tampa location guide 2016

in Tampa Bay

2016 EDITION

Location Guide

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Contents 2016

Message FromThe President

Chamber Leadership

A Legacy Of Leadership

Membership Has Its Benefits

WELCOMEAbout the Area

ECONOMYBusiness & Industry

LEISUREArts & Entertainment

HEALTHCAREWorld Class Providers

EDUCATIONHigher Learning

COMMUNITIESAround the Area

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Message FromThe Chamber Chair6

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TRANSPORTATIONGetting Here... Getting Around

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201 North Franklin St, Suite 201, Tampa, FL 33602(813) 228-7777 • www.tampachamber.com

The information in this directory was gathered and carefully compiled to ensure maximum accuracy The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce andits agents cannot and do not guarantee the correctness of all the infor-mation furnished to them nor for errors or omissions. No part of thispublication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by anymeans, electronic or mechanical, including a photocopy, recording, or any information retrieval system, without permission in writingfrom The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

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A Letter from Our Chamber President & CEO

Minding YourBusiness

Thank you for your continued investment in the long-term successof Tampa Bay’s business community. Our membership comesfrom diverse economic backgrounds – small businesses,international corporations, entrepreneurs, executive management,government leadership, and the military. Together we become aunified front with the power to create a new level of economicprosperity for Tampa Bay.

The Chamber is a not-for-profit membership organization thathelps promote the businesses and business interests of ourmembers. We work to help your company grow, become betterconnected throughout the community, and bring visibility to yourorganization.

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce remains the mosteffective and efficient way to connect with peers, possible partners, and potential customers. Programmingsuch as our Competitive Edge Series, Emerge Tampa Bay and Leadership Tampa helps to build valuablebusiness and leadership development skills. Sold-out events such as our Military Appreciation Banquet,Women of Influence Luncheon, and our Small Business of the Year Awards offer unparalleled networkingopportunities. Innovative initiatives such as our Education Connection and Startup Scholars programs continueto keep the Chamber on the forefront of growth and change in our community. We are the voice of the businesscommunity in Tampa Bay, and our advocacy initiatives are unmatched by any other organization.

Be sure to visit www.tampachamber.com for accurate and up-to-date information on all Chamber events,programs, and policy positions. It is our pleasure to serve you as our valued member, and we appreciate yourcontinued commitment to the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

Sincerely,

Bob Rohrlack, CCEPresident & CEOGreater Tampa Chamber of Commerce

www.TampaChamber.com 6

A Letter from Our Chamber Chair

Welcome toTampa Bay

On behalf of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, welcometo the beautiful Tampa Bay area. Our region, rich in culture andsteeped in history, has long been one of the nation’s most desirableareas to live, work, and play. I am pleased that you are interestedin learning more about our community.

The Greater Tampa Bay area attracts residents and visitors fromaround the world. Our enviable quality of life includes year-roundsunshine, an unmatched level of hospitality, and access to abeautiful natural landscape. Our community has had the pleasureof hosting events ranging from Super Bowls, to the 2012Republican National Convention, and in 2014, was the first U.S.city to host the International Indian Film Academy Awards – the“Bollywood Oscars” and the 2015 NCAA Women’s Final Four. TheDivision I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, Frozen Four, returns to

Tampa in 2016. Each event our area hosts leaves visitors with great memories of our hospitality and charm.

Our community has a robust business community, great educational system, picturesque neighborhoods, fiveprofessional sports teams, a vital part of our nation’s defense through MacDill Air Force Base, and an overallfeeling of local warmth. Our members take great pride in helping to build a strong community, and theChamber has been instrumental in the growth of many of our local institutions.

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Tampa Bay area. As the Chair of the Greater Tampa Chamber ofCommerce, I would like to thank our members for their continued support in making our region a greatcommunity.

Sincerely,

Guy King III2016 Chair, Greater Tampa Chamber of CommerceM.E. Wilson Co., Inc.


cHaIrGuy King III

M.E. Wilson Co., Inc.

cHaIr-eLectMike Griffin

Savills Studley Occupier Services

treaSUrerSteven Bernstein, Esq.

Fisher & Phillips, LLP

FINaNce

Mark AndrzejewskiLaser Spine Institute

Joseph MeterchickPNC Bank

INNOVatION LeaDerSHIP

Maryann FerencMise En Place

Debbie LundbergPresenting PowerfullyBy Debbie Lundberg

INterNatIONaL

Lee Nelson, Esq.Shutts & Bowen LLP

Jason WoodyLions Eye Institute

LeaDerSHIP DeVeLOPMeNt

Jim DeanBusch Gardens

Adventure Islands

Lorraine LuttonSt. Joseph’s Hospital

MarKetING

Evan BrownsteinWell Strategics

Lauren KeyFlorida Hospital

MeMBerSHIP

Vincent CassidyMajesty Title Services, LLC

Jamie HardenCreative Sign Designs

MILItary

Carlos del CastilloBrightHouse Networks

John LongUniversity of South Florida

PrOGraMS

Bruce FaulmannTampa Bay Times

Andy Mayts, Esq.GrayRobinson

PUBLIc POLIcy

Robin DeLaVergneTampa General Hospital

David Mechanik, Esq.Mechanik Nuccio

Hearne & Wester, P.A.

LeGaL cOUNSeL

Marilyn Mullen Healy, Esq.Adams and Reese LLP

Secretary

Bob RohrlackGreater Tampa

Chamber of Commerce

2016 Executive Committee


Chamber Leadership


Board Of DirectorsAnne AdamsBeaux arts Group

Andy AlfordWFLa-tV*

Clint BabcockSandler training*

Patrick BasketteeFP

Jon BaylessPinnacle Holdings

John Belltampa theatre

Beth BernittHellmuth, Obata, Kassabaum, Inc.

Neil Boslandthe association to advance collegiate Schools of Business (aacSB)*

Stuart Brownaccenture*

John ByczekNorthwestern Mutual Financial Network

Sandra CallahantecO*

Hugh Campbellac4S

Bruce CarrSunshine Bank*

Ronald A. Christaldi, Esq.Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP *

Ginger Clark, Ph.D.Hillsborough community college*

Justin Clarkcigar city Brewing

Robert Clarktampa Steel erecting co.

Karin ColemanHcI Group, Inc.*

Joseph Conrod Sr.Johns Hopkins all children’s Hospital*

Ana CruzBallard Partners

Justin Daythe advocacy Group*

Kimberlee DeBosierJMt, Inc.

Kim de la ParteUSI Insurance Services, LLc

Scott DeThomasGte Financial*

Peter Diniacoaetna*

Lee EvansBristol-Myers Squibb*

Ira Federerraymond James & associates*

Thomas FeindtGrow Financial Federal credit Union*

Mark FernandezeMF consulting

Doug Fisherempire Office

Robert FoxFrontier Business edge*

Joe Gessthe tampa tribune*

Richard GhentMosaic*

Bill GoedeBank of america*

Henry Gonzalez IIIMutual of Omaha Bank*

Steve Griggstampa Bay Lightning*

Tom HendersonHill Ward Henderson

Alison HoeflerSouthwest airlines

Greg Hoerbeltregions Bank*

Derek Holmestec-Link

Alyson HornaVI-SPL*

Dan HowatJP Morgan chase*

Mariela HurstSuntrust Banks, Inc.*

Mickey JacobBDG architects

Drew JenkinsBush ross*

Bob JohnstonFront Burner Brands

Cheryl KleimanPeak 10

Ken Laneavison young

Rob LedfordBaker Barrios*

Bill J. Lennox Ph.D.Saint Leo University*

Joseph W. Lopanotampa International airport*

Orlando Lopez-IsaGresham, Smith & Partners

Mark MacMillanProShred

Drew MarshallcI Group

John MedaksaVology*

Seth McKeelSouthern Strategy Group

Gregg Mortonciti*

Brian MurphyreliaQuest, LLc

Rick Nafetampa Bay rays*

T. Corey Neilthe Bank of tampa*

Doug PaceBayshore Solutions

Aakash Patelelevate, Inc.

Chris PietruskiewiczStetson University college of Law

Dave Punzakcarlton Fields Jorden Burt, P.a.*

Scott RileyFintech*

Alba RodriguezSkanska Building USa, Inc.

Christopher RogersSykes enterprise Incorporated*

Hala A. SandridgeBuchanan Ingersoll & rooney P.c.*

Yvette SeguraUSaa*

Kevin ShukurBBVa compass Bank

Bemetra SimmonsBB&t*

Kareem SpratlingBryant Miller Olive P.a.

