What does it take to save one of Florida’s most beloved marine mammals, and how can visitors experience that mission up close? In this brand-new episode, hosts Bryan Burns and Molly Barbieri go behind the scenes with Molly Lippincott, Senior Curator of Florida and Marine Life at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, for a peek into the highly anticipated expansion of the Straz Family Manatee Rescue, opening spring 2026.
The conversation explores how this landmark project will anchor the Zoo’s largest expansion to date, Florida Waters, and offer guests an immersive, eye-level look at manatee rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Molly shares what it takes to care for this threatened species, including temperature-controlled critical care pools, specialized nutritional feeding for orphaned calves, and the complex logistics of transporting manatees across the state.
As home to the world’s largest nonprofit manatee critical care center, ZooTampa has rehabilitated more than 600 manatees since 1991, made possible in part by visitor support and the Straz Family Foundation’s transformative gift. This episode highlights how conservation, innovation, and tourism intersect in Tampa Bay, giving travelers a meaningful way to connect with Florida’s wildlife while helping protect it for generations to come.
🎧 Tune in to Unlocking Tampa Bay to get an inside look at the future of manatee conservation—and discover how visiting ZooTampa helps save lives in Florida’s waters.
🌟 Highlights of this Episode:
ZooTampa at Lowry Park: https://zootampa.org/
Plan your trip to ZooTampa at Lowry Park: https://zootampa.org/visit/
Manatee Care Center: https://zootampa.org/conservation/florida-conservation/manatees/
Upcoming events: https://zootampa.org/events/
🧳 Plan Your Visit:
Book Your Stay in Tampa Bay: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/
📲 Stay Connected with Us:
Website: https://www.visittampabay.com
Online Visitor Center: https://shop.visittampabay.com/
Facebook: /visittampabay
Instagram: /visittampabay
Twitter: /visittampa
If you could spend the night in any museum in Tampa Bay, which one would it be and why?
What would be the perfect day in Tampa Bay?
How would you describe Tampa Bay to someone who has never visited?
Those are just a few of the imaginative prompts inside Kids Travel Talk, a new product that turns Tampa Bay into a playground for curiosity, connection, and conversation. In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we chat with Anna De Jesus, the inventor of the conversation cards designed to help parents connect with their children through engaging, screen-free discussions about travel. Born from her own experiences traveling internationally with her two children, De Jesus created the cards to encourage more meaningful conversations between families, especially while on the go. Motivated by a study showing that parents spend less than 40 minutes per week in meaningful conversation with their kids, she wanted to offer a simple yet powerful tool to help bridge that gap — using travel as the perfect entry point.
Each Kids Travel Talk deck includes 50 questions centered around a specific destination, with the first edition focused on Tampa Bay. The cards prompt kids to share thoughts, spark curiosity, ease travel anxiety, and encourage cultural exploration, all while giving families a fun and intentional way to connect. Now available at the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center and online at shop.visittampabay.com, the cards are ideal for both visitors and locals. With plans to expand to more destinations globally, De Jesus hopes her product helps raise a generation of curious, compassionate, and culturally aware global citizens.
🌟 Highlights of this Episode:
🧳Plan Your Visit:
BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/
📲 Stay Connected with Us:
🎧 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share to spread the Tampa Bay love!
What do shipping containers, street art, and Bundesliga soccer have in common? Tampa Bay local Dylan Perry.
In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we sit down with local artist Dylan Perry, who--through his partnership with Visit Tampa Bay--recently created murals at two of the most famous street art galleries in the world: the STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam and F.C. St. Pauli’s Millerntor Gallery, which annually redesigns the walls of the main and south stands. Perry talks about his creative process, how his vision is translated onto the sides of two stacked shipping containers, and why it’s important to him to feature Tampa Bay in his pieces.
Through his international work, Perry is not only showcasing his own talent but also helping to put Tampa Bay’s vibrant art scene on the global stage.
🌟 Highlights of this Episode:
🧳Plan Your Visit:
BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/
📲 Stay Connected with Us:
🎧 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share to spread the Tampa Bay love!
The Tampa Bay Sun are in the playoffs and looking to add their own trophy to the Champa Bay case!
In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we sit down with Sun captain Jordyn Listro to hear her thoughts on the team’s inaugural season, how fun it is to ride a water taxi to games, and her affection for the Heat Wave, as Sun supporters are affectionately known. A native of Toronto, Listro fell in love with Tampa as a standout on the University of South Florida’s women’s soccer team and made it her mission to stick around the area for her professional career. When a Tampa Bay team in the newly-formed USL Super League was announced, it was a dream come true for Listro, especially playing under her former USF coach now Sun coach Denise Schilte-Brown.
