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Travel Guide
Local Travel Tips
Even though Tampa is more business-like than St.
Petersburg and Clearwater when it comes to attire, dress tends to be informal.
Few restaurants require a jacket and tie, and most nightspots are decidedly
casual.
The Tampa Bay area is served by two daily
newspapers, the Tampa Tribune and the +St. Petersburg Times. Several
publications with smaller circulations serve local areas.
Parking in downtown Tampa is available both
on-street and in various parking garages. Rates for municipal parking garages
start at $1.25 per hour and range from $5.50 to $7 for 6-24 hours.
Generally, downtown speed limits in Tampa are
30 mph or as posted. Unless otherwise posted, a right turn is allowed on a red
light after a complete stop. Rush hour is generally from 7 to 9 a.m. and from
4:30 to 6 p.m.
Sales tax in Hillsborough County is 7 percent.
There is also an additional 5 percent tax on accommodations.
Location
Tampa Bay is ideally located on Florida's West
Coast, and features miles of glistening waterways and sandy shorelines. Its
central location provides easy access to the nearby Gulf beaches and
surrounding areas. Tampa's waterfront consists of both Hillsborough Bay and
Tampa Bay, as well as the beautiful Hillsborough and Alafia rivers and several
area lakes.
Several major interstates and highways converge
in Tampa, creating easy access from any point in the state. Interstate 4 and
Highway 60 bring travelers from eastern areas, including Plant City, Lakeland,
and Orlando. Interstate 75 and Highway 301 accommodate those traveling from
points north and south, including Gainesville, Ocala, Bradenton and Sarasota.
Two 15-mile toll roads exist in Tampa, the Veterans Expressway (State Road
589) and the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway (State Road 618).
With Tampa as your primary destination, you can
easily reach other cities for day-trips and planned excursions. Clearwater and
St. Petersburg are a short 23 miles to the west, Sarasota is 61 miles
southwest, and Orlando is 82 miles to the east.
Climate
Tampa Bay's weather is a combination of bright
sunny days tempered by gentle bay breezes. In the spring and fall, the days
are pleasantly warm, while the evenings can be a bit cooler. The summer months
are characterized by warmer temperatures and quick afternoon showers. The
average annual temperature in Tampa is a comfortable 72 degrees.
Loose, lightly colored clothing is recommended
for daytime activities; a lightweight jacket or sweater is a good choice for
the evening, especially for activities on or near the water. Comfortable
walking shoes will help make the experience at the area's numerous attractions
and shopping malls a pleasant one. Sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher is also a
must for visitors of all ages.
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