Think you know Tampa Bay? Try these Florida bingo cards

You’re the envy of all of your out-of-state friends when you post pictures on the back of a boat this summer or in a sunny pool during the wintertime. You know Tampa Bay is a region, not a city. Duh. Hopefully you even have a hurricane-prep routine down pat.

But how well do you really know Tampa Bay?

We put together three bingo cards to test your experience with the area’s wildlife, cuisine and famed landmarks. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a snowbird or a fresh face in the area, we bet there’s still something new to check off.

Print out one or all three and get exploring.

The numbers on each card correspond with a tip, trick or helpful hint noted below the card. Check those out before beginning your pursuit.

Card 1: TREATS

We hope you’re hungry. Tampa Bay’s culinary scene is full of goodies. We’ve offered some suggestions for where to find specific treats, but don’t let that stop you from visiting a favorite local spot.

Any alcoholic beverages can be substituted with a virgin version. And please, don’t anger your neighbor by raiding their mango tree without asking.

1. Guava pastry

Tampa isn’t called the “Big Guava” for nothing! Some sweet places to snag this treat include La Segunda Bakery (various locations around Tampa and St. Petersburg), Valhalla Bakery in St. Petersburg and Bakery Makel in Clearwater.

2. Mazzaro’s sandwich

It’s worth it to brave the crowd at Mazzaro’s Italian Market in St. Petersburg. Try a meatball sub or an eggplant parm.

3. Scachatta pizza

Feast on this blend of Cuban and Sicilian flavors at bakeries like Alessi or La Segunda– a true testament to Tampa Bay’s cultural fusion.

4. Orange-vanilla twist ice cream cone

If you find yourself traveling south along the Sunshine Skyway, the Citrus Place in Terra Ceia is worth a stop. Yellow Banks Groves in Largo and Lane’s Lemonade & Dairy Bar are also great spots to grab this sweet treat.

5. 1905 Salad

The Columbia Restaurant’s iconic 1905 Salad, laden with Swiss cheese, ham and green olives, dates back to the 1940s. Find this dish in Clearwater, at the Tampa Bay History Center in Tampa, at Tampa International Airport or at the iconic Ybor City restaurant, which dates back to (you guessed it) 1905.

6. Piña colada

For those who like piña coladas (and getting caught in the rain), Tampa Bay has no shortage of tiki bars. Experience the tropics at Bar Tiki and Ka’Tiki with their classic frozen blends of coconut, pineapple and rum.

7. Yard mango

The best part of summertime is fresh mangoes plucked from trees around town. Tampa Bay may be having a rough mango season this year, but that just makes each bite all the more sweet. Be sure to ask your neighbors before taking fruit from their yard. Pro tip: Check your local Nextdoor group for people giving away their extras.

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8. Cuban sandwich

Undeniably a signature of Tampa Bay’s culinary brand. Where to find the best Cubano is debatable, but any local will tell you definitely not in Miami (South Florida foolishly leaves out the salami).

9. Key lime pie

Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish makes a mean key lime pie, but you also can’t go wrong with a slice from the Publix bakery.

10. Wright’s cake

Rest assured, Wright’s Gourmet House will continue serving up its iconic cake slices despite operating under new ownership. Good luck picking a flavor.

11. Bern’s steak

Bern’s Steak House has plenty of dry-aged cuts to choose from, but we recommend the steak sandwich. This off-the-menu special is best enjoyed by yourself at the bar, according to our Times dining critic.

12. Alligator nuggets

Alligator meat is high in protein and low in cholesterol. Try the jaw and tail meat fried up into nuggets. We’ve rounded up some local places where you can sample gator.

13. Cappy’s deep dish pizza

Visit a Cappy’s Pizza in Seminole Heights, Riverview, Tampa Palms, South Tampa or St. Petersburg for epic cheese pulls.

14. Pub sub

The Publix sub sandwich, a Florida cult favorite, is best enjoyed at the beach. Order yours ahead online to save time in line. And condiments are a must if you go for the chicken tender sub.

15. Devil crab

Local lore says the crab-meat croquette dates back a century to a cigar factory strike. Former Florida Sen. Janet Cruz, D-Tampa, even proposed legislation to name the Tampa devil crab the state crustacean. Find this Tampa delicacy at spots like the Silver Ring Cafe.

16. Hooters wings

Of course this “delightfully tacky, yet unrefined” breastaurant got its start in Clearwater. The chain’s first location turned 40 last year.

17. Goody Goody burger

Try the POX burger, a staple on Goody Goody Burgers’ menu known for “precisely-cut pickles, onions, and oh, that sauce.” Taste the tomato-based secret sauce for yourself at their diner in Hyde Park or at Tampa International Airport.

18. Flaming cheese

Boasting the largest population of Greeks outside of Greece, Tarpon Springs is a great place to go for saganaki, cheese served in a flurry of flame. Mykonos and Hellas Restaurant & Bakery, as well as other spots near the Sponge Docks, feature it on their menus. Don’t forget baklava for dessert!

