BeLocal South Tampa

SOUTH TAMPA

RIBU CONT TORS

VICTORIA VERMILLION

Victoria manages family real estate investments and finds joy in adventure-seeking. A Florida native and Tampa history buff who enjoys photography and writing.

CAPTAIN JUSTIN

Carbon Cat Charters

Fishing as a young boy in Tampa, Captain Justin knew this was the best way to spend his time. All of the challenges and excitement that saltwater brought to him, he then knew he had to share with others. Being on the water, whether it was just cruising around, hanging out at a sandbar with friends, fishing the flats to heading offshore, he knew this is where he belonged. carboncatcharters.com

ROB PALO with Rob Palo Photography LLC was born and raised in St. Petersburg, FL. He is proud to call himself a self-taught photographer.

BRENDA SLAVICH

Publisher for Belocal South Tampa and Stroll Avila magazines. Brenda has lived in the Tampa Bay area now for over 10 years. She feels the city is very diverse and an incredible place to call “Home”.

ELIZABETH MCCABE

A writer, working nationwide, who has written over 15,000 articles to date. Elizabeth loves talking to people and telling their stories.

Working with long-exposure photography using steel wool and light trails being very unique and one of his favorites. He also does portraits, family, maternity, weddings/ engagements, corporate events, headshots and graduations. Aerial photos and videos using drones for business marketing and street/urban/nightlife.

fb@robpalophotography ig@rob_palo_photography

MIA WHITEHEAD

The University of Tampa college intern majoring in advertising and public relations.

Photo by Rob Palo Photography

Photo by Rob Palo Photography

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WELCOME TO SOUTH TAMPA

This magazine is your source for authentic tips and favorite spots from locals – but no need to take it with you to explore!

Access the complete digital version (plus featured articles) online.

Snap for local favorites

Regardless if you have moved from across town, from another state, or from overseas, settling into a new area can be both thrilling and overwhelming. Within the first few months, new routines will be established, new friends will be made, and you will begin exploring your new community. With so much to learn and so many tasks at hand, it can be mind-boggling to figure out which businesses deserve your loyalty, what daycare centers are trustworthy and where all the best local hotspots are.

BeLocal South Tampa is dedicated to making your transition as smooth as possible. In your hands, you are holding the best of South Tampa. We have found the best businesses, restaurants, parks, activities and local events.

Written by long-time locals of the city, you can trust us to be your word-ofmouth guide to the area. We have pieced together everything you need to know and everything you want to know about South Tampa.

Take it from us, South Tampa is one of the best-kept secrets in Florida. With one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, the city continues to

build momentum and seek growth. While South Tampa is generally laid back and a great place to raise a family, game day is one day we DO take seriously, so “raise the flag,” Tampa Bay.

We feel that South Tampa is one of the friendliest places you can find. Again, our goal with BeLocal South Tampa is to help you discover all the local hotspots and secrets of one of the happiest cities in the country. To do this, we put our heart into creating a resource guide that is specially made just for you and your family. Hold onto it, reference back to it and enjoy all it has to offer. From the BeLocal South Tampa team, we sure hope you love the city as much as we do.

Welcome home.

Rob Palo Photography

HISTORY OF TAMPA BAY

Looking Back

HISTORY OF TAMPA

Tampa, The Cigar City, sometimes referred to as The Big Guava, has been culturally diverse since its very beginning. While the true origin of the name of our city is uncertain, it has been said that it originated from the Calusa, a group of indigenous people who were some of Florida’s original inhabitants. The legend says the Calusa word “Tanpa” translates to “sticks of fire,” and the area was named TANPA, with an N. The term “sticks of fire” is said to represent lightning strikes; Florida is, after all, the lightning capital of the U.S.