Susan StackhouseStellar Partners, Inc.*

Chase StockonPanther International, LLc

Thom Storkthe Florida aquarium

Eduardo Suarez-SolarGunster

Eileen Sweeneytampa Bay Buccaneers*

Roger Swinfordcalhoun International

Jim ThemidesWells Fargo Bank, N.a.*

Yvette TremontiH. Lee Moffitt cancer & research Institute, Inc.*

Christine Turnerchappellroberts

Gary VienSuncoast credit Union*

Joe Waggonertampa Hillsborough expressway authority*

Ron WeaverStearns Weaver MillerWeissler alhadeff & Sitterson P.a.

Randall WoodsFlorida Blue*

Enrique WoodroffeWoodroffe corporation architects

Scott Zykoskicentennial Bank*

*Parnter-Level Member


Past Chairs2015Ronald A. Christaldi, Esq.Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP *

2014Robin DeLaVergnetampa General Hospital*

2013Gregory Celestancelestar corporation

2012Chuck BlackBlack & Black consulting Services

2010-11Chuck SykesSykes enterprises Incorporated*

2009Henry Gonzalez, IIIMutual of Omaha Bank*

2008Judy Genshaft, Ph.D.University of South Florida*

2007Fredrick H.L. McClure, Esq.DLa Piper US LLP

2006Jose ValientecPa

2005C. Samuel EllisoneWI construction, LLc

2004John RamiltecO energy, Inc*

2002A.D. Sandy MacKinnonMacKinnon equipment & Services

2001Bob MartinezHolland & Knight

1999Rhea Law, Esq.Buchanan Ingersoll & rooney P.a.*

1998Richard Dobkin

1995Joe House

1993Gay Culverhouse

1992James FermanFerman Motor car company, Inc

1990-91James Apthorp

1989-90William Starkey

1988-89Stella Thayer, Esq.MacFarlane Ferguson & McMullen

1987-88James Urbanski

1985-86Mandell ShimbergShimberg-cross co.

1984-85G. Robert Blanchard

1983-84T. Terrell Sessums

Ex-Officio MembersMayor Bob Buckhorncity of tampa

Christine Burdicktampa Downtown Partnership

Santiago CorradaVisit tampa Bay

JP DuBuquetampa Hillsborough economic Development corp.

Jeff EakinsHillsborough county Public Schools

Lindsey KimballHillsborough county economic Development

Ann Kuligthe Westshore alliance

LEADERSHIP TAMPA ALUMNI CHAIRReid HaneyHill Ward Henderson

LEADERSHIP TAMPA CHAIRStephanie Aglianoaggie enterprises

EMERGE TAMPA BAY CHAIRJennifer LawsonHcI Group, Inc.

MILITARY ADVISORCol. Daniel TulleyMacDill air Force Base


A Legacy of Leadership

Through the hard work of many dedicated businessprofessionals, Tampa has emerged to become one ofthe most flourishing cities in the state. The Chambertakes pride in its remarkable efforts that have madeTampa’s history a success and continues to support thebusinesses in our area.

On May 7, 1885, The Tampa Board of Trade was createdat the Branch’s Opera House. As president of the TampaBoard of Trade, Dr. John P. Wall supported an innovativetransportation system. Named after H.B. Plant, thePlant System allowed Tampa to branch out toneighboring and distant cities through the constructionof bridges, railroads, and waterworks. The growinginfrastructure allowed the Board to connect with a largerbusiness community, gaining new membership andfinancial support. Chairmen and committees wereformed, and the Board’s growing status spread quickly.Education and government services grew, as well assupport for diversity, culture, and art. On December 1,1928, influenced by the national trend, the Board ofTrade renamed itself the Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

In 1933, the Chamber’s Education Committee supportedthe creation of a university in Tampa. When the TampaBay Hotel became available in August of that year, thehotel was refurbished and became The University of Tampa.

Jerry Waterman, chairman of the Chamber’s AviationCommittee, convinced government officials that Tampawas the perfect location for a new air force base. Hishighly respected reputation and negotiating skills paidoff when land was cleared to start construction forMacDill Air Force Base on November 28, 1939.

On January 22, 1954, the Committee of 100 was createdat a special meeting at the Tampa Terrace Hotel. Morethan 200 members attended and made a financialcommitment to the economic development of Tampa.A tour of Latin American countries in 1960 broadenedthe Chamber’s influence and initiated trade developmentbetween Florida and Latin America. In collaboration withthe Chamber, the Committee of 100 became anindependent organization in 2009 known as the TampaHillsborough Economic Development Corporation.

Today, the Chamber celebrates 131 years of hard-earned success. The dedicated efforts of Tampa’sfirst visionaries paved the way for the vibrant andrich community we enjoy today.


INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIPThe Chamber continues to steer Tampa’s future growththrough a leadership framework that provides forprofessional development and community researchinitiatives. Your Chamber membership gives you anopportunity to be an active participant in the growth ofthe Tampa Bay Region.

EMERGE TAMPA BAYYoung professionals develop community leadership skillsthrough this Chamber program that engages over 600active members between the ages of 21 and 35. Theprogram concentrates on four main segments: memberengagement, community outreach, professionaldevelopment, and public policy. Each segment regularlyhosts a wide variety of events and activities that fosterboth professional and personal growth. Emerge TampaBay celebrates its twelfth anniversary in 2016.

LEADERSHIP TAMPAThe Chamber provides area executives the chance toexperience Tampa in an incredibly in-depth way with thenation’s third oldest leadership development program,Leadership Tampa. The program introduces its classmembers to major facets of the Greater Tampacommunity through an intensive nine-month course thatincludes educational sessions, tours, and candidconversations with community leaders. Topics including

law enforcement, education, social services, arts andculture, health sciences, economic development, andsports – to name a few – challenge members to see theircommunity as they never have before. Applications areavailable each spring.

LEADERSHIP TAMPA ALUMNILeadership Tampa Alumni, a Chamber committee,serves to support graduates from Leadership Tampa andextends the involvement of those individuals in civiceducation, social interaction, current events, and issuesfacing the Tampa Bay community. This organization isover 650 members strong and includes graduates fromalmost every Leadership Tampa Class since 1971.

INSIGHT TAMPAInsight Tampa is a leadership program of the GreaterTampa Chamber of Commerce Foundation that providesa forum to invited C-suite professionals to connect,discuss, and explore the issues and concerns that affectbusiness in the Tampa Bay area. The participants areCEOs, presidents, or comparable-level executives who were recently promoted or located to theTampa/Hillsborough County market.

INFLUENTIAL ADVOCACYThe Chamber represents the voice of our members in thelegislative process. An integral component of theChamber’s mission is to communicate the views of thebusiness community to elected officials and to holdgovernment accountable to business. With yourmembership, you have the opportunity to participate inan agenda that has successfully influenced policy makers.

POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEEAn opportunity for enhanced participation, this volunteercommittee communicates with local constituent groupsand Chamber members to prioritize legislative topics.The Policy Advisory Committee also serves to convenearea businesses to discuss opportunities for collaborationon issues of mutual concern.

Membership Benefits


TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEEThis volunteer committee works with Chambermembers to survey, study, and advocate fortransportation improvements that will support economicdevelopment and improve quality of life in Tampa Bay.They actively work with other stakeholders in the regionto find solutions to the long term transportation needs.

ISSUE IDENTIFICATIONChamber members help define the policy priorities of theTampa Bay business community. Members areempowered to call attention to legislation and issues onwhich they feel the Chamber should take a position.Events are hosted each year to give members a betterunderstanding of key public policy issues that could havean effect on their businesses or the Tampa Baycommunity.

ELECTED OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTThe Chamber and its volunteer leadership foster workingrelationships with elected officials at the federal, state,and local levels to make certain the opinion of theChamber membership is known to key decision makers.Fly-Ins are coordinated to Tallahassee and WashingtonD.C. for one-on-one meetings with the Tampa Baydelegation.

PUBLIC POLICY EVENTSThe Chamber hosts several events each year to givemembers a better understanding of public policy issuesthat could affect their businesses or the Tampa Baycommunity. Public Policy Roundtables facilitate dialoguebetween the private and public sectors, developrelationships between the two, and promote thedevelopment of business in the TampaBay community.

INSIDE ACCESSJoining the Chamber opens doors to influential contactsand unique outreach programs not available in othercommunity organizations. Our membership engagementstrategy also lets you and your employees delve deeperinto topics that matter to you and develop relationshipsthat grow your business.

EDUCATION CONNECTIONEducation Connection builds two-way collaborativepartnerships between Academia and the BusinessCommunity to develop and keep top workforce talent inTampa. The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commercepartners with Hillsborough Community College,Hillsborough County Schools, University of South Florida,The University of Tampa, Saint Leo University, andStetson University College of Law to create opportunitiesfor internships, encourage industry leading research, andto enhance academic curriculum to ensure the successof students in meeting the needs of the businesscommunity.

