Every year we celebrate the grandeur of Tampa Bay with a mix of suggested experiences and witty observations.
The obvious - Cuban sandwiches, grouper delicacies, sunsets on the beach - are a given. Add these suggestions to the traditional staples of bay area living.
Remember: Don't just reside here, live here.
You haven't lived in Tampa Bay until you have ...
... heard the mayor of Tampa say, "Bring his head to me."
... seen the Seminole Heights community unite while enduring the threat of a serial killer.
... seen a legislator from Pasco County become one of the most powerful people in the state without ever getting more than 10,000 votes in a single election. C'mon Richard Corcoran, be a better leader.
... inhaled the pizza burger at Thee Burger Spot on N Tampa and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. When you see the firefighters and the police at a restaurant, you know you've found a hidden gem.
... wondered when people will stop saying, "Tampa Bay" is a body of water. Folks, it's the name of our region. We are one.
... had a seagull steal the ice cream right out of your hands while walking down the boardwalk at John's Pass.
... kiteboarded under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
... saluted South Tampa's Mott-& Hester Deli for 35 years of business.
... watched a daring suitor with a mariachi band in tow stroll into a Mexican restaurant, like Miguelito's in Tampa, and propose to his girlfriend while singing in Spanish. Beautiful.
... spent so much time at The Bunker in Ybor City you inquire about bringing a cot.
... taken a ride up the Hillsborough River on a Pirate Water Taxi.
... witnessed a sinkhole swallow an entire Land O' Lakes neighborhood.
... seen retired mermaids return as "Legendary Sirens" at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
... rooted for Clearwater's downtown to replicate the success of other downtown districts in the region.
... enjoyed the blueberry goat cheese at Room 901 in St. Petersburg. (Note: blueberry goat cheese subject to availability).
... saluted our first responders for a job well-done during Hurricane Irma (not you, Duke Energy).
... looked around your community and wondered if there's any benefit to having area representatives at the top of leadership in Tallahassee.
... wondered what the CEO of Blue Pearl Veterinary Services is going to do with $60 million of property in Ybor City.
... been dazzled by the singing and dancing of Pasco County's Longleaf Elementary Freedom Review Show Choir.
... drove around downtown St. Petersburg or Tampa searching for a parking spot.
... been in the confessional at Coppertail Brewing's hip location in Ybor City.
... imbibed under the succulents at O Cocina Mexican restaurant in South Tampa.
... Listened to totally amazing, and completely terrible karaoke at the Beer Shed.
... gotten mad about the Bucs losing in October and even madder about them winning in December.
... said, "Please don't trade Evan Longor- ... dang."
... seen students stand up for their teachers as they fight for a promised pay raise from the Hillsborough School District.
... marveled over the Burgert Brothers incredible photo collection.
... snorted about the region's chances of landing Amazon's coveted HQ2 headquarters.
... asked how Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandra Murman could oppose a transportation referendum but support one for a Confederate monument?
... realized former HART CEO Katharine Eagan was asked to put together a public transit system with a paper clip, a gum wrapper and two copper pennies. Maybe the next CEO will be named MacGyver.
... celebrated Diane Williams and her heart-warming "Jesus Cares" sign-waving effort in Tampa.
... reveled over the cool vibe in downtown Dunedin.
... seen a mayoral candidate lose his bid because he wouldn't tell people how he feels about Donald Trump. Take note Tampa mayoral candidates.
... confessed to loving the Lightning even though you don't love hockey.
... concluded the area's roadways have turned you into a civil engineering expert, an urban planner and a master of defensive driving.
... been serenaded by drunken Christmas carolers from the Jolly Trolley on Indian Rocks Beach.
... worked up a sweat while decorating a palm tree with Christmas lights in 80-degree weather.
... attended Creative Loafing's Best of the Bay awards celebration.
... watched chefs battle in the Epicurean Hotel's kitchen theater.
... realized that if Tampa Bay's politicians put a football team together, their favorite play would be taking a knee.
... kayaked through mangrove tunnels at Weedon Island.
... seen a school of mullet thrash the water's surface as you promenade along Tampa's Riverwalk.
... watched as a former orange grove or strawberry field gets turned into a mega-housing development
... wondered how that mega-housing development is going to impact your daily commute.
... joined in a celebration with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. for its outgoing national president Paulette C. Walker. That girl is on fire.
... been enthralled by the musical stylings of saxophonist Marlon Boone at a Delta Sigma Theta gathering, or a Jazz Tyme Production concert, or in the Raymond James Stadium club lounge.
... come to understand that I do this column every year because I absolutely love Tampa Bay.