Unlocking Tampa Bay

In this extended Juneteenth episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we talk with two influential women who have significantly impacted Tampa Bay's history. First, we meet Bolaji Ajike, the founder of R.O.C. The Block INC., a Juneteenth festival held annually in Tampa Bay which focuses on Reconditioning Our Communities by inviting the local and global community to enjoy a block party atmosphere. Ajike...

In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we do a deep dive into the winning ingredients that make these Tampa Bay MICHELIN recipients shine. From a boutique hotel inspired by residential flare to a culinary hot spot bursting with authentic flavors, we dive into the magic behind MICHELIN. First, we sit down with Chef Michael Brannock, owner of Streetlight Taco, who shares the journey of Streetlight...

Did you know that of the 25,000 businesses in the city of Tampa, around 24,000 are small businesses? As our Honorable Mayor Jane Castor always says, “these inspired entrepreneurs and their ventures are not just the backbone of our community, but also the heart and soul that keep it thriving.” Our first guest, Wesley Roderick, a Tampa Bay native and the creative mind behind SuperNatural Food &...

Get ready for a sweet and inspiring March episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay! First, meet Danielle Thibodeau, owner of Wicked Sweet Sugar Boutique, where every treat tells a tale of love and dedication. From guava pastries honoring Tampa Bay to a full espresso menu, indulging in these sweet treats is impossible to resist! Then, join Josie Curci from Fat Beet Farm Kitchen and Bakery as she shares the h...

On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we celebrate Black History Month with two of Tampa Bay's treasures who are creating history of their own! First, we talk with CJ Thompson, the owner of Booze & Bubbles, a luxury bartending company, who started her journey as an epidemiologist. Yep, you read that right! Hear how she took a leap of faith and went from just 100 followers to brunchin&#39...

Welcome to season three of Unlocking Tampa Bay, where we unlock the doors and dive into behind-the-scenes conversations to bring you the inside scoop! To kick off this year, we're exploring unique ways to get out and stay active in Tampa Bay! We have everything from state parks to chickens in diapers who do yoga- yes, you read that right! Join Natalie Wolfe, Lifestyle Director at Hotel Haya, a...

Step into the magic of the holidays with Visit Tampa Bay's Unlock Tampa Bay podcast and uncover holiday happenings across our city. Unwrap the secrets of Peterbrooke Chocolatier with Jennifer Hill, who explains the artistry behind those delightful chocolates and why they make the perfect gift. Later, join Rachel Radawec from Tampa’s Downtown Partnership, one of the many who created Winter Vill...

From the world of innovative fear to heart-pounding thrills, discover Tampa Bay’s most wickedly tantalizing events in this special series of podcasts dedicated to Halloween. Our first stop brings us up close with Scott Swenson, the mastermind behind the Vault of Souls, as he unveils the art of crafting 'an evening of elegant fear.' We continue our ghoulish adventure with Brad Tucker, enter...

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, join us for a special episode that delves into the rich cultural tapestry of Hispanic heritage in Tampa Bay. We are thrilled to be joined by two remarkable guests who have played pivotal roles in preserving and promoting their Hispanic heritage through their respective family businesses. First, we sit down with Patrick Manteiga, the esteemed editor and...

This month, Visit Tampa Bay immerses itself in the Tampa Bay arts and culture scene. On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we hear from the founder of the Tampa City Ballet, Paula Nunez, to discuss her passion for the arts and her journey in opening the Tampa City Ballet. We also hear from Michele Smith, Executive Director for the Tampa Arts Alliance, about the organization’s organic development...

This month we are celebrating Disability Pride Month! On this empowering episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we hear from Jamie Santillo, founder of Adventures by Jamie, who discusses her full-service travel agency and journey leading to many notable accomplishments. We also hear from Kate White, CMO of the Glazer Children's Museum, about the museum's continuous efforts to create an all-inclus...

Take a bite of history and discover the delicious tastes of the destination as we unveil Tampa Bay's culinary journey. On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we speak with Jeff Houck, VP of Marketing for the 1905 Family of Restaurants, discussing the variety of Tampa Bay's gastronomic history. We then speak to culinary trailblazer Chef John Fraser, founder of JF Restaurants and chef of th...

It’s May, and we’re celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week in Tampa Bay! On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we sit down with two of downtown Tampa’s game-changers. Hear from Crystal Rivera, General Manager at the iconic Floridan Palace Hotel, where a new $30M renovation will breathe new life into the historic hotel. Then, meet MaryBeth Williams, Executive Director of Friends of the Rive...

Visit Tampa Bay celebrates Earth Day and Earth Month by diving deeper into Tampa Bay’s sustainability and conservation efforts with local partners. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Cynthia Stringfield, SVP of Animal Health, Conservation & Education at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and Melissa Dude, Volunteer Program Manager at The Florida Aquarium.

Visit Tampa Bay celebrates Black History Month by immersing itself in the destination's rich African American History. In the years after the Civil War, Tampa Bay became home to African Americans seeking their fortunes. In this episode, Visit Tampa Bay's President & CEO Santiago C. Corrada recaps January and Tampa Bay's festival season. Then, we chat with Ersula Odom, owner of Ersula's History...

SEASON 2 - Ahoy, me hearties! All hand Hoy, it’s Gasparilla season in Tampa Bay. For over 100 years, legendary pirate Jose Gaspar and his unruly pirate mates have invaded Tampa Bay. Each year, the City of Tampa battles nearly 500K marauders and buccaneers who ravage their way through the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast for beads during the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. In this episode, we hear from Visit...

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 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...

On this episode 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...

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! Hea...

Michelin Stars are coming to Tampa Bay! On this episode 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 H...

Welcome to Florida's Most diverse destination! On this episode 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 diver...

On this episode 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.

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 ar...

On this special episode 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 MOS for short. Meet Rob Lamke, Chief Operating Officer at MOS, and hear why MOS holds a special...

On this month's episode discover downtown's most popular museums and cultural centers. Visit the Henry B. Plant Museum located at the University of Tampa, the former Tampa Bay Hotel. Meet the resident of the S.S. American Victory Ship & Museum, one of only four fully operational World War I ships. Finally, learn more about the impressive collection of modern and historic art at the stunning Ta...