Unlocking Tampa Bay Podcast: Recent Episodes
Visit Tampa Bay
Finding hidden treasures. Traveling to Tampa Bay’s diverse communities and neighborhoods. Discovering the sights, sounds, and tastes of the region. Experiencing history and culture. Welcome to Visit Tampa Bay's podcast, “Unlocking Tampa Bay," hosted by Sarina Fazan!
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 – October 15, but in Tampa Bay, Hispanic heritage is celebrated 365 days a year! On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we’re diving into Hispanic Heritage Month to see how Hispanic culture and influence helped shape Tampa Bay into the destination it is today. Hear from Dr. Brad Massey, curator at the Tampa Bay History Center, and learn more about the award-winning Cuban Pathways exhibit and the Cuban experience. Later, we sit down with Max Herman, guide for the Official Ybor City Walking Tours, to talk more about the Hispanic influence in Tampa’s Latin Quarter.
On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we’re taking a trip to the Florida State Fairgrounds! Taking place every February, the Florida State Fair is one of the first State Fairs in the country each year, but also hosts year round events like home and car shows. Meet Cheryl Flood, the first female CEO of the Florida State Fair, and hear how showing cattle as a young girl would prepare her for the role later in life. Also located on the Florida State Fairgrounds is the Cracker Country Living Museum, where children can get a hands-on look at what life was like for Floridians living in the area over 100-years ago. SHOW LESS
Chris and Bernadette Pello had a vision. They wanted to provide an education that catered to the unique needs of students with learning disabilities. In his role as a principal, Chris saw firsthand, how schools were failing these students. After taking out a second mortgage on their home, Bernadette and Chris started the Livingstone Academy with only books, desks, and hope. Twenty years later, the Livingstone Academy is one of the largest private schools in Florida, and the Pellos are gearing up to open the Florida Trade Academy. A pre-apprenticeship program for anyone who wants technical training.
Specializing in educating the unique needs of children with learning disabilities.
Recently, Bernadette Pello was awarded the Brandon Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards, 2022 Community Leadership Award.
Livingstonr Schools won Business of the Year for the 21 and over employee category at the Business Excellence Awards.
Have a story to tell? We want to hear from you! Email: production@redhousestreaming.com for the opportunity to be a guest on the Sarina Fazan Network.
“On The Record With Sarina Fazan” is proudly sponsored by:
- Red House Streaming (com)
- labelswap | Upscale Thrift | Tampa (labelswap.com)
- Precision Overhead Garage Door St. Petersburg, FL | Repair, Openers & New Garage Doors (stpetegaragedoors.com)
July is Disability Pride Month and Visit Tampa Bay celebrated by working directly with local influencers to highlight Tampa Bay’s accessibility, destigmatize disabilities, and share stories from people living with various disabilities. Meet Chelsea Bear, a 29-year-old who recently moved to the Tampa Bay area. Chelsea was born with cerebral palsy but that hasn’t stopped her from doing ANYTHING! Hear Chelsea’s story and how Visit Tampa Bay works with influencers like Chelsea to share their first-hand experiences while exploring our destination.
It’s time for another love story! Sarina Fazan is joined by Kiva and Nathan Williams, college sweethearts who are now a family of 5. The beginning of their story is interesting to say the least; Nathan first met Kiva while on a date with SOMEONE ELSE! Obviously, fate had a plan because they will be celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary next month.
All you need is love right? Or is it more? What really is the driving force behind a successful partnership? Sarina dives in with families and couples for an unscripted, unedited inspirational, heartwarming and honest conversational series about multifarious love and what it takes to make a romance stand the test of time.
Have a story to tell? We want to hear from you! Email: sfnteam@sarinafazan.tv for the opportunity to be a guest on the Sarina Fazan Network.
Watch the Sarina Fazan Network online at https://sarinafazannetwork.tv and on Roku (by visiting the Channel Store or by using code CTZHQCG). Live shows are subject to change.
“Love & Dating In America With Sarina Fazan” is proudly sponsored by Gold & Diamond Source. America’s Source for Fine Jewelry. www.goldanddiamond.com #goldanddiamondsource
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Michelin Stars are coming to Tampa Bay! On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, take a trip to Seminole Heights, the hip, foodie-friendly neighborhood just north of downtown. Talk with award-winning Chef, Ferrell Alvarez, who along with Proper House Restaurant Group, operates four restaurants in the Tampa Bay area (Rooster & the Till, Nebraska Mini Mart, Gallito Taqueria, and Dang Dude). Hear more about the Seminole Heights neighborhood and what having Tampa Bay included in the Michelin Guide to Florida means for the local culinary scene.
Welcome to Florida’s Most diverse destination! On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we’re talking Tampa Pride and the 7th Annual Diversity Parade through historic Ybor City. Meet Rachel Covello, the founder of OutCoast, a digital magazine and travel blog that markets Florida as an LGBTQ-inclusive destination to visit. After purchasing a home in Gulfport, Florida, Covello fell in love with the Tampa Bay area. The diversity of the people, the beautiful gulf coast, and the up-and-coming business community sparked creativity from within. Hear how Covello works with Visit Tampa Bay and other Florida destinations to share stories of the state’s LGBTQ community and encourage people to visit and see for themselves.
