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Why Tampa Bay Is Becoming A Craft Beer Hub

The Tampa Bay area is becoming a hub for craft beer both statewide and nationally, with the highest density of breweries in Florida.

This week on Florida Matters, we take another listen to our show about beer.

LISTEN:

Host Robin Sussingham speaks with people who work in the industry about the craft beer phenomenon.

We also visit a research farm in southern Hillsborough County where scientists are growing more than 14 strains of hops, a key ingredient in beer that is typically grown in places far from Tampa Bay - like the Pacific Northwest.

Our guests include:

Neil Callaghan, El Lector at Cigar City Brewing in Tampa

Danie Dahm, Co-owner of Mastry’s Brewing Co. in St. Pete Beach

Sean Nordquist, Executive Director of the Florida Brewers Guild

Are you a fan of craft beer? What’s your favorite kind to drink? Favorite brewery? Share your feedback on our Facebook page, tweet @FloridaMatters or email FloridaMatters@wusf.org.

I’m the editor for Your Florida, a project focused on connecting people with state government and policies passed in Tallahassee that affect their lives. I’m passionate about highlighting community efforts to improve the quality of life in our state and am committed to holding those in power accountable when they fail to prioritize the needs of people they serve.
Robin Sussingham was Senior Editor at WUSF until September 2020.