moving to tampa
Wednesday, November 30th, 2005We got a letter from a faraway reader, and he is asking for some Tampa-based assistance. I’ve supplied some information, but feel free to add to it as you see fit. Here’s the missive:
First allow me to say that I’m a great fan of Sticks of Fire. It’s a daily read for me, and is proving to be an invaluable resource.
My fiancée and I are planning a move to Florida from the Washington, DC area. She has applied to Stetson, and we expect to be moving some time around February.
What this means, of course, is that I’ll need a job in order to make our transition easier. Moving isn’t a lot of fun. Moving without any money is less fun. At any rate, I’ve spent most of my professional career in Washington, in politics and government. I have certainly enjoyed working for a non-profit for the last two years, and would be willing to consider a move to a non-profit in Tampa, but I’m open to new ideas and suggestions.
I would very much appreciate any ideas you might have, any suggestions you could give, even just on the transition from a place like Washington to a city like Tampa. Thanks in advance and please keep up the good work at Sticks of Fire.
Sincerely,
Lee Ving DeeCee
Dear Lee,
First of all, I’d like you to know that your taste in blogs is unsurpassed. Sticks should be a daily read for you and everyone you know.
Congratulations on your wise decision to relocate to the Tampa Bay area. Stetson is a fine school, and your fiancée should find it to her liking – as long as she is not a blogger.
February is an excellent time for a move to the area as well. If you make it by early February, you should plan on taking in the Gasparilla Festival and Parade. It’s probably like DC’s Cherry Blossom Festival, except with pirates, beads, and flashing girls instead of uh, trees.
There are other differences you can expect as well:
- Slow down: Everything in Florida is much more laid back than many places, especially DC.
- Don’t offer advice: It’s true – we really don’t care how you did it “back home.” Any suggestions that begin with “Back home we used to…” that are met with one finger pointing up (north) (don’t take offense, it only means you should drive “back home”).
- Income Tax: Ain’t got none for the State, County, City, Neighborhood, or District. Just one for your soon-to-be-former neighbors’ pockets.
- Weather: Leave your snow shovel, buy more t-shirts.
- Attire: Leave your three-piece, buy more t-shirts.
- Crime: DC was once the Murder Capital of the US, and Wikipedia even has a separate entry on Crime in Washington DC. People move to Florida after they have murdered, then become pirates.
- Sports: Your teams are named “Washington,” but play elsewhere. Our teams are named “Tampa Bay,” but actually play on land. For Redskins games, check out Elmer’s in Ybor City. For playoff games, try Raymond James Stadium and the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa (explaining this is a post in itself).
- Business: DC – government and tourism. Tampa Bay – tourism and call centers.
- Diversity: DC’s tourism board website has a section for GLBT. Tampa Bay’s tourism board website has a section for FAQ’s.
- Food: Here you have the Cuban Sandwich, or eat at Hooters. DC doesn’t want anything to do with Cubans.
- History: In DC there are too many places to mention. In Tampa there are too few.
- Politics: Big difference here - Washington politicians are concerned with an entire country of diverse citizens. Hillsborough County politicians are just trying to get rid of gay people and titty bars. But these locals fight harder and dirtier, ‘cuz it’s more important. However, none of our mayors have been arrested for crack. They do get their cars immobilized though.
I’m certain there are more changes in store for you. Check the comments in case others have more information.
As far as finding a job for you, the unemployment level here is low. You will likely have little problem finding something that appeals to you. I am not aware of any specific help needed in the non-profit sector, but I can get you some work mowing grass. Perhaps the great local SOF readers are aware of openings within the non-profit sector. (Readers, this is where you leave a comment that I can forward on to Lee Ving DeeCee).
Generally, if you like cigars, bugs, saltwater, strippers, sunshine, traffic, or pirates, you’ll do just fine here. Just don’t be surprised to find movie rentals and bait in the same store.
At any rate, we here at Sticks wish you the best of luck with the move, and look forward to welcoming you into our great community! Let me know when you get settled, and I’ll buy you a real Cuban Sandwich.






