For those who don’t know, I contemplated moving to Tampa for about a year. Originally from South Florida (Palm Beach County) but took a twelve year hiatus in Metro Atlanta. I touched down in Tampa this past Friday.

My initial impressions of the area are positive, not as luxurious as South Florida but still nice. I can’t make too much of a judgment since I have only been in the area for only two days.

Positives thus far:

-The Bay-

Driving down the long bridge that leads from Tampa to St Petersburg/Clearwater was fantastic. The view was gorgeous, comparable to driving to Key West. I arrived at Sunset and really got the feeling that I was stepping into a new life.

-People are friendly-

I said hello to quite a few random people at a St. Petersburg coffee shops and they said hello back. The atmosphere was lively, a lot of people walking their dogs and saying hi, people stopping after a hello and having a conversation. Nice.

That is not the case in South Florida where you say hello and people look at you weird. (The whole New York/New Jersey “Whatta want?” mentality).

-Diversity of the area-

Tampa has a downtown, not nearly as big as Atlanta or Miami but it is there. St Petersburg reminds me a lot of Savannah Ga: The beach town, lots of natural green, diversity of trees (not just Palm Trees), healthy atmosphere. I noticed a lot of health conscious people at an open market I had attended with a friend on Friday, lots of Yogis and opportunities to dip Italian bread in fresh made garlic and oil.

I've met whites, blacks, Asians, Latino/as, people from Italy, Ireland, Britain, Ethiopia.

I am excited in this department.

Clearwater has bad ass beaches. There is 30 miles of coastline in the Tampa Bay area so you get all kinds of beach. Arguably the area’s biggest strength.

Negatives thus far:

-Limited night club options-

I get the feeling that night club options are limited compared to South Florida or Atlanta. My friend took me to SoHo (South Howard) during the day and showed me some areas, mentioned there was a Casino on an Indian Reservation that can get past the “last call” law and people congregate there after a night of drinking. I haven’t gone out yet so I will keep an open mind, but coming from South Florida and Atlanta, Tampa seems much smaller in the night club options department.

I heard Ybor city has mad night clubs and bars. I assume this won't be a negative much longer.

-White Trash, Black Trash, Strung out motha fuckas-

I had a negative experience in St Petersburg, where I checked out a place to rent. Upon arrival, I was approached by a tweaking, tattooed-tanned up man with watery yellow eyes that were shaking, complaining to me how the guy I was going to see (he gave me directions to the place) was a drug addict, wife abuser, and was in a huge amount of debt.

He continued talking and mentioned him and his family were out on the street looking for a place, and he wanted my help and some money to get him on his feet.

The guy whose place I was going to see fills up my voicemail-after I got the hell out of dodge-with his sob story about life, how he drinks six beers a day, how he got out of rehab recently.


What……the……fuck…..

This guy hasn’t even talked to me for more than five minutes and he is telling me his life story. On top of that, he was disabled and had his wife and child recently leave him. He kept calling me begging me to take the place since he felt I had a good head on my shoulders, was professional, and a positive person. *shrugs*

Black people in the area, from what I have seen, are pretty hood. Not that I don’t have love for my hood black people (or hood people in general), nor do I lack experience with ghetto folks (grew up on 38th Street in West Palm Beach, yeah, gunshots and body bags on the regular bitches) but I get the impression I will be having conversations with a lot of Goons (see Plies).

And yeah, a lot of Joe Dirt looking white folks and trailer park tattooed up white girls as well Some of the white trash girls do look attractive though, maybe a growing fetish I have (never banged white trash girl, might be fun).

Oh, and something tells me there is a lot of Ed Hardy, muscle busting, tanned up Jersey shore looking cats as well. Lots of Alpha male other guys?

-The Sun-

Damn, the shit is in my face , ripping my car apart, melting the plastic I left on the dashboard, and beating me down to a T. I think yesterday’s average was 95 and one area of Tampa Bay hit 100. It ain’t even June yet! I walked the street market in St. Petersburg starting at 11:30am. At 12:25 pm I was seriously like fuck it, I want to go home and make love to my A.C.

