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The University of Tampa, former Tampa Bay Hotel, is said to host not one but three ghosts

Photo by Mary Lou Janson

Ghost Tour of Tampa, Tampa, FL

Tampa's colorful past makes it a perfect host for ghosts

by Mary Lou Janson | October 10, 2010

Tampa’s known for its spirited celebrations but it also seems to have quite a reputation for its spirits. All manner of movers and shakers apparently continue to move, shake and make noise day and night at some of their favorite local haunts here.

Ghost Tour of Tamp a offers a year round after dark walking tour of the city’s downtown that gives a whole new meaning to Tampa nightlife.

From a former film projectionist who still considers the landmark Tampa Theatre home—even in the hereafter—to Henry B. Plant who reportedly roams the halls of the former Tampa Bay Hotel he funded and opened in 1891, it’s easy to believe to stories about people in period clothing being spotted in these historical sites. The Tampa Bay Hotel, now a private university, is even said to host multiple ghosts—not only Plant but also a former grounds caretaker and even Teddy Roosevelt.

Guides keep the groups and the stories moving by weaving together a bit of history, a touch of folklore, a hint of humor with a lively presentation that covers a lot of Tampa’s past within about a 90-minute span. Tales about Indian burial grounds, local women who tragically died and the pirates who once terrorized Tampa’s residents, but are now regaled during the annual pirate invasion and celebration known as Gasparilla, make for an entertaining evening. The tour’s web site even offers a series of books that delve even deeper into various cities' spirited pasts.