Unlocking Tampa Bay

Visit Tampa Bay
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Dive deeper into Tampa Bay’s treasures with fellow travel experts, chefs, local guides, historians, and local makers.

  1. 5D AGO

    #53 - Pirate Water Taxi Turns Ten

    For ten years, those iconic yellow boats gliding along the Hillsborough River have been one of Tampa Bay's most recognizable sights and one of its most beloved ways to experience the city. Pirate Water Taxi provides a front-row seat to Tampa's skyline, its history, its bridges, and its stories, all from the water.   In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, hosts Bryan Burns and Molly Barbieri sit down with Captain TJ Couch of Pirate Water Taxi to celebrate a major milestone: 10 years of connecting Tampa Bay by water. And Pirate Water Taxi isn't just celebrating its anniversary, they're using it as a vehicle to upgrade.    Captain TJ walks us through Pirate Water Taxi's brand new fleet of four sleeker, more efficient vessels complete with teak wood flooring, onboard bars, floating docks for easy boarding, and even oversized games for private charters. He also explains how the new ships made something that seemed simple but wasn't: a seamless, continuous loop route that takes riders the full journey. No more transferring between boats.   Captain TJ shares what it actually takes to become a licensed captain (hint: 720 days at sea is just the start), the fascinating variety of movable bridges along the Hillsborough River, the story behind the Madame Fortune Taylor Bridge, a bat colony that calls it home, and even a Hollywood blockbuster that used it as a stunt ramp.   Plus — spoiler alert — Zoo Tampa may be the next stop on the route. Captain TJ hints that the plans, the materials, and the vision are already in place.   This episode will make you want to hop on board and explore downtown Tampa from a whole new perspective.    🎧 Tune in to Unlocking Tampa Bay on your favorite podcast platform 🌟 Highlights of this Episode: Pirate Water Taxi: https://piratewatertaxi.com/ ZooTampa at Lowry Park: https://zootampa.org/ Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Pass: https://www.visittampabay.com/riverwalk-pass/ 🧳Plan Your Visit: BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/ 📲 Stay Connected with Us: Website: https://www.visittampabay.com Online Visitors Center: https://shop.visittampabay.com/ Facebook:   / visittampabay  Instagram:   / visittampabay  Twitter:   / visittampa  🎧 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share to spread the Tampa Bay love!

    23 min

  2. MAR 12

    #52 - Going Green: The Story Behind Tampa Bay’s River O’ Green Festival

    Every March, something remarkable happens in the heart of downtown Tampa. The Hillsborough River turns green. It's the signature moment of the River O' Green Festival, Tampa Downtown Partnership's beloved St. Patrick's Day celebration that transforms downtown Tampa into a community gathering unlike any other. But how exactly do you turn a river green? And how do you do it safely? That's just one of the fascinating stories behind this year's festival, taking place this Saturday, March 14. In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, hosts Bryan Burns and Molly Barbieri sit down with Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, President & CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to pull off one of Tampa Bay's most visually stunning and community-driven events. Kenyetta walks us through every layer of what makes River O' Green a Tampa Bay tradition: the logistics of coloring the Hillsborough River, the parade, the pet costume contest, the one-of-a-kind kids’ market, and so much more.    The conversation goes beyond the festival too, as Kenyetta shares her vision for where downtown Tampa is headed in 5-10 years and why the events Tampa Downtown Partnership puts on are about so much more than a good time.   River O' Green is this Saturday, March 14 in downtown Tampa. Let this episode be your reason to go.

    27 min

  3. FEB 11

    #51 - Fried, Dipped, and Delicious: Flavors of the Florida State Fair

    The Florida State Fair is an annual tradition, bringing classic rides, live entertainment, agriculture, and family fun to Hillsborough County every February. But for many Fairgoers, the real headline act is the food, with over-the-top creations and unexpected flavor combinations that beg the question, who would actually eat that? We would. For the first time ever, Unlocking Tampa Bay hits the road as hosts Bryan Burns and Molly Barbieri take the podcast on location to the Florida State Fair. The episode kicks off with a conversation with Fair CEO Cheryl Flood, who shares what guests can expect at the 122nd Florida State Fair, from new attractions to fan favorites, and how America’s sunniest celebration is coming to the Fair this year as they help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Then it’s time to eat. A lot. Bryan and Molly roam the Fairgrounds sampling some of the most unique and buzzworthy food creations of the season, from a Reese’s Pieces donut burger to a peanut butter and jelly funnel cake and everything in between, giving listeners and viewers a front-row seat to the sights, sounds, and flavors that make the Fair a can’t-miss experience. The Florida State Fair runs through February 16, and this special on-location episode brings the experience straight to you while giving you plenty of reasons to grab a ticket and see for yourself. Whether you’re watching on YouTube on listening on your favorite podcast platform, this is one Unlocking Tampa Bay episode you will not want to miss.    🎧 Tune in to Unlocking Tampa Bay on your favorite podcast platform and step into the future of science, innovation, and boundless imagination. 🌟 Highlights of this Episode: Florida State Fair: Florida State Fairgrounds Tampa | 2026 Fair Feb 5-162026 Fair Food & Drink: 2026 Fair Food & Drink - Florida State Fair  🧳Plan Your Visit:BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY:  https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/  📲 Stay Connected with Us: Website:  https://www.visittampabay.com Online Visitors Center:  https://shop.visittampabay.com/ Facebook:    / visittampabay Instagram:    / visittampabay Twitter:    / visittampa 🎧 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share to spread the Tampa Bay love!

