I’m a west coast girl now living on the east coast.
Originally from Colorado, I went to college in Arizona. Graduating with a journalism degree, my career took me to California, Texas and most recently Florida.
I kind of feel like Dorthy from the Wizard of Oz.
Originally from Colorado, I went to college in Arizona. Graduating with a journalism degree, my career took me to California, Texas and most recently Florida.
I kind of feel like Dorthy from the Wizard of Oz.
Here’s what I know so far about Tampa Bay:
1. The local news comes on at 11 p.m.
I've always watched or worked on a 10 o’clock news show. So this is different…
I've always watched or worked on a 10 o’clock news show. So this is different…
2. Rollerblades are in!
The last time I strapped on skates was for an 80's themed party at a roller rink. It’s an every day occurrence on Bayshore Blvd. Guess I’ll have to try it?
The last time I strapped on skates was for an 80's themed party at a roller rink. It’s an every day occurrence on Bayshore Blvd. Guess I’ll have to try it?
3. A lot of people have “Salt Life” stickers.
I looked it up and the story behind the sticker is pretty cool. Four guys from Jacksonville started the brand in 2003 to cater to people who love the ocean. I mean, the beach life isn't too shabby.
I looked it up and the story behind the sticker is pretty cool. Four guys from Jacksonville started the brand in 2003 to cater to people who love the ocean. I mean, the beach life isn't too shabby.
4. The sunrise and sunset never gets old.
It’s almost like Bob Ross painted the sky — you get the picture.
It’s almost like Bob Ross painted the sky — you get the picture.
5. It rains a lot.
Tampa is the lightning capital of the United States. The good news — the rain is usually over in less than 20 minutes.
Tampa is the lightning capital of the United States. The good news — the rain is usually over in less than 20 minutes.
6. The movie star Winter lives here.
I got the chance to report on Dolphin Tale 2. It’s story about a dolphin named Winter who lost her tail and was rescued by the Clearwater Aquarium. She can never live a normal life in the wild, but her bravery has touched the lives on millions of people.
I got the chance to report on Dolphin Tale 2. It’s story about a dolphin named Winter who lost her tail and was rescued by the Clearwater Aquarium. She can never live a normal life in the wild, but her bravery has touched the lives on millions of people.
7. Everyone is an FSU or UF fan.
Where are all the Sun Devils? Go ASU!
Where are all the Sun Devils? Go ASU!
8. The Cuban sandwich is the state’s iconic food item.
Reportedly the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor made one of the first in 1905. It's nothing like sandwiches in Cuba. It's better!
Reportedly the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor made one of the first in 1905. It's nothing like sandwiches in Cuba. It's better!
9. Derek Jeter lives on Davis Islands.
I know there are a lot of Yankee fans in Tampa Bay, but almost every weekend I have heard someone toss Derek Jeter’s name around. I did a story on his charity Turn 2 Foundation. It’s amazing how much he gives back to the community.
I know there are a lot of Yankee fans in Tampa Bay, but almost every weekend I have heard someone toss Derek Jeter’s name around. I did a story on his charity Turn 2 Foundation. It’s amazing how much he gives back to the community.
10. DJ Kitty is pretty entertaining.
Have you been to a Tampa Bay Rays game? This cat is the official DJ.
Have you been to a Tampa Bay Rays game? This cat is the official DJ.
11. Cigars are everywhere.
Ybor is coined “Cigar City”. Mainly because of its past. Rows of people used to hand roll millions of cigars every year, but the Great depression led to the downfall of the industry. Now old factories are turning into apartments, while some shops still keep the tradition alive.
Ybor is coined “Cigar City”. Mainly because of its past. Rows of people used to hand roll millions of cigars every year, but the Great depression led to the downfall of the industry. Now old factories are turning into apartments, while some shops still keep the tradition alive.
12. Jaws is real!
Maybe not the sharks we saw in the movie, but I’ve already heard a handful of stories about sharks biting people. I prefer the ones at Florida Aquarium, especially during the fundraiser Brews By The Bay.
Maybe not the sharks we saw in the movie, but I’ve already heard a handful of stories about sharks biting people. I prefer the ones at Florida Aquarium, especially during the fundraiser Brews By The Bay.
13. There is no lack of strip clubs.
Have you seen Magic Mike? The movie was inspired by actor Channing Tatum who used to be a stripper in Tampa.
Have you seen Magic Mike? The movie was inspired by actor Channing Tatum who used to be a stripper in Tampa.
14. Florida has more golf courses than any other state in the
country.
I come from a golfing family so this is important to me. There are more than 1,250 courses to be exact.
I come from a golfing family so this is important to me. There are more than 1,250 courses to be exact.
15. Bern's Steak House is a staple.
The restaurant takes you back to the 1920’s. It’s an experience you will definitely never forget. There's even a separate room for the best part of the meal — dessert.
The restaurant takes you back to the 1920’s. It’s an experience you will definitely never forget. There's even a separate room for the best part of the meal — dessert.
16. Palm trees are on every corner.
It is the state tree so it makes sense. I can definitely get used to it!
It is the state tree so it makes sense. I can definitely get used to it!
17. Craft breweries are on the rise.
Cigar City Brewing is one of the biggest breweries in town. 3 daughters brewing, Tampa Bay Brewing, Dunedin Brewery, Cycle, Angry Chair and Rock Brothers will wet your whistle.
Cigar City Brewing is one of the biggest breweries in town. 3 daughters brewing, Tampa Bay Brewing, Dunedin Brewery, Cycle, Angry Chair and Rock Brothers will wet your whistle.
18. Taco Bus.
Pull up to the school bus and order. The restaurant was featured on Food Network. It packs some serious deliciousness.
Pull up to the school bus and order. The restaurant was featured on Food Network. It packs some serious deliciousness.
19. Disney World!
I still can’t believe the happiest place on earth is only an hour away.
I still can’t believe the happiest place on earth is only an hour away.
20. Gasparilla is all people talk about.
It's like Madi Gras, but with pirates. Guess I will experience it come January. Arrrgh!
It's like Madi Gras, but with pirates. Guess I will experience it come January. Arrrgh!
