South Tampa

South Tampa is a specific area in Tampa, Florida surrounded by Tampa Bay on the west, Hillsborough Bay on the east, and West Tampa on the north. It is a region south of Kennedy Blvd. and north of MacDill Air Force Base. It is known for great schools, performing arts, elegant hotels, and unique dining experiences like the infamous Bern's Steakhouse.

Though difficult to imagine now, this prestigious area of Tampa was once used as farm and cattle land. Due to entrepreneurs like Henry B. Plant, the landscape of South Tampa began changing drastically in the late 1880's. With the laying of the first railroad links by Mr. Plant, thriving industries like cigar and phosphate began to flourish causing the population to rise dramatically. Immigrants from Cuba, Spain, and Italy flocked to Tampa and made the area their home. 

Downtown development boomed with extravagant hotels and restaurants. In the 1920's D.P. Davis built two man-made islands (Davis Island). The Tampa Municipal Hospital on Davis Island was opened, now called Tampa General Hospital, in 1926 (Tampa History - Wikipedia). 

Some of South Tampa's neighborhoods include: Hyde Park (one of the oldest neighborhoods in South Tampa), Ballast Point, Bayshore Beautiful, Golfview, Harbor Island, Palma Ceia, Virginia Park, Parkland Estates, Sunset Park, Culbreath Bayou, Culbreath Isles, and Beach Park. Though only a few have homeowner associations, each possesses its own distinct personality, look, and feel.

For more information on South Tampa visit South Tampa Chamber of Commerce.