    16 min

  4. JAN 26

    #50 - Pirates, Parades, & Purpose: Inside Tampa Bay’s Legendary Gasparilla Pirate Fest

    What does it take to stage one of the largest and most beloved pirate festivals in the world? In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, hosts Bryan Burns and Molly Barbieri welcome Matt Moss of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla for a deep dive into the history, heart, and high seas spirit behind Tampa Bay’s most iconic celebration. Matt shares the origins of the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion and Parade of Pirates, how the event evolved from a weekday tradition to the massive Saturday spectacle we know today, and how he himself became a member of the storied Krewe. From practical pirate wisdom—like why you should always stuff an extra Cuban sandwich in your pocket the morning of—to behind-the-scenes stories of parade routes and traditions, Matt brings Gasparilla to life in vivid detail. The conversation also highlights the Krewe’s impact beyond the beads. Learn about the charitable work Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla does throughout Tampa Bay like visiting children’s hospitals in full pirate regalia to awarding scholarships that change students’ lives. Matt also explains how modern traditions like the bead-free bay initiative and manatee-spotting helicopters help protect Tampa’s marine wildlife during an event that draws nearly 300,000 people and generates over $40 million in local economic impact. It’s a conversation about history, community, and why dressing like a pirate—at least once a year—can bring joy to an entire city.  🎧 Tune in to Unlocking Tampa Bay on your favorite podcast platform and step into the future of science, innovation, and boundless imagination. 🌟 Highlights of this Episode: Gasparilla: https://gasparillapiratefest.com/ Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla: https://ymkg.com/ Gasparilla Season: https://www.visittampabay.com/tampa-events/gasparilla-season/ 🧳Plan Your Visit:  BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY:  https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/ 📲 Stay Connected with Us: Website:  https://www.visittampabay.com Online Visitor Center:  https://shop.visittampabay.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/VisitTampaBay Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/visittampabay/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/visittampa 🎧 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share to spread the Tampa Bay love!

    38 min

  5. JAN 13

    #49 - Behind the Smoke: Secrets of Tampa’s Last Great Cigar Factory with Holden Rasmussen

    What makes Tampa Bay a destination for history, culture, and world-class craftsmanship? In this brand-new episode, hosts Bryan Burns and Molly Barbieri sit down with Holden Rasmussen, Company Historian at the J.C. Newman Cigar Company, for an inside look at one of the region’s most iconic attractions. Located in Ybor City’s historic El Reloj building, J.C. Newman is home to the last remaining large-scale, fully operational premium cigar factory in the U.S. Holden shares the fascinating stories that make this place a Tampa Bay institution—from a hidden trap door once used to safeguard cash from the mafia, to the last bale of Cuban tobacco to enter the United States, and a letter from J. Edgar Hoover thanking the company for helping identify local subversion movements in the 1950s. Discover the artistry behind cigar rolling, from years of training for new rollers to turn-of-the-century machines still producing non-hand-rolled cigars today. Learn what makes J.C. Newman a proudly American company and a living piece of Tampa Bay’s rich history. A 2025 Visit Tampa Bay Hospitality Hero, Holden’s passion for sharing J.C. Newman’s story makes every visitor feel welcomed and connected to Tampa’s vibrant culture 🌟 Highlights of this Episode: J.C. Newman Cigar Co.: https://www.jcnewman.com/J.C. Newman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.c.newmancigarco/Factory Tours & Experiences https://www.jcnewman.com/el-reloj/book-a-tour-el-reloj/Holden’s Hospitality Hero Video: https://youtu.be/vjALcLrUYA0?si=EeO-BaE6OxVtM61w🧳Plan Your Visit:BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/ 📲 Stay Connected with Us: Website: https://www.visittampabay.comOnline Visitor Center: https://shop.visittampabay.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitTampaBayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/visittampabay/Twitter: https://twitter.com/visittampa