STARTUP SCHOLARSThe Startup Scholars Program is an initiative which aimsto encourage innovation as a part of our communityculture and increase instances of entrepreneurial success.The goal is to increase the competitiveness of the TampaBay business community by addressing and nurturingTampa’s entrepreneurs and related business innovationin any industry sector. Startup Scholars engage in amentorship program that provides guidance andassistance in critical areas, including best managementpractices and sales growth.

BENCHMARKINGFor 15 years, the Chamber has taken 100 businessleaders and elected officials on an annual BenchmarkingVisit to investigate new programs and initiatives in a citysimilar to Tampa and adapt its best practices to meet ourgrowing needs. Participating Chamber members get aninsider’s view of another city’s success and then comehome to Tampa and apply these new ideas. The teamlearned from Denver in 2015 and plans to visitMinneapolis and St. Paul in 2016.

M

embership Benefits


WOMEN OF INFLUENCEIn 2007, the Chamber identified a growing demand forprogramming designed to foster success among femalebusiness professionals in the Tampa Bay region. Out of thisneed grew the Women of Influence Luncheon, an annualevent featuring nationally recognized successful women.Building on the event’s success, the Chamber also offersseveral smaller Women’s Series luncheons throughout theyear and Pearls of Wisdom, a semiannual networkingevent for female business professionals. Since its inception,the Chamber’s women’s programing has drawn more than12,000 attendees. Committee participation gives youaccess to other female executives in the region and offersopportunities for community service.

MILITARY COUNCILThe Chamber’s Military Council is one of the largest andmost active committees with every command at MacDillAir Force Base and every branch of service in the arearepresented. The mission of the group is to foster therelationship between the Chamber and the men andwomen that serve at MacDill and the military in general.The Council has four committees: Support &Recognition, Veteran Employment, Defense Commerce,and Military Policy. The committees are responsible forthe Military Appreciation Banquet, Senior EnlistedReception, Veterans Day Celebration, OperationPartnership, and supporting warrior transition andmilitary spouse employment efforts.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSThe Chamber has taken an important role in promotinginternational trade by embracing the culture and diversityof the community. The Chamber’s InternationalBusiness Committee reinforces the Chamber’s effortstowards international trade by identifying Tampa Bay asan international hub and working with membercompanies throughout the area in Public Policy, Arts

& Culture, Education, Tourism, and building capacity in the trade arena.

COMPETITIVE EDGE SERIESThe Competitive Edge Series was introduced in 2011 asan enhanced, targeted educational program. Businessand professional development classes under thisumbrella offer attendees new skill sets and a practicalapplication for implementation in their own businesses.Unique classes take place each month during thelunchtime hour. Topics range from marketing andbranding to human resources to technology.

SPORTING TOURNAMENTSThe Chamber’s two annual sporting tournamentscombine business networking with a healthy dose ofcompetition! Whether it’s on the golf course or at thesporting clays range, these events are great opportunitiesto host clients and interact with fellow members in asocial setting. The Chamber also hosts annual eventswith three of Tampa Bay’s professional sports teams: theBuccaneers, the Lightning, and the Rays.

NETWORKING EVENTSThe Chamber holds several monthly networking eventsto help members expand their circle of contacts to helpthem grow their businesses. The first step for any newmember is the Chamber’s bimonthly MemberOrientation, which is designed to introduce you to all theopportunities for engagement at the Chamber. Afterthat, try the monthly informal Business After Hoursgathering or a more controlled speed-networking eventlike Get Connected. For top-tier investors, quarterly Circleof Influence and After Five events are offered.


SIGNATURE EVENTSThe Chamber annually hosts more than 150 events andprograms designed to meet the varied needs of ourdiverse membership. Our five annual signature eventshave become marquee affairs with thousands ofmembers making them a must-attend.

Military Appreciation BanquetWith the strong military presence in Tampa Bay, theannual Military Appreciation Banquet has become oneof the largest Chamber events of the year. Thissemiformal evening gives the business community anopportunity to recognize military personnel from all fivebranches of the service and area ROTC programs. For 18years, the event has honored local military personnel foroutstanding contributions to the Tampa Bay community.

Women of Influence LuncheonThe Chamber introduced the Women of InfluenceLuncheon in 2007 to much fanfare. The annual eventfeatures nationally recognized, successful women anddraws an average crowd of more than 800 attendees.Luncheons have featured inspiring women such as SarahBlakely, founder of SPANX, Barbara Corcoran, real estatemogul and TODAY show contributor, Elizabeth Gilbert,best-selling author of Eat, Pray, Love, former CNN anchorSoledad O’Brien, entertainment journalist GiulianaRancic, and Academy Award nominee Viola Davis.

Small Business of the Year AwardsFor more than 30 years, the Small Business of the YearAwards has paid tribute to businesses with fewer than250 employees. More than 250 companies vie annuallyfor the chance to take home the coveted title at theawards banquet featuring an audience of over 600 peers.Awards are given to businesses in five categories,including a category for start-ups. Companies are judgedbased on business practices, operational management,and community involvement. The Outstanding SmallBusiness Leader of the Year is also awarded at thissignature event.

Emerging with InfluenceEmerging with Influence is Emerge Tampa Bay’s premiersignature event. This annual event provides EmergeTampa Bay members, as well as the Tampa Baycommunity, the opportunity to celebrate theaccomplishments of the organization throughout theprevious year.

AnnualMeetingThe Chamber’s Annual Meetingfeatures the official passing of the gavelfrom the current chair to the incoming chair.This culminating event of the year providesattendees an opportunity to hear from the outgoing chairabout the year’s accomplishments and listen to theincoming chair’s priorities for the coming year. TheAnnual Meeting is one of the most important andexciting Chamber events each year.

CHAMBER COMMUNICATIONSThe Chamber recognizes the importance of keeping itsmembers plugged in to what is going on in the Chamber,our community, and beyond. We have a variety ofcommunication tools that ensure our members have themost up-to-date information on Chamber events,programs, member news, and public policy initiatives.

www.tampachamber.com: The Chamber’snumber one resource for members is our website. Itis an outstanding resource for Chamber news, onlineevent registration, policy issues, member benefits,and includes our comprehensive membershipdirectory.

eView newsletter: Over 13,000 subscribersreceive the Chamber’s regularly scheduled electronicnewsletter, which provides members with a quicksnapshot of Chamber news, programs, and events.

Social media: The Chamber maintains a blog anda presence on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, andInstagram and uses these tools to engage membersand the community more frequently on an informalbasis.

Mem

bership Benefits


The Tampa Bay area is the hub of one of the largestmetropolitan regions in the Southeast with a populationof more than 4.3 million living and working within theregion. Located midway down the Gulf coast of theFlorida peninsula, Tampa welcomed a record number ofvisitors in 2015 making leisure and tourism the fastestgrowing industries in the area. For both individuals andcompanies alike, Tampa offers accessibility, affordability,and opportunity.

Over the last three decades, the Tampa Bay region hasquickly accelerated its growth to become a true mega-region that boasts an enviable quality of life withyear-round sunshine, a unique cultural heritage, and adiverse business climate. Tampa Bay serves as thewestern gateway to the Florida High Tech Corridor thatstretches across the state through Orlando east to theSpace Coast.

In the last century and a half, Tampa has experiencedrapid change. The community contained only a fewhundred residents until the railroad reached Tampa in thelate 1800s. Soon thereafter, one of the city’s firstindustries, cigar making, was born when the TampaBoard of Trade (now the Greater Tampa Chamber ofCommerce) invited cigar manufacturers to move theirfactories from Key West. The industry grew rapidly,

which stimulated the city’s economic development andsignaled that Tampa’s days as a sleepy village were over.In the peak year of 1929, more than 500 million cigarswere hand-rolled in the city.

Other historical Tampa milestones include theestablishment of MacDill Air Force Base in 1941, whichhas become a vital part of America’s defense and animportant location for training those that keep ourcountry safe. As an Air Mobility Command base, it iscapable of rapidly providing air-refueling power anywherein the world. The base is currently the home of the 6thAir Mobility Wing, 927th Air Refueling Wing, and 28mission partners, including U.S. Central Command andU.S. Special Operations Command. In the 61st year oftheir world famous demonstrations, the United StatesAir Force Thunderbirds named MacDill’s 2014 Airfest the“Best Military Show Site.” MacDill Air Force Basecelebrates its 75th anniversary with the return of AirFestin March 2016.

