Unwritten rules of the Tampa Bay area

Whether you’re a Tampa Bay area native or a relative newcomer, there are just some things every TBAY resident understands to be true.

We asked our readers to share the Tampa Bay area’s unwritten rules, from common Tampa + St. Pete knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo. You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community — and if you’re not from the Tampa Bay area, these might be a little difficult to explain.

Foodie tips

• “West Tampa Sandwich Shop.” — Ethan O.
• “Rocca or you haven’t lived.” — Irene G.
• “Real Cuban sandwiches have SWISS cheese. Not white American cheese. Don’t let them fool you.” — @cutney84
• “Must have salad @columbiarestaurant.” — @beachkowgirl1

Gasparilla tips

• “Either lean all in or get outta town for Gasparilla 📿.” — Amber C.
• “Dress like a pirate for Gasparilla.” — Jason K.
• “If you don’t have a set place to go for Gasparilla months in advance, it’s gonna be rough for ya.” — Billy G.

Photo by Kiera Andrews

Creature comforts

• “Don’t bother the chickens in Ybor.” — @tampaentertainment (Fun fact: This is sound advice. The chickens in Ybor City are protected by Tampa’s Bird Sanctuary Law.)
• “Must love dogs ♥️.” — @the.mini.copper (WalletHub agrees.)
• "🐊 = Swamp puppy 🐶.” — @tampaentertainment

Sometimes you just have to laugh

• “You must eat pizza from the pizza window in Ybor after clubbing.” — R. Budz (This is a New York New York reference.)
• “Make sure you tell everyone where you’re originally from 🤌🏼.” — Christina T-A.
• “Lightning gonna strike ⚡.” — Cindy B. (Not sure if you’re talking about the weather or our hockey team, Cindy. Either way, you’re right.)

Photo by TBAYtoday

Trouble on the roads

• “When driving, don’t use your turn signal to let other drivers know you plan on turning.” — @melaniegriesemer
• “If you have a giant pick up truck that never actually hauls anything, you don’t have to use a blinker? 😇.” — @patriicii.ai
• “Forget how to use a turning signal.” — Nicole C.
• “Don’t drive on Bayshore, Manhattan, or parts of Dale after a good rain…" — Graham S.

TBAYtoday’s pro tips

• “When you’re in Hyde Park Village, don’t always grab coffee from Buddy Brew. Sorrento Sweets’ java is just as good, if not better, in my opinion. There’s a downtown St. Pete location too.” — City Editor Patrick
• “Many of our slew of museums actually have their own top notch cafes and eateries that offer incredible views — like the Columbia Cafe at the Tampa Bay History Center or Cafe Clementine at the Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete. " — City Editor Bailey

City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.