-Where are the Jewish girls?-

They tend to be my biggest clients.

Overall, I am excited to be here.

I need to get a spot by June 1st. After that meth addict scare, I put Craigslist on the shelf and joined Roommates.com for three days. I have been making contacts and have some leads. Ishwri (forum member) has really been helping me out with information about the area and linked me to a room that just opened up at a great rate. I meet with the landlord this coming Tuesday and will have first month’s rent in hand.

From there it is my job search. I do have some anxiety about finding a job, but Ishwri is very confident I will find a job relatively soon, plus I have a good stack of money and lots of family supporting me. I have no reason to fear being destitute in Tampa.

Thanks to everyone who helped me out with the information about Tampa. A special shout out goes out to Ishwri, El Mechanico, and DirkJohanson. You guys have made moving here a lot easier. I will meet up with everyone once I get more time. Things are kinda hectic now with me scrambling, trying to find a place with a good rate and great roommates. My Labor Day plans will take away today and tomorrow but Tuesday, and the days after that, should be good.

Once the dust has settled, we can break bread.

More later…

Good luck and where are you looking at places? If you aren't doing anything today ride the trolleys on Clearwater beach and hit Sheppards and the palm pavillion. I'm going to island hop later today and i'm pipelining girls to meet up at the Dunedin causeway. I'll try to break away at some point to hit shepards. Pm me your digletts.

If you drive down alt 19 you'll see bikinis at every bus stop waiting to get on to that beach. Trust me on this. Today is the day.

The best spot is SOHO. The Dubliner and the other Irish Pub right around the corner are both really fun places. If I were you, I would live in that area and just walk out at night.

Ybor is fucking scary at night. I've been down there around 2 or 3 am on a weekend, and it was filled with just the dregs of humanity. Also, an assistant states attorney told me about a gang problem they have down there. As initiation, wannabe members would go up to random people (women, old people, whomever), and beat the shit out of them. The messed up part is that they have cameras everywhere, so the people always get caught. They just don’t care.

Also, don’t drink and drive in Tampa. They are complete pricks about it, and you will get caught. To hire a lawyer and take care of it costs about $10,000. So, no matter how expensive the cab, it’s still cheaper than the dui.

Sorry to sound so negative, but better to hear it now than to go into with your eyes closed. Tampa is generally a cool, chill place with lots of cute girls. You should have a great time.

^^ lol

Quote: (05-27-2012 11:54 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  

Good luck and where are you looking at places? If you aren't doing anything today ride the trolleys on Clearwater beach and hit Sheppards and the palm pavillion. I'm going to island hop later today and i'm pipelining girls to meet up at the Dunedin causeway. I'll try to break away at some point to hit shepards. Pm me your digletts.

If you drive down alt 19 you'll see bikinis at every bus stop waiting to get on to that beach. Trust me on this. Today is the day.

Hey, just checking the forum today. Sorry for the late message.

I was at the Post Card Inn on St Pete Beach partying it up and...dayum...the bitches here are fine as fuck. . Not the brightest chicks though. I see my only way in is through comedy and compliments...soon as I hit them with some intellectual stuff I get a look of Keanu Reeves like befuddlement (is what it is).

But yeah, I'll PM you. Give me a call. I am kinda hung over and not looking to go out today but you can fill me in on the area. I will have a pen and paper handy when you call. Hoping to close on a place tomorrow.

Quote: (05-27-2012 03:44 PM)Nom_De_Guerre Wrote:  

The best spot is SOHO. The Dubliner and the other Irish Pub right around the corner are both really fun places. If I were you, I would live in that area and just walk out at night.

Ybor is fucking scary at night. I've been down there around 2 or 3 am on a weekend, and it was filled with just the dregs of humanity. Also, an assistant states attorney told me about a gang problem they have down there. As initiation, wannabe members would go up to random people (women, old people, whomever), and beat the shit out of them. The messed up part is that they have cameras everywhere, so the people always get caught. They just don’t care.

