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Welcome to Tampa, Florida - a city where the sun-kissed shores of the Gulf of Mexico meet a rich cultural heritage, creating a vibrant tapestry of experiences. As one of Florida's most diverse and dynamic cities, Tampa has something to offer for everyone. In this blog post, we will delve into the unique charm of Tampa, exploring its beautiful waterfront, thriving arts scene, mouthwatering cuisine, and captivating attractions. So, let's embark on a journey to discover the magic of Tampa, FL!

Sun-Drenched Paradise: Exploring Tampa's Beautiful Waterfront

Tampa's stunning waterfront is the heart and soul of the city, beckoning both locals and visitors to revel in its natural beauty. Along the Riverwalk, a scenic promenade spanning 2.6 miles, you can enjoy leisurely strolls, jog, bike, or simply bask in the picturesque views of the Hillsborough River. The Riverwalk connects various attractions, parks, and entertainment hubs, making it the perfect spot for family outings and romantic evenings.

For those seeking a beach escape, head to nearby Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach, known for their powdery sands and crystal-clear waters. Whether you're a sunbather, beachcomber, or water sports enthusiast, Tampa's Gulf Coast has endless coastal delights to offer.

Cultural Mosaic: Embracing Tampa's Rich Heritage

Tampa's cultural scene reflects its diverse and vibrant community. Ybor City, the historic Latin Quarter, boasts a colorful blend of Cuban, Spanish, and Italian influences. Wander through its charming streets lined with cigar shops, art galleries, and lively cafes to soak in the unique atmosphere.

To delve deeper into Tampa's history, visit the Tampa Bay History Center, where captivating exhibits narrate the city's evolution from a fishing village to a bustling metropolis. The Tampa Museum of Art, on the other hand, showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, drawing art enthusiasts from all around.

A Culinary Haven: Savoring Tampa's Tantalizing Flavors

Tampa's culinary landscape is a delightful fusion of global influences, making it a paradise for foodies. From fresh seafood shacks offering mouthwatering crab legs to Cuban sandwich joints serving up authentic delicacies, the city's diverse dining scene caters to all tastes.

Don't miss the chance to indulge in Tampa's signature dish, the deviled crab, or savor a hearty bowl of "Cuban Mix" - a medley of black beans, yellow rice, and roasted pork. With a wide range of international eateries and upscale restaurants, Tampa promises a culinary adventure that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Tampa, FL, with its sun-soaked shores, diverse cultural offerings, and tantalizing cuisine, beckons travelers to immerse themselves in its unique charm. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely stroll along the Riverwalk, exploring the city's rich heritage in Ybor City, or savoring the flavors of its culinary delights, Tampa never fails to captivate and enchant.

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Westchase Recreation Center after-school program partners with USF to teach girls self-esteem through sports

"Do not give up. Your mind will tell you it's hard, but do not give up. There's only wins and lessons. There are no losses." This was the advice that Ragan Kinard gave a group of young girls during her visit to an after-school program at the Westchase Recreation Center.

Kinard is a junior at the University of South Florida where she plays on the women's volleyball team. She was invited to speak with students about her experience as a female athlete, as well as give a volleyball demonstration. Her visit, coordinated through the "#LikeAGirl program," was a hit with the kids.

"#LikeAGirl" Karlie Mintzer, Recreation Assistant Supervisor at the Westchase Park & Recreation Center, was organizing a kid's game of soccer for an after-school program when the idea came to her. After the children had picked their teams, she had found that the best player that day was chosen last.

Mintzer was told by a little boy that it was because the player was a girl. It was at that moment Mintzer realized the need for a special sports program just for young women.

"#LikeAGirl" was developed through a partnership with the Hillsborough County after-school program and the University of South Florida. Once a week, a female collegiate athlete from a different sport visits the recreation center and gives a presentation. Each session begins with the visiting athlete introducing herself and taking preplanned questions from the kids. The conversation gives the young girls a chance to practice speaking in front of a group, as well as gain insight into the world of women's sports.

Following the question-and-answer portion of the program, the visiting athlete delivers a sports demonstration. The girls learn pointers on how to play specific games, as well as practice newly learned techniques. After the physical activity, the girls participate in a team-building exercise. Topics such as how to be a better teammate and friend are taught, then discussed as a group.

Volleyballin' like a girl It was clear that Kinard made a strong impression on the girls. Her session with the students was filled with more questions then they had time for. The kids were intensely engaged in learning about Kinard's experience on her volleyball team and how she was recruited in high school to play for USF. By the look on some of their young faces, you could tell the girls were in awe.

Before showing the group how to volley, Kinard was served a slew of questions from the curious girls. Everything from beach volleyball and her height to what career Kinard wanted was discussed.

One young student asked Kinard, "What's the worst part about being a girl in sports?"

Without missing a beat, Kinard answered with a smile. "Nothing."

The Westchase Park & Recreation Center is located at 9791 Westchase Dr., Tampa, FL 33626. Call (813) 744-5978 or email recreation_admin@hcflgov.net for more information about Hillsborough County after school programs.

Photo Information: Ragan Kinard, USF volleyball player, teaches volley techniques to students in the "#LikeAGirl" after-school program.

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WESTCHASE, Fla. — There's a coffin in a bathroom.

A ouija board on a wall.

Creepy clowns watch you sleep.

And an unsettling portrait by the front door just might be possessed.

Welcome to the Phantom History House, a brand-new "creepy but comfortable, eerie yet elegant" bed-and-breakfast experience in Westchase.

Owned and operated by playfully clever innkeepers Steve Blanchard and Tim Hinton, this exquisitely detailed lodging offers four themed rooms, each with an otherworldly bathroom as well: the Cemetery Room, the Portrait Room, the Ouija Room and the Castle Room, the latter featuring remote control candles.