On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, meet James Tokley, the first official poet laureate for both the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County. Hear more about the cultural history and evolution of Tampa before taking a trip to the new Rose Bar in SoHo to hear from owner, Sean Wood, about how Tampa Bay’s diverse neighborhoods and community support were pivotal to the success of his new restaurant.
Hillsborough County truly has something for everyone. Not only is it home to some of the tallest rollercoasters in all of Florida, but it is also where you can find the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World! Take a trip to Plant City, where the mild winters are perfect for growing berries. Meet Nick Wishnatski, where his family has owned and operated Wish Farms Berries for four generations and are celebrating 100 years in business! Learn more about Wish Farms, Plant City and the Florida Strawberry Festival on this month’s episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay. SHOW LESS
On this special episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, take a ride North of downtown to meet the Mayor of Temple Terrace, Andy Ross, and learn more about the first planned golf community and the city named for Temple oranges. Later, pay a visit to one of Tampa Bay’s most well-known attractions, the Museum of Science and Industry…Or MOSI for short. Meet Rob Lamke, Chief Operating Officer at MOSI, and hear why MOSI holds a special place in the hearts of those who visit.
On this month’s episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, discover downtown’s most popular museums and cultural centers. Visit the Henry B. Plant Museum located at the University of Tampa, the former Tampa Bay Hotel. Meet the resident of the S.S. American Victory Ship & Museum, one of only four fully operational World War II ships. Finally, learn more about the impressive collection of modern and historic art at the stunning Tampa Museum of Art.
The hotel scene in Tampa Bay is booming and so is its cocktail culture! In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, explore some of the area’s most trendy rooftop spaces at popular hotels. Visit EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge at the Epicurean Hotel, a South Tampa gastronomic empire, and see how the boutique hotel seamlessly blends in with the surrounding neighborhood. Indulge in handcrafted cocktails with 360-degree waterfront views at ROX located atop The CURRENT Hotel, where every room has a waterfront view. Finally, pay a visit to Midtown to check out the brand-new Aloft/Element Hotel and its stylish Tulum-inspired rooftop bar and restaurant, Sal Y Mar.
Explore beyond downtown and see what Hillsborough County has to offer! On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we’re checking out some of the greatest attractions on the outskirts of our city center. Meet Calvin Joustra, Operations Manager at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay, where you can zip across the Mobbly Bayou Preserve. Hear from Ralph Zuckerman, owner of Old McMicky’s Farm, who brings traditional farm experiences to Tampa Bay. Finally, pay a visit to Brian Faulk, owner of Canoe Escape Tampa, where visitors can take a tour down the Hillsborough River and even come face-to-face with the Florida Alligator!
Small businesses are the backbone of every community and this month, we’re meeting some of Tampa Bay’s most successful husband and wife small business owners. Meet Dennis and Misty Akers, owners of The Candle Pour, Tampa Bay’s first custom candle-making experience in Hyde Park Village. Hear from Jim and Lisa Shalk, who opened the Dessert Spot at Toffee to Go 19-years ago. Finally, visit Mike and Aimee Conlee, who are bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing watersports to downtown Tampa at Urban Kai Stand Up Paddleboarding.
Discover what makes Tampa Bay Florida’s Most Exciting Destination with its top attractions. Hear from Neal Thurman, Park President at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, home to Tigris, the tallest launch coaster in Florida. Dive into Florida’s aquatic ecosystems with Roger Germann, CEO of the Florida Aquarium, and hear what’s new from the aquarium following its 25th anniversary. Visit ZooTampa at Lowry Park with Joe Couceiro (CEO), Chris Massero (VP of Animal Care), and over 2,000 animals in natural exhibits. From the Straz Center for the Performing Arts to the Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa Bay is home to incredible, award-winning attractions for everyone.
Dive into Ybor City, Tampa Bay's historic Latin Quarter, where brick-lined streets tell the story of the region’s cigar-filled past and melting pot of cultures. Meet Richard Gonzmart, restaurant pioneer and third-generation caretaker of the iconic Columbia Restaurant, Max Herman from the Official Ybor City Walking Tours, Pablo Molinari, general manager of Ybor’s new boutique Hotel Haya, and finally Lisa Lawson, owner of the trendy “new kid on the block,” Cerealholic Café and Bar.
On the heels of hosting, playing, and winning Super Bowl LV, Unlocking Tampa Bay kicks off with a recap of the most-watched sporting event in the USA, taking you behind the scenes at the Visit Tampa Bay Media Center and speaking to city leaders and celebrities, including president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay Santiago C. Corrada, host committee co-chair and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Derrick Brooks, and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, about what it was like to host such a historic game. In celebration of Tampa Bay’s championship win, this first podcast episode also visits Michelin star chef Joe Isidori at JOTORO Kitchen & Tequila Bar in Sparkman’s Wharf, now part of Tampa Bay's expanding food scene! Future episodes of the monthly podcast will continue to dive deeper into Tampa Bay’s treasures with fellow travel experts, chefs, local guides, historians, local makers, and many others to inform and entertain the hospitality industry and public at large.