I'm from Tampa. A neat place to visit is Ybor City. It is a historic area that has a plethora of bars/restaurants/shops. I have to warn you, it is nutty at night. You see all kinds. Maybe it's me, i know i'm getting older. A great restaurant in Ybor city is Laughing Cat. Great food. If you like vintage clothes then you will want to visit La France while in Ybor.
A more sophisticated (not necessarily older but just not hoochie) crowd hangs out in the SOHO district (south of howard ave) and Hyde Park. Great restaurants and shops.
If you are here for vacation, you may want to venture over to St. Petersburg which is only 45 minutes from Tampa. I love St. Pete. Central Avenue has loads of great restaurants and shops and you are near the water which is just gorgeous.