Higher education arrived in Tampa in 1933 with theestablishment of the University of Tampa and in 1956when the main campus of the University of South Floridawas founded. To address the educational needs of arapidly growing urban region, two additional institutionswere founded in the area – Saint Leo University in 1959

WelcomeAbout the Area

Combine a perfect climate and some of thenation’s most popular attractions, and it’s easy to understand why the Tampa Bay area is afavorite tourist destination. Residents enjoy this outstanding quality of life all year round.


and Hillsborough Community College in 1968. Learnmore about each of these institutions in the Educationsection of this guide.

Tampa International Airport opened its first terminal in1971. The airport’s basic design, separate airside andlandside functions connected by “people movers,” helpsmake it one of the most highly-rated, top traveler-friendlyairports in the world. In recent years, the airport hasexpanded its international reach to include flights toCuba, continental Europe, and Latin America. A majorexpansion is underway that will accommodate 35 millionpassengers each year, more than double the currentnumber of annual passengers.

Combine a perfect climate and some of the nation’s mostpopular attractions, and it’s easy to understand why theTampa Bay area is a favorite tourist destination.Residents enjoy this outstanding quality of life all yearround. Tampa boasts a vibrant arts community alive withcontemporary and classical art. The area has two of thenewest museums in Florida – the Tampa Museum of Artalong the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa andthe Salvador Dalí Museum along the picturesquewaterfront in St. Petersburg.

The Tampa Bay area has earned its reputation as a“major league” destination. The region is home to fiveprofessional sports teams – the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Tampa Bay Rays, theTampa Bay Rowdies, and the Tampa Bay Storm. The

region has hostedfour Super Bowls, aStanley Cup Final, the WorldSeries, and the NCAA Final Fourtournaments for both basketball andhockey. The NCAA Women’s Final Four came toTampa in 2015, and the NCAA Frozen Four takesplace at the Amalie Arena in April 2016. Tampa’sOutback Bowl celebrates its 30th anniversary this yearas it plays host to teams from the Big Ten Conferenceand Southeastern Conference, and the College FootballPlayoff National Championship game will be held atRaymond James Stadium in January 2017.

Tampa’s major league status also applies to its growingbrand as a visitor and hospitality destination. New hotels,museums, attractions, and waterfront developments –not to mention the Tampa area’s proximity to some ofthe world’s best beaches – attract millions of leisure andbusiness travelers to the Tampa Convention Center andother venues. Downtown Tampa played host to one ofthe nation’s largest political gatherings, the RepublicanNational Convention, in August 2012.

In April 2014, Tampa hosted the International Indian FilmAcademy awards (also known as the Bollywood Oscars)with an estimated worldwide television viewing audienceof 800 million viewers in more than 110 countries. Theevent earned Tampa a starring role on the internationalstage and attracted tens of thousands of visitors froman attractive new tourism market.

Welcom

e

Tampa International Airport


Tampa Bay is making a name for itself! In 2015, theregion received numerous accolades, including: BestPlaces to Retire (No. 1, WalletHub), Best Airport in theU.S. (No. 2, Conde Nast Traveler), Best American City forSports Travel (No. 4, Hotels.com and SeatGeek), BestSmall Business Cities (No. 19, Biz2Credit), and Best Citiesto Find a Job (No. 24, WalletHub).

The depth and diversity of our regional businesscommunity led to significant growth in industries definedby innovation and technology. These industries includefinancial and shared services, life sciences, defense andsecurity, manufacturing, and agribusiness. The area alsohas firms specializing in medical devices, high techelectronics and instruments, logistics and distribution,homeland security and defense, and port/maritime.Diversification of services has been key to the successand vitality of the local economy.

Nearly one in four of Florida’s business and informationservices firms calls Tampa home, ranging frominformation technology to law firms, accounting,engineering, and other consulting businesses. Tampa alsois a gateway to the Florida High Tech Corridor, a 23-countyarea that spans across the state and is connected by threeresearch universities, more than 20 local and regionaleconomic development organizations, 14 community andstate colleges, and six regional workforce boards.

Today, Tampa Bay is home to 19 corporate headquarterswith over $1 billion in annual revenue, eight of which areFortune 1000 companies. Tampa is also the location ofchoice for nearly 500 foreign-owned companiesrepresenting over 40 nations.

Among those Tampa Bay-based companies on theFortune 500 list for 2015 are Publix Super Markets, TechData, Jabil Circuit, and WellCare Health Plans, and theFortune 1000 companies include Raymond JamesFinancial, Bloomin’ Brands, HSN, and TECO Energy.Other companies with headquarters in the area includeSykes Enterprises, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Brown& Brown Insurance, and Verizon Florida.

Several companies have also established large facilitiesor expanded in the Tampa Bay area, creating more jobsand boosting the local economy with capital investment,including Amazon, Bristol-Myers Squibb, DepositoryTrust & Clearing Corporation, HealthPlan Services, JamesHardie, Morgan Stanley, Tribridge, and USAA.

In August 2015, Amazon announced it planned to hire2,000 people at its two fulfillment centers in Florida —in Ruskin and Lakeland — which nearly doubled the sizeof its workforce in the state. The company says that itsfulfillment center jobs, which include handling andshipping orders from an air conditioned warehouse, pay

Tampa Bay has long been known for a skilled labor pool and pro-business climate to match its outstanding quality of life.Economy

Business & Industry


about 30 percent more than the average retail salary.USAA is expanding its presence in Hillsborough County,creating up to 1,215 new jobs and $164.3 million in capitalinvestment by 2019. Bristol-Myers Squibb also openeda new 70,000 square-foot facility in January 2014 withapproximately 250 employees. The company will add upto 325 additional jobs supporting scientific and technicalactivities at the site by 2017.

As one of the top economic engines in the Tampa Bayarea, Tampa International Airport offers non-stop flightsto more than 70 domestic and international destinationsat fares lower than most major metro areas. InSeptember 2015, TIA launched a new non-stop flight toFrankfurt, Germany, one of the world’s busiest hubs, viaLufthansa Airlines. According to TIA, this daily nonstopto Europe is expected to have an annual economic impacton the Tampa Bay region of $97 million and createroughly 680 jobs.

From a wide-ranging cargo mix to its cruise passengerpopularity to repair of ships, Port Tampa Bay is trulyamong the nation's most diverse seaports. Port TampaBay continues to flourish as the No. 1 economic enginein West Central Florida, supporting nearly 80,000 jobs

and delivering some$15 billion in annualeconomic impact. Port TampaBay is building upon its rock-solidfoundation to meet the demands of globaltrade and the needs of a region of more than 8million consumers.

The military also plays a significant role in the strengthand quality of our workforce. MacDill Air Force Baseemploys nearly 19,000 military and civilian personnel,and more than 73,000 retirees and spouses of militaryretirees reside within 50 miles of the base. Active,Reserve, Guard, federal civil servants, civilian contractors,and retirees continue to contribute to the Tampa Bayregion.

Looking to the future, Tampa will continue its successfuldiversification strategy to add more high-wage, high-skilljobs. Health care, technology, and education will continueto play prominent roles. More emphasis will also beplaced on international outreach and growing theinternational sector for both trade and reverseinvestment.

Economy


Tampa Bay is packed with entertainment, cultural, andleisure attractions for families. Winner of 4.5 stars fromTripAdvisor in 2014, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo features1,000 animals on nearly 60 acres of natural habitats,water play areas, wild rides, educational shows, andinteractive opportunities to get closer to wildlife. LowryPark Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in thesoutheastern U.S.

Busch Gardens® Tampa is the ultimate family adventurewith up-close animal encounters, live entertainment, andworld-class rides. Visit Pantopia Theater to see BuschGardens’ newest live stage show Opening Night Critters.Featuring rescued domestic and exotic animals, includingdogs, cats, birds, a horse and a kangaroo, this theatricaltale follows a couple of stage hands as they haphazardlyfind themselves in the spotlight as the human stars inan all-animal production. Busch Gardens® Tampa puts aspin on family thrills in 2016 with Cobra's Curse! Thisone-of-a-kind spin coaster takes riders on a whirlwindadventure of exciting explorations. Don’t miss BuschGardens’ mega-attraction, Cheetah Hunt®, which invitesguests to join nature’s most agile predator as it racesacross the Serengeti on Florida’s first triple-launch roller coaster.

LEGOLAND® Florida, Central Florida’s newest themepark, is a 150-acre, full two-day interactive family themepark specifically designed for families with children ages2 to 12. This is the largest LEGOLAND® Park in the world,and it features more than 50 rides, shows, andattractions, restaurants, shopping, a breathtakingbotanical garden, and LEGOLAND® Water Park.

