Last October I went to a comedy show with a group of friends. We went to see Anjelah Johnson at the Straz. (That’s her in the middle with the “laugh” shirt on. I think she blends in nicely with us!) The opening comedian started with a slew of jokes about the city of Tampa.
From an outsiders perspective, he joked about Florida stereotypes. Years ago, these jokes would have killed. Our city was united in the fact that we hated it. However, I’m sensing a change.
During some of the jokes I felt a void in the room. The silence seemed to suggest that something wasn’t right. Our city is starting to like it self again. I’m sensing people are realizing there’s more to Tampa than what there used to be.
Here are some of my favorite Tampa moments over the past year:
What are your favorite things to do in Tampa? I’d love to hear!
Thanks for the post and for mentioning the Oxford Exchange. Thanks even more for standing up for our city. Tampa may have gone unappreciated to many across the country but those days are coming to an end. There is no doubt that we have much to be proud of and much that others would love to have in their own cities. Those same people trying to use us as the butt of their jokes will be moving here one day. We will remain above reminding them of their past indiscretions. Thanks again. Blake Casper
Including Oxford Exchange in this brief list was a no-brainer for me. It’s been the setting for so many great memories and conversations over the past few years. Times are definitely changing for Tampa and I’m honored to be a resident of this great city!