original_query: St. Petersburg, and Clearwater) are generally considered to be part of the Tampa Bay area. However, some definitions also include other nearby counties such as Pasco County and Hernando County. The Tampa Bay area is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and diverse economy. It is home to several professional sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), and Tampa Bay Rays (MLB). The area also has a thriving tourism industry, attracting millions of visitors each year.
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query: What are the defining characteristics of the Tampa Bay area?
answer: The Tampa Bay area is defined by its core cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, but its boundaries extend to include nearby counties like Pasco and Hernando. It's characterized by beautiful beaches, a vibrant culture, a diverse economy, professional sports teams (Buccaneers, Lightning, Rays), and a thriving tourism industry.