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More than 2 million people are happy to call the Tampa Bay region home. When you visit us, it's easy to see why. Sunny days are more frequent than in Hawaii, and the average annual temperature falls in the low- to mid-70s.

But there's much more to make life enjoyable in Tampa Bay. St. Petersburg and Clearwater can boast of some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. Attractions like Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium are close at hand, and Orlando's many offerings are within a drive of just an hour or two. From reggae to Rigoletto, Dali to dinosaurs, there are enough museums and performing arts centers to offer something for everyone.

Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for major league baseball, the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the NHL 2004 Champion Tampa Bay Lightning, and Major League Soccer's Tampa Bay Mutiny. Greyhound racing and horse racing are other popular spectator sports. The beaches, bay and rivers provide plenty of opportunities for boating and water sports, and roller-blading near the beach or the downtown areas is another popular pastime. Golf courses are plentiful and are open all year long, thanks to the favorable climate.

The Tampa Bay area has one of the most affordable costs of living of any major metropolitan region. The region is served by an international airport that consistently ranks among the ten best in the country.

There are at least ten colleges, universities, junior colleges or community colleges within the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, offering everything from continuing education to doctorate degrees. Most offer evening and weekend classes so that students may still pursue full-time careers.

As the Tampa Bay region continues to grow, the choices grow, too. By choosing USF and the Suncoast, new opportunities and choices will be open to you.

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University of South Florida - Department of Pediatrics
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Tampa, Florida 33606
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