Arts and culture are prominent in Tampa’s ever-changingdowntown. The Tampa Museum of Art is a culturallandmark situated along the Tampa Riverwalk in thecity’s downtown. The museum opened its award-winning home in 2010 and is the region’s largestmuseum devoted to art of our time. The museum’s14,000-square-foot LED installation on its façade hasbecome an iconic image for Tampa.

The newly renovated Riverwalk stretches 2.2 miles as acontinuous pedestrian walkway extending from theChannelside area to Tampa Heights along the east sideof the Hillsborough River. It incorporates art andinterpretive elements, retail and restaurants, parks andopen space, and other urban amenities. The Curtis HixonWaterfront Park, the centerpiece of the Riverwalk, is avery popular destination with its sloping great lawn that

LeisureArts & Entertainment

Busch Gardens® Tampa attractions are a must-do for anyone looking for one of the best places to visit in Florida.


features two fountains, a children’s playground, publicboat docks, a dog park, seat terraces, and a pavilion.

The Tampa Bay History Center, a Smithsonian Institutionaffiliate, serves residents of the local area as well asHillsborough County’s nearly 3 million annual tourists.Visitors take an illuminating walk through 12,000 yearsof Florida history with powerful stories told throughinteractive maps and exhibits. Tampa’s story is richlydotted with native inhabitants, Spanish conquistadors,pioneers, presidents, sports legends, and railroad tycoons– all who played a role in its colorful ethnic heritage andadventurous spirit.

The David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts islocated downtown along the east bank of theHillsborough River. As the second largest performing artscomplex in the Southeastern United States, the venueprovides a wide variety of world-class concerts,performances, and events. The 2015-2016 season line-up features Patti LaBelle, Itzhak Perlman, Garrison Keillor,the Florida Opera Festival, and theBroadway series.

The Glazer Children’s Museum isalso located on the Riverwalk inTampa and features 17 themedareas, including health, technology,engineering exhibits, and 170accessible and bilingual“interactivities” for families. At theGlazer Children’s Museum, childrenare given the rare space to imagine,pretend, and grow while masteringmath, science, and reading skills.Whether they’re climbing throughthe water cycle, performing a play,or flying over Tampa Bay – knowthat this is no ordinary educationalexperience.

The Museum of Science andIndustry, MOSI, is always a familyfavorite. As the largest sciencecenter in the Southeast, it containsmore than 450 hands-on exhibitson space and astronomy,technology, robotics, gaming, andmore. Visit MOSI’s planetariumthat does double duty as Florida’sonly IMAX Dome theater, and ridein the Meridian Shuttle, anautonomous vehicle that is 100%driverless and electric, while itattempts to pass the standardFlorida driver license test. Enjoy

MOSI's new DroneZone where you can fly,drive, and dive commercialdrones in the air, on land, andunderwater. Then, step into Idea Zone,MOSI's inventor's studio, where you will be ableto code a variety of motion interfacing robots toexplore simulated off-world terrains and to navigatemazes.

The Florida Aquarium is home to more than 20,000aquatic plants and animals both native to Florida andfrom around the world. The aquarium gets accolades forits diverse programming. You can swim with fish, handfeed live stingrays, grab a backstage pass to see thepenguins, and “Explore A Shore,” which beckons kids asan outdoor water fun zone. The Wild Dolphin Cruisedeparts daily from The Florida Aquarium to view someof the 500 dolphins that call Tampa Bay home. This 75-minute cruise includes an entertaining tour aboard the72-foot, powered catamaran the Bay Spirit II.

Leisure

The Florida Aquarium

Built in 1926 as one of America’s most elaborate moviepalaces, the Tampa Theatre is a beloved communitylandmark. Upon entering under the theatre’s “blade sign”marquee, audiences are transported to a lavish, romanticMediterranean courtyard, complete with old-worldstatuary, flowers, and gargoyles. As one of the mostheavily utilized venues of its kind in the United States,Tampa Theatre’s single auditorium hosts more than 600events each year, including a full schedule of first-run andclassic films, concerts, special events, corporate events,tours, and educational programs. Tampa Theatre wasnamed to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

The Salvador Dalí Museum, located in St. Petersburg,houses the largest collection of Dalí pieces outsideEurope. A new Dalí building, double in size to the existingmuseum, opened in early 2011 next to the MahaffeyTheater on St. Petersburg’s waterfront. The museum’sexterior is considered a work of art itself, consisting ofmore than 900 triangular-shaped glass panels with notwo identical. Nicknamed the “Glass Enigma,” thisgeodesic dome-like structure is the only one of its kindin North America. AOL Travel News calls it “one of thetop buildings you have to see before you die.”

For more than a century, hundreds of colorfully-costumed pirates have sailed into downtown Tampaevery winter during the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion. Oncethe captain and his Krewe capture the city, they sharetheir plunder and trinkets with tens of thousands ofenthusiastic onlookers along the parade route. Heldannually the first weekend in March, The RaymondJames Gasparilla Festival of the Arts showcases 300 ofthe world’s most talented artists who essentiallytransform a downtown Tampa park into a museum. Thefestival also includes live entertainment, children’sactivities, and food vendors. The Gasparilla Music Festivalfollows the next weekend and features musical acts froma wide variety of genres on several stages and cuisinefrom the region’s top restaurants.

The Florida State Fair takes place in Hillsborough Countyin February, and on its heels is the Florida StrawberryFestival in Plant City, the winter strawberry capital of theworld. The Gasparilla Music Festival, Gasparilla Festivalof the Arts, and the Gasparilla International Film Festivalall take place in March, soon followed by Major LeagueBaseball spring training for the Yankees (Tampa), BlueJays (Dunedin), Phillies (Clearwater), Tigers (Lakeland),Pirates (Bradenton), and our own Tampa Bay Rays (PortCharlotte).

Spring brings the Mainsail Arts Festival to St. Petersburg.The area also has numerous music and food festivalsthroughout the year, several film festivals, and holidayboat parades.

For those wanting to luxury sail, Tampa has become oneof the premier cruise port destinations in the U.S. It is thehome port for five lines: Carnival Cruise Lines, HollandAmerica, Royal Caribbean International, NorwegianCruise Lines, and German-based AIDA Cruises - alloffering a variety of cruise itineraries.

Florida is perhaps best known worldwide for itsspectacular beaches, and those in Tampa Bay are noexception. Miles of white-sand beaches along the Gulfof Mexico border Greater St. Petersburg and Clearwater.Both Ft. DeSoto and Caladesi Island state parks arerecent “Top Beach in America” winners. Siesta KeyBeach in Sarasota, about an hour’s drive from Tampa, isthe 2011 top choice. Part of Caledesi’s allure is its limitedaccessibility by boat. Ft. De Soto Park is seen as largelyunspoiled, offering fishing, nature trails, camping, andboating. It has one of the South’s best dog beachplaygrounds for frolicking canines. The ever-popularClearwater Beach has loads of activities, including pick-up volleyball games, Jet Ski rentals, swimming,sandcastle building, and Pier 60, a family entertainmentcomplex. Clearwater Beach was voted “Best Beach inFlorida” for 2013. In 2016, TripAdvisor named ClearwaterBeach “Best Beach in the Country.”

Tampa Theatre

The Salvador Dalí Museum


Clearwater Beach


Tampa Bay has an exceptionally strong network of nearly20 hospitals - many ranked on “America’s BestHospitals” list by U.S. News and World Report. This top-quality medical service includes many leading specialtiesstaffed by doctors who have received nationalrecognition.

Part of the Adventist Health System, Florida Hospital isa leading not-for-profit health network comprised of 24hospitals throughout the state of Florida with 6 hospitalslocated in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.The health system also includes several Centra Careurgent care centers and more than 25 physician officesconveniently located throughout Tampa Bay. Known forits expertise in cardiovascular medicine and research,diabetes and endocrinology, digestive health, emergencymedicine, general surgery including minimally invasiveand robotic-assisted techniques, neuroscience,orthopedics, sports medicine, women’s health, andpediatrics, Florida Hospital is caring for Tampa Bayresidents through every stage of life.

Tampa General Hospital, a 1,011-bed facility, was namedone of the nation’s top 50 hospitals for 2014-15 in fourspecialties: cardiology & heart surgery, nephrology,orthopedics, and urology. It is the only Level 1 TraumaCenter in the area, just one of three burn centers inFlorida, and the 32-bed Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit

is the largest on the west coast of Florida. With fourmedical helicopters able to transport critically injured orill patients from 23 surrounding counties, the hospitalalso offers comprehensive stroke care and adult solid-organ transplants. Tampa General also serves as theprimary teaching affiliate of the University of SouthFlorida’s Morsani College of Medicine.