Early cartographers made a few mistakes — the original location of Tanpa was likely farther south and it was misspelled, which is how we got the name “Tampa.” Many Native American tribes were the original inhabitants of Florida. The Tocobaga were a chiefdom of Native Floridians that had inhabited the Tampa Bay area for centuries when Ponce de Leon arrived in 1513. Spanish colonization began in St. Augustine in 1565, and there were decades of peace before war broke out between Native Americans and English colonists in the 17th century.

In the early 1700s, the Seminole tribe began to form and move into the area when Florida was still a Spanish territory. Through years of dispute and negotiations, the United States purchased Florida from Spain in 1819. Fort Brooke was built on Tampa Bay (near where the convention center is today) in 1824. It was decommissioned in 1883 and deserted, left to deteriorate in the hot and humid sandy setting that was Tampa.

Imagine the way the Tampa area may have been 140 years ago … a harsh, mosquito-infested, marshy swampland in some areas, and nearly impassable sandy roads, especially when it rained! Transportation to the area was difficult, and conditions were unfavorable, but that all began to change in 1884. Two very important men, each with their own dreams and ideas, played an enormous role in the development and industrialization of Tampa: Henry Bradley Plant and Vicente Martinez Ybor.

TAMPA BAY HOTEL

Crossing the river on Kennedy from downtown Tampa, the majestic campus of The University of Tampa, housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, takes over the skyline. The massive building is a quarter mile long and covers 6 acres. The Tampa Bay Hotel was like a real royal palace: it took two years and over $2,500,000 to build and $500,000 to furnish with the most luxurious details. Opening in 1891, the prestigious hotel catered to first-class citizens, including politicians and celebrities like Babe Ruth, who signed his first baseball in the grand dining room of the hotel.

Henry Bradley Plant was born in 1819 in Connecticut. Young Mr. Plant initially worked on steamboats but switched to railroads and eventually expanded his company’s interest into the southern territory and was successful in extending express service throughout the region. Railroads were developed by Mr. Plant in Tampa in 1884, connecting the previously isolated area to the nation’s railroad system.

At the time, Tampa was a small struggling fishing village with a population of

around 800. With Tampa’s unfavorable conditions, Mr. Plant decided to build something attractive to entice tourists. He envisioned a luxury tropical oasis resort and spared no expense when he built the remarkable Tampa Bay Hotel. Architecturally designed with a Moorish revival style, the building has intricate details, including the famous minarets topped with crescent moons for which Tampa has become known.

The Tampa Bay Hotel consisted of 511 well-appointed rooms and suites with private bathrooms and electricity. Travel to the resort took a few days, so usually guests prepared to stay a while. There were plenty of activities and amenities to keep guests entertained on the expansive

FUN FACT

150-acre grounds, and the grounds boasted a beautiful exotic garden with flowering plants from all over the world, as well as exotic fruit trees.

Tampa was chosen by the U.S. government as the embarkation point to Cuba during the Spanish American War. Around 30,000 troops, including Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders, arrived in the late spring of 1898, just as the hotel closed to guests for the season. The Tampa Bay Hotel easily reached full capacity for the first time!

After Mr. Plant passed away in 1899, his family sold the hotel and part of the land to the city of Tampa in 1905. The hotel continued to operate until 1930, but it

Photos sourced from Henry Bradley Plant Museum

An early depiction of the luxurious Tampa Bay Hotel

Tampa Bay Hotel

The Don CeSar: The Don CeSar Beach Resort — “Called The Pink Palace” — Located on St. Pete Beach and first debuted in the early ‘20s. The U.S. Army seized the hotel and used it for a hospital during World War II. This historical landmark is now one of the oldest hotels on the Gulf Coast of Florida and celebrated its 95th anniversary this year.

YBOR CITY (PRONOUNCED EE-BORE)

Ybor City began as a multicultural independent town created and operated by immigrants. Vicente Martinez Ybor purchased 40 acres of land in 1885 for the sum of $9,000, and “Mr. Ybor’s City,” as it was originally called, was founded in the same year.

