Tampa was barely touched by any hurricanes, not sure what you mean.
All the beaches areound Tampa/St. Pete are quite open for business, as is Daytona. When are you thinking about going? it's cold right now--only around 57 or so--not exactly beach weather...
we are going down for winter break 2/21 2/28, i was hoping it would be warm so we could spend the day at the beach, oh well. but i wouldn't mind visiting the tampa st pete area to just look around and shop or something.
The chances of it being warm enough to really spend day at the beach in February are slim. I wouldn't plan on it.
Tampa has a thriving visual arts community, here's a link to a web site with information on a lot of Tampa area artisits and where they are currently showing.
I bought a beautiful painting at a gallery show in Ybor City (Tampa) back in November, you can see it on the wall here:
The best part was that it was very reasonably priced for a piece by an upcoming artist.
Do you like fishing? February is right in the middle of bass spawning season. Plenty of nice big fish and places to catch them. If you have a car, I would recommend doing a private guide, rather than a Disney trip. The Disney fishery is just not up to the level you'd find at other lakes in the area.
Don't forget there is a lot you can do on Disney property as well that doesn't involve the theme parks. Things like horseback riding, fishing, the Richard Petty Exp., and Disney Quest. Here is a link to some great info: http://www.wdwinfo.com/recreation/index.htm#hm-recreation-nav
The Daytona 500 is that week so you may want to avoid going that way for a day at the beach or for other recreation.
Have you looked into some of the dinner shows in Orlando like Medevial Times, The Outta Control Magic Show, or the Pirates Adventure to name a few?? Also, there are places like Wonderworks which is similar I thought to a hand's on Ripley's type Museum. Also there are those airboat rides and places like Gatorland to visit as well.
Depending on the weather - we go to the beaches (daytona or tampa area)
flea markets, shopping centers. kennedy space center, or lots of other places.
Have a great relaxing time - whatever you do!
Mary
I have been to Florida in February when the temps were in the 80's, it is not common but it could happen. We really like Clearwater Beach in the Tampa area. The Disney water parks are also a great time and often overlooked by visitors.
i hope we can do the waterparks when we are there. we actually do have 2 more passes for the water parks. typoon lagoon will be closed
for renovationswhile we are there however 2 days before we leave they re-open (we have surfing lessons for my dd).