Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 – October 15, but in Tampa Bay, Hispanic heritage is celebrated 365 days a year! On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we’re diving into Hispanic Heritage Month to see how Hispanic culture and influence helped shape Tampa Bay into the destination it is today. Hear from Dr. Brad Massey, curator at the Tampa Bay History Center, and learn more about the award-winning Cuban Pathways exhibit and the Cuban experience. Later, we sit down with Max Herman, guide for the Official Ybor City Walking Tours, to talk more about the Hispanic influence ..read more

On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we’re taking a trip to the Florida State Fairgrounds! Taking place every February, the Florida State Fair is one of the first State Fairs in the country each year, but also hosts year round events like home and car shows. Meet Cheryl Flood, the first female CEO of the Florida State Fair, and hear how showing cattle as a young girl would prepare her for the role later in life. Also located on the Florida State Fairgrounds is the Cracker Country Living Museum, where children can get a hands-on look at what life was like for Floridians living in the area ov ..read more

Chris and Bernadette Pello had a vision. They wanted to provide an education that catered to the unique needs of students with learning disabilities. In his role as a principal, Chris saw firsthand, how schools were failing these students. After taking out a second mortgage on their home, Bernadette and Chris started the Livingstone Academy with only books, desks, and hope. Twenty years later, the Livingstone Academy is one of the largest private schools in Florida, and the Pellos are gearing up to open the Florida Trade Academy. A pre-apprenticeship program for anyone who wants technical trai ..read more

July is Disability Pride Month and Visit Tampa Bay celebrated by working directly with local influencers to highlight Tampa Bay’s accessibility, destigmatize disabilities, and share stories from people living with various disabilities. Meet Chelsea Bear, a 29-year-old who recently moved to the Tampa Bay area. Chelsea was born with cerebral palsy but that hasn’t stopped her from doing ANYTHING! Hear Chelsea’s story and how Visit Tampa Bay works with influencers like Chelsea to share their first-hand experiences while exploring our destination ..read more

It’s time for another love story! Sarina Fazan is joined by Kiva and Nathan Williams, college sweethearts who are now a family of 5. The beginning of their story is interesting to say the least; Nathan first met Kiva while on a date with SOMEONE ELSE! Obviously, fate had a plan because they will be celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary next month.     All you need is love right? Or is it more? What really is the driving force behind a successful partnership? Sarina dives in with families and couples for an unscripted, unedited inspirational, heartwarming and honest conversationa ..read more

Michelin Stars are coming to Tampa Bay! On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, take a trip to Seminole Heights, the hip, foodie-friendly neighborhood just north of downtown. Talk with award-winning Chef, Ferrell Alvarez, who along with Proper House Restaurant Group, operates four restaurants in the Tampa Bay area (Rooster & the Till, Nebraska Mini Mart, Gallito Taqueria, and Dang Dude). Hear more about the Seminole Heights neighborhood and what having Tampa Bay included in the Michelin Guide to Florida means for the local culinary scene ..read more

Welcome to Florida’s Most diverse destination! On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we’re talking Tampa Pride and the 7th Annual Diversity Parade through historic Ybor City. Meet Rachel Covello, the founder of OutCoast, a digital magazine and travel blog that markets Florida as an LGBTQ-inclusive destination to visit. After purchasing a home in Gulfport, Florida, Covello fell in love with the Tampa Bay area. The diversity of the people, the beautiful gulf coast, and the up-and-coming business community sparked creativity from within. Hear how Covello works with Visit Tampa Bay and other Flo ..read more

On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, meet James Tokley, the first official poet laureate for both the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County. Hear more about the cultural history and evolution of Tampa before taking a trip to the new Rose Bar in SoHo to hear from owner, Sean Wood, about how Tampa Bay’s diverse neighborhoods and community support were pivotal to the success of his new restaurant ..read more

Hillsborough County truly has something for everyone. Not only is it home to some of the tallest rollercoasters in all of Florida, but it is also where you can find the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World! Take a trip to Plant City, where the mild winters are perfect for growing berries. Meet Nick Wishnatski, where his family has owned and operated Wish Farms Berries for four generations and are celebrating 100 years in business! Learn more about Wish Farms, Plant City and the Florida Strawberry Festival on this month’s episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay.     SHOW LESS     ..read more

On this special episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, take a ride North of downtown to meet the Mayor of Temple Terrace, Andy Ross, and learn more about the first planned golf community and the city named for Temple oranges. Later, pay a visit to one of Tampa Bay’s most well-known attractions, the Museum of Science and Industry…Or MOSI for short. Meet Rob Lamke, Chief Operating Officer at MOSI, and hear why MOSI holds a special place in the hearts of those who visit ..read more