Born in Valencia, Spain, in 1818, Vicente was 14 when his mother sent him to Cuba, where he opened his first cigar factory in Havana in 1856. When the Ten Years’ War broke out in 1868 between Cuba and Spain, Mr. Ybor and his family fled to the U.S. to the island of Key West, eventually relocating to Tampa, which was a more profitable location due in part to Henry Plant’s recent improvements in transportation to the area.

Mr. Ybor purchased 40 acres of scrubland to the northeast of Tampa village in 1885. He built what became the largest cigar factory in the world upon completion. Named the Havana-American Cigar Company, the building still stands today. Sicilian, Jewish, Spanish and German immigrants opened many businesses to support the cigar workers and their families, such as grocery stores and restaurants. It is believed that the Cuban sandwich was created in Tampa cafes; it was originally made for cigar workers. The Columbia, Florida’s oldest and still operating restaurant, opened in 1905.

It is the largest Spanish restaurant in the world and a historical landmark that attracts people from all over the world.

Mr. Ybor built “casitas,” or small houses that he sold to cigar workers. The earliest residents raised chickens to produce eggs, and today you can find direct descendants of those very chickens roaming around the brick-lined streets of Ybor City. Tampa’s population in 1880 was around 700, but seven years later, when Ybor City was annexed, Tampa’s population had grown to over 3,000. By 1900 there were over 15,000 residents in Tampa, making it one of the largest and most prosperous cities in Florida. Ninety million hand-rolled cigars were produced in their best year, gaining Tampa recognition as the world’s leading cigar manufacturer.

As a result of rapid development and a massive influx of new residents, several mutual aid societies, or social clubs, were formed, one for each ethnicity. Most of those buildings still stand today, and they are historical landmarks. “La Septima Avenida,” or Seventh Avenue, was and still is the main street of Ybor City. There you’ll find the original building of El Centro Espanol, the Spanish Club, and L’Unione Italiana, the Italian club. Mr. Ybor opened a multitude of businesses in the area, many of which closed to honor his funeral when he died in 1896.

Growth and prosperity continued in Ybor City after Mr. Ybor’s death, but it couldn’t escape the disastrous impact of the Great Depression. Ybor City faced a period of decline; many businesses vacated and organized crime became prevalent. During the 1950s, a revitalization process was initiated. In the 1980s, many artists came to Ybor City in search of affordable studios. They began to transform the storefronts of Seventh Avenue, and by 1990 many restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shops and other nightlife attractions had opened.

Ybor City still has a lot to offer. Grab a strong cup of Cuban coffee while you walk down Seventh Avenue admiring artists’ work and the historical buildings along the way. Stop in at The Columbia to try the “Original Cuban Sandwich” or their delicious “Original 1905 Salad,” and look around the streets for chickens!

LOCAL TIP

“Local college students’ favorite spot for brunch is Ava; they’ve got bottomless mimosas and Italian cuisine.”

- Mia W.

Ybor City street scene sometime in 1885

7th Avenue, Ybor City, Tampa, Fla.

H ERETO G ET THE BEST

GRUB GRUB

YOU WILL QUICKLY FIGURE OUT THERE ARE A LARGE VARIETY OF DINING EXPERIENCES IN TAMPA BAY. AFTER ASKING MANY LOCALS, THESE ARE SOME OF THEIR FAVORITE PICKS.

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

GRAZE SOUTH TAMPA ▸ 2219 S. Dale Mabry ▸ Quaint neighborhood brunch spot with cool vibes. Locals say to try the breakfast bowls and waffles.

DATZ ▸ 2616 S. MacDill ▸ Excellent spot for any time of day. Reasonably priced and in large portions. “The Lumberjack Breakfast” was highly recommended!

THE BLIND TIGER CAFE ▸ 934 S. Howard Ave. ▸ Our locals love the relaxed atmosphere and eclectic music. A breakfast sandwich on Cuban bread with sriacha aoli is the “winner winner.”

