{{Infobox Metropolitan Area |

MSA_name = Tampa–Saint Petersburg–Clearwater|
name = Tampa Bay Area|
map = Tampabaymetro.png  |
largest_city = Tampa |
other_cities =  - St. Petesburg
 - Clearwater |
rank_us = 20th |
population = 2,624,151 (2006 est.) |
density_mi2 =   |
density_km2 =   |
area_mi2 =   |
area_km2 =   |
states = Florida |
highest_ft =   |
highest_m = 120ft.
lowest_ft = 0 |
lowest_m = 0

The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida, Metropolitan Statistical Area, also known as the Tampa Bay area or simply Tampa Bay after the body of water it surrounds, is a metropolitan area on the Gulf coast of west-central Florida. It includes the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, as well as numerous other small municipalities in Pasco, Hernando, Pinellas, and Hillsborough counties. The population for the Tampa Bay area currently stands at 2,589,637; as of a July 4, 2005 estimate. It is experiencing urban sprawl and the area grows at an average of 20,000 to 40,000 residents every year, which is about 200,000 to 400,000 every 10 years. Most of the sprawl has occurred in the more rural areas because of more affordable land; such areas are Lutz, Land O' Lakes, Pasco County and Hernando County. The West Coast of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico is considered a tourist destination as the weather is semi-tropical and the region contains significant natural beauty, including brilliant sunsets, exotic foliage, and attractive scenery. The Tampa Bay area contains three major public beaches. Coastal access and ports provide the opportunity to observe dolphins, manatees and other sea life, experience deep sea fishing, scuba diving, and join cruises to Gulf of Mexico destinations including Cozumel, Key West and the Cayman Islands.^{[citation needed]}

Counties

The following is the list of counties that make up the Tampa Bay Area.

• Hernando County
• Hillsborough County
• Pasco County
• Pinellas County

Demographics

As of 2004:^{[citation needed]}

• White (Non-Hispanic/Latino)- 74.67% 1,933,706
• African American - 11.41% 295,510
• Hispanic - 12.87% 333,301
• Asian/Pacific Islander - 2.49% 64,462

Cities

The following is a list of important cities and unincorporated communities that serves the metropolitan area.

Primary Cities

• Clearwater
• St. Petersburg
• Tampa

Suburbs between 50,000 to 100,000 Inhabitants

• Bradenton
• Brandon*
• Largo
• Palm Harbor*
• Spring Hill*
• Town 'n' Country*

Suburbs with 10,000 to 50,000 Inhabitants

• Citrus Park*
• Dunedin
• Egypt Lake-Leto*
• East Lake*
• Greater Carrollwood*
• Holiday
• Land O' Lakes*
• Lealman*
• Lutz*
• New Port Richey
• Greater Northdale*
• Oldsmar
• Palm River-Clair Mel*
• Pinellas Park
• Plant City
• Safety Harbor
• Seminole
• Greater Sun Center (Sun City Center)*
• Tarpon Springs
• Temple Terrace
• University*
• Westchase*

*Unincorporated place.

Attractions

Other attractions include Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, Museum of Science & Industry and Lowry Park Zoo. Long established cities, such as Cuban flavored Ybor City, near the bay contain historic architecture. Fresh seafood and locally grown produce are available in many restaurants. Sports attractions include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and many professional quality golf courses, tennis courts, and pools.

Sports teams

The Tampa Bay Area is home to three major professional sports teams and a number of minor-league and college teams.

• National Football League: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa
• National Hockey League: Tampa Bay Lightning: St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa
• Major League Baseball: Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg
• Arena Football League: Tampa Bay Storm: St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa
• NCAA Football, Div.1, Big East : The University of South Florida Bulls: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa
• NCAA Basketball, Div. 1, Big East: The University of South Florida Bulls: The Sun Dome in Tampa

Major League Baseball Spring training teams in the area

Spring training in Florida for teams in the Grapefruit League:

• The Tampa Bay Devil Rays of Major League Baseball play spring training games at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg
• The New York Yankees of Major League Baseball play spring training games at Legends Field in Tampa
• The Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball play spring training games at Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater
• The Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball play spring training games at Knology Park in Dunedin

Minor League teams

Minor League baseball teams in the area include: Florida State League (Single-A baseball)

• The Tampa Yankees: Legends Field in Tampa
• The Clearwater Threshers: Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater
• The Dunedin Blue Jays: Dunedin Stadium at Grant Field in Dunedin

Sporting Events

• The NCAA football Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium is held annually, usually on January 1.
• Three Super Bowls have been held in Tampa, in 1984, 1991 and 2001.
• Tampa will host Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009.

See also

United States metropolitan area

External links

• The Tampa Bay Area Start Page