Also, don’t drink and drive in Tampa. They are complete pricks about it, and you will get caught. To hire a lawyer and take care of it costs about $10,000. So, no matter how expensive the cab, it’s still cheaper than the dui.

Sorry to sound so negative, but better to hear it now than to go into with your eyes closed. Tampa is generally a cool, chill place with lots of cute girls. You should have a great time.

Thanks for the information. I actually PM'd two guys living in South Tampa but haven't got any responses. I got one guy in Largo I am seeing tomorrow and maybe a potential visit with a guy near downtown St Pete and Treasure Island.

I am enjoying the girls here though. Great spot for women.

I didn't know YBOR city was sketch as fuck at night. I heard that is a prime night spot though.

Quote: (05-27-2012 11:54 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  

Good luck and where are you looking at places? If you aren't doing anything today ride the trolleys on Clearwater beach and hit Sheppards and the palm pavillion. I'm going to island hop later today and i'm pipelining girls to meet up at the Dunedin causeway. I'll try to break away at some point to hit shepards. Pm me your digletts.

If you drive down alt 19 you'll see bikinis at every bus stop waiting to get on to that beach. Trust me on this. Today is the day.

South Tampa, The good part of St Petersburg, Clearwater.

Avoid ybor at all costs. Gangs, white trash, crime, drugs, homelessness. A smorgasbord of fun is available there.

I've been debating a move from DC to Tampa. I'll be curious to hear how it goes for you, Cap'n.

Somebody on city-data.com says that ratios tend to be good at:
Monday: Venue
Tuesday: Ceviche
Wednesday: Macdintons
Thursday: Yard of Ale --> Kennedy
Friday: MacDintons ---> Many Places
Saturday: Caddys, St Pete Beach, Clearwater, Pools of certain complexes
Sunday: Crabby Bills, Caddys, St Pete Beach, Clearwater, Pools of certain complexes

Sounds like there's lots of blondes, not many Jewish girls (I picture dark hair/big nose)

I'm not from the Tampa area but I am contemplating rolling down there for maybe the months of December and January, once mother winter has overtaken these northern parts.

I highly recommend you visit el mechanico's profile and click through to his posts. Some classic game moves, information about the area, etc.

Also, here's a few threads about the Tampa area:

Tampa's Hard Rock Casino

Anxiety about Tampa move.

Scotian does Tampa with the one and only EL MECHANICO!!!

TAMPA BAY GOLD STANDARD DAYGAME SPOT

Sarasota, FL - Data Sheet

Florida. Possibly the most fucked up place.

Thanks for the replies guys.

Well, I had an unsuccessful run through Tampa today. 3 places and all 3 wouldn't take me without a job. To top it off, I have to be out of my friends place by Thursday. Which means, I have no place to stay in Tampa Bay unless I convince someone to let me into a room on the 31st.

I have one guy I am seeing in Gulf Port who understands I am not working but I have streams of income and is cool with the set up (month to month). I am 90% sure I will close on this guy.

From there, if I can't stay it his place, I will find somewhere to stay for a night. Somewhere cheap.

I am hoping things work out tomorrow..otherwise my journey will have to start out in South Florida. I don't see myself getting employment in Tampa if I am four hours away.

Any suggestions? Advice? etc? Let me know.

I am assuming tomorrow should be dedicated to all out calling, roommate search, etc.

Gulfport huh? Lesbian threesomes! Where do you want to live? Tampa or around Clearwater? I'll call you later to see if I can help this along. What's your rent budget?

Quote: (05-29-2012 08:10 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

Gulfport huh? Lesbian threesomes! Where do you want to live? Tampa or around Clearwater? I'll call you later to see if I can help this along. What's your rent budget?

400 a month all inclusive. I have to be out of my friends place by Thursday noon, at the latest. I think around Clearwater, St Pete area is where I am shooting..more laid back and artsy..less flash and roided monsters.

Quote: (05-29-2012 08:36 PM)Captain Ahab Wrote:  

Quote: (05-29-2012 08:10 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

Gulfport huh? Lesbian threesomes! Where do you want to live? Tampa or around Clearwater? I'll call you later to see if I can help this along. What's your rent budget?

