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Both Clearwater And Florida Aquarium Battle For Best In America

Author Jen Glorioso

The Florida Aquarium in Tampa and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium are both battling to be USA Today’s Best Aquarium in America. Each aquarium is unique in their own way, making it a very difficult vote for locals and tourists. Twenty total aquariums were nominated by USA today. You can vote once a day for your favorite, voting ends March 6 at noon. The winner will be announced on Friday, March 17. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is currently in the top spot, with the Florida Aquarium at #6.

Each of Tampa Bay’s aquariums are special in their own way. They both have high-quality exhibits and engaging visitor interactions. Here’s some reasons why you should vote for each one.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been a staple in the community for 50 years. Their main mission is rescue, rehab, and release. Most people know of the Clearwater Aquarium because of their work with Winter the dolphin. There are so many exhibits to see, and even a lot of animal interaction opportunities. Some interactive animal experiences they offer are: Building a salad for a sea turtle, photo ops with Rough-Toothed and Bottlenose Dolphins, feeding a stingray and more!

The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium is dedicated to inspiring, facilitating and creating change. The aquarium in Tampa leads two comprehensive conservation programs: Coral Conservation Program and Sea Turtle Conservation Program. This aquarium currently has 9 habitats with the goal adding more with their $40 million expansion. The Florida Aquarium hosts a lot of events throughout the year, one of our favorites is Rhythm & Brews By The Bay. One of their newest experiences, SeaTREK allows guests to take part in a guided underwater walking tour!

Which aquarium are you voting for? Click here to cast your vote!

Jen was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. She’s been with Beasley Media Group since 2022. In her spare time, you can find her at Tampa Bay Lightning games, Tampa Bay breweries, or the beach. Catch up on Jen’s content about the highest-rated restaurants/bars in Tampa, things-to-do around the area, and upcoming concerts.

These Are USA Today's Top 10 New Restaurants In Florida

These are USA Today’s top 10 new restaurants in Florida! Luckily for us, there are a couple Tampa Bay spots on the list. Some other places mentioned are a quick drive away in Orlando, Naples, and Fort Myers. If you’re ever driving across the state or taking a staycation at a nearby Florida town, be sure to check out these places!

Florida is a foodie paradise. Because we are a melting pot of cultures, we have tons of different cuisine and restaurants to try! There are new establishments constantly opening to meet the demands of food-loving locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking for the freshest seafood, or wanting to try something exotic, Florida has it. As the Sunshine State continues to evolve, so does the restaurant scene. Over the past year, Florida has welcomed new restaurants, ranging from fast-casual spots with ethnic flair and multi-location doughnut shops to extravagant fine dining and waterfront party spots.

Here in Tampa, Water Street is becoming the new hot spot for foodies. This year they plan on opening a bunch of new restaurants that we can’t wait to try! We’re especially looking forward to 3 Corners, a Detroit style pizza place coming to Tampa soon! With so many new restaurants popping up every week, it’s hard to keep track of what to try. This list has 10 new Florida restaurants that opened in 2022, with a couple in the Tampa Bay area.

[Source: USA Today]

Check out the top 10 new restaurants in Florida

  • Five-O Donut Co.- Sarasota & Tampa Bay

    Five-O Donut Co. of course made the list. They’re not exactly new to Tampa, their first location opened in Sarasota in 2017. Not only do they offer “simple” versions of classic doughnut varieties, Five-O also offers more elaborate “fancy” creations such as the Cookie Monster made with house-made blue vanilla buttercream, Oreo bits, cookie dough bites and Biscoff cookie butter.

  • Ela Curry Kitchen - Palm Beach Gardens

    If you’re ever in the Miami area, check out this new authentic Indian restaurant. Ela’s offers a classic thali-style tasting menu, in which multiple components are served on a large tray. The menu also offers Indian snacks, various curries and “not curry” dishes.

  • Rebellion Wine Bar - Cocoa Village

    On the other coast is a new wine bar you must try if you’re ever in the Cocoa Beach area!

  • St. Armands Oyster Bar - Sarasota

    Just a quick drive from Tampa is this hidden gem in Sarasota. St. Armands Oyster Bar brings the Big Easy to Florida and specializes in Louisiana dishes including jambalaya, red beans and rice, and crawfish etouffee.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CjlZNwGLtkH/

  • The 239 - Naples

    If you ever take a staycation to the beautiful Naples beaches, be sure to try The 239.

  • Uva’s Vino & Tapas - Fort Myers

    Uva brings Portuguese flavors to Fort Myers with a menu filled with octopus, pork and sizzling wisps of linguica flash-seared in grappa. They’re tapas designed for Southwest Floridians: generously sharable, mostly recognizable, incredibly affordable.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CiIslmjgQbI/

  • Wako Japanese Cuisine- Pensacola

    Quite the drive from Tampa Bay, but if you’re ever on a road trip to north Florida, stop here instead of some gas station food!

  • O-Ku - Jacksonville Beach

    This might become one of the best rooftop bars in the state! O-Ku offers a selection of nigiri, sashimi, chef specialties and small plates, including Otoro Spoons.

  • Fysh Bar and Grill - Port Orange

    Fysh Bar and Grill opened in October with waterfront views of the Halifax River and music every night. This place has a huuuuuge dining lounge that seats 600 guests, three full bars, a raw bar, a gelato station, AND a rooftop bar! This place alone might be worth the trip to the Daytona area!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn4Z3W4L1Xb/

  • Twenty Pho Hour- Orlando

    This place is America’s first 2-D noodle bar! Twenty Pho Hour opened its doors Dec. 28 in a shopping center near the Orlando Convention Center. This place looks so cool and they’re even opening a sister restaurant in Tampa soon!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm7RPQCvj8N/

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Author Jen Glorioso
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