20 Telltale Signs You Grew Up In Tampa Florida

To the tourists, Tampa, FL is the home of Busch Gardens and several famous sports teams. But for those of us who grew up in Tampa, only we natives of this city know it’s much more than that. Here are the top 20 reasons you know that the 813 is somewhere you call home:

1. You’ve had a photo shoot at Curtis Hixton Waterfront Park.

Whether it was with a camera or a phone, you and your friends posed among the various photo opportunities in the park. From modern and steel architecture to green fields, Instagram was sure to be hit with a killer photo later that day.

2. You’re over the moon about the addition of Hyppos.

Hyppos became one of the most raved over attractions located in both Ybor City and Hyde Park.  From Granny’s Apple Pie to Cucumber Lemon Mint, people came to hangout and indulge in the variety of Popsicle flavors. Not to mention, Hyppos’ brightly painted and art-orientated walls, make it a picture worthy stop.

3. SPRINKLES, the cupcake ATM machine

Because what else is there to do besides eat really good desserts?

The store Sprinkles, also located within Hyde Park, has an ATM machine located directly at the front of the store. However, all Tampa goers know this ATM does not dispense any money, only takes it in exchange for a cupcake. Customers have the option to customize their cupcakes however they like and must wait a short amount of time before it’s available to them.

4. You’re a Bucs fan, whether you love it or not.

It might have been with your dad, your grandparents, or your significant other, but you have found yourself sitting in Raymond James stadium or rooting on this football team from the comfort of your home. #bleedblackandred

insta: @savannahraeshaw

5. You’ve most likely had a field trip to the Aquarium.

As an eager little kid, the aquarium was full of excitement. Dolphins, penguins, and sharks, oh my! But as we got older, those adult priced tickets weren’t looking too appetizing anymore.

6. Not even bothering to carry around an Umbrella.

The dreaded rain, outfit ruiner and plan changer? Nope, not in Tampa, because the sun will come back out in 15 minutes and your day is back on track.

7. Turn signals? Why bother, no one else uses them.

Florida is one of the busiest transient states in the U.S. Therefore, strap in tight and get comfortable because that traffic is going absolutely nowhere. Also, make sure you’re driving defensively because Floridians have a bad case of never turning on their blinkers.

8. Once you’re old enough, Ybor becomes your night scene.

18 – the monumental step into legality, meaning you are officially allowed to go to most of the clubs. You and your friends spend all night getting ready and show up to Prana way later than expected because someone forgot something or your Uber took forever.

9. Your camera roll is full of the picturesque sky line.

Between the Sykes building, the University of Tampa, and the sunsets over the Hillsborough River, every part seems picture worthy.

insta: @hanna0318

10. Publix subs, need I say more?

And lets be real, you’ll always feel like an outsider when you go to another Publix that isn’t your own.

11. You had your prom pictures taken somewhere in Tampa.

12. Planning for Gasparilla was an event within in itself.

What outfit am I going to wear? Whose all coming? Whose driving? And where the HELL are we going to park?

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insta: @hanna0318

13. Dreaming for one of the houses on Bayshore Blvd. to be yours someday.

Maybe if we wouldn’t have spent all that money going out to eat, we would have 1/50^th of the money needed to rent that house.

14. Tropical storm & Hurricane warnings = partying.

Because what’s more Floridian than getting out the red solo cups instead of searching for shelter.

15. You go to the beach during Christmas.

And all of your family members from up North gawk at how you’re in a swimsuit this time of year.

16. You say you’re from Tampa even though you’re from a smaller city because no one will get it.

17. Concerts at the Amp are best when you get lawn seats.

18. Except when it’s pouring rain.

19. You crave Eddie and Sam’s almost every day of the week.

Home to New York style pizza, this restaurant is a novelty that all the locals enjoy.

20. When you hear Malfunction Junction, you automatically cringe.

You think traffic is bad where you live? Try 1-4 at 6:00 p.m on a Friday…

Got any more signs you grew up in Tampa?! Share ’em below!

Featured image source: weheartit.com