The following is an open letter to newname@tampabay.com.
Dear newspaper-with-an-identity-crisis:
As a native of Pinellas County (my family has about 100+ years of history in this little peninsula upon a peninsula) I would like to point out a proud Pinellas tradition.
We don’t let the names of things change.
Weedons Island’s “Official” name is Weedon — I have heard one person call it that — and they were quickly corrected.
9th St. is 9th St — and not out of any disrespect for the great man it was dedicated to.
In the common tongue, I doubt you will ever be known as “Tampa Bay Times” — I think this move will only hurt your brand. Much like Netflix splitting their DVD rental service off as “Quikster”.
Also, your timing is particularly poor, considering this is near the 100th anniversary of the separation of West Hillsborough from Hillsborough.
Be assured that as I have never lived in Tampa Bay (being unable to breath water), I won’t be able to subscribe or purchase your new periodical. I hope your waterproofing technology is sufficient for the marine life to be able read the comics.
P.S.
“Pinellas Times” would have been acceptable. If we are to be “Tampa Bay”, we will need better means transport between the two counties. this may even be the case in a decade or three.
Additionally, I believe “Tampa” portion is bad for a generic toponym. I would favor an initiative to call this area the “Pirate Bay” (ignoring other uses of this name).