With the Sun hosting a semifinal game in the USL Super League playoffs this Saturday at Riverfront Stadium against Dallas Trinity FC, they’ll need all the hometown support to continue their run and add to the city’s hardware collection. Go Sun!
🌟 Highlights of this Episode:
🧳Plan Your Visit:
BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/
📲 Stay Connected with Us:
🎧 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share to spread the Tampa Bay love!
In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we chat with Jess Anderson, the Director of Business Development for Oxford Commons Hospitality Company. One of Oxford Commons’ new ventures involves the relocation of South Tampa institution Mad Dogs & Englishmen from its longtime digs on MacDill Avenue to its new home a mile down the street. The new location spans 6,000 square feet and is a modern take on a classic British pub with multiple dining areas – including a Moroccan Room, a cozy fireplace lounge, and dog-friendly patios – considerably more parking, and a comfy, home-like feel thanks to a team of residential designers creating the aesthetic. Jess talks about how busy the restaurant has been since it opened, how the concept was received by longtime regulars of the original location, and how they’ve managed to create a family-friendly, community gathering spot for the South of Gandy neighborhood. On top of the buzz created by a new location, Mad Dogs & Englishmen was added as a recommended restaurant to the MICHELIN Guide just four weeks after reopening, further adding to the whirlwind last few months. Tune in to hear how the team is handling all of their success as well as what else might be coming down the pipeline Oxford Commons Hospitality in the near future.
🌟 Highlights of this Episode:
🧳Plan Your Visit:
BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/
📲 Stay Connected with Us:
🎧 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share to spread the Tampa Bay love!
In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we sit down with Tampa Bay Rays Chief Business Officer Bill Walsh to discuss what fans can expect this season as the Rays move across the bay to Tampa and temporarily call George M. Steinbrenner Field home for the 2025 season. We explore how the stadium is being transformed from the New York Yankees spring training facility to deliver an authentic Rays experience—switching out signage, incorporating local food vendors, and even installing 3,000 pieces of art to make it feel like home. Bill shares insights on the behind-the-scenes efforts, including the impressive four-day turnaround between the last Yankees Spring Training game and the Rays home opener. We discuss the exciting opportunities of playing in an outdoor venue—think fireworks and special celebrations under the stars – as well as the Rays’ gratitude to the Yankees for allowing them to use the stadium and the eventual return to “home base” at Tropicana Field next season. Tune in for a peek behind the curtain at how the Rays plan to keep the fan experience unforgettable in this unique chapter of Tampa Bay baseball!
🌟 Highlights of this Episode:
🧳Plan Your Visit:
BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/
📲 Stay Connected with Us:
🎧 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share to spread the Tampa Bay love!
For nearly two decades, NYU Professor James D. Fernández and journalist-filmmaker Luis Argeo have worked to uncover the forgotten history of Spanish migration to the U.S. Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thousands of Spaniards settled in Tampa, shaping the cigar industry, and building strong communities. Yet, their stories remained largely untold. In this episode, Fernández and Argeo discuss their research and the Invisible Immigrants: Spaniards in the U.S. (1868–1945) exhibition, which will be at the Tampa Bay History Center now until August 3rd, 2025. Tune in to explore Tampa’s deep Spanish roots and the lasting impact of these immigrants.
🌟 Highlights of this Episode:
🧳Plan Your Visit:
BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/
📲 Stay Connected with Us:
🎧 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share to spread the Tampa Bay love!
He’s the irrefutable king of Iron Gwazi having ridden the iconic roller coaster at Busch Gardens ® Tampa Bay over 10,000 times since it opened with no signs of slowing down. Meet Kalin Profitt, a born and bred Tampa Bay resident with an insatiable appetite for all things Busch Gardens and Iron Gwazi, billed as North America’s tallest and the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster. In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we explore how Kalin developed his love for Iron Gwazi, how he was able to reach the 10,000-ride milestone in such a short amount of time, and why he holds Iron Gwazi in such high regard compared to other roller coasters around the country.
🌟 Highlights of this Episode:
🧳Plan Your Visit:
BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/
📲 Stay Connected with Us:
🎧 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share to spread the Tampa Bay love!