CASK SOCIAL KITCHEN ▸ 208 S. Howard Ave. ▸ Southern flair. Locals love the breakfast tacos with shrimp and grits, along with the truffled deviled eggs.

OXFORD EXCHANGE ▸ Locals say, “Best brunch ever.” Eggs Benny, steak and eggs, bloodies and mimosa to choose from. First class in every way!

ULELE ▸ 1810 N. Highland Ave. ▸ Unique in every way. The detail the minute you walk in, a great experience, and low-key atmosphere. Locals love the charbroiled oysters.

ON SWANN ▸ 1501 W. Swann Ave. ▸ Farm-to-table concept — fresh ingredients and vegan options. The vibe is fresh, bright and trendy.

THE COLUMBIA RESTAURANT ▸ 2117 E. Seventh Ave. ▸ Family-owned Cuban restaurant since 1905 in Ybor City. Locals love the 1905 salad that the restaurant is famous for. A must-try for the experience and great food.

ROME & FIG ▸ 317 N. Rome Ave. ▸ Looking for a casual and fun lunch? This is the place. Highly recommended were the chicken and waffles. A must-have!

AMERICAN SOCIAL ▸ 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd. ▸ Vibrant gastropub with updated American comfort food, craft brews, and a patio and flat screens for all sporting events. Just a short walk from Amalie Arena and downtown.

CONTINUED >

DINNER on the town

BERN’S STEAKHOUSE

local charm opened in 1956, specializing in dryaged steaks and their famous wine list. Must tour the wine cellar and visit the desert room upstairs — great experience!

DONATELLO ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Mabry ▸ Old-school eatery. Tuxedoed waiters, live music, and locals say, “Never disappoints.”

OLIVIA ▸ 1301 W. Swann rant. Locals love the comfortable but classy atmosphere and say a must-try is the pizza.

THE MEAT MARKET

Hyde Park Village ▸ A sexier, more glamor ous take on the traditional steak house. The unique menu and the atmosphere are excit ing, with eclectic music and a diverse crowd.

HAVEN ▸ 2208 W. Morrison Ave. — small American plates, wine and cocktails. Outdoor seating available. Locals love the vibe and class of this restaurant.

“As a vegan, The Mermaid Tavern is my favorite place to take my nonvegan friends. The food is amazing for both of us, and the atmosphere is incredible!” - Tiffany C.

LOCAL TIP

“Come

LOCAL TIP

waves

RIDING THE IN TAMPA BAY

“Anna Maria Beach is not only one of the prettiest beaches around, but they have some of the best food too!”

ANCLOTE KEY

State Park, Pasco County

Located: N. 28 11.16’ W. 82 50.44’ (near Tarpon Springs)

Lighthouse, camping, primitive, four islands: Anclote Key, North Anclote Bar, South Anclote Bar, Three Rooker Island.

We all believe we live in “paradise.” Why not hop on a boat and go see for yourself! These are some of the surrounding islands around Tampa Bay with so many great experiences for a day trip. These are some favorites from Captain Justin.

CALADESI ISLAND

State Park, Pinellas County

Location: N. 28 02.95’ W. 82 82.07’

Bayside marina or offshore anchoring. Boaters must register before sundown. Pay to play island. CONTINUED >

Written by: Captain Justin - Carbon Cat Charters

- Mike F.

(aka “Naked Beach”) Hillsborough County

Location: N. 27 55.56’ W. 82 74.31’

Just south of Egmont Key. Our only “free spirit” island. The most beautiful water in the Gulf of Mexico until you get to Key West. Bird Sanctuary. Access is prohibited and illegal to walk on dry land.

rain

shine

LOCAL TIP or ACTIVITIES

“Hands down, the best place to take your friends from out of town is Ulele. It has so much to offer, from great food and drinks and easy access to Water Works Park, River Walk, Armature Works, and the Straz Center is just blocks away.” - Steve B.

