It’s not just our great sports teams that have put Tampa on the map these days and made it one of the most desirable places to live in the U.S. (Though skyrocketing housing prices and rents need to come down it we are to keep it up.) It isn’t just the exodus of jobs from other parts of the country to the area: Goldman Sachs, Tesla, Ark, and numerous health care companies have relocated here in the past few years. People wouldn’t come if life was difficult and unpleasant. 

An entirely new neighborhood sprung up around the long-neglected downtown area along the Hillsborough River, with colorful apartment buildings, businesses and nightlife, and for me, best of all, Waterworks Park. What was once a wasteland is now filled with paths for biking or walking, an enclosed dog park, beautiful views, even a working drawbridge. E-bikes and scooters are available for rent to explore the entire area.While the appeal is clearly directed towards younger people, there’s something for everyone here.

I like it so much I’ve decide to set the opening scene of my next novel right there along the 2.6 mile long  Riverwalk with the adjoining Waterworks Park! It’s the first time I’ve set a story in Tampa, but it won’t be the last. You’ll be hearing more about this book if you follow this blog and/or sign up for my newsletter. You can sign up for both on the lower right hand side of this page.