400 a month all inclusive. I have to be out of my friends place by Thursday noon, at the latest. I think around Clearwater, St Pete area is where I am shooting..more laid back and artsy..less flash and roided monsters.

How about north..Dunedin, Palm Harbor etc?

Quote: (05-29-2012 08:45 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

Quote: (05-29-2012 08:36 PM)Captain Ahab Wrote:  

Quote: (05-29-2012 08:10 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

Gulfport huh? Lesbian threesomes! Where do you want to live? Tampa or around Clearwater? I'll call you later to see if I can help this along. What's your rent budget?

400 a month all inclusive. I have to be out of my friends place by Thursday noon, at the latest. I think around Clearwater, St Pete area is where I am shooting..more laid back and artsy..less flash and roided monsters.

How about north..Dunedin, Palm Harbor etc?

I am open to it. You got any leads? I noticed there is a lot of USF students looking to leave for the summer. I am seeing a guy tomorrow to potentially take over his lease for two months. That should give me a good window to find work. I just need to step on it. I NEED SOMETHING BY TOMORROW. PERIOD!

Well, I hope things work out for me today. I got two leads for housing, one is a sublease for 2 months at USF, another is the place in Gulfport. My friend is leaving town Thursday before noon and I have to be out of his place. I can take one more crack at finding a place Thursday, but by tomorrow evening if nothing comes through, I am heading back to South Florida and starting the empire pussy building from there.

The problem is I am on borrowed time hanging out with my friend. Staying with family, I have a lot more free time to get my shit together. I am willing to give Tampa Bay a shot (of course), but I do have places to stay in South Florida if I miss out.

I guess whatever happens today or tomorrow it is a win win.

I win if I get a place in Tampa. I win if I return to South Florida. I am looking at places in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pompano Beach as a back up if Tampa plans fall through.

So you've been here for three days and you're about to give up? Push the envelope a bit you can work by the day and stay in hotels until you figure it out. I'm going to look around up here a bit for you today.

Oh and don't tell anyone you don't have a job tell them you came here to work for me and go to school.

Quote: (05-30-2012 09:12 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  

So you've been here for three days and you're about to give up? Push the envelope a bit you can work by the day and stay in hotels until you figure it out. I'm going to look around up here a bit for you today.

Oh and don't tell anyone you don't have a job tell them you came here to work for me and go to school.

Yeah, my brother gave me a quick lesson on me being a bitch. I need to start showing some hustle.

Telling people I don't have a job is a death nail to any negotiation for a room. It literally makes a person back off, even if they like you.

If I have to get a week to week I will get a week to week. Too much stuff here to enjoy to give up so soon. Got to start showing some tenacity.

Alright boys,

I broke bread with Mechanico yesterday and he is helping me get situated.

I have to return to South Florida for personal reasons ,but I am hoping to not leave without having a place, my own place, to return too, but even if I don't get a deal today, I am sure Mechanico will work something out since I am seeking residency and employment in his location.

All is well in the Sunshine State.

Alright, got a place in Largo and I move in on Monday. The final step, and perhaps the most crucial, is finding a job, but from what I've seen on Indeed.com, Craigslist, etc, there are a shit ton of jobs out there, and chances are if I show my face, a good resume, and a smile, I will get hired.

The transition is almost over yall.

Captain Ahab,

Any updates on your transition?

Quote: (07-06-2012 09:16 PM)Technics Wrote:  

Captain Ahab,

Any updates on your transition?

Definitely getting this in after the bell has rung, but, I have been busy.

As of now things are settling in. I spent the month of June job searching and landed jobs in sales but nothing really stuck out due to commission based pay.

I phoned El Mechanico for some help and he put me on the food service industry (as well as other industries I will be exploring). As of now, I signed my W-2's and will be delivering pizzas in the Pineallas County area. This won't be my career in the least but it will stop the bleeding of my bank account. They offer a lot of opportunities for hours since I am certified to work in any Papa Johns in the Pineallas County area. Any tips on how I can be a good pizza man? I think tips on learning the area would help (planning on getting a map and driving around).

