MacDill Air Force Base is on the southern tip of South Tampa, while the city also extends to the north all the way to the newly incorporated area of New Tampa.

Tampa has grown into the center of a large metropolitan area; it now hosts the regional headquarters of many international companies, has acquired numerous professional sports teams, and has even bid for the summer Olympics.

Tampa’s population swells during the winter months with the arrival of the ’snowbirds,’ retired persons from the northern U.S. and Canada who come down for a few months to enjoy the relative warmth.

Tampa has a growing economy and serves as a major port. Among others, Raymond James, Home Shopping Network, Outback Steakhouse, and a major portion of Citigroup are all headquartered in Tampa. Tampa’s major industries today are phosphate mining, shipping, citrus processing, shrimping, and tourism.

JCPenney, Sears, Macy’s and Dillard’s anchor the mall and are surrounded by Ann Taylor, Pottery Barn, Banana Republic and Williams-Sonoma. Restaurants, a food court and a movie theater add to the mall’s appeal.

The popular shops here carry wares ranging from premium cigars, coffee and wine to oil paintings and tropical apparel. In addition, the center features a handful of restaurants, a cinema and IMAX, and free public concerts every Friday and Saturday night.

You’ll also find a comedy club, a museum, a visitors center and regularly-scheduled concerts. Among its tenants are Victoria’s Secret, Urban Outfitters, Pacific Sunwear and Game Works. Shopping here is fun, but the whole experience of Ybor City is even more of a rush. Make sure you don’t miss it.

Some of its prominent tenants are Restoration Hardware, Anthropologie, Illuminations, Brooks Brothers, Tommy Bahama Fashions and a Pottery Barn Design Studio. You’ll also find restaurants, a movie theater and a Jacobson’s department store in the vicinity.

No doubt the more telling reason for the mall’s popularity is that it boasts everything from Hollister Co. and J. Jill to Neiman Marcus and Dillard’s. If it’s food and drink you seek, Bay Street is an open-air plaza that features dozens of restaurants and bars.

You can expect bold and spicy flavors with each meal presented in a way that is as eye-catching as it is appetizing. Whether it’s oak-grilled sirloin palomilla or the chicken santiago or any one of countless other entrees - and desserts - you will always be satisfied at Bahama Breeze.

With more than 50 brands of beer by the bottle, island-style drinks with plenty of fresh squeezed juice, you will be sure to slake your thirst. The Bahamarita, Bahama’s signature frozen margarita, is a must. Whenever you are in the mood for good food that is reasonably priced with quality service, Bahama Breeze is just the ticket for singles, couples, families or even a business lunch.

The food is delicious and the setting of the restaurant is both comfortable and romantic for those who are looking to dine in peace.

Choose from Lemon Confit Organic Chicken, Wok Seared Tuna Mignon or Short Ribs and Hanger Steak. Vegetarian menu choices are limited.

The restaurant has a full bar and a menu that changes daily offering interesting creations of Nouveau American cuisine.