Tampa is a major Gulf-coast city and the beating heart of the Tampa Bay region, blending a busy port, historic neighborhoods, and a scenic riverfront.
Tampa's modern history began in 1824 with the founding of Fort Brooke at the mouth of the Hillsborough River, soon after the United States took possession of Florida from Spain. A community grew up around the fort, and the town of Tampa was incorporated in 1855.
Tampa is the county seat of Hillsborough County. From its early days as a small military and trading outpost, it has grown into one of Florida's largest and most important cities.
In 1885, cigar manufacturer Vicente Martinez-Ybor founded the neighborhood of Ybor City just east of downtown. It quickly drew thousands of Cuban, Spanish, Italian, and other immigrants who came to work in the cigar factories, and Ybor City was annexed by Tampa in 1887.
Nicknamed "Cigar City," Tampa became one of the cigar-making capitals of the world. Today Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District, its brick streets lined with restaurants, shops, and reminders of that colorful immigrant heritage.
Tampa is home to one of the largest ports in Florida, a key gateway for cargo and cruise ships that has long powered the local economy.
Along the downtown waterfront, the Tampa Riverwalk offers a 2.6-mile pedestrian path beside the Hillsborough River, connecting parks, museums, hotels, and public spaces. It has become a favorite spot for residents and visitors to walk, bike, and enjoy the city's lively riverfront.
Tampa today is a fast-growing city with a diverse population and a strong sense of pride. It is a passionate sports town, home to professional football, hockey, and baseball teams, and its stadiums and arenas draw big crowds throughout the year.
The city also celebrates its heritage with festivals, museums, and cultural events, including the famous Gasparilla pirate celebration each winter. From its historic districts to its modern downtown, Tampa offers a rich mix of history, culture, and Gulf-coast energy.
Tampa is part of the Responders First service area. If you serve — or have served — as a police officer, deputy, firefighter, paramedic, EMT, corrections officer, or in the military, and you live or work in or around Tampa, you and your immediate family are eligible for our free five-day wellness program and year-round counseling. Our core therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), can bring measurable results in as few as 1–5 sessions. No diagnosis, department referral, or paperwork is required, and your participation is never shared with your employer or agency.
Yes. Every service — the free five-day wellness program, year-round one-on-one counseling, and the Saturday peer-to-peer group — is 100% free and confidential for first responders, veterans, active-duty military, and their families in Tampa and the surrounding area. You are never billed or asked for insurance.
No. You do not need a diagnosis, a referral, or any paperwork from your department to take part. If you serve or have served — or you love someone who does — you are eligible.
No. Responders First operates independently of any department, agency, or branch. Your participation — and anything discussed during the program — is never shared with your employer, chain of command, or insurer.
Every service is free and strictly confidential. No diagnosis, referral, or paperwork required — a brief phone call is all it takes to start.