Tampa Bay Sun

The Tampa Bay Rays are one team that is almost as remarkable off the field as they are on it. The long road to the team’s creation began in 1980s, trying to woo over existing teams like the Minnesota Twins or the San Francisco Giants. St. Petersburg even built the Tropicana Field (originally the Florida Suncoast Dome) in the hopes of drawing over a team. The team finally came into existence as an expansion franchise in 1998.The Rays (appearing as the Devil Rays, their original name) were featured in the 2002 film The Rookie, which tells the true story of Jim Morris. Morris was a high school science teacher and baseball coach renowned for his ability to pitch at speeds of 98 mph. Morris pitched with the Rays for two seasons. Read the rest of this entry »

Tampa Bay is a great family-vacation spot, but there’s also a thriving scene of single tourists and locals who make the nightlife one to remember. Besides the company, Tampa Bay’s bars and clubs bring a lot to the table as well. Here are some of the best places to check out if you’re looking to keep the party going into the night.

• Hyde Park Caf: This hot spot has seen the likes of Derek Jeter, Michael Jordan, and Jessica Sierra (she was an American Idol finalist, if you don’t remember). The Caf’s famous “pigza” (various ham pizzas) will keep your energy up as the dancing goes late into the night. The club also boasts resident DJs like MACHINO and Jask.
• Four Green Fields Pub: The Four Green Fields is the oldest Irish pub in Tampa, and still holds up as one of the city’s hot spots. Featuring traditional Irish music every weekend, the club also boasts a respectable drinks menu (of course) and some Irish classics like corned beef and vegetable soup. When you get tired of the food and music, keep your skills high by practicing on their dartboard. Read the rest of this entry »

There’s plenty of natural attractions in Tampa Bay: beautiful oceans, sunny beaches, and even the historic Ybor City. No trip is complete, though, without a visit to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Now, it’s easier than ever thanks to some great packages being offered by the theme park. These include adding an extra night for free when you stay 2 nights at any partner hotel, or getting a free admission to the Howl-O-Scream Halloween event.Busch Gardens Tampa has plenty of attractions, both old and new, to attract the fiercest tourists, all wrapped in an authentic African theme. The Jungala zone is a four-acre location in the Congo area, and includes plenty of opportunities for kids and parents alike to let their inner animal out. Come face to face with a white Bengal tiger, or let your kids test their balance on a three-story rope maze. Read the rest of this entry »

When picking a hotel, there are obviously some requirements to keep in mind, such as cost and atmosphere. The Tampa Bay offers a variety of family-friendly (as well as spring-break-ready) options. Take a look at some of these selections, and see which one works best for you.

• Best Western Bay Harbor Hotel: This waterfront hotel is 2.5 miles from Tampa International, and definitely delivers with its cosmopolitan and traveler-friendly atmosphere. The Hotel features Wi-Fi and a business center, but with a complimentary fitness center, pool, and transport to two local malls, you’ll hardly have the time to catch up on work.
• Country Inn & Suites Tampa Airport North: If you’re interested in a place that feels like home (only much, much better), you’ll love the Country Inn & Suites. Their welcoming atmosphere includes country-style dcor and complimentary hot breakfast. They also have the business centers, Wi-Fi, and shuttle service necessary so you don’t lose touch with the rest of the world. Read the rest of this entry »

The struggles of sea turtles to reach their nesting locations every year have been well-publicized in recent years by conservancy groups. A program in Tampa Bay was one of the earliest programs to investigate the movements and behavior of the species. Dr. Dave Nelson, a member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Waterways Experiment Station, developed the project. He captured and tagged a male loggerhead, named Jason, in August of 1997. More loggerheads were captured in November, including a female named Debbie. The project continued through 1998.The capture of the males was especially well-planned (or lucky, considering on your perspective), since males usually don’t leave the water except to pursue females through the surf. Sea turtles may not have their habitats to return to in the near future, however, if we don’t face the consequences our current actions are having, including: hunting turtles for meat; commercial fishing; entanglement in marine debris; and a thriving illegal shell trade. The Army Corps of Engineers’ study was designed to protect the turtles during the dredging of Tampa Bay. Read the rest of this entry »