A photograph of the public art installation "Forms of Wander" by Marc Fornes at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa, Florida, taken on January 10, 2023. The large outdoor sculpture features an intricate network of pale green, perforated metallic curves that resemble organic, twisting roots or branches. It stands on a waterfront walkway with a metal railing, set against a clear blue sky. In the background, palm trees, a body of water, and an elevated interstate with passing cars are visible.
‘Forms Of Wander’ by Marc Fornes, at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa, Florida on Jan. 10, 2023. Credit: Keir Magoulas

Tampa turns 139 years old this month, and there are celebrations happening across the city, from Archives Awareness Week (kicking off Sunday, July 12) to the third annual Drunk Tampa History happening Wednesday, July 15.

To mark the occasion, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay wants to hear from Tampeños (even if you call yourself Tampans!) about what they think makes Tampa unique from anywhere else in the world. We’re talking about the thing you love most about the city—something you’d never change.

And because we’re always looking ahead, tell us what one thing you would change about the city, too.

Pass this Google Form around, and look for select responses in the July 9 issue of CL!

Pitch in to help make the Tampa Bay Journalism Project a success.

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This article appears in July 02 – 08, 2026.

Read his 2016 intro letter and disclosures from 2022 and 2021. Ray Roa started freelancing for Creative Loafing Tampa in January 2011 and was hired as music editor in August 2016. He became Editor-In-Chief...