Tampa Bay Area

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 Seal
Nickname(s):  The Bay Area
Motto(s):  "In God We Trust"
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	Florida
Counties	Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando
Founded	1824
Incorporated (Tampa)	1855
Incorporated (St. Petersburg)	1892
Incorporated (Clearwater)	1897
Founded by	Vincente Martinez Ybor, Peter Demens, Frank Hibbard
Government
• Type	Mayor–council government
• Body	Tampa City Council, St. Petersburg City Council, Clearwater City Council
• Mayor of Tampa	Jane Castor
• Mayor of St. Petersburg	Rick Kriseman
• Mayor of Clearwater	Frank Hibbard
Area
• Metropolitan area	2,554.6 sq mi (6,616 km2)
• Land	1,032.2 sq mi (2,673 km2)
• Water	1,522.4 sq mi (3,943 km2)  59.6%
Elevation	48 ft (15 m)
Population  (2020)
• Metropolitan area	3,194,831
• Density	3,096.2/sq mi (1,195.4/km2)
• Urban	2,975,225
• Urban density	2,886.4/sq mi (1,114.4/km2)
• Metro	3,194,831
• Metro density	3,096.2/sq mi (1,195.4/km2)
• Demonym	Tampa Bayan
Time zone	UTC-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 codes	813, 727, 941
Website	tampabay.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

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