Room rates start at $175 per night and include continental breakfast and free ghost stories from the hosts.

"We like to think that we are Modern Victorian with a little bit of Gothic sprinkled in," said Blanchard, who also hosts a paranormal podcast.

Hinton, who's more of a Disney guy than a ghostbuster, said, "It's sort of like walking into a haunted movie, but upscale and elegant."

As well as manning day jobs, Blanchard and Hinton have worked overtime to make sure the Phantom History House experience is both immersive and upscale, the spooky thrills keeping pace with the amenities.

For more adventurous guests, the hosts often bring in psychic mediums and tarot card readers. Although if someone just wants a cool room for the night, they're fine with that too.

"And if you want to tell us that ghost story from when you were a little kid," said Blanchard, "we would love to hear it."

One of Florida's most attractive urban centers, Largo may be found in Pinellas County. Largo is a wonderful vacation destination since it has something for everyone, from its beautiful beaches to its lively downtown. Here are a few of the many reasons why you should plan your next vacation in Largo, Florida, rather than somewhere else.

Experience the Best of Nature

Largo is a fantastic vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the city's many parks and trails, where you can see a variety of animals up close. Popular destinations include the observation tower at Taylor Park, where guests can take in breathtaking views of Tampa Bay, the playground and picnic areas at Walsingham Park, which are ideal for families, and Heritage Village, a living history museum that transports guests to 19th-century Pinellas County.

Enjoy Unparalleled Shopping and Dining

Largo is home to a wide variety of excellent eateries dishing up fresh seafood and a plethora of charming shops selling the work of local artists and designers. The downtown area features a wide variety of restaurants and retail establishments. In addition, the city has many retail malls where vacationers may purchase anything from clothes and jewelry to beach accessories and trinkets.

Explore Historic Sites and Museums There are also several interesting cultural sites in Galore Largo. On the outskirts of town is where you'll find the historic Florida Botanical Gardens, which spans over 30 acres and is home to both exotic flora and native plant species. The Armed Forces History Museum in Largo displays items from every major American conflict, providing an educational opportunity for visitors. Sunken Gardens, established in 1903, is a historical site housing a plethora of luxuriant tropical flora.

Largo is a great destination for vacationers looking for both active pursuits and tranquility in the great outdoors. This picturesque city on Florida's Gulf Coast is packed with things to see and do, from its many parks, trails, and natural beauty to its one-of-a-kind retail and cultural offerings. Discover the wonders of Largo on your next vacation and you'll be glad you did. You won't come to regret it.

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"This could be the storm we have all feared," said Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, speaking at a news conference on Hurricane Ian.

|Updated Tue, Sep 27, 2022 at 11:58 am ET

TAMPA BAY, FL — Both forecast models used by the National Hurricane Center to predict storm tracks now have Hurricane Ian headed into Tampa Bay, Gov. Ron DeSantis said during an afternoon news conference in Tampa Bay.

The hurricane center in Miami typically uses the Global Forecast System Model and the European Model to forecast the path of hurricanes.

"What we've seen up until today was this European model taking the storm into Tampa Bay for a direct impact, which would obviously be very significant," DeSantis said. "This American model had it going more out into the Gulf, maybe even hitting the Panhandle. What's happened since then is the American model now says it's coming into Tampa Bay."

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The governor said the Florida National Guard has activated 5,000 members and there are 2,000 more guardsmen coming from Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina and Louisiana.

Additionally, there are five urban search-and-rescue teams activated, along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

According to DeSantis, the Florida Highway Patrol will be implementing 12-hour shifts for troopers and the Coast Guard has brought in additional resources to aid on the Gulf Coast as the entire state waits under a state of emergency for the arrival of Hurricane Ian.

He said the state has also been in contact with major retailers like Walmart and Publix, whose staff said water is being bought up "at an incredibly brisk pace, and they're working on bringing in more."

After the storm hits, the Florida Department of Emergency Management will be delivering food and water to the area by helicopter, if necessary, DeSantis said.

The utility companies serving Tampa Bay — including Tampa Electric, Florida Power and Light and Duke Energy — have 25,000 linemen ready to get the power back on once the storm is over.

Those residents who are prepared to hunker down knowing their home is not at risk of blowing away or getting flooded should expect power outages, DeSantis said.

"Those outages can be lengthy," he said. "As you see the storm come in, you're going to see trees down. You're going to see power lines come down. Just prepare yourself that a storm of this magnitude is going to take power out, possibly for days."

"This could be the storm we have all feared," said Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, a lifelong Florida resident. "Please understand that these evacuations are very serious. You need to take preparation now."

She said one of the reasons for the state of emergency "is to make sure that everyone, regardless of economic status, has access to affordable supplies. So, the price gouging laws are in effect right now. That means you cannot take advantage of an emergency situation and drastically increase prices. We need people to be able to obtain these supplies for a reasonable price. If you do that, we will take action against you."

For those who must evacuate, DeSantis emphasized that doesn't necessarily mean traveling to another state. Simply taking refuge 20 miles inland is sufficient.

However, for those who are headed to the homes of friends and relatives around the state, DeSantis says he has suspended tolls in toll roads to keep traffic moving as quickly as possible.

He said there's already a 30 percent increase in traffic moving out of Tampa Bay, and he expects that to increase substantially on Tuesday.

At some point, the Florida Department of Transportation will open shoulders along state highways to provide an additional lane for vehicles leaving the area.

He said the FDOT explored the idea of making highways one-way roads for hurricane evacuations, but discounted the idea due to the need to get goods and services into the affected areas.

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