The Kissimmee: A Tale of Three Rivers
In the central part of peninsular Florida, in a hot and humid place with lousy cell phone reception, lies a river on its third lifetime. The headwaters of this river, the Kissimmee, located near Orlando are filled with lakes formed in karst topography due to the presence of soluble limestone deposits near the surface. The…
Family Activities, Discounts, Offers in Tampa Bay
Museums & Educational Fun Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI): Admission to MOSI, located near the University of South Florida (USF) includes access to more than 450 hands-on activities! Visitors can learn through play inside Kids In Charge, the largest children’s science center in the nation. Also be sure to check out MISSION: Moonbase (located inside…
The Geography of Environmental Destruction in North America
The following test is recommended for all those who plan on attending the Annual Meetings of the Association of American Geographers next April, 2014, in Tampa, Florida. The test is voluntary and you are under no obligation to take it; you may stop at any time, or answer any combination of questions. Results will be…
Water, Growth and Tampa Bay
Florida is practically synonymous with water and at first blush it seems inconceivable that the Sunshine State could have water problems typical of drier western states. After all, Florida averages 54 inches of rainfall each year and despite more than a century of drainage, it still has more acres of wetlands than any state except…
Little Known Tampa: Culturally Diverse and Exciting!
When you come to Tampa, you’ll find examples of good planning, fabulous natural areas, and appealing urban spaces. Here are some things to keep in mind: Florida and the Tampa Bay area are—or at least were—national leaders in growth management Beginning in the late 1970s and culminating in the Growth Management Act of 1985, the…
Florida’s Tourism Industry
By Ray Oldakowski Florida, The Sunshine State, is a slogan designed to attract tourists. The nickname was officially adopted by the state legislature in 1970, although it had already appeared on license plates since the 1950s. Florida brings to mind sunny skies, sandy beaches, and warm waters. It is the place for fun in the…
Little Havana: A Latin American Gateway
For a walking tour of Calle Ocho in Little Havana visit: Map Credit: Hilton Cordoba. While you are in Tampa, you may notice signage for Highway 41. Built in the 1920s, it was the only overland route across the southern tip of Florida. In a larger spatial context, 41 is a north-south axis that spans…
I’ll Follow the Sun … to Tampa
By April, you are likely to be thinking that it’s been a long cold lonely winter. If you’ve booked your ticket to ride to our 2014 AAG annual meeting in Tampa, then a good day sunshine may very well be on the horizon. Florida’s peninsular shape, concave and convex coastal segments and location between the…
A Lesser Known Florida
Looking out the window flying into Tampa, Florida, a visitor will see small towns along the coast, perhaps a glimpse of sprawling Orlando, and plenty of green spaces in between. Tampa Bay appears and you have arrived in the Sunshine State. As you deplane you are welcomed by warm, tropical air. Florida has long occupied…
Craft Beer and Tampa
Beer needs water and great beer needs great water. Tampa has an abundance of both and ample evidence is found in the burgeoning craft beer scene in the metropolitan area. The 2014 Annual Meeting affords geographers the opportunity to experience this craft beer culture first hand. Freshwater has long been important to the inhabitants of…