ABOUT THE TAMPA BAY AREA

With 2.5 million residents, the Tampa Bay area is one of the world's most desirable areas in which to live, boasting a booming employment rate, year-round festivals and activities, and a climate that is consistently pleasant and sunny.

Hispanic Magazine rates Tampa the "Top City in the U.S. for Hispanics." Tampa is also one of the most broadband-wired cities in America, ranking second in a recent AOL poll. It's no wonder that more than half of USF's 182,000 graduates opt to stay right here after graduation. And Tampa International Airport is the number-one ranked airport in the country.

The Tampa Bay area is situated off the Gulf of Mexico, and features outstanding local beaches. Other draws include Busch Gardens, Adventure Island water park, the Lowry Park Zoo, The Florida Aquarium and historic Ybor City. Orlando, with all of its theme parks, is about one hour away.

In addition, Tampa boasts several professional sports teams, such as the NFL's 2002 Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and the NHL's 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

For the culturally inclined, Tampa Bay is home to a vibrant arts community. There is the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, the Museum of Science and Industry (right across the street from our Tampa campus), the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and the Tampa Museum of Art, as well as USF's own highly-acclaimed Contemporary Museum of Art.

Students can also attend concerts and performances at the historic Tampa Theatre, St. Pete Times Forum, Raymond James Stadium, and Ruth Eckerd Hall, as well as at USF's Sun Dome.

And for those interested in indulging in a little retail therapy, Tampa Bay is home to several excellent shopping venues, including International Plaza, Old Hyde Park Village, Westshore Plaza and many more.

Courtesy of University of South Florida