In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we're joined by Will Seccombe, the Executive Producer of Undiscovered America TV, a show that unveils hidden wonders and untold stories one adventure at a time and is returning to Tampa for a second time after featuring the city in the show’s first season. Will brings his expertise in marketing and destination management – he was the former President & CEO of Visit Florida -- to explore what makes a place truly special: its culture, history, and, most importantly, the people. Together, we explore Tampa Bay's hidden gems, from the historic J.C. Newman Cigar Factory and iconic Tampa Theatre to culinary treasures like Mise en Place and the Henry B. Plant Museum. Learn how Undiscovered America TV goes beyond the typical tourist attractions to reveal the heart and soul of destinations across the country—and how Tampa Bay shines in its own unique way.
🌟 Highlights of this Episode:
Tampa's treasure Tourism trends in the DMO world https://www.undiscoveredamerica.tv/🧳Plan Your Visit:
BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/
📲 Stay Connected with Us:
Website: https://www.visittampabay.com Online Visitor Center: https://shop.visittampabay.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitTampaBay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visittampabay/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/visittampa🎧 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share to spread the Tampa Bay love!
#TampaBay #UnlockTampaBay #FloridaTravel
Sion Walton-Guest started his professional career in corporate tax while dabbling on the side as an influencer before he went all in on content creation, quite literally quitting his day job and becoming a leading voice worldwide on social media for travelers. Walton-Guest recently visited Tampa as a part of a paid partnership with Visit Tampa Bay to highlight the best restaurants, neighborhoods, and activities for his audience to explore. On this special two-part episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we sit down with Walton-Guest to discuss his journey into becoming a full-time content creator, why the influencer lifestyle isn’t as glamorous as it seems on social media, top tips from his extensive travels, and his before/after impressions of Tampa Bay following four full days in the region.
🌟 Highlights of this Episode:
Tampa Riverwalk Rentals:
The Pearl Tampa:
Ash Tampa:
Bay Rocket Tampa:
The Globetrotter Guy's LGBTQ+ Guide to Tampa Bay:
The Globetrotter Guy's Weekend Guide to Tampa Florida:
The Globetrotter Guys:
🧳Plan Your Visit:
BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/
📲 Stay Connected with Us:
🎧 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share to spread the Tampa Bay love!
Sion Walton-Guest started his professional career in corporate tax while dabbling on the side as an influencer before he went all in on content creation, quite literally quitting his day job and becoming a leading voice worldwide on social media for travelers. Walton-Guest recently visited Tampa as a part of a paid partnership with Visit Tampa Bay to highlight the best restaurants, neighborhoods, and activities for his audience to explore. On this special two-part episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we sit down with Walton-Guest to discuss his journey into becoming a full-time content creator, why the influencer lifestyle isn’t as glamorous as it seems on social media, top tips from his extensive travels, and his before/after impressions of Tampa Bay following four full days in the region.
🌟 Highlights of this Episode:
🧳Plan Your Visit:
BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/
📲 Stay Connected with Us:
🎧 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share to spread the Tampa Bay love!
She’s the chief of fun responsible for turning downtown Tampa into an entertainment hub. Meet Ivy Lupco, the manager of public space, placemaking & programming at Tampa Downtown Partnership. On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we discuss how downtown has transformed from ghost town to boom town after business hours and Ivy’s role in activating this surge of activities in downtown after dark. We also take listeners behind-the-scenes of Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, one of Tampa Bay’s favorite holiday happenings, where we learn how this event has grown over the years, what the falling snow is made of, and how they’re able to maintain an ice rink for over a month under the Florida sun (spoiler alert: warm temps aren’t the ice’s biggest enemy).
🌟 Highlights of this Episode:
🧳Plan Your Visit:
BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/
📲 Stay Connected with Us:
🎧 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share to spread the Tampa Bay love! #TampaBay #UnlockTampaBay #FloridaTravel
Have you started your holiday shopping? We have the perfect gift ideas for that hard-to-please person on your list. On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we sit down with Wes Balch, the retail manager of the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center, to uncover the secrets behind curating our collection of unique, locally-inspired merchandise. From Tampa-themed apparel and accessories to exclusive items you won't find anywhere else, get an insider's look at how we bring the spirit of Tampa Bay to life in every piece. Learn about our upcoming Black Friday deals and that hot holiday item you won't want to miss! Tune in to discover how we're supporting local artisans, curating special holiday finds, and bringing a taste of Tampa Bay to Winter Village this season.
Shop the Unlock Tampa Bay Gift Guide: https://shop.visittampabay.com/collections/holiday-gift-guide
Welcome back to another season of Unlocking Tampa Bay! In this episode, we sit down with Chef Joey Medellin, the Executive Chef of Tampa Bay’s premier dining cruise on the Hillsborough River. Hear about Chef Joey’s journey from self-taught chef to head of Craft Dining, where he brings family tradition and Florida flair to each dish. We dive into the unique challenges of preparing gourmet meals on the water and explore the standout menu items that will have you coming back for seconds. Plus, get an insider’s look at this year’s Thanksgiving menu from the creator himself!
