___ In case you're wondering, that large contraption parked in front of Newk's on Channelside really does float. And not just on water. Sitting high above the street, taking a Tampa Duck Adventure will make you feel as if you're floating over the busy traffic and city life. But the "Duck" aspect is not just a gimmick. If you've lived in Tampa all your life, you can still learn quite a bit about the area's diverse history and scenery. Most of all, the tours are a fun family way for visitors and new residents to get a overview of our beautiful city.

___ Tampa Duck Adventures offers 90 minute tours through Downtown, Ybor, Davis Islands, Hillsborough Bay and all points in between. The "Duck" itself is a modern day amphibious vehicle that directly descends from those developed during World War II. In seconds, the ultra-modified Ford 350 behemoth can gently slip into water and become a touring boat.

___ "Tampa's a great city, rich in history," explained Tammy Stanley, coordinator for Tampa Duck Adventures, as she manned the ticket and information booth at Newk's Cafe. Then she spoke of the tour. "There's a lot of improv, a lot of fun. Every tour guide has their own spin."

___ For a company that just six weeks ago relocated to Tampa from Portland, the operation has gathered impressive amount of information about our city. We caught them this past Saturday when guide JD Merritt and Captain Joe Hurley, led a group of visitors through land and sea.

___ Between entertaining side notes and interactions with the onboard kids (who took turns as honorary captains) Merritt dispelled non-stop information. Topics included Fort Brook, Seminole Indians, Cuban bread, haunted factories, Teddy Roosevelt and more. Who put the "Davis" in Davis Island? What does "Tampa" really mean? What are those lookouts atop the old factories? Ask Merritt, who moved to Tampa six weeks ahead of the company just to soak in as much as he could about Tampa's history. Folks onboard were also interested in the "Duck" itself, and Merritt was happy to talk about the history of amphibious craft.

___ "I think it's a great way to see the city, especially if you're visiting," Merritt said. "It gives you a great idea of how to map out what you want to do. I love hearing from people who have lived here a long time or grew up here, because they always tell me they that they thought they knew everything about their history, but they learned something new on our tour."

___ You may have seen "Ducks" before in Tampa, when a former operation that used original 1940's vehicles offered Tampa tours. Tampa Duck Adventures' new vehicles are proving a success, and plans point to expansion and more "Ducks".

___ If you are planning on taking one of their tours, be sure to bring a camera, as you will have plenty of opportunities to capture the nice scenery. About half of the time passengers spot dolphins. You may also want to bring along something warm, as bay winds can be a little chilly. Expect a good time, a smooth ride, and a great insight into Tampa.

___ Information about Tampa Duck Tours can be found online at www.duckadventures.com, or call (813) 341-DUCK(3825). Spring tour times are Wednesday through Sunday, at 11:15 am, 1:45 pm and 3:30 pm at Newk's Cafe, 514 Channelside Dr., in Tampa.

-K. Tanaka
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Old City, New Angles:
Click on an image below to see an enlarged photo taken from a Duck tour.