Startup 275 Contest

I came across something Interstate 275 related, not only on a few billboards on Interstate 275 in Tampa as well as a link from Tampa Bay Interstates, the official Florida DOT source for Interstate 275 construction in the Tampa/St. Petersburg metropolitan area.  For you commuters out there that make Interstate 275 a part of your commute, here's a chance for you to have fun and (hopefully) win some prizes!

It's called Startup 275, and the contest is open to those Interstate 275 commuters who use the section of Interstate 275 in Tampa that is presently undergoing a major reconstruction from FL 60 (Exit 39) to the Hillsborough River just west of the Ashley/Tampa/Scott Street downtown Tampa exit complex (Exit 44).  I know, any construction project will entail major inconveniences here and there but in the end, we will see a newer and better version of Interstate 275 in Tampa that you will enjoy.  In fact, there is room in the center median for the addition of a commuter rail line running down the center of Interstate 275, and having both a widened Interstate 275 plus an operational commuter rail system in our region will mean a major jump start for our region's economy.

But at least the folks over at Startup 275 are having plenty of fun helping you make the most of your Interstate 275 Tampa commute.  And you can too!

So what are you waiting for?  Head on over to the Startup 275 website today for contest rules, frequently asked questions, and a chance to enter!  Besides, carpooling is good not only for you but for the environment!

By the way, here are some things that you should remember when you head out the door and you are on your way to work from home or vice versa:

1.  Put down that cell phone at all times while you're behind the wheel.  Florida's new texting while driving ban goes into effect 1 October 2013.

2.  If you're the driver, give driving your 100 percent attention.  This is very important while you are transiting the Interstate 275 construction zone in Tampa or any other construction zone for that matter.

3.  Leave in plenty of time so that you can arrive at your destination on time.

4.  55 mph, especially in the construction zone, is indeed 55 mph and not one mph over.  The 5 mph over the speed limit exemption does not apply for construction zones as well as school zones and toll plazas; this means a law enforcement officer can give you a ticket for even 1 mph over the speed limit.

5.  After all, the construction on Interstate 275 in Tampa is a headache.  But when everything is said and done in Fall 2016 you'll see an Interstate 275 in Tampa which will be much better.