    32 min

  6. 12/18/2025

    #48 - ZooTampa's Manatee Rescue with Molly Lippincott

    What does it take to save one of Florida’s most beloved marine mammals, and how can visitors experience that mission up close? In this brand-new episode, hosts Bryan Burns and Molly Barbieri go behind the scenes with Molly Lippincott, Senior Curator of Florida and Marine Life at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, for a peek into the highly anticipated expansion of the Straz Family Manatee Rescue, opening spring 2026. The conversation explores how this landmark project will anchor the Zoo’s largest expansion to date, Florida Waters, and offer guests an immersive, eye-level look at manatee rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Molly shares what it takes to care for this threatened species, including temperature-controlled critical care pools, specialized nutritional feeding for orphaned calves, and the complex logistics of transporting manatees across the state. As home to the world’s largest nonprofit manatee critical care center, ZooTampa has rehabilitated more than 600 manatees since 1991, made possible in part by visitor support and the Straz Family Foundation’s transformative gift. This episode highlights how conservation, innovation, and tourism intersect in Tampa Bay, giving travelers a meaningful way to connect with Florida’s wildlife while helping protect it for generations to come. 🎧 Tune in to Unlocking Tampa Bay to get an inside look at the future of manatee conservation—and discover how visiting ZooTampa helps save lives in Florida’s waters. 🌟 Highlights of this Episode:ZooTampa at Lowry Park: https://zootampa.org/ Plan your trip to ZooTampa at Lowry Park: https://zootampa.org/visit/ Manatee Care Center: https://zootampa.org/conservation/florida-conservation/manatees/ Upcoming events: https://zootampa.org/events/ 🧳 Plan Your Visit:Book Your Stay in Tampa Bay: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/ 📲 Stay Connected with Us:Website: https://www.visittampabay.comOnline Visitor Center: https://shop.visittampabay.com/Facebook: /visittampabayInstagram: /visittampabayTwitter: /visittampa

    26 min

  7. 10/08/2025

    #47 - Under the Dome: Science, Innovation, and Imagination at MOSI

    Imagine soaring past planets, plunging beneath the sun’s fiery surface, or wandering through ancient marvels—all while staying right here in Tampa Bay. In this brand-new episode, hosts Bryan Burns and Molly Barbieri sit down with John Smith, President and CEO of MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry), to explore the newly reopened Digital Dome — now the second-largest planetarium in the country! Since its April 1 relaunch, this state-of-the-art 8K digital dome dazzles visitors with five immersive shows each day, whisking audiences from cosmic voyages to 360° films where science and imagination burst into vivid reality. John reveals how MOSI crafts unforgettable adventures for every age, from the lively, adults-only Science After Dark with food and drinks, to hands-on thrills at the Flight Club Drone Zone. He also teases what’s on the horizon: a 4D theatre, expanded drone zone, new classrooms, camps, and a sweeping development project set to transform MOSI’s future. No matter if you’re a lifelong learner, an inquisitive child, or simply chasing your next adventure, MOSI is transforming what it means to experience science and innovation. 🎧 Tune in to Unlocking Tampa Bay on your favorite podcast platform and step into the future of science, innovation, and boundless imagination.🌟 Highlights of this Episode:Museum of Science & Industry: https://mosi.org/Plan your trip to MOSI: https://mosi.org/plan-your-visit/What's Happening at MOSI: https://mosi.org/calendar/Adult Events: https://mosi.org/adult-events/🧳Plan Your Visit:BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/📲 Stay Connected with Us:Website: https://www.visittampabay.comOnline Visitor Center: https://shop.visittampabay.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitTampaBayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/visittampabay/Twitter: https://twitter.com/visittampa🎧 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share to spread the Tampa Bay love!

    31 min

  8. 09/04/2025

    #46 - Curious Kids, Big Conversations

    If you could spend the night in any museum in Tampa Bay, which one would it be and why?  What would be the perfect day in Tampa Bay?  How would you describe Tampa Bay to someone who has never visited? Those are just a few of the imaginative prompts inside Kids Travel Talk, a new product that turns Tampa Bay into a playground for curiosity, connection, and conversation. In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we chat with Anna De Jesus, the inventor of the conversation cards designed to help parents connect with their children through engaging, screen-free discussions about travel. Born from her own experiences traveling internationally with her two children, De Jesus created the cards to encourage more meaningful conversations between families, especially while on the go. Motivated by a study showing that parents spend less than 40 minutes per week in meaningful conversation with their kids, she wanted to offer a simple yet powerful tool to help bridge that gap — using travel as the perfect entry point. Each Kids Travel Talk deck includes 50 questions centered around a specific destination, with the first edition focused on Tampa Bay. The cards prompt kids to share thoughts, spark curiosity, ease travel anxiety, and encourage cultural exploration, all while giving families a fun and intentional way to connect. Now available at the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center and online at shop.visittampabay.com, the cards are ideal for both visitors and locals. With plans to expand to more destinations globally, De Jesus hopes her product helps raise a generation of curious, compassionate, and culturally aware global citizens. 🌟 Highlights of this Episode: Kids Travel Talk: https://kidstraveltalk.com/Kids Travel Talk Card Game – Tampa BayKids Travel Talk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidstraveltalk/ 🧳Plan Your Visit:BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/ 📲 Stay Connected with Us: Website: https://www.visittampabay.comOnline Visitor Center: https://shop.visittampabay.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitTampaBayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/visittampabay/Twitter: https://twitter.com/visittampa 🎧 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share to spread the Tampa Bay love!

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Dive deeper into Tampa Bay’s treasures with fellow travel experts, chefs, local guides, historians, and local makers.

Information

  • Creator
    Visit Tampa Bay
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Visit Tampa Bay
  • Show Website
    Unlocking Tampa Bay