WE SHALL GET THERE SOMEDAY.” —A.A. MILNE THE AUTHOR KNOWN FOR GIVING US THE WISDOM OF WINNIE THE POOH MAY HAVE BEEN ENVISIONING THIS SCENE ALONG THE HILLSBOROUGH RIVER WHEN HE SAID THOSE VERY WORDS.

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