Tampa Bay’s gross new area code launches next week

Besides running out of places for people to live, one of the other issues with Tampa Bay’s rapidly increasing population is that we’re also running out of phone numbers, and starting next week some of us will be forced to  have an incredibly gross 656 area code.

According to the Florida Public Service Commission, the new area code will launch Jan. 22 and be used in the same communities as the 813 area code, which include areas like Brandon, Land O’ Lakes, Oldsmar, Riverview, Thonotosassa, Town ‘n’ Country, Valrico and Zephyrhills.
Don’t worry,  those of you that have the good, and not at all gross, 813 area code can keep it. However, any new customers or anyone adding a service will become a 656er as of Feb. 21.

The Florida Public Service Commission says the new area code should keep Tampa Bay from requiring another one of at least 37 years. Tampa Bay isn’t the only Florida area getting a new area code. Last week, it was announced that Palm Beach County will receive a 728 area code for new numbers as the 561 area code runs out.

This article appears in Jan 13-19, 2022.