19. Stone crab

October 15, the beginning of stone crab season, is practically a holiday for native Floridians. Thankfully, you don’t have to wait until then to feast on the beefy claws. Billy’s Stone Crab sources the succulent crab meat from the West Coast during the off-season.

20. Sourdough donuts

Find sugary “sourdonuts” at Supernatural Food and Wine in Tampa. These treats sell fast, so make sure to arrive early or preorder a day in advance. You might as well get the breakfast sandwich too — Alton Brown said it was maybe the best he’s ever had.

21. Shaved ice

Life-threatening heat calls for cooling down in any way possible. Bonus points if that method is delicious.

22. Pizza by the slice

Is it even a night out in Ybor City if you didn’t sober up with a late-night slice from the New York New York Pizza window?

23. Grouper burger

There are countless places to find this Floridian tradition. Writer Rick Bragg said it might even be life-changing. We recommend grabbing one at the Tavern at Bayboro, located on the University of South Florida’s campus.

24. Bloody Mary

Sip on this hangover-curing cocktail at Mahuffer’s in Indian Shores. On Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., customers can craft their own Bloody Mary at Ka’Tiki for $2.50.

Card 2: Wildlife

Gators, gulls and stingrays — oh my! Florida’s wildlife has no shortage of fascinating creatures. Before embarking on your wildlife adventure, remember safety comes first always.

This card is meant to get you out in nature to spot our scaly, feathered and furry friends — not join them for dinner as a guest or a meal. Respect the wildlife habitat and leave without a trace, all limbs intact. Don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray. You’re going to need it.

1. Gator

These scaly beasts might get a bad rap, but they’re Florida icons. You’ll find gators in bodies of still or slow-moving freshwater. Think rivers, lakes, the occasional retention pond.

We’ve recently spotted them (from a safe distance) on the banks at Sawgrass Lake Park, Lettuce Lake and in the Ruth Eckerd Hall retention pond.

2. Heron

Several heron species call Tampa Bay their home. Find them taking flight from nearby mangroves, parks and ponds.

3. Possum

Some might consider the species a nuisance, but they might be key to combating the invasive Burmese python.

4. Spoonbill

Visit Round Lake in St. Petersburg for a chance to see a spoonbill splashing in the water.

5. Armadillo

Armadillos are nocturnal. Take a walk in a wooded area at dusk and listen for rustling leaves.

6. Snake

Check out the Florida Museum of Natural History’s online snake identification tool, which allows you to filter through 50 species based on color and scale pattern.

7. Pelican

The brown pelican is St. Petersburg’s official city bird. Find them diving for dinner across Tampa Bay, from Coffee Pot Bayou in St. Pete to the Howard Frankland Bridge.

8. Coyote

Urban coyotes, spotted in every county in Florida, are a frequent topic of community gossip. Keep your distance.

9. Palmetto bug

No one wants to encounter these gross pests in their home, but at least seeing one can help you get closer to BINGO.

10. Wood stork

Spot these prehistoric-looking birds looking for leftovers near burger joint El Cap in St. Petersburg.

11. Owl

Five species of owls call the Sunshine State their home. Find some of them at ZooTampa at Lowry Park.

12. Florida softshell turtle

You’ll recognize the softshell turtle by its extremely pointy nose.

13. Manatee

Manatees can be found in a variety of waterways including the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. But the best way to spot a manatee during the hot summer months is to head to the springs. Check out Weeki Wachee or Three Sister Springs, among others. Just remember to keep a safe distance from these gentle giants.

14. Lizard

From brown anoles that skitter around your front porch to lighter Mediterranean geckos that give you a jump scare in your bathroom, Tampa Bay is teeming with lizards. Just stay away from the 6-foot Nile monitors.

15. Ybor rooster

Ybor City’s famed roosters are honored throughout the year with a calendar, parade and even yoga classes (Don’t worry, they wear diapers). You can also spot them clucking down Seventh Avenue.

16. Dolphin

Tampa Bay Times reporters love to look for dolphins around dusk in the waters by Vinoy Park. You can also book a dolphin cruise near the beaches or kayak among these mammals at Upper Tampa Bay Park.

17. Stingray

At this point, performing the stingray shuffle goes without saying. For a safe up-close encounter, make your way to the Tampa Bay Rays touch tank at Tropicana Field. ZooTampa at Lowry Park recently added an interactive stingray experience, too.

18. Scallop

In the waters off the Suncoast — Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties, which includes the towns of Cedar Key, Crystal River and Homosassa — scallop season is July 1 to Sept. 24. Go snorkeling yourself or check out some vendors that offer scalloping packages.

19. Ibis

These birds are happiest in marshes and coastal waters, but many in Florida have been displaced by development, which is why you’ve probably seen their flocks in the heart of suburbia.

20. Gopher tortoise

These creatures are cute, but listed as threatened. Appreciate them from a distance — or head to ZooTampa for a visit.

21. Mosquito

HAVE YOU STEPPED OUTSIDE?

22. Otter

The river otter, a Florida native, is commonly found in freshwater rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds and swamps around the state. Don’t let their cuteness fool you — these critters can be feisty.

