Tampa FL Moving Companies

Tampa, Florida

If you’re thinking of relocating to Tampa, you won’t be the first person to consider it. People have been moving to Tampa for many years, not only moving cross-country but moving across oceans. Tampa has welcomed immigrants from throughout Latin America, and more than a third of the population has a Hispanic surname. In fact, the U.S. Census has designated Tampa Bay as one of the five most diverse, integrated communities in the United States.

But human diversity isn’t the only asset that keeps Tampa moving companies so busy. The city’s economy, history and thriving tourist industry also attract visitors and permanent residents from across the country and around the world.

Economy:
Since before colonial times, Tampa’s large bay has been an important contributor to the local economy. Tampa Bay is an ideal port that has made Tampa, Florida a thriving center of trade. It is now a designated foreign trade zone, which means that goods shipped to Tampa are exempt from customs duties until they are shipped out of the port to be offered for sale in the United States.

Tampa has more to offer than shipping. Agricultural and food products play a large part in its economy. Cigars have been a major export since the nineteenth century, but they are now joined by beer, fertilizers, citrus products, livestock, shrimp, flowers, insecticides, processed foods and decorative plants.

History:
Tampa began as a small Native American fishing village on the shores of Tampa Bay. The original inhabitants called the area “Tanpa,” which means “sticks of fire.” When Ponce de Leon passed through the area in 1521 in search of the fabled Fountain of Youth, he wrote the settlement’s name as “Tampa” on his maps. In 1539, Ponce de Leon was followed by Hernando de Soto, who was searching for gold. After de Soto left, the area was unmolested by Europeans for 200 years.

In 1772, Dutch cartographer Bernard Romans named the area “Hillsborough” in honor of Lord Hillsborough, who was secretary of state for the American colonies. This name continued as the name of the county in which Tampa is located. Not long afterward, in 1821, the United States purchased Florida from Spain. The U.S. Army promptly established Fort Brooke to protect the strategic bay and attract traders to the area. By 1825, Tampa was officially incorporated as a town.

Notable residents of Tampa have included Harry Plant (who established the first railway to Tampa and also started a steamship line), O. H. Platt (who built Tampa’s Hyde Park suburb) and Theodore Roosevelt (who used Tampa as a departure point for his Rough Riders during the Spanish-American war).

Tourism:
To really get to know Tampa, every visitor should spend time in Ybor City. Ybor has been known as the Latin American quarter for centuries, and it is also the historic home of the cigar industry. Stroll down La Setima in the Historic District for a variety of restaurants serving cuisine from France, Spain, Cuba, Italy or Greece. After dinner, stop into one of the many cigar shops (El Sol Cigars, established in 1929, claims to be the oldest) or peek into the many galleries and gift stores dotting the town.

For daytime adventures, visit one of Tampa’s fine beaches. These famous beaches are located on linked barrier islands that are so close the mainland that many tourists don’t realize that they are on an island. Families will also enjoy a visit to Busch Gardens, a theme park and zoo located just eight miles from downtown Tampa and one hour from Orlando.

Colleges/Universities:
• University of Tampa
• University of South Florida
• Florida College
• Southwest Florida College

Interesting Facts:
• According the Guinness Book of World Records, Tampa has the most days of sunshine per year of any city in the United States.
• Tampa was home to the world’s first scheduled commercial airline service, which was founded in 1914 by Percival Ellicott Fansler.
• Tampa’s port is the seventh-largest port in the United States.

Helpful Links:
• City of Tampa
• Tampa Real Estate
• Tampa Dental Offices
• Tampa Moving Guide