I hear the Gasparilla Pirate Fest is an awesome annual event. What else is mandatory to check out in the local area and points south? Reputable fishing charters or honey holes in the bay? Great campgrounds? Areas/things to avoid?

Depending on how far you are traveling St Augustine NE of there is a neat place. Okefenokee Swamp is also great!

Can’t help much with Tampa as we typically avoid cities…..

Thank you, sir!

Zoo is nice

I have always heard positive about Tropicana Field.

If you go to Clearwater they have the original Hooters, It's called Hooter University, the food is fantastic there

Armature works on the river is a great location, like an adult food court with several choices. You can jump on a water taxi and get a view of the city from the water. A little west of Tampa, the Tarpon Springs sponge docks, Dunedin is a great little town with lots of festivals and very walkable. Clearwater beach is fantastic, and there is a new amphitheater called the Sound, concerts there are awesome! Fort Desoto park, and if you want to fish, the old skyway bridge is a good place to try. Have fun!

Great, thanks! Keep it comin'...