TAMPA BAY HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER AND SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: ART GALLERIES, AQUARIUMS, AMUSEMENT PARKS AND THEATERS. HERE ARE SOME LOCAL FAVORITES TO ADD TO YOUR LIST.

THE TAMPA RIVERWALK

Explore the beauty and waterfront in the heart of downtown Tampa. The 2.4-mile Tampa Riverwalk is walkable and bikeable, connecting culture, entertainment and dining. Many wonderful events throughout the year.

CONTINUED >

TAMPA THEATER

711 N. Franklin St. ▸ Built in 1926 as one of America’s most elaborate movie palaces, the Tampa Theatre is a community landmark featuring classic movies as well as new releases. Many independent foreign and documentary films are seen here as well.

THE STRAZ PERFORMING ARTS

1010 N. Macinnes Place ▸ The Straz Center for Performing Arts provides world-class entertainment, ranging from lavish Broadway shows to classical music and rock concerts. Some of the upcoming shows are Hamilton, Hamlet and Andrea Bocelli.

BUSCH GARDENS AMUSEMENT PARK

10165 McKinley Drive ▸ A 335-acre African-centered animal theme park with more than 12,000 aanimals! A family tour of viewing one of North America’s largest zoos at Busch Gardens Tampa; rides and attractions. Florida’s thrill-ride park. Busch Gardens’ newest attraction, Cobra’s Curse, puts a spin on family thrills with a one-of-a-kind spin coaster.

HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM

401 W. Kennedy Blvd. ▸ The Henry B. Plant Museum is housed in the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel, The Victorian railroad resort that defined the elegant frontier. Now a national historic museum located on The University of Tampa’s campus.

LOCAL TIP

“Bern’s Steakhouse is the place to wine and dine; it’s a history experience with the largest wine selection in the world! The dessert room has a piano player and the best macadamia nut ice cream; the recipe has been revised 50 times!”

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO

5223 Orient Road ▸ A 562-room hotel with extensive gaming, entertainment and fine dining. A great experience to spend the day or evening in the flashy facility. Many great entertainers are scheduled to perform during the year.

- Alex M.

FLORIDA

Written by ElizabethMcCabe

meet the

Brate Brate

family

“Sports is where my passion was,” smiles Brooke. She interned for Clemson Athletics and landed an internship her first year out of school with the Carolina Panthers before working for the Bucs full time.

“I moved down here and didn’t know anyone except Adam Humphries, who was a friend from my time at Clemson University and also coincidentally my now-husband’s roommate,” explains Brooke. “He told me, ‘You’re going to love it. I promise.’” His words were right! “I moved down here six years ago, and I’m so thankful for that,” says Brooke. “I hope to call Tampa home forever.”

Brooke worked for the Bucs for four seasons and met the love of her life, Cameron, in the process. They tied the knot on March 19, 2022, beginning their new life together.

From Dream to Reality

Cameron, who played college football at Harvard, is one of the tight ends for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brooke enjoys being an NFL wife while balancing her full-time career in real estate, commenting, “It is definitely fun, but it can be stressful.” She has met the wives of other NFL players on the team, whom they have become great friends with throughout the years. Since the away game trips are usually such a quick turnaround, maybe 24-36 hours, Brooke often cheers for her husband at home, tuning into every game.

“We might make one or two away games a season,” she comments. However, for playoff games, she is always in attendance. Brooke has a lot of respect for all of the players on the Bucs and finds it “really fortunate to have a locker room full of nice, humble guys with such kind significant others.”

A Match Made in Heaven

“I met Cameron through a mutual friend who was a fellow teammate with the Bucs,” explains Brooke, who is originally from a little beach town in South Carolina, Myrtle Beach. After attending Clemson University and majoring in communications, she knew she wanted to work within the public relations field.

Cameron, born in Naperville, IL, earned an economics degree from Harvard before signing with the NFL. Brooke explains, “He grew up playing sports but also always focused on academics as well. Both of his parents were public school teachers before retiring.” Cameron always dreamed of playing football past college.

