What City In Tampa Bay Is The Third Biggest “Boom Town” In The Country?
Guess which Tampa Bay area city has been named as a Florida boom town so big, it’s one of the top 3 boom towns in the country? Lakeland. So many…
LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 28: Fans sit in socially distant squares painted in center field during a spring training game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Detroit Tigers on February 28, 2021 at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)Guess which Tampa Bay area city has been named as a Florida boom town so big, it's one of the top 3 boom towns in the country?
Lakeland. So many people are headed south to relocate. Lakeland, which is part of Polk County, was listed as the third biggest boom town in the country. The fifth spot on the list went to Jacksonville, and North Port took 6th.
Of course, taxes are lower in the Sunshine state. That makes Florida a desirable place to live.
According to LendingTree chief credit analyst, Matt Schulz, “People — especially work-from-home employees — are leaving for warm weather and lower taxes. Especially for Florida and Texas, those two factors have been instrumental in driving a lot of the growth.”
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Publix Too Good For Drugs Junior Gasparilla Distance Classic
What a fun day at Jefferson High School! The Publix Too Good For Drugs Junior Gasparilla Distance Classic. Roxanne Wilder, here.
I had the honor of emceeing the event, and it definitely was an exciting day. I arrived at 8:00 A.M. for a little pre-show planning. The gates were open and kids were already filing in. We started our announcements on stage at about 8:30. Thanks to Susan "Gasparilla" the day ran very smoothly. Susan, I appreciate you making me a part of this.
I introduced the kids in attendance to all the mascots who came out to watch the race: Mendez Foundation's Carman & Wagner; Kelloggs Tony the Tiger; 501st Legion's Star Wars characters; Plato the Publixsaures; Pepperjack, the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Parrot.
We had another special guest to introduce to the crowd. City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor joined in on the fun on stage and did some hula hooping with Mason Dixon.
At around 9:15, it was time for the gang from Tampa Parks and Recreation to come up on stage and get everyone to stretch and basically, just get the kids fired up for the race.
Cindy from Tampa Parks and Rec asked for parents to come up on stage and enter a dance contest. I wasn't planning on it, but Doug insisted I do it so that our daughter would learn by example to not be shy. I didn't know what dance moves to do for the kids, but at the last minute, I'm like "Let me pull out some old break-dancing moves." Good times.
At 10:00 A.M, it was time for the races to begin. We started with the tiniest racers. The two's kicked things off, and they were so adorable. Moms and Dads ran with them. Some needed a little assistance crossing the finish line. All the kids got a medal because today really was just about coming together and having a great time.
Giving my girl a good view.
Photo Courtesy of RWMesmerized by the Tampa Parks & Rec Hype Team on stage.
Two familiar faces
Photo Courtesy of RWTampa Mayor Jane Castor and Q105's Mason Dixon
Daddy and Davianna
Photo Courtesy of RWRace is about to begin
Getting ready for the big race.
Photo Courtesy of RWShe was part of the three-year-old group.
Here's my daughter post-race.
Photo Courtesy of RWThey had all the kids names written here.
On stage with the Mayor...
Photo Courtesy of RWAnd Bobby Rich and Mason Dixon
Post race interview time
Photo Courtesy of RWHanging out at the finish line
Fun meeting the mascots
Photo Courtesy of RWTony the Tiger in the house