In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we explore the sweet side of Tampa Bay with two beloved local dessert destinations!
First, we sit down with Chill Bros. Scoop Shop, founded by the Chillura siblings. What started as a dream for the best local homemade ice cream became a reality in Ybor City. Max Chillura shares the story of turning their family passion into a community favorite.
Next, we meet the brothers behind Hampton Chocolate Factory, a family-run business since 2014. Austin and Grant bring the luxury of the Hamptons to Tampa Bay, serving decadent chocolates and desserts that are sure to impress. Their personal journey and the story of how they've built a flagship store in Tampa Bay, combining indulgence with a lasting brand vision, is truly motivating.
Join us for this delicious episode and discover why Tampa Bay is a destination for dessert lovers!
Discover how sports shape Tampa Bay's vibrant community and drive economic growth. Join us for a special Unlocking Tampa Bay episode featuring Christina Unkel, President and General Counsel of Tampa Bay Sun FC, and Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. Christina shares insights on the journey of Tampa Bay's first professional women's sports team and the Sun's vision to become a global leader in women's soccer. Rob discusses the strong partnership between Visit Tampa Bay and the Sports Commission, highlighting the impact of sports tourism and the excitement surrounding Tampa Bay Sun FC's launch. Get your tickets for Tampa Bay Sun FC's first home game on August 18th! Learn more about the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and partnership opportunities with Visit Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay is celebrated as one of the most accessible destinations in the United States dedicated to creating an inclusive environment. Visit Tampa Bay is partnered with companies like Wheel the World, Enchroma, Ablevu, and more to create a welcoming experience for all visitors. In this episode, we sit down with Yoel Waisberg Avayu, Head of Business Development for Wheel the World, an accessible online travel agency helping people enjoy and feel confident in planning their accessible vacations -- from tours, hotels, attractions, and much more -- to different destinations across the globe. Wheel the World is a customizable experience available to all abilities. Next, we sit down with Dortresia Johnson, Guest Experience Manager at Tampa International Airport. TPA has adopted systems and partnerships, like the Sunflower Program for hidden disabilities, elevator labels for colorblind individuals, and pet relief areas for service animals, to create a safe and accessible airport for all. Join us in our journey to make Tampa Bay more accessible to all. Adventure Awaits!
In this extended Juneteenth episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we talk with two influential women who have significantly impacted Tampa Bay's history. First, we meet Bolaji Ajike, the founder of R.O.C. The Block INC., a Juneteenth festival held annually in Tampa Bay which focuses on Reconditioning Our Communities by inviting the local and global community to enjoy a block party atmosphere. Ajike strives to create a safe space for people to celebrate and foster community spirit. Her dedication to bridging disparities and reconditioning hearts and minds is truly inspiring. Check out the full episode to learn more about this year's R.O.C. The Block at Raymond James Stadium. Next, we sit down with Tampa Bay native Valerie Wilson Reed, creator of Valcooks Kitchen interactive cookbook. Reed, a cookbook author, cooking video producer, and all-around foodie, released her cookbook in 2021, fueled by her lifelong passion for cooking. Her signature paella dish is a family favorite, and her cookbook features cherished family recipes, highlighting the power of family connections and history. Want your copy of Valcooks Kitchen? Buy it online or in-store at our Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center.
In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we do a deep dive into the winning ingredients that make these Tampa Bay MICHELIN recipients shine. From a boutique hotel inspired by residential flare to a culinary hot spot bursting with authentic flavors, we dive into the magic behind MICHELIN. First, we sit down with Chef Michael Brannock, owner of Streetlight Taco, who shares the journey of Streetlight Taco, a restaurant that opened in 2024 and quickly became one of only four in Tampa Bay to receive a Bib Gourmand. Dive deep into the world of heirloom Mexican corn as Brannock explains how the Molino, a volcanic stone grinder, is the heartbeat of the kitchen, creating authentic Mexican flavors. With signature Cocktails and a carefully curated menu, each item has its own identity. Next, we sit down with the Hotel Manager of Palihouse Hyde Park Village, Brendan Perry. Perry introduces us to the boutique hotel offering bespoke, residential-inspired suites in Tampa’s historic Hyde Park neighborhood. Discover how this creates a charming urban lodge that received one of the first MICHELIN Keys awarded this year, ensuring your stay at Palihouse Hyde Park will be exceptional.