“He didn’t know if there would be an opportunity for him,” says Brooke. When he made the Buccaneers nine years ago, his heart was filled with happiness.

“Cameron is a really hard worker,” raves Brooke. “He has always loved the game of football.” Playing in the NFL for nine years has been a dream come true.

As for Brooke, after her career in public relations, she pursued her passion for real estate full time. She is proud to be a REALTOR® for Smith & Associates Real Estate.

TAMPA BUCS PLAYER

CAMERON BRATE & HIS WIFE, BROOKE, LOVE LIFE IN TAMPA

“I feel fortunate that we’ve been in Tampa for Cameron’s entire career thus far,” says Brooke Brate, reflecting on her husband’s time in the NFL.

“Ft. Desoto Dog Beach is my favorite place to go relax with my parents and play with other dogs.”

- Archie Brate

Popular Pastimes

When not working, Brooke and Cameron lead active lifestyles.

“I like to play tennis and teach cycle at CAMP Tampa,” says Brooke. “Cameron plays golf in the off-season.”

They always try to make it out to California once a year during the off-season. “In the spring, the weather is great,” says Brooke. It is also where many of her friends and Cameron’s friends reside. Closer to home, they like to go down to Naples.

Newcomer Tips

New to the area? Brooke and Cameron have a few tips:

Where do you like to dine?

“Living in the Hyde Park area, we love to walk to Fresh Kitchen because it is so convenient.

If dining in, we also love to stop by some of our favorites in the Village, such as On Swann, Meat Market and Forbici,” says Brooke. She and Cameron also love Olivia and Rocca. When they have time, they like to go to Central Avenue in St. Pete to visit local restaurants. Wild Child is one of their favorites, as well as Tropez St. Pete.

What is your favorite place for coffee?

“Buddy Brew Coffee in Hyde Park,” shares Brooke. DI Coffee Bar is another one of their favorites, where Brooke can enjoy a cup of coffee and work.

Where do you go on a typical weekend?

“St. Pete Beach is nice when we can get over there, usually finding a spot near The Don CeSar to soak up some rays,” says Brooke. Pass-a-Grille is another one of their favorites, and it’s quieter. “It’s also where we got engaged,” shares Brooke.

Tips for newcomers?

“I recommend vacationing here before moving here,” says Brooke. “Do an extended stay first.” With so many different places to live, explore your options before making the move, and be sure you have a knowledgeable agent to help you along the way. “Spend a couple of weeks here if you can. This area is amazing, and I am sure you will love it.”

Best

advice from a local?

“Go out and do things,” says Brooke. “There are so many different things to do.” Walk the Tampa Riverwalk, go explore Water Street or bike around Davis Islands. Best of all, you can enjoy it all year long!

Don’t forget to savor the sunsets. The sunsets on Davis Islands Beach are simply “glorious.” Bring some food, watch the sailboats glide by and enjoy the moment.

Life in Tampa has so much to offer. Get out and experience it all!

PLAY BALL!

LOCAL TIP

“If you’re looking for a delicious brunch with the option of bottomless mimosas, Cask Social is the place to be. I highly recommend the delicious chicken and waffles!” - Ali D.

SOUTH TAMPA IS A “FAMILY TOWN,” AND THERE ARE SO MANY SPORTING OPTIONS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR LOCAL “DADS’” FAVORITES.

LOCAL TIP

“The best CrossFit gym in the area is Crossfit Jaguar; they have a little bit of everything for everyone of all age groups! They also always give back to veterans.”

- Ali T.

Tampa Bay Little League S. Grady Ave. and Morrison Ave. Tampa, FL 33607 813-289-1676

Existing since 1954 and serves more than 700 youth in the South Tampa community.