Moffitt Cancer Center holds the distinction as the onlyFlorida-based cancer center with the National CancerInstitute’s designation of a Comprehensive Cancer Centerfor its excellence in research and contributions to clinicaltrials, prevention, and cancer control. Moffitt is ranked asone of the top 20 cancer treatment facilities in the nation.

St. Joseph’s Hospital, founded in 1934, brings years ofservice to the community and is known for its advancedmedical surgical care. The redesigned Heart Instituteprovides patients with advanced technology and the fullspectrum of heart services. The SteinbrennerEmergency/Trauma Center for Children has a 20-stationacute care center and a pediatric resuscitation room. St.Joseph's Hospital – South, which opened in February2015, is a full-service hospital offering outpatientservices, intensive care, a 14-bed maternity unit, imaging,lab, surgical services, and more in a relaxing, family-centered environment. Located in Riverview, just southof Tampa, this innovative facility is specially designed to

USF Health is dedicated to improving the fullspectrum of health - from the environment, tothe community, to the individual by reinventinghealth education, research and care.

HealthcareWorld Class Providers


make patients and visitors as comfortable as possibleduring their hospital experience. St. Joseph’s Hospitalsare part of the BayCare Health System, a leadingcommunity-based health system in the Tampa Bay area.

Named a top 50 children's hospital by U.S. News &World Report, All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburgprovides world-class care in more than 43 pediatricmedical and surgical subspecialties and serves as a majorregional referral center for the entire central west coastof Florida. The hospital is a fully-integrated member ofthe Johns Hopkins Health System, and the ten- floorhospital and five-floor outpatient care center is one ofthe largest pediatric cancer programs in the Southeast.

Activated in 1972, the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospitalis a tertiary care facility classified as a Clinical ReferralLevel 1 Facility. JAHVH is a teaching hospital providing afull range of patient care services with state-of-the-arttechnology as well as education and research. TheTampa Shriners Hospital, one of 22 in the Shrinersnetwork in North America, specializes in orthopedicconditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip andpalate on children up to age 18.

USF Health includes the University of South Florida’sMorsani College of Medicine, colleges of nursing, publichealth, and pharmacy along with the schools ofbiomedical sciences and physical therapy. In December2015, the Morsani College of Medicine and USF HealthHeart Institute broke ground at the new downtownTampa location. These two projects will bring togethersuperior medical education, clinical care, and translationalresearch to improve patient care and health outcomes.In March 2012, USF Health opened its Center forAdvanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) indowntown Tampa. The three-story, 90,000 square footfacility provides ample space for every possible form ofhealth professional education, including surgeons, clinicalteams, and residents, all under one roof.

Kindred Hospital Bay Area – Tampa is a 73-bedtransitional care hospital licensed by the state of Floridaas an acute care hospital. Memorial Hospital of Tampaalso offers extensive medical expertise with a medicalstaff that includes more than 400 physicians whopractice a wide array of services. North Tampa BehavioralHealth is a private inpatient psychiatric and substanceabuse treatment facility catering to the needs of theTampa area community.

Healthcare

Tampa General Hospital

Florida Hospital Tampa


Tampa Bay’s commitment to excellence in educationproduces a well-trained workforce for employers. Thereare opportunities for learners of all ages seeking degreesand technical certifications.

For families with K-12 students, Hillsborough, Pinellas,and Pasco counties have public schools that exceedFlorida averages in the Florida Standards Assessments(FSA), National Merit Scholar standings, and per-pupilspending. There are also more than 300 independentprivate K-12 schools in the area. Hillsborough CountyPublic Schools (HCPS) is a national model for K-12education.

The International Baccalaureate program is offered at tenarea high schools, and many magnet schools at all gradelevels have specialized academic offerings. There are alsonumerous outstanding independent K-12 schools,including Berkeley Preparatory, Carrollwood Day School,and Tampa Preparatory, as well as nearly 150 religious-affiliated and non-denominational private schools andacademies.

Adult students can choose to attend one of many majorcolleges, universities, technical, and trade schools. TampaBay is home to nearly 80 colleges, universities, andtechnical schools with a combined annual enrollment of180,000 students.

The University of South Florida (USF) serves more than48,000 students on its main campus in Tampa and twoother locations in St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee,and it is ranked 43rd in the nation for researchexpenditures among all universities. USF, the maindoctoral research institution in Tampa, is home to USFHealth, which includes the Morsani College of Medicineand the Colleges of Nursing, Public Health, andPharmacy. The College of Marine Science is located onthe St. Petersburg campus. The university is one of onlyfour public universities in Florida classified by theCarnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teachingin the top tier of research universities, which is adistinction attained by only 2.3 percent of all universitiesnationwide. With more than 180 degree programs at theundergraduate, graduate, specialty, and doctoral levels,

EducationHigher Learning

Ranked one of the top universities by U.S. News & World Report, Saint Leo Universityenrolls over 16,000 students in undergraduateand graduate degree programs.


USF offers a dynamic learning environment that isfocused on student success. USF is a top producer ofFulbright U.S. Scholarship recipients, boasts the highestresearch and patent productivity among all Florida publicuniversities, and is one of only fifteen universities in thenation selected as a Tillman Partnership University of thePat Tillman Foundation.

The University of Tampa’s (UT) globally connectedcampus is the beating heart of a vibrant urban oasis.Approximately 8,000 students from all 50 states and140 countries attend UT, which is ranked among the bestof the best by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, andThe Princeton Review. UT offers more than 200academic programs, and championship sports, studentactivities, community service, honors, leadership, andstudy abroad programs complete an extraordinaryacademic experience that prepares students foranywhere a world-class education can take you. TheJohn P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center in the SykesCollege of Business teaches skills that are critical fortoday’s entrepreneur. Learning to identify opportunities,prepare executable business plans, and hone skillsthrough a combination of classroom study and appliedlearning makes their program unique.

Also near the heart of downtown is the Tampa LawCenter of the Stetson University College of Law. It houses

evening classes anda state appellate court.Between this location and themain Gulfport campus in PinellasCounty, Stetson has nearly 900 full andpart-time J.D. students.

Founded in 1889, Saint Leo University is one of thelargest and most innovative Catholic universities in theUnited States and offers more than 40 academicprograms, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s,education specialist, and doctoral degrees. Saint LeoUniversity currently enrolls more than 16,000 studentsfrom 49 states, the District of Columbia, three U.S.territories, and 86 countries and is ranked among theBest Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.

Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is among thecountry’s leading two-year institutions. Operating fiveprimary campuses near major employment centers, HCCassists local businesses with a comprehensive corporatetraining and continuing education division. HCC is proudto serve as the first choice in higher education forgraduates of the School District of Hillsborough Countyand is the largest community college feeder to theUniversity of South Florida.

Education

Hillsborough Community College SouthShore Campus

PARTNER LEVELHillsborough Community College (813) 253-7050 www.hccfl.edu

Saint Leo University (352) 588-8200 www.saintleo.edu

University of South Florida (813) 974-2791 www.usf.edu

SCHOOLS K-12Academy at the Lakes (813) 948-7600 www.academyatthelakes.org

Academy of the Holy Names (813) 839-5371 www.holynamestpa.org

Berkeley Preparatory School (813) 885-1673 www.berkeleyprep.org

Cambridge Christian School (813) 872-6744 www.ccslancers.com

Carrollwood Day School (813) 920-2288 www.carrollwooddayschool.org

Channelside Academy of Math & Science (813) 579-9649 www.channelsideacademy.com

Corbett Preparatory School of IDS (813) 961-3087 www.corbetprep.com

Lutz Learning Center, Inc. (813) 949-3484 www.Lutzlearning.com

Primrose School of South Tampa (813) 876-1000 www.primrosesouthtampa.com

Seminole Heights Charter High School (813) 234-0809 www.yourdiplomayourway.com

School District of Hillsborough County (813) 272-4050 www.sdhc.k12.fl.us

St. John’s Episcopal Parish Day School (813) 849-5200 www.stjohnseagles.org

Tampa Preparatory School (813) 251-8481 www.tampaprep.org

COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLSAna G. Mendez University System (813) 932-7500 www.suagm.edu

