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The Big Guava Is No Small Wonder

Here are 7 reasons why I am proud to call Tampa, FL my home.

Anshruta Dhanashekar

Sep 04, 2018

Emory University

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Tampa, Florida. You may know this quaint town as a beachfront resort, an hour away from world-renowned theme parks, or the home of the Buccaneers, but Tampa has a lot more to offer. From its rich history, to the creation of the "Tampa-opoly" board game, a beach town finally puts its place on the map. Here are 7 reasons why I am forever proud to be a Tampanian.

Nationally Ranked Beaches

St. Petersburg Beach, Florida

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Almost every individual associates Florida with beaches, and they would be correct to connect the clear, blue waters with the southernmost US state. I can always count on the Bay Area for crystal clear waters, white, soft sand and picture-worthy sunsets. In fact, as of 2017, Clearwater Beach is the Number 1 beach in the US according to US News!

Arts and Culture

Enjoy a production of "Hamilton" or a orchestra concert at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Perfoming Arts.

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In the past 10 years, Tampa has begun to increase the number of art expositions and cultural events. If you love posting a picture of playbills, the Straz Center is the place! Home to multiple theatres, the Straz center auditoriums have a serene ambiance, elevated seating, and surround sound to make every "Lion King: The Musical" and Tampa Youth Orchestra performance something spectacular. If you enjoy thought-invoking, abstract paintings, head over to the Tampa Museum of Art for a delight at every corner! I love the arts scene and I know as more cultures enter the expanding metropolis, you are bound to have a good time.

Food Scene

Historic Ybor City is the Origin and Spanish Hotspot of Tampa

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Florida traces its roots to Native American-Indian tribes, and in the 16th century, Ponce de Leon and other Spanish conquistadors claimed the Flower State for themselves. Tampa was established over 200 years ago, so there are plenty of Spanish, Italian, Cuban, American, Indian and Asian restaurants to explore. Top rated, high-class restaurants that I personally recommend during your visit (if you make one) are: Columbia Spanish Restaurant, Ulele, Oxford Exchange and Bern's Steak House and Dessert Room.

Theme Parks

Dive through the plains and encounter many animals on your ride on Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens

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Located in North Tampa, Busch Gardens Theme Park is a place I have gone almost every weekend since I was 4 years old. Children and adults of all ages can be thrill seekers on Cheetah Hunt, Montu and Sheikra, African-themed coasters. Younger children can interact with animals on safari and hold parrots in the bird gardens. Go enjoy Dippin Dots on a gondola ride through the park, or enjoy a splash on the Congo River Rapids and Stanley Falls Flume Log Ride. I will never forget waking up at 9 am on Saturdays to go on the same rides and go on the train throughout the park at the end of the day. Tampa is also one hour away from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld in Orlando. So thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies, come on by!

Annual Gasparilla Parades

Buccaneers Create a Mock-Invasion Every Year for the Annual Gasparilla Parade

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Every February, dozens of children and adults rush to the Boardwalk to enjoy the annual Gasparilla Day Parade. Real-life pirates and buccaneers recreate the invasion of Tampa for everyone to enjoy. Floats run by different organizations, youth groups and local community members go through Downtown and throw bead necklaces for people to catch. I remember that when I was little, my mom caught beads from former mayor Pam Iorio!

Higher Education

Bleed Green and Gold at the University of South Florida, Ranked in the Top 60 Universities Nationwide

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The University of South Florida and the University of Tampa are home to many students from across the city, country and the world ready for the next stage of their lives. The University of Florida continues to expand and the Morsani School of Medicine is partnered with Florida Hospital, Tampa General Hospital and the Veterans Administration, all nationally-ranking organizations. In fact, USF received a grant to build a brand new medical facility downtown.

Sports Ventures

Cheer on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Raymond James Stadium, Host of Super Bowls XXXV, XLIII and Future Host of Super Bowl LV in 2021.

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What's a visit to Tampa without going to a Bucs, Rays or Lightning game? Get tickets to the Raymond James Stadium or Amalie Arena to watch nationally ranked teams live! Although I have not been to a sports game yet, I can't wait to go in 2021 to the Super Bowl, and I have been to conferences and performances in the Amalie Arena, including Disney on Ice!

Whether you know Tampa for being near Orlando, as a beachfront town, or just a city in Florida, I hope that these reasons entice you to visit my humble hometown. I hope you love your stay there!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

The Big Guava Is No Small Wonder

Here are 7 reasons why I am proud to call Tampa, FL my home.

Nationally Ranked Beaches

Arts and Culture

Food Scene

Theme Parks

Annual Gasparilla Parades

Higher Education

Sports Ventures

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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