23. Seagull

If you catch a seagull flying over Tampa Bay, does that make it a bay-gull? Bad jokes aside, if you’ve ever brought snacks to the beach, you know how easy it is to spot these birds.

24. Peacock

These birds may look pretty, but Tampa Bay Realtors warn potential homebuyers of these neighborhood “pets.” Find them roaming in St. Pete communities like Disston Heights or Jungle Prada, where “peacock crossing” signs line Park Street.

Card 3: Places

It’s worth it to cross a bridge or two to see all that Tampa Bay has to offer (really, we promise!) As a bonus, most of these spots are inexpensive or free to visit.

1. Tampa Theatre

Escape the heat in this nearly 100-year-old movie palace, which offers backstage tours as well as films and live entertainment. The theater currently has a “Summer Classics” series. Enjoy one of the films underneath the venue’s realistic night sky sparkling with twinkling stars.

2. St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club

Shuffle the night away on the green courts of the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, which just celebrated its 100th anniversary. Read about its history here.

3. Fort DeSoto

With beaches, historic military structures, diverse wildlife and campgrounds, this spot has something for everyone. Oh, and $5 all-day parking. Need we say more?

4. Paradise Grille bell

This nightly sunset bell ringing at Paradise Grille is a Pass-a-Grille tradition. You can reach out to Jim LeBlanc, the “Head Ding-Dong,” at (571) 722-9323 to arrange a chance to ring the bell yourself. Or, arrive 15 to 30 minutes before sunset to find him.

5. Sunshine Skyway Bridge

If the idea of crossing this sky-high structure makes your palms sweaty, visit the Skyway fishing pier for sunset views instead.

6. Coffee Pot Bayou rhino

The life-sized rhinoceros statue stands guard outside a house on St. Petersburg’s Coffee Pot Boulevard. It’s pretty fashionable, too, prepared for any holiday or upcoming election with a seemingly endless range of outfits.

7. University of Tampa Minarets

While a man once lived inside one of the University of Tampa’s minarets, these days the distinctive pieces of architecture are just decorative. Read about their history, then snap a selfie nearby.

8. Sulfur Springs water tower

This famed 214-foot-tall tower has been a make-out spot and graffiti magnet for years. It recently got a much-needed scrub and fresh coat of paint — though some locals still may claim that it’s haunted.

9. Secret Garden

Head to Upham Beach for this hidden gem – but is this secluded garden really that secret if Google Maps has its address?

10. St. Pete Pier

From dozens of vendors to restaurants and fishing docks, the 26-acre structure has an ex-PIER-ience for all ages.

11. Vinoy Bench

Found along the St. Petersburg waterfront in Vinoy Park, this bench is labeled with a small plaque in honor of Al Nixon, a St. Petersburg local who watches the sunrise from the bench nearly every day.

12. Cigar factories

We’ve tracked Tampa’s 25 remaining local cigar factories (and their various uses) here. J.C. Newman Cigar Factory is the last operational cigar factory in the nation, doubling these days as an event venue. They even offer tours.

13. Streetcar or SunRunner

Get from “beach to ‘Burg” on the SunRunner for $2.25, or travel for free on the TECO Line Streetcar system, which connects Downtown Tampa, Channel District and Ybor City.

14. Thrill Hill

Thrill Hill is a favorite landmark for those in St. Petersburg’s Old Southeast neighborhood. It’s been flip-flopping stomachs for more than 100 years.

15. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Most known for its live mermaids, this state park can get busy quickly. Arriving before the park opens is highly recommended.

16. Sponge Docks

Tarpon Springs and “Sponge Docks” are practically synonymous. Here’s how you can make a day out of Florida’s “Little Greece.”

17. Tampa Riverwalk

The 2.6-mile Riverwalk along the Hillsborough River offers scenic views, outdoor activities, museums and plenty of restaurants and bars to keep you fueled throughout the day. It’s set to expand soon.

18. The Salvador Dalí Museum

Snag discounted tickets to this St. Petersburg mecca of surrealism on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.

19. The Pinellas Trail

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail extends from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. Times reporters recommend picking up a pair of wheels at Kafe Racer in Dunedin to explore the trail. But you can get on at several points and stroll at your leisure, too.

20. The Don CeSar

Visit St. Pete Beach’s oceanfront “Pink Palace” for its ornate lobby, spa services or fine dining. Locals can lounge poolside with the purchase of a daylong ResortPass.

21. Alafia Mountain Bike Trail

With more than 20 miles of single-track trails, mountain bikers can ride on trails ranging in difficulty from “easiest” to “expert.”

22. 2001 Odyssey spaceship

The flying saucer on the roof of this Tampa strip club was once a prefabricated home of the future called the Futuro House. These days, it’s the location of the club’s private dances (for a few hundred bucks). You don’t have to actually go inside to get credit for BINGO.

23. Ruskin Drive-In Theater

Dating back to 1952, the Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre calls itself the “last family drive-in in the U.S.A.” Bring cash and bug spray.

24. Philippe Park Mound

Designated a National Historic Landmark, this Native American mound in Safety Harbor was built by Tocobaga Indians. The park also makes our list for waterfront places with shade.