Argosy University, Tampa (813) 393-5290 www.argosy.edu

Art Institute of Tampa (813) 873-2112 new.artinstitutes.edu

Bisk Education, Inc. (813) 621-6200 www.bisk.com

Cooley Law School (813) 419 -5100 www.cooley.edu/tampabay

DeVry University (813) 288-8994 www.devry.edu

Everest University (813) 879-6000 www.everest.edu

Florida Polytechnic University (863) 583-9956 www.FloridaPolytechnic.org

Galen College of Nursing (727) 258-6321 www.galencollege.edu

Keiser University- Tampa Campus (813) 885-4900 www.keiseruniversity.edu

National-Louis University (813) 286-8087 www.nl.edu/florida

Nova Southeastern University (813) 574-5200 www.nova.edu/sec/tampa

Rasmussen College (813) 246-7600 www.rasmussen.edu

South University- Tampa (813) 393-3800 www.southuniversity.edu

Southeastern College (813) 961-2837 www.sec.edu

Southern Technical College (813) 630-4401 www.southerntech.edu

Stetson University College of Law (813) 228-6625 www.law.stetson.edu

The University of Tampa (813) 414-4146 www.ut.edu

Troy University (813) 835-6220 www.tampabay.troy.edu

Ultimate Medical Academy (813) 386-6350 www.ultimatemedical.edu

University of Florida-MBA Programs (352) 273-3244 www.cba.ufl.edu

Utica College (407) 301-9960 www.uticanursing.com

Chamber Member Educational Institutions



BRANDONThe Brandon area, which includes the communities ofValrico and Bloomingdale, is centrally located inHillsborough County to the east of I-75. Connected toTampa by the Selmon Expressway, Brandon is home tomany military service members serving at MacDill AirForce Base. With top-rated schools, a wide range ofyouth sporting leagues, and abundant recreationfacilities, it’s an ideal place to raise a family.

CARROLLWOODSituated in North Tampa, Carrollwood is a close-knitcommunity whose residents enjoy access to a widevariety of upscale shops, restaurants, and entertainmentoptions along North Dale Mabry Highway, the area’smajor thoroughfare.

CHANNEL DISTRICTTo the east of downtown is the Channel District, whichboasts views of the Tampa skyline and departing cruiseships from Port Tampa Bay. Within walking distance arethe Tampa Bay History Center, Florida Aquarium, and theAmalie Arena, home of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightningand the AFL’s Tampa Bay Storm, as well as one of theworld’s busiest concert venues. The district’s high-risecondos, lofts, and mixed-use skyscrapers add an edgeto downtown living. Plans are currently underway totransform the area into a new urban waterfrontentertainment district.

DAVIS & HARBOUR ISLANDSDavis Islands, a mix of residential, restaurants, and retail,features many original Mediterranean-style structures,while a newer mix of multi-unit residential and officedevelopment is found on Harbour Island just south ofdowntown.

HYDE PARKCity aficionados and families alike can enjoy shoppingand dining at Hyde Park Village with its open, airy feel.The SoHo area is the nightlife destination for theseneighborhoods and beyond with many restaurants andbars found along South Howard Avenue in addition tovintage clothing shops, art galleries, and cafés. At thesouthern tip of Bayshore Boulevard is Ballast Point, aneighborhood bordering MacDill Air Force Base.

NEW TAMPANew Tampa, a community located in the far northeasternreaches of the city, is one of the city’s largestneighborhoods. Bordering I-75 on the east, the area hasgrown rapidly since being annexed by Tampa in 1988. Itsmaster planned communities such as Tampa Palms andHunter’s Green offer shopping, offices, churches,recreational facilities, schools, and restaurants for familieslooking for suburban living with amenities.

Quaint, eclectic, or urban chic – Tampa Bay has all three when it comes to “neighborhood feel.”Communities

Around the Area


PLANT CITYPlant City, in the northeast corner of the county, is bestknown as the winter strawberry capital. The majority ofthe winter strawberries in the U.S. are grown on over8,000 acres of farmland surrounding Plant City. Browsethrough quaint shops in the Historic Downtown districtand enjoy lunch at the charming Camellia Rose TeaRoom. Streets canopied with ancient oaks embrace andwelcome you to a city where strangers are greeted asfriends.

SEMINOLE HEIGHTSThe older historic neighborhoods north of downtownhave experienced a renaissance. Seminole Heights,popular for its craftsman style bungalows from the1920s, has the longest stretch of riverfront parkland inthe city. The area, known to support private businesses,has seen steady growth of mom & pop establishments.Residents are proud to showcase carefully-restoredproperties from the earliest days of the neighborhood,which was platted in 1911. Porch parties and three activecivic associations make this an increasingly desirablelocale.

SOUTH SHOREThe South Shore area, which includes the Apollo Beach-Ruskin area of Hillsborough County south of Tampa, isstarting to take off much like New Tampa with a mix ofresidential, industrial, and corporate development. It alsoretains some of the area’s best natural surroundings: theAlafia and the Little Manatee Rivers, tidal inlets leadingout to open bay water, thousands of acres of naturalmarine estuaries, scrub nature preserves, and birdsanctuaries.

SOUTH TAMPAIn South Tampa, neighborhoods like Beach Park, PalmaCeia, and Hyde Park are filled with mature oak tree-linedstreets and homes restored from the pre- or post-WorldWar II era. Plenty of boutique shopping, salons, andeclectic eateries are close by along the commercialcorridors of Bay to Bay, MacDill, and South Dale Mabry.These residential areas are close to Tampa’s downtownbusiness and cultural arts district as well. Steps away isthe historic and picturesque Bayshore Boulevard – thelongest continuous sidewalk in the world – with its allurefor runners, roller bladers, and leisurely strollers.

Comm

unities

Channel District

Wesley Chapel

South Shore

Bayshore


TAMPA HEIGHTSNearby, Tampa Heights is being transformed by its owngroup of devoted urban pioneers from all walks of life.They enjoy neighborhood parks and community gardensin an area that had previously become blighted on theedge of downtown. Tampa Heights was the city’s firstresidential suburb, dating from the 1890s, and stillmaintains a rich ethnic diversity. Historical structures arebeing turned into lofts and other hip, new residences.

TEMPLE TERRACE Temple Terrace offers friendly, civic-minded residents andenchanting surroundings along the Hillsborough River.The city is strategically situated between three majorinterstates—I-4, I-75, and I-275 and adjacent to theUniversity of South Florida, the second largest universityin the southeast.

WESTCHASE Located halfway between Tampa and Clearwater isWestchase, a master-planned, deed-restrictedcommunity encompassing more than 2,000 acres. Thiscommunity is just minutes from Tampa InternationalAirport and is easily accessible from the Veteran’sExpressway. Westchase boasts hundreds of acres ofpreserved land, an 18-hole public golf course, multipleparks, playgrounds and picnic pavilions, nature trails,retail shops, markets, cafés, banks, restaurants, bars,professional offices, and more.

WEST TAMPAWest Tampa was one of the top cigar-making areas inthe country during the early 1900s along with Ybor City.It still is one of the largest predominantly Latincommunities in Tampa with a legacy of traditional andhistoric buildings minutes from downtown and theWestshore Business District.

YBOR CITYKnown as Tampa’s Latin Quarter for over a century, YborCity is an exotic blend of aromas, flavors, sights, andsounds. From the scent of roasting Cuban coffee early inthe morning to the rhythms of Latin music late into thenight, Ybor is a feast for the senses. Choose from avariety of cuisine – Spanish, Cuban, Italian, Greek, andFrench – just by strolling down La Séptima, the mainstreet of the Historic District. Share authentic tapas anda pitcher of Spanish sangria in a café atmospherereminiscent of a Mediterranean village.

PINELLAS COUNTYPinellas County enjoys a year-round reputation as atourist destination with attractions appealing to singles,couples, retirees, and families. There are world-renownedbeaches, family fun, and endless sunshine. PinellasCounty’s top key business sectors are tourism services,health services, manufacturing, and financial services.

CLEARWATERThe city of Clearwater is located in the center of PinellasCounty. Clearwater offers white-sand beaches on thebeautiful Gulf of Mexico, making it a very desirable placeto live! Clearwater Beach is the region’s quintessentialshore town featuring souvenir shops, pizzerias, andbeach bars. Pier 60, Clearwater’s famed sightseeing andfishing pier, offers nightly Sunset Festivals. Hours beforesunset, the pier comes alive with street performers andartisans displaying their talents. Clearwaterneighborhoods offer unique opportunities to redevelophistoric buildings and also to experience living in brandnew high-rises with outstanding water views.

SAFETY HARBORAcross the Courtney Campbell Causeway from TampaInternational Airport and the Rocky Point office and hotelarea is the city of Safety Harbor. It’s a family-orientedcommunity with small-town charm and a redevelopedhistoric downtown business district.

ST. PETERSBURGThere are more than 100 neighborhoods within the St.Petersburg city limits, including North Shore, Roser Park,and Kenwood historic districts. Nearby in southernPinellas is the small city of Gulfport with oak-coveredsidewalks, charming bungalows, and Clam Bayou, acoastal nature park. The numerous beach communitiesin Pinellas hugging the Gulf of Mexico offer a blend ofcondos, apartments, cottages, and upscale homes.

