Are you new to Tampa Bay? This is what locals want you to know

People have been coming to Florida for a long time and looking for a runaway, but living here is not all about the sun and smiles. Costs are rising. Hurricanes are destructive. Sweat stains and palmetto bugs are guaranteed.

Recent data analysis shows that the population boom that brought tens of thousands of new residents to the Tampa Bay Area several years ago could finally slow down. Other parts of Florida may have overtaken our area in terms of population growth, but many still choose the Tampa Bay area for their new homes.

Are you one of the beginners? welcome!

Here are some things you need to know about living in the Tampa Bay area:

Florida has seasons – not as you’re used to

In autumn you may not see fresh falling leaves, but in summer yard mangoes can fall off the tree. (Ask your neighbors for something fresh or check NextDoor.)

Snowbirds generally go around the Halloween season and leave as spring break rises in March. They boost the economy, but they also bring traffic to the roads and coffee counters in the Italian market in Mazzaro.

Tampa has an entire season dedicated to Gasparilla in the winter. The weekly pirate parade and festival.

The summer is late, bright, hot and wet. The hurricane season continues from June to November, with a short but intense thunderstorm capturing surprises in the afternoon. Don’t forget to accept the humidity and build a hurricane kit.

Save your holiday days for brutal summer months, stay during the beautiful winter and suck up the weather while it continues.

Hazards range from weather to bad drivers

Lightning isn’t a joke, he’s not just talking about his local hockey team. Millions of lightning strikes in Florida each year, and sometimes surprises people. Look for shelter when it starts with lightning.

Daytime beach visits can be unbearable during the summer daytime. Instead, stop by at sunrise or sunset. There is also a better parking space.

Are you excited to wander around the bay? It wiggles like a native speaker, and the water shuffles into the water. Dragging your feet into the sand will gently let local rays know you’re going to swim rather than slowly.

There is a reason your car insurance may be more expensive after moving here. The driver is unstable. Approximately 1,000 people are attacked each year while walking or running through Hillsboro and Pinellas counties. Florida also has the highest percentage of bicycles killed per person.

The area is very car dependent, but there are some public transport projects that make it a little easier. Try the St. Petersburg Sun Runner Bus, which takes riders from downtown to the beach. Tampa’s charming Teco Tram travels to downtown Tampa, the Channel district and the city of Ybor. Plus, it’s free.

Learn the language

As you explore, you will find that most people are friendly. But mixing local jargon may make some fun at you.

It’s the Howard Frankland Bridge, not Franklin.

“Lutz” rhymes with “boots” and “Amalie” rhymes with “family.”

Tampa Bay is the waters and the region itself, unlike the urban Tampa.

And whatever you do, shorten St. Petersburg to “St. Pete” – never “St. Pete.”

Meet creatures

Our pests are constructed differently. Avoid fire ants and burning bites. These palmetto insects (read: giant cockroaches) can fly. The lizards will find their way to your home, but at least they will eat other creatures.

Florida has 1.3 million crocodiles. Locals assume that there may be a body of water that is larger than a puddle there. Keep an eye on dogs and small children along the coast, especially while walking around dusk and dawn. Fun fact: You can try alligator meat at many Tampa Bay eateries.

We have wild peacocks, birds that look like dinosaurs and toxic toads. There is also a galloa dolphin who roam his cocks and adorable manatees from Ibo City. Watch the water while sitting in traffic on the bridge. Pelican diving will be displayed for lunch.

There’s more than just the beach

Tasting the Publix sub on the beach is one of the joys of living here. And that’s just the beginning.

Don’t sleep in the Florida Fountain. In addition to the famous Week Wachee Springs State Park, where state employees work as mermaid performers, there are many swimming holes, rivers and parks to explore. Many springs have refreshing temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low 70s. You can also soak in warm mineral springs.

Swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular. We may not be the most elevated (except Thrill Hill), but there is still a trail to the hike.

St. Pete has over 500 murals, plenty of concerts and plenty of cool restaurants. The Tampa Bay Area also has lively literary scenes, including book clubs and indie bookstores.

Have fun there!