Manatees!
by emilienoelle
Mantatees are huge aquatic mammals native to Florida. They are closely related to dolphins and whales and live mostly in fresh or brackish water. Manatees are very slow-moving creatures and are often killed by outboard motors on speed boats. Many Floridians that we spoke with told us that they see manatees quite frequently though they are high on the national endangered species list and are federally protected. They range in size from 6 - 12 feet (15.5 - 30.5 meters) and have heads that seem much too small for their bodies! In spite of their large size, manatees are vegetarians and eat mostly leafy aquatic plants.
Packing List
by LJF
It is quite hot in Tampa all year round, but during July - October the is a thunder storm almost every afternoon so bring a rain jacket but not an umbrella unless you want to join the statistics of people who get hit by lightening each year in Tampa (the highest in the world!)
Watch space shuttles & rockets launch toward space
by Ewingjr98
One morning I was getting ready to walk out the door to head to work just after 6:30 AM on a bright, sunny summer day. As I took one last look at the horizon and soon-to-be-rising sun, I noticed a brilliant white streak across the sky. Stepping outside I realized the lower end of the cloudy streak, that was not yet touched by the sun was brown, just above that it was reddish orange, and for the vast majority of the smoky contrail, it was a glowing white.
On the way to work I turned on the radio, and people were calling in asking about the streak. Some speculated it was a surface-to-air missile, others thought it was shot off nearby MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. But my suspicions were proven correct when the DJ finally let listeners know this was a Delta II rocket launched from 145 miles away at Kennedy Space Center, carrying the last of the Air Force's Global Positioning System satellites into space.
I never imagined you could see NASA's launches from so far away. Now I have to decide it it's worth it to see a space shuttle take off at two AM on a weeknight....
Cypress Gardens
by tampa_shawn
This is a traditional Florida attraction that offers gardens, rides, shows
Midway between Orlando and Tampa the park is located less than 60 minutes from both metro areas in Winter Haven. Cypress Gardens is off U.S. Highway 27 south of Interstate 4.
From Tampa: Take I-4 EAST to Exit 27. Take Polk County Parkway for 12 miles. Take Winter Haven exit (2nd Toll Booth) at S.R. 540. Take S.R. 540 eight miles to Hwy 17 North. Take Hwy 17 North two miles over the bridge to first light and turn right. Park is on the right at Kehoe Way behind the Cypress Gardens entrance sign.
Regular Admission ticket (Age 10-54) $44.95, plus tax
Seniors (55 and over) $39.95, plus tax
Juniors (3-9) $39.95, plus tax
However the yearly pass is about $70 so if you live in the area it is well worth it
My Favorite Liquor Store
by tampa_shawn about Total Wines
The Walmart of Liquor stores - Absolutely huge with great prices
Each of our stores carries approximately 8,000 different types of wine, 2,000 types of spirits and 1,000 different beers.
The Tampa store also has a nice selection of cigars With this crazy selection I always seem to be trying something new Normal maybe less than other stores - this store is a gem because of the selection
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Rick's
Selmon Expwy
very cool Tiger exhibit
The process of getting up....
