Tampa, Florida, is a city rich in history yet with a pulse in the modern day. Roughly 380,000 people call this city by the bay home. Bordered by two bodies of water, the Old Tampa Bay and the Hillsborough Bay, Tampa enjoys a flat terrain (the highest point is 48 feet above sea level) with the picturesque Hillsborough River flowing through downtown. Its proximity to the water and its geographic location in central Florida give Tampa a humid, subtropical climate with average year-round highs between 70 and 90 degrees (°F) and lows from 52 to 76 degrees (°F).

Although its location might suggest a propensity toward tropical storms and hurricanes, Tampa has rarely suffered significant effects from big storms. However, due to climate change, a rapidly growing population, and developmental growth, many experts consider the Tampa Bay area one of the world's most vulnerable regions.

Tampa has long been a populated area. Thousands of years ago, indigenous peoples called the Tampa Bay area home. The arrival of Spanish explorers resulted in a decreased indigenous population; the area was largely left alone until the United States purchased Florida from Spain in 1821. At that time, a U.S. military post was established in the present-day downtown area. The population remained largely unchanged until the late 1880s when phosphate was discovered south of the city. To this day, Tampa Bay remains a major phosphate exporter.

In addition to phosphate, cigars and the railroad put Tampa on the map. At one time, Tampa was known as the "Cigar Capital of the World." In 1904, a group of local businessmen staged the first Gasparilla Pirate Festival in honor of the local mythical pirate José Gaspar. The festival included a mock pirate invasion, which is still re-enacted each year in late January or early February. Today, Tampa's skyline is filled with skyscrapers, and much of its architecture can be described as post-modern.

Tampa offers a variety of different neighborhoods with a little something for everyone. Whether you want to live downtown near the city's pulse, in quaint towns, or family-friendly areas, you can find it in Tampa. With museums, historical sites, three professional sports teams, several colleges and universities, and attractions such as Busch Gardens and Lowry Park, Tampa offers an endless supply of activities for all ages that are enjoyed year-round.

You can take a quick trip to see the world's most famous mouse or wizard—they're both only an hour away—or enjoy watersports and the beach just a short drive from home. Lastly, any discussion of Tampa must mention its nonhuman residents: the alligators. Alligators are prevalent throughout the city, especially near water. Tampa is an ecologically minded city, and its reptilian residents are afforded an expectation of peaceful coexistence. With this in mind, please be vigilant when enjoying the many outdoor activities available and always obey all posted notices.