Tampa Elite Soccer Academy 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. 813-495-2022

Camps for ages 5-13 100 Acre Campus of The University of Tampa

South Tampa Titans Popwarner Football and Cheer Practice Field 6203 S. Martindale Ave., Tampa, FL 33611 813-391-4088

Football and cheer, ages 6U-14U

Teddy Dupay Basketball Academy (TDBA) 302 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL teddydupay.com

Hosts basketball 52 weeks a year and for all ages

“THE PET-FRIENDLY CITY”

animal hospital & emergency care

South Tampa Veterinary Care 6310 S. Dale Mabry Highway 813-835-8500

Stampavet.com

PET-FRIENDLY PATIOS, PARKS & PET CARE

TAMPA BAY HAS SOME WONDERFUL OPTIONS FOR YOUR BEST BUDS TO GO RUN, STRETCH OUT AND MEET NEW FRIENDS. THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE LOCAL FAVORITES.

pet-friendly patios pet-friendly parks

Mad Dog Englishman ▸ 4115 S. MacDill, Tampa, FL 33611

Pet-friendly patio, and locals highly recommend ordering the doggie burger or chicken breast for your buddy.

The Dog Salon ▸ 3311 W. Bay to Bay, Tampa, FL 33611

Pet-friendly sports restaurant/bar. Sit outside with your fur buddy and have your own private TV for the special event.

Pups Pub Tampa ▸ 2202 W. Kennedy, Tampa, FL 33606

Everyone, including staff, is super pet-friendly. Astro Turf for the pup’s paws. With a clean and inviting atmosphere.

Gadsden Park ▸ 6901 S. MacDill chance for your fur bud to meet new friends. Small and large dogs are welcome.

Picnic Island Beach Dog Park Fenced area on the beach for dogs to run and swim. The fur babies love it.

Palma Ceia Dog Park ▸ 2200 S. Marti St. leash dog park. Lots of room for your pooch to run wild.

Hyde Park Dog Park ▸ Tampa, FL dog park. Many things to do, including restaurants and shopping close by.

Davis Island Dog Park ▸ 1002 Severn Ave. place to run your dog. A water fountain and a hose on-site to play. Small and large dogs are welcome.

Dale Mabry Animal Hospital 3606 S. Dale Mabry Highway 813-839-6191

Dalemabryanimalhospital.com

Spoil Me Dog Spa

LOCAL SHOP

“Looking for a gorgeous wedding or party venue? I can’t recommend The Vinoy Renaissance enough! It is a gorgeous location near the water. There are options for indoor and outdoor gatherings. I’ve seen some beautiful fairy tale weddings there.” - Ali D.

WOMEN’S APPAREL

Haley Boutique

128 S. West Shore Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609 ▸ 813-207-0400

A boutique with classic modern appeal, both apparel and accessories.

Monkee’s South Tampa 1728 S. Dale Mabry Highway Tampa, FL 33629 813-644-7223

A favorite from many locals; upscaled clothing, shoes and accessories.

The Cabana South Swimwear 3318 W. Bay to Bay Blvd. Tampa, FL 33629 ▸ 813-831-2227

Mother/daughter duo as owners of this fabulous swimwear boutique.

Lex & Co. Boutique 3112 W. Kennedy Blvd., Unit B Tampa, FL 33609 ▸ 813-436-3664

Local mom-and-daughter business that carries a variety of sizes and styles.

CONTINUED >

320 W. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 250

Tampa, FL 33606 ▸ 813-289-4367

King Jewelers

3071 S. Dale Mabry

Tampa, FL 33629 ▸ 813-354-5558

EYEGLASSES & SUNGLASSES

The Optic Shop 533 S. Howard Ave. Tampa, FL 33606 ▸ 813-254-5050

Optics SOHO 711 S. Howard Ave.

MEN’S APPAREL BALANI Custom Clothier 401 E. Jackson St., Suite 3300 Tampa, FL 33602 ▸ 813-551-1213

Selected as one of the top tailors in the world.

Bespoke & Co.

3305 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, FL 33629 813-857-7876

Fine custom clothing for men and women.

