How The City Of Tampa Got Its Name
Have you ever wondered how and why our city was named Tampa?
What I’m about to tell you, may surprise you. You might be shocked to learn how Tampa got the name Tampa. Or you may say, “Of course! That makes perfect sense!”
Before I researched the answer to this question, I made a couple of haphazard guesses. The word “Tampa” kind of sounds like the word “tamp.” Tamp means to pack in or firmly plant something. Maybe people who first discovered Tampa were like “This place is great! Let’s tamp down on it! We shall call it Tampa.” That’s a little silly. That’s not the answer. Then I said, “Well, Tampa sounds slightly similar to the word tempe(rature).” Maybe people came here and said, “The tempe(ratures) are high, but we still want to live here. We shall call it Tampa!” Nope. That’s not the answer either.
Well, there are a couple of schools of thought on the actual origins of the name. What historians can agree on is when the name first appeared. In 1575, it appeared in Hernando de Escalante Fontaneda’s memoir. He’d been held captive by Calusa Indians. But they actually called it Tanpa back then.
So there are a couple of different theories about the name meaning. Some claim that the name translates as “the place to gather sticks.” Tampa comes from a Seminole Indian word used to describe wood.
But I tend to believe this other theory. Some believe the translation for “Tampa” in the Calusa language is “stick of fire.” And presumably, sticks of fire refer to lightning. Doesn’t it make perfect sense? The Indians knew back then that Tampa was the lightning capital of the world. Isn’t it kind of funny…if Tampa really means fire sticks or lightning, then that would make the Tampa (Bay) Lightning are the Lightning (Bay) Lightning.
If you’d like to learn more about the history of Tampa and not just how Tampa got its name, you can visit the Tampa History Center online or in person.
Realistic Advice For Moving To Tampa
Pack Some Patience
This is slightly a joke but also kind of serious because it really does take an hour to get anywhere in Tampa. If you plan on moving to Tampa be sure to bring some patience. Trust us, you’ll need it for driving on 275 or across the Howard Frankland during rush-hour (or any time of day really).
Get Your Insurance FAST
One of the biggest cons of moving to Florida/Tampa is the insurance rates. You have 10 days to title and register your car, boats, mobile home, etc. You’ll have 30 days to obtain a Florida driver license. If you don’t, you could see a hefty $500 fine. It’s also worth noting the cost of car insurance is 30% higher than the national average.
Also since Florida is constantly threatened by major hurricanes, expect to pay A LOT for home/flood insurance.
Learn Our Driving Habits
It’s something that even locals are guilty of doing. If you want to fit right in with the rest of Tampa, be sure to never use your blinker and let other drivers know your next move. Also, instead of making a u-turn, it’s Florida policy to cut over 3 lanes of traffic to correct your mistake. (For legal reasons, this is a joke).
If you go anything under the speed limit in the left lane, be prepared to be met with a lot of middle fingers from Tampa locals.
Don't Brag About Your Hometown
Seriously, you made the move. Now you’re a Floridian. We don’t care “how you did it in New York”. If you liked it so much, you could’ve stayed. Related note: Once you make the transfer to Tampa, leave behind your old team sports gear. You’re a Bucs/Rays/Lightning fan now.
Sunscreen, Bug Spray, and Allergy Medication Are Your New Best Friends
One thing you may not have realized in Florida is the bugs are INTENSE. Mosquitoes, fire ants, and palmetto bugs are extremely common. You also might want to get used to wearing sunscreen daily and have some allergy medication on hand. We have plants that bloom year-round which causes a lot of issues for people with bad allergies. Plus the ocean breeze can move pollen for miles.
Learn To Wait Out The Rain
If you’ve visited on vacation you probably experienced this. It’s a beautiful sunny day until around 4pm when we get our daily showers. If you’re at an amusement park like Busch Gardens, don’t worry about gathering your things and leaving (unless otherwise stated by the park). Majority of the time, you can wait out the storm in 30-60 minutes.
Do A Trial Run
Before making the move to Tampa, maybe consider doing a trial run during our “worst” months. It’s the hottest in July/August, hurricanes really pick up in September, traffic is TERRIBLE during spring break. If you plan a 2-3 week visit during any of these months, you’ll get a real taste of what it’s like living in Tampa.