Pass-a-Grille sits on the southernmost tip of St. PeteBeach and offers four miles of pristine beach. Chartersare available for snorkeling trips to Shell Key barrierisland. Popular restaurants on Gulf Way are a great placeto enjoy spectacular sunsets.

NORTHERN PINELLASNorthern Pinellas County contains the towns of TarponSprings, Palm Harbor, and Dunedin. Thousands ofvisitors each year come to Tarpon Springs to enjoy theoutdoors, visit the Sponge Docks, see professional diversin action, and experience the Greek culture that stillpermeates the city. In Palm Harbor’s quaint downtown,you’ll see Conch cottages shaded by majestic elms. Thedowntown district offers a variety of festivals and craftfairs. Visitors can enjoy unique shopping and diningexperiences, and golf enthusiasts should not miss theCopperhead course at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club.


DUNEDIN Dunedin is a unique destination with something foreveryone. From Scottish imports and antiques togourmet cooking classes and boutiques, Dunedin is theplace to be. The town is also host to many art and specialevents. The Celtic Festival features Scottish-influencedmusic, dancing, food, and fun. Dunedin’s HoneymoonIsland and Caladesi Island are examples of nature’s bestnatural beaches. Both Honeymoon and Caladesi are partof the Florida State Parks with protection for wildlife andnature.

Just minutes south of Honeymoon and Caladesi islandsare the Pinellas County beaches. Thirty-five miles ofpowdery white beaches include St. Petersburg andClearwater beaches. The big pink Don CeSar BeachResort with its Moorish/Mediterranean architecture hasattracted jetsetters and notables to St. Pete Beach forover 70 years. The gulf waters offer a bounty of fishingand snorkeling for the more adventurous at heart.

PASCO COUNTYPasco County is home to world-class tennis and golfresorts, including Saddlebrook Resort & Spa. The areahas recently become known as a sports travel destinationfeaturing numerous professional and amateur sportstournaments, including cycling, lacrosse, speed skating,and golf.

South Pasco County is an outdoor-lover’s paradise withmiles of Gulf shoreline to the west, hilly terrain to the east,and thousands of acres of pristine wilderness in between.Nature-lovers can enjoy numerous stops along the GreatFlorida Birding Trail, as well as hiking, biking, and kayakingin one of dozens of parks, rivers, and beaches. DowntownNew Port Richey offers guided walking tours as well asscenic boat tours of the winding Cotee River.

DADE CITYHistoric downtown Dade City boasts antique shops,boutiques, and quaint restaurants in a pedestrian-friendlytown square. Throughout the year, Pasco hosts dozensof family-friendly events that pay tribute to the area’suniqueness, including the Kumquat Festival, ChascoFiesta, and Little Everglades Steeplechase.

WESLEY CHAPELWesley Chapel is a growing community locatedconveniently off of I-75. Citrus fields and pasture landshave given way to upscale neighborhoods with beautifulhomes of Tampa executives and their families who havechosen this quiet suburban lifestyle. The Shops atWiregrass, an open-air retail destination at the corner ofState Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, is a main-street style, pedestrian-friendly, outdoor lifestyle villagefor fashion, home décor, and entertainment.

Comm

unities

Ybor City

Safety Harbor

St. Petersburg

Pasco County

TransportationGetting Here... Getting Around

Interstates 4 and 275 are the major arteries through thecity of Tampa, and I-75 runs along the center ofHillsborough County north through New Tampa andsouth to Apollo Beach, Ruskin, and Sun City Center. Onits eastern end, the Selmon Expressway runs from thecommunity of Brandon through downtown Tampa nearthe Convention Center and the Amalie Arena andthrough South Tampa to its western end near MacDillAir Force Base. The Veterans Expressway links TampaInternational Airport (TIA) and the Westshore businessdistrict to the communities of Carrollwood, Northdale,and Lutz and to North Florida via the Suncoast Parkway.The strong highway infrastructure ensures an averagecommute time of only 26 minutes for residents of thecounty.

Tampa International Airport consistently drawsaccolades, and in 2015, it ranked 2nd in the J.D. Powerand Associates' customer satisfaction analysis for topairports in North America. TIA serves nearly 17 milliontravelers annually departing for more than 71international destinations including Cuba, Panama,Switzerland, and Germany.

Crossing Tampa Bay and connecting Tampa to the world-famous beaches in Pinellas County, as well as the citiesof St. Petersburg and Clearwater, are three bridges: the

Howard Frankland Bridge (I-275), the Courtney CampbellCauseway (SR 60), and the Gandy Bridge (US 92).

Port Tampa Bay’s cruise terminals deliver passengers thetype of service that meets and exceeds expectations.Tampa has become a favorite port of departure for agrowing number of cruise passengers who want toenhance the cruise experience with a day or two at eitherthe front end or on the back end of any variety ofCaribbean itineraries.

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority(HART), the public transit system, surpasses one millionriders per month. HART operates local and express busservice in addition to the TECO Line Streetcar, a nostalgiclink to Tampa’s past that connects Ybor City, the ChannelDistrict, and downtown Tampa.

A major investment in the interstate system broughteasier mobility through the heart of Tampa, including thecompletion of the I-4/Selmon Expressway Connectorand the widening of I-275 from downtown to theHoward Frankland Bridge. The various links to and fromTampa International Airport and the Eisenhower/Memorial Highway running along the western perimeterof the airport have been improved to aid traffic flow andaccess to the airport.


Our family medicine and pediatric providers are ready to meet

the healthcare needs of your entire family—from babies to

grandparents. Our providers offer a range of healthcare services,

from immunizations and treatment of childhood illnesses to well

woman exams and management of chronic health conditions

such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

• Same-day appointments available.

• Online scheduling.

• Secure online access to portions of your medical record via MyChart. Free mobile app available.

• We participate in most major health plans. Visit www.tgmg.org for a list of accepted insurance plans.

Doctors’ offices for the entire family that are close to home.

www.tgmg.org

Boyette • (813) 844-8700 -- Treating patients 6 months of age and older. -- 11966 Boyette Rd., Riverview, FL 33569

Brandon • (813) 844-4300 -- Treating patients of all ages. -- 214 Morrison Rd., Brandon, FL 33511

Carrollwood • (813) 844-4500 -- Treating patients of all ages. -- 13860 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, FL 33618

Fishhawk • (813) 844-8600 -- Treating patients of all ages. -- 13421 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia, FL 33547

Healthpark • (813) 236-5350 -- Treating patients 12 years of age and older. -- 5802 N. 30th St., Tampa, FL 33610

Kennedy • (813) 844-1385 -- Treating patients 12 years of age and older. -- 2501 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33609 Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Lois • (813) 844-4200 -- Treating patients 12 years of age and older. -- 2106 S. Lois Ave., Tampa, FL 33629

Manhattan • (813) 844-8900 -- Treating patients 18 years of age and older. -- 4212 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, FL 33611

Riverview • (813) 844-4600 -- Treating patients of all ages. -- 10647 Big Bend Rd., Riverview, FL 33579

Sun City Center • (813) 844-4700 -- Treating patients 18 years of age and older. -- 1647 Sun City Center Plaza, Sun City Center, FL 33573

Tampa Palms • (813) 844-8100 -- Treating patients of all ages. -- 16011 Tampa Palms Blvd. W., Tampa, FL 33647

Trinity • (813) 844-8200 -- Treating patients 18 years of age and older. -- Adult physical therapy services available.2433 Country Place Blvd., Trinity, FL 34655

Wesley Chapel • (813) 844-8300 -- Treating patients 12 years of age and older. -- 2324 Oak Myrtle Lane, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

Westchase • (813) 844-4800 -- Treating patients of all ages. -- 10718 Countryway Blvd., Tampa, FL 33626

All locations are open Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

unless otherwise noted.

CarrollwoodI-275

I-275

VETERANSEXPY

I-75

I-75I-4

I-4

FL-618

FL-618

GANDYBLVD.

Brandon

Sun City Center

Healthpark

Tampa Palms

Wesley Chapel

Lois

Manhattan

301

301

I-75

301

Westchase

Trinity

Riverview

Fishhawk

Boyette

KennedyKennedy

Tampa Chamberad here?

When you believe in a greater purpose to health care,

you see things differently. Because health care isn’t

only about illness and injury, or even medicine.

It’s about the human spirit.

Which is why for over a century, Florida Hospital has

gone beyond symptoms and treatments, helping

people live healthier, happier lives.

This is more than quality, expertise and compassion.

Locations Throughout Tampa Bay

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tampa location guide 2016

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