LOCAL TIP

“Best tattoo parlor in the area is Atomic Tattoo. They have great prices, and the detail is amazing.”

B.

HOME DECOR & MORE

FURNITURE & ACCENTS

Congratulations on your new home. Now it is time to give it your personal touch. South Tampa has so many unique stores to shop in: traditional, contemporary or beachy. If you need some help figuring it all out, our recommended interior designers can help you put it all together. These are some of the local favorite spots.

Dwell Home Market 4912 S. Lois Ave. Tampa, FL 33611 813-602-0360

Modani Furniture 201 S. Dale Mabry Highway Tampa, FL 33609 813-426-8600

Georgia Matilda Home 4129 S. Mac Dill Ave. Tampa, FL 33611 813-992-1100

The Missing Piece, Fine Interiors on Consignment 3848 S. Dale Mabry Highway Tampa, FL 33611 813-805-2696

Tampa Home Look Interior Design Tampa, FL 33602 727-430-4155

TIPS

Moving to a new city and not sure who to hire to remodel your home?

A few tips:

When looking for work to be done in your home, the best advice is to make sure a company or individual has a license for a specific job they will be working on.

In the state of Florida, a contractor’s license will always list the name of the qualifier — the person that earned the certificate. This then makes them responsible for making sure the company is in compliance with local building practices.

There will also be a license number, the date it was issued and an expiration date, and it will display the city and state it may be used. Be sure to ask to view it before hiring a business

Mikie

SPONSORS

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted vendor to use. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the BeLocal community!

CABINETS/CUSTOM

JDD Cabinets Jeffrey Daly (813) 513-3550

CUSTOM JEWELERS

Zion Jewelry International (813) 507-2229 zionjewelryintl.com

DOG TRAINING & BEHAVIOR

Florida Dog Training School (813) 951-4480 www.fl-k9.com

ELECTRICIAN/ ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Accurate Electric - John Kutzner (813) 433-6377

FITNESS STUDIO / LIFESTYLE FITNESS

The Bungalow TPA Fitness

Roddy Gonzales

GRANITE/MARBLE/NATURAL STONE

Plazza Natural Stone - John Plazza (813) 512-6514

HAIR SALON

Platinum Beauty Bar - Steffeny Linn (813) 898-2722

HEARING CENTER

Hampsen Hearing - Dr. Amanda King (360) 818-9044

HOME THEATER/ HOME ELECTRONICS

V. B. Home Theater Install LLC

Victor Brenes (312) 343-1785

INTERIOR DESIGN

Tampa Home Look - Gail Gibson (727) 430-4155

LANDSCAPE/OUTDOOR LIVING

Lazzara Enterprises, Inc. Frank Lazzara

(813) 207-0708

MED SPA Skin Savvy RX (813) 870-9000 skinsavvyrx.com

PAINTER: CUSTOM INTERIORS & EXTERIORS JC Enterprises Wallcovering

Jorge Carranza (813) 919-3002

PAINTING CONTRACTOR

Lou Phillips Painting (813) 299-1979

louphillipspainting.com

PAVER SEALING ReNew Paver Sealing Jeff Mansfield

POOL CONTRACTOR

Tampa Pool Pro.Com, LLC

Anthony Arredondo (813) 494-2417

REALTOR

Keri Clare - Compass Real Estate (813) 480-6862

ROOFING CONTRACTORS

Pebblestone (PCMI) - Andrew Slywka (813) 281-0223 www.pcmiteam.com

WEIGHT LOSS/ NUTRITION Be Healthy Weight Loss and Wellness - Anita Arredondo (813) 373-5763

-998-7325

Protect

the home you love.

I live and work right here in our community. I know what the homes are like in the area. So I can offer advice you can trust to help you get the protection that fits your needs.

If you’re ready to talk home insurance or need some advice about protecting all that’s important to you, call me today.

DMeinke@allstate.com