In 1885, what was the original name of the city now known as Tampa, Florida?

Plant City Technical College in Hillsborough County is set to open later this fall, accommodating 700 to 900 students in trade and construction classes.

The Florida Builders Association reports over 400,000 open jobs in construction and trades across Florida, highlighting a worker shortage crisis.

The school will be officially named by the school board and will offer opportunities for young adults with high school diplomas and GEDs, potentially expanding to dual-enrollment classes.

Principal Gary Graham hopes to enroll students later this fall through in-person events, providing them with career opportunities and competitive salaries in the construction field.

The newly completed Howard Frankland Bridge replacement and the launch of the I-275 Express Expansion are reshaping transportation across Tampa Bay.

 

Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the projects’ importance for Florida’s economy, noting their early completion and future-focused vision.

 

The bridge, now open, increases traffic capacity by 50% and features hurricane resilience, forging a stronger link between Tampa and St. Petersburg.

 

With around 250,000 vehicles using the bridge daily, commuters are expected to experience faster and smoother travel.

 

The I-275 expansion in Pinellas County is set to add express lanes and reduce travel delays by as much as 85%, generating over $1.4 billion in economic value.

 

This will greatly benefit the Gateway District, home to employers like Raymond James Financial and Jabil.

 

The region may soon see increased business growth, improved logistics, and rising real estate demand in both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

Located on Tampa’s scenic Riverwalk, Ulele (pronounced You-lay-lee) celebrates the vibrant fusion of Florida’s native ingredients from both land and sea.

Inspired by the young princess Ulele and the area’s deep Native American heritage, the restaurant offers intricately flavored, visually stunning dishes prepared on its signature 10-foot barbacoa grill.

With its unique blend of history, culture, and unforgettable cuisine, Ulele is more than a restaurant — it’s a dining experience rooted in Tampa’s story.

Tampa Bay set a new weather record on Sunday, July 27, 2025, as temperatures soared to an unprecedented 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

This marks the first triple-digit reading ever officially recorded in the area, shattering a record that had held since 1890.

 

The milestone occurred at 3:30 p.m. at Tampa International Airport, during a week-long heatwave driven by a persistent high-pressure “heat dome” over the Southeast.

 

Unusual northeast winds have suppressed typical sea breezes, pushing temperatures even higher than Tampa’s usual summer highs.

 

Health officials are urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid the sun as heat index values could surpass 110 degrees in the coming days.

 

Vulnerable groups—including older adults and children—face the greatest risks from heat exhaustion and heat stroke during this extreme event.

 

This record heat highlights the growing impact of extreme weather, as local authorities ramp up alerts and resources to help Tampa Bay residents stay safe.

Q&A Questions

Q: What are some popular tourist attractions in Tampa?

A: Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, and Ybor City are all popular tourist attractions in Tampa.

Q: When is the best time of year to visit Tampa?

A: The best time to visit Tampa is typically in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.

Q: What are some must-try foods in Tampa?

A: Some must-try foods in Tampa include Cuban sandwiches, grouper sandwiches, and key lime pie.

The original name of Tampa was "Tampa Town."