Tampa Florida
Growing Up in Tampa with Mark Sanders
For Mark Sanders, growing up in Tampa was anything but boring. Well, that was then and Tampa has grown and become even more exciting. When one thinks of Florida, they of course picture the gorgeous sugar sand beaches stretching for over 200 miles but what else does this unique city by the bay offer? Well, it has become home to world class attractions that might not have existed when Mark Sanders was a boy. It is the home of various sport teams and family fun activities. Of course, there are historical museums and remarkable sight-seeing opportunities in this old world town brought to life by the construction of its railroad, but when one digs deeper, a Mecca awaits.
If one loves the water as much as a native Tampanian like Mark Sanders, then Tampa is your kind of place. Both young and old can throw on their flip-flops and walk the vast white sand beaches, swim in the warm waters and bask in the sun. You can be adventurous and try parasailing or hop on a jet ski and zoom around for a bit. There is, of course, top notch sport fishing for the enthusiast which can bring in some rather large catches like marlin! One can’t forget that Tampa is home to Adventure Island. This water park is chock full of slides, tube-rides and water drenched fun. For those grown ups it even has live music and Polynesian dancing. If you prefer to watch from a distance, nature enthusiasts like Mark Sanders will love an afternoon taking in the various life forms at the Florida Aquarium.
Tampa is also home to Busch Gardens and the Lowry Park Zoo. What child or adult wouldn’t love to live with something like that right under their noses? Never a dull day in Tampa, there is a fabulous Big Cat Rescue where one may view lions and tigers, in a semi natural habitat. The Lowry Park Zoo is home to numerous species and even has a new exhibit, Dino Quest! This exhibit showcases dinosaurs big and small, and is very informative about prehistoric history. We all know that kids just can’t get enough dinosaurs!
A fun activity that all those like Mark Sanders look forward to every year is the Annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival. Swashbucklers of all ages say” argh! “donning their best pirate gear and have a roaring good time. This is held every January and is looked forward to by all after the yearly Christmas Festivities held in city like caroling, parades and abundant decorations.
If one dreams of a childhood full of adventure and endless learning opportunities at every corner, then there is no better place to grow up than Tampa. Mark Sanders loved the beauty that the historic town offered, the abundant wildlife at every turn and the never ending sport and educational activities. Be it exploring the Henry Plant Museum, taking in a football game or simply strolling down Tampa’s colorful streets, the wonders never ceased to amaze young Mark Sanders. Even today, as he strolls hand in hand with his son, he knows there is no better place to grow up, with so much to offer, than Tampa.