Right now my mindset is work, work, work, and go out when possible. I realized that getting a good job (salary/benefits) will require a bit of nepotism. I am starting out at ground zero since I don't know anyone in Tampa Bay except el mechanico and an "associate" in Clearwater.

I have my second official outing with a "young intellectual" group in Tampa Bay I discovered on Meetup.com this Sunday. I am looking to make some connections there. There is one cute girl I semi-online stalked that is coming. We will see what's up.

Right now I am looking for advice on how to proceed. I have a bachelors in Political Science and English that I am working with.

Where should I be looking for work?

I am considering getting into education since it looks like I have the best chance of getting employment there with my experience as a teacher's aide for two years and references. I plan on calling my former boss (principal) and asking how I can get a job in the Pineallas County education system.

Tampa is still cool. The sun is bright as all hell but things are moving. I can't really judge the area yet ,though I've been all over Pineallas County with all the odd jobs I've worked.

Did a social outing to St Petersburg walking up and down Central Ave and saw a lot of prospects. Felt like a fish out of water though due to not really knowing anybody at all.

I'll update more on the women, nightlife, social life, etc when I get more experience and feedback under my belt.

Overall, I do like the area and see it as a good spot to launch a career from.

I plan on going to graduate school for Journalism or a Masters/PHD in English at the University of Florida so I am not looking to really take root permanently just yet. But, for this portion of my life, where I plan on working on holding down a job, establishing myself independently from my parents (at 28...yeah, I know, sad) ,and working on my confidence in picking up women I'm attracted to (2 years minimum, maybe three), I can't think of a better area to be.

I am maturing as a man. Therein lies the victory in and of itself.

Anyway, let me know what's up. Feedback appreciated.

Quote: (07-11-2012 11:02 AM)Captain Ahab Wrote:  

I phoned El Mechanico for some help and he put me on the food service industry (as well as other industries I will be exploring). As of now, I signed my W-2's and will be delivering pizzas in the Pineallas County area. This won't be my career in the least but it will stop the bleeding of my bank account. They offer a lot of opportunities for hours since I am certified to work in any Papa Johns in the Pineallas County area. Any tips on how I can be a good pizza man? I think tips on learning the area would help (planning on getting a map and driving around).

Start hustling some of El Mech's Peruvian flake, on your pizza delivery route, kill two birds with one stone, and double your pizza money.

If you're a good looking dude, I'd run giggalo game on some older/fat white women, check out happy hours, online sites, etc., for prospects.

It sounds like you already got your path figured out, you seem like a real intelligent bro, I'd stick with you education and try to find a job in that field.

Side hustles are always important, and that could encompass anything in my book, slanging, giggalo game, yard work, tutoring high school kids, etc.

Any fishing gigs out there, or high paying physical jobs? Landscaping, construction, etc.?

A poli sci/English degree is fairly useless (no offense). A MA/PhD in English will make you LESS employable, not more employable. Do not double down. Unless of course your dream is to go into academia somehow. Honestly, I would try and focus on something health or tech related as a long term goal. Your academic credentials in and of themselves are not particularly helpful. Alternatively, why not get into trades? Electrician/plumbing will always be in demand and cannot be outsourced. All of these things require a plan, dedication, and commitment. You kind of seem lost.

Actually, why are you even in the US right now? Is there anything holding you back here? Apply to teach English overseas. You have the qualifications for that.

Quote: (07-11-2012 01:00 PM)Menace Wrote:  

You kind of seem lost.

Actually, why are you even in the US right now? Is there anything holding you back here? Apply to teach English overseas. You have the qualifications for that.

First off 90% of Americans in this generation "kind of seem lost." The economy is shit and the "American dream" is bullshit, unless you're running shit Tony Montana style.

Second, there is no money to make teaching overseas, outside of maybe South Korea, and that's not exactly the most welcoming and friendly place to a black man from what I hear.