Unlocking Tampa Bay Podcast

On this month’s episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, 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 II ships. Finally, learn more about the impressive collection of modern and historic art at the stunning Tampa Museum of Art.

The hotel scene in Tampa Bay is booming and so is its cocktail culture! In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, explore some of the area’s most trendy rooftop spaces at popular hotels. Visit EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge at the Epicurean Hotel, a South Tampa gastronomic empire, and see how the boutique hotel seamlessly blends in with the surrounding neighborhood. Indulge in handcrafted cocktails with 360-degree waterfront views at ROX located atop The CURRENT Hotel, where every room has a waterfront view. Finally, pay a visit to Midtown to check out the brand-new Aloft/Element Hotel and its stylish Tulum-inspired rooftop bar and restaurant, Sal Y Mar.

Explore beyond downtown and see what Hillsborough County has to offer! On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we’re checking out some of the greatest attractions on the outskirts of our city center. Meet Calvin Joustra, Operations Manager at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay, where you can zip across the Mobbly Bayou Preserve. Hear from Ralph Zuckerman, owner of Old McMicky’s Farm, who brings traditional farm experiences to Tampa Bay. Finally, pay a visit to Brian Faulk, owner of Canoe Escape Tampa, where visitors can take a tour down the Hillsborough River and even come face-to-face with the Florida Alligator!

Small businesses are the backbone of every community and this month, we’re meeting some of Tampa Bay’s most successful husband and wife small business owners. Meet Dennis and Misty Akers, owners of The Candle Pour, Tampa Bay’s first custom candle-making experience in Hyde Park Village. Hear from Jim and Lisa Shalk, who opened the Dessert Spot at Toffee to Go 19-years ago. Finally, visit Mike and Aimee Conlee, who are bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing watersports to downtown Tampa at Urban Kai Stand Up Paddleboarding.

Discover what makes Tampa Bay Florida’s Most Exciting Destination with its top attractions. Hear from Neal Thurman, Park President at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, home to Tigris, the tallest launch coaster in Florida. Dive into Florida’s aquatic ecosystems with Roger Germann, CEO of the Florida Aquarium, and hear what’s new from the aquarium following its 25th anniversary. Visit ZooTampa at Lowry Park with Joe Couceiro (CEO), Chris Massero (VP of Animal Care), and over 2,000 animals in natural exhibits. From the Straz Center for the Performing Arts to the Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa Bay is home to incredible, award-winning attractions for everyone.

Dive into Ybor City, Tampa Bay's historic Latin Quarter, where brick-lined streets tell the story of the region’s cigar-filled past and melting pot of cultures. Meet Richard Gonzmart, restaurant pioneer and third-generation caretaker of the iconic Columbia Restaurant, Max Herman from the Official Ybor City Walking Tours, Pablo Molinari, general manager of Ybor’s new boutique Hotel Haya, and finally Lisa Lawson, owner of the trendy “new kid on the block,” Cerealholic Café and Bar.

On the heels of hosting, playing, and winning Super Bowl LV, Unlocking Tampa Bay kicks off with a recap of the most-watched sporting event in the USA, taking you behind the scenes at the Visit Tampa Bay Media Center and speaking to city leaders and celebrities, including president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay Santiago C. Corrada, host committee co-chair and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Derrick Brooks, and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, about what it was like to host such a historic game. In celebration of Tampa Bay’s championship win, this first podcast episode also visits Michelin star chef Joe Isidori at JOTORO Kitchen & Tequila Bar in Sparkman’s Wharf, now part of Tampa Bay's expanding food scene! Future episodes of the monthly podcast will continue to dive deeper into Tampa Bay’s treasures with fellow travel experts, chefs, local guides, historians, local makers, and many others to inform and entertain the hospitality industry and public at large.