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Hillsborough County Area Information
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Hillsborough Area Guide
Located adjacent to the tropical isthmus of Pinellas Peninsula, Hillsborough County is one of the most decorated and passionately pursued residential areas in beautiful central Florida! Home to a thriving commercial presence, outstanding educational system, and flourishing tourist industry, Hillsborough contains some of the most beloved and revered townships and cities in the region and enjoys a proud history dating back hundreds of years.
History
Hillsborough County was first discovered, explored, and mapped by the Spanish toward the middle of the 16th century.
From 1559 to 1819, Florida was under the rule of Spain, France, Great Britain, and lastly, the United States of America after being purchased for twenty-one million dollars in 1821.
Florida was granted statehood in 1845, and the sprawling area of Hillsborough was later organized from modern Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Desoto, Hardee and Highland counties.
Bridges and roads were built into an extensive network connecting small towns to commercial centers and other settlements.
Ferries were used to transverse rivers, and in 1846 a new courthouse was constructed. This consolidated administration building was erected quickly and proficiently, and served as the primary governmental building until 1891 when a red, brick courthouse was built along with a silver dome in downtown Tampa as predecessor of the current courthouse, which was built in 1952.
In 1887, the area’s growth was accelerated by the arrival of the Orange Belt Railroad, which made transportation and shipping more easy for both citrus farmers and visitors to the area.
During the booming 1920’s, real-estate speculators flocked to Florida, followed closely by tourists, prohibition activists, and wealthy industrialists.
Following World War II, the area saw a tremendous influx of retirees and blue collar workers, leading to dramatic growth and urbanization of the coastal area. This trend would continue until Pinellas became the most densely populated and actively developed area in Florida.
Currently, the Pinellas Peninsula is the sixth largest population center in Florida and one of the top 50 in the nation.
What was once undeveloped agricultural land has become a well developed, suburban to urbanized trade and manufacturing center.
Attractions and Activities
Busch Gardens
This incredible theme park and hospitality center is the largest zoological institution in the region, featuring nearly three-thousand exotic animals ranging from Rhinos to lions alongside its breathtaking rides and roller-coasters. Busch Gardens is located a short distance from downtown Tampa and partners with parent organizations and sister theme parks to provide top-notch entertainment, amenities, and experiences in one of the most inclusive, refined, and spectacular attractions in the country!
3000 E. Busch Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33674
Phone: (813) 987-5987
Electric Manatee Viewing Center
This fifty-acre facility cleverly affords visitors the opportunity to relish the site of majestic salt water manatees due to its proximity to Tampa Electric’s Big Bend power station. Seeking refuge from the cool waters of the gulf, the gentle sea giants flock to the canal to rest in the clean, warm discharge from the company’s power reactors. There have been reports of as many as three-hundred of these large mammals resting in the waters of the canal at one time!
6990 Dickman Road
Apollo Beach, Florida
Phone: (813) 228-4289
Big Cat Rescue
The incredible people at Big Cat Rescue operate this non-profit shelter for endangered and threatened big cats in order to protect population numbers while educating the public on the plight of mistreated exotic cats. Currently, it is home to over one-hundred exotic big cats of sixteen different species, many of which are either threatened or endangered in the wild. Big Cat Rescue is a breathtaking place to come face to face with nature’s alpha predators, as well as the perfect rehabilitation center for abused, mistreated, or orphaned animals.
12802 Easy St
Tampa, FL 33625
Phone: (813) 920-4130
http://bigcatrescue.org/
Lowry Park Zoo
Parents Magazine recently ranked this absolutely amazing collection of animals the “#1 Family Zoo in America.” Lowry Park Zoo boasts over two-thousand animals and hosts thousands of visitors in addition to conducting educational classes, hundreds of summer camps for children, and more across a beautiful fifty-six acre campus.
1101 West Sligh Avenue
Tampa
Phone: (813) 935-8552
Henry B. Plant Museum
Housed in the historic landmark site of the Tampa Bay Hotel, and current campus of the University of Tampa, this preservation of artifacts and exhibits pays homage to tycoon Henry Plant and salutes the enormous accomplishments he made during the Gilded Age. The luxurious grounds of Plant’s museum stretch across over one-hundred and fifty acres and include a nine-hole golf course, botanical garden, tennis courts, croquet courts, a boathouse, open forest, equestrian stables, a two thousand seat auditorium, heated indoor swimming pools, a bowling alley, spa facilities and card rooms.
401 West Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33606-1450
Phone: (813) 254-1891
Yuengling Brewery
Founded in 1829, this brewery is the oldest operating brewing company in the United States and second most productive in terms of volume. Take a tour and watch imported, top-grade Washington hops join with the best wheat in the country to produce America’s favorite libation!
11111 North 30th Street, Tampa
Phone: (813) 972-8500
Parks and Recreation
Hillsborough’s fantastic County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department oversees over seventy thousand acres of pristine public park land across forty award winning sites. These parks are open year round and offer a multitude of activities for residents of all ages.
Parks and Recreation Department Official Site
15502 Morris Bridge Road
Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Phone: (813) 987-6240
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/
Alafia River State Park
As one of the most sought after state parks in Florida’s award winning public park system, Alafia River State Park has become renowned for its possession of the most challenging and incredible bike and equestrian trails in the region. Enjoy camping, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and over seventeen miles of serene walking trails in this premier public state park!
14326 South County Road 39
Lithia, FL 33547
Phone: (813) 672-5320
Hillsborough River State Park
Founded in the late 1930’s, this premier public area is one of the oldest and most venerated recreational spots in the country. Known for being a landmark location for canoeing and kayaking, the park encloses over seven miles of fantastic hiking trails and also contains the free flowing Hillsborough River, which sports a section of class II rapids ideal for adrenaline surging white water fun!
15402 US 301 North Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Phone: (813) 987-6771
Little Manatee River State Park|
Enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, and trail trekking in this park which contains numerous access points to the free flowing Little Manatee River, an officially designated Outstanding Florida Water feature. The park also includes over twelve miles of trails, playgrounds, campsites, fire pits, and numerous picnic pavilions.
215 Lightfoot Road
Wimauma, FL 33598
Phone: (813) 671-5005
Ybor City Museum State Park
Ybor City is one of most well established and scenic metropolitan areas in central Florida and enjoys a history dating back nearly one hundred and fifty years! From the opening of the first cigar factory in the late 19th Century to the founding and expansion of various downtown amenities in the early 20th, Ybor has continually offered superior experiences and opportunities. This historic state park traces the origins of the flourishing cigar industry and offers self guided exhibits and excellent exhibitions and collections of artifacts and monuments to the area’s rich history!
1818 Ninth Avenue
Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: (813) 247-6323
Events
http://www.americantowns.com/fl/hillsborough-county/events
http://www.tampabay.com/news/briefs/hillsborough-county-events-calendar/990604
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