What's the social and political environment like in Tampa? (Miami: transplants, insurance)

[docmts2]

I was reading from another thread and it was mentioned that Tampa seemed like the socially and politically conservative bible belt. This person, however, transplanted from San Francisco which is one of the most liberal cities in the country so I think this opinion is probably somewhat skewed. I've noticed that Tampa has elected both republican and democratic mayors in the past so there doesn't seem to be a dominant political machine like in Boston or Chicago, but I'd like to be prepared for what I'm getting into ahead of time, be it conservative or liberal. Any other thoughts or opinions beside the one I"ve already read?

[DaleHutch]

Tampa is quickly becoming just like Miami! Spanish is quickly becoming the norm. Traffic is bad just like other major cities. Bible belt? I haven't see it. Taxes are up in some area 500%. And insurance will shock you! I grew up in Tampa. Now... I can't wait to get out! And I'm moving this summer north.

[cariad]

In my experience Tampa is more conservative and republican.
St Pete more Liberal and democrat leaning, especially the younger residents.......or maybe it's just the influence of the St. Pete Times, and the company we keep.

[Belgienne]

Definitely not the bible belt, but that doesn't mean it is a thumper free zone. You will find all types in the area. Socially, most of the people I know are republicans or independent. Workwise, mainly liberals. Just depends on where you live and who you know.

Overall, the area is pretty diverse if you know where to go.

[yukon]

You'll find both ends of the political spectrum here. Tampa tends to be conservative, IMO, and Brandon is uberconservative (the County Commissioners even banned certain books/events from the public libraries, former commissioner was very anti-gay). St Pete is a more liberal, Pasco is surprisingly liberal to be so rural (we have the largest concentration of nudist resorts in the country).

[Schilly]

All ends of the spectrum. I take what some "locals" here say with a grain of salt. Not that I don't appreciate their opinion, its just that I've lived in a few different cities and NOONE seems to like growth. Everyone wants it the way its been when they grew up. By definition, a progressive city is incapable of remaining the same. Cities that do not adapt with the times die (see Detroit, Gary Indiana, etc.)

As for politics, Tampa Bay is all over the map. I agree that St. Pete is more liberal and Tampa is more conservative, but I don't see a stronghold like in other cities. Frankly, "transplants" outnumber "natives" here. Thus, it is hard to pinpoint any historical idealism.

[docmts2]

Originally Posted by Schilly

All ends of the spectrum. I take what some "locals" here say with a grain of salt. Not that I don't appreciate their opinion, its just that I've lived in a few different cities and NOONE seems to like growth. Everyone wants it the way its been when they grew up. By definition, a progressive city is incapable of remaining the same. Cities that do not adapt with the times die (see Detroit, Gary Indiana, etc.)

As for politics, Tampa Bay is all over the map. I agree that St. Pete is more liberal and Tampa is more conservative, but I don't see a stronghold like in other cities. Frankly, "transplants" outnumber "natives" here. Thus, it is hard to pinpoint any historical idealism.

Hmm; well said, Schilly.

[charlesj]

Voting wise, it is generally a pretty close mix leaning to the republican side. Some neighborhoods vary. Not bible belt. Sarasota jsut south is liberal/democrat, so its a varied area. If you compare it to NYC or San fran, yes, it would seem conservative.