One of the best things about living in Tampa, Florida, is the abundance of beautiful parks to enjoy and explore. Whether you're a nature lover or looking for a place to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities, the city's parks offer something for everyone. Here are four Tampa parks that you should visit. Cypress Point Park With beautiful beaches, stunning sand dunes, and gorgeous wildflowers, Cypress Point Park is an ideal spot to take in the natural wonders of West Tampa. While there's a lot to see in Cypress Point Park, there's also plenty to do. The park features nature trails, a boardwalk, a canoe launch, and a playground. more Another popular feature is the 18-hole Disc Golf Course. With its concrete trees, diverse natural landscape, and 7,980-feet length, it's no wonder the Professional Disc Golf Association considers the Cypress Point Park course to be one of the best in Florida. After a relaxing canoe trip or an exhilarating game of disc golf, enjoy lunch at one of the park's picnic pavilions. Lettuce Lake Park Located in the natural floodplain of the Hillsborough River, Lettuce Lake Park, with its hardwood swamp forest, is a peaceful sanctuary just outside the city limits. The park also features hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods plant communities, making it ideal for birdwatching. Be sure to keep an eye out for wood ducks, great blue herons, and osprey. If you're eager to get out on the water, Lettuce Lake Park offers canoe rentals and a boat dock. While crossing the lake, you're sure to see snapper turtles, and maybe even an alligator or two. Taking a stroll along the boardwalk is another excellent way to observe the wildlife that calls the park home. An observation deck provides plenty of great photo opportunities. Ballast Point Park Located right on Hillsborough Bay, Ballast Point Park is a South Tampa gem offering visitors breathtaking views of the bay and downtown Tampa. A spacious fishing pier gives you the opportunity to catch snapper, snook, and Spanish mackerel. The kids will enjoy the partially-shaded playground featuring plenty of swings, slides, and monkey bars. After a day of play, they can beat the heat at the park's splash pad. With its shelters, picnic tables, and gazebo, Ballast Point Park is an excellent spot for a summer picnic. The park also features a boat ramp and expansive dock so that you can visit Ballast Point by boat. Al Lopez Park Named after the first Tampa native to play Major League Baseball, Al Lopez Park is a great place to get active in a beautiful outdoor setting. An extra-wide, paved bicycle trail offers plenty of space for biking, rollerblading, and skateboarding. It circles a gorgeous lake and stunning wooded area. The trail also includes several circuit training stations, allowing you to engage in a diverse exercise routine. A dog park offers a safe space for your furry friends to frolic off-leash. A charming fishing pond is home to bluefish, bass, and catfish. The park also features several playground areas and picnic shelters. These are just some of the fantastic parks in the Tampa area. No matter which one you visit, you're sure to have a great time. Image via Pixabay.com

If you're searching for a car that is the perfect combination of style and performance, look no further than the 2020 Ford Fusion. This impressive sedan gives you cutting-edge technology and efficiency in a sleek package. From your morning commute to a night out on the town, the 2020 Fusion makes every drive a memorable one. Eye-Catching Exterior The first thing you'll notice about the 2020 Fusion is its sleek and sophisticated exterior. The car's refined lines and confident stance are enhanced by bold features like the available rear spoiler. Distinctive grille options include chrome mesh and black five-bar designs. Several stylish wheel designs are available as well. more If you opt for the SE Appearance Package, your Fusion will come with 18-inch Ebony Black-painted aluminum wheels and halogen fog lamps with bright chrome trim and black bezel. The SE AWD Package adds machine-faced 18-inch aluminum wheels with Magnetic-painted pockets and heated side-view mirrors. No matter what features you choose, they'll go great with gorgeous paint colors like Rapid Red, Velocity Blue, and White Platinum. Stylish Interior Inside the 2020 Fusion, you'll find a cabin that is stylish and comfortable. With seating for five and 16 cubic feet of storage space in the trunk, there's plenty of room for family, friends, and fun. Interior amenities include available heated and cooled seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a rotary gear shift. You can choose between cloth and leather seating surfaces in sophisticated shades of gray and black. In addition to style and comfort, the Fusion gives you the latest in infotainment technology with features like Apple CarPlay integration, the Ford + Alexa app, and a voice-activated touch-screen navigation system. With these amenities, you can do everything from access playlists to control smart home appliances. Impressive Efficiency Because the 2020 Fusion is all about giving you options, you can choose between three powertrains, each offering impressive efficiency and performance. Three gas engines are available if you opt for a conventional model. Standard on the Fusion S is a 2.5-liter Duratec I-4. Two EcoBoost engines, a 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter, are available in the upper trim levels. Both EcoBoost engines feature turbocharging, direct injection, and twin independent variable cam timing. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost gives the Fusion a combined fuel-efficiency rating of 27 miles per gallon. Even more efficient than the conventional Fusion is the Fusion Hybrid. Featuring a 2.0-liter I-4 Atkinson-cycle gas engine and an electric motor, the hybrid powertrain can produce 188 horsepower. It gives the sedan a 42 miles-per-gallon combined efficiency rating. If you want even more efficiency, a plug-in hybrid is also available. The Fusion Plug-In Hybrid Titanium allows you to select from gas, electric, and combined driving modes. This impressive model gives you an electric-only driving range of 26 miles. When the car is fully charged and has a full tank of gas, you get a range of 610 miles. As you can see, the 2020 Ford Fusion impresses with its design and technology. Take a test drive today so you can experience this stunning sedan for yourself.

The 2020 Ford Explorer SUV has an appealing new design, and it's capable and versatile. Its comfortable interior and advanced technologies make it a great choice for families, and you can choose Explorer, XLT, Limited, ST, or Platinum trim levels. Here are some for the reasons why this attractive vehicle could be right for your family. more An Eye-Catching Exterior The 2020 Explorer has a muscular, sleek look. It comes with a curved front bumper, an angular grille with the Ford Blue Oval in the center, and a smaller lower grille. You'll also get manually folding, heated side mirrors, a spoiler, roof rails, automatic high beams, 18-inch wheels, all-season tires, and privacy glass for the rear seats. You can add rain-sensing windshield wipers, fog lights, 20- or 21-inch wheels, chrome dual exhaust, self-sealing tires, and power-folding side mirrors. Choose the ST for red brake calipers, black wheels, quad-tipped exhaust, Explorer lettering across the front of the hood, and an ST emblem on the bottom right corner of the grille. The Platinum trim comes with memory settings for the side mirrors and headlights that turn automatically when you turn the steering wheel for better visibility. A Luxurious Interior This SUV's interior looks sleek and luxurious. It's comfortable for drivers and passengers, even on long trips, and it seats seven people. You can enjoy power-sliding second-row seats that make getting in or out easy, up to 87 cubic feet of cargo space, and a 12-speaker audio system. Other standard features include push-button start, three-zone climate control, a Wi-Fi hot spot, three 12-volt power outlets, SiriusXM satellite radio, and remote start. You can also choose power-folding third-row seats, a rotary gear shifter, voice recognition, a 10.1-inch touch screen, navigation, a keypad for keyless entry, and a 14-speaker sound system. The ST and the Platinum have a 12.3-inch driver instrument cluster, a universal garage door opener, and heated seats. Outstanding Safety The 2020 Ford Explorer has a variety of safety and driver assistance features to improve your peace of mind and protect your passengers. Front and rear proximity sensors warn you when you drive too close to an object, and the rearview camera has a washer to remove mud or dirt. You'll also get side curtain air bags, stability control, lane-keeping assistance, trailer sway control, a security system, and a capless fuel filler to prevent lost gas caps or spills. The post-crash alert system activates the horn and the emergency lights to summon help if an air bag deploys. You can adapt to a variety of conditions with seven driving modes: trail, normal, slippery, deep snow/sand, tow/haul, sport, and eco. To test drive the 2020 Explorer for yourself, visit Elder Ford of Tampa. We offer an impressive inventory, and our friendly, knowledgeable salespeople will help you have a stress-free buying experience and find a model that you and your family will love. We're open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Image via ElderFordofTampa.com

The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.4-mile path with the Hillsborough River, the Garrison Channel, and a variety of attractive shops, restaurants, and parks around it. It's ideal for walking, biking, paddleboarding, or kayaking, and there are lots of interesting stops on the way. The route also has plenty of shade, benches, sculptures, collages, and plaques about the history of the city. Here are the best spots to visit near the Riverwalk. more Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park This 8-acre park is the largest in downtown Tampa. It has an expansive lawn that's popular for special events, a playground, restrooms, two large fountains where kids are welcome to play, a fenced area for dogs, and a pavilion. The playground has shaded play structures and seating nearby, and it's for kids from 2 to 12 years old. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park also has great views of the tall buildings downtown and the river. The Glazer Children's Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art are next door, and the dock makes it easy to get there by boat, kayak, or paddleboard. The Tampa Museum of Art The Tampa Museum of Art has an onsite restaurant and interesting exhibits for kids and adults. You can examine one of the largest collections of Greek and Roman antiquities in the Southeast, modern sculptures, drawings, photos, and amazing glass artwork. This museum also has a variety of exhibits about women in the ancient world. Art classes for people of all ages are available. It's open on most days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Tampa Museum of Art closes at 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Guided tours for groups are available, but you'll need to schedule them in advance. The Riverwalk Cafe at TMA has a covered terrace with a beautiful view of the river, and it serves lunch, brunch, coffee, and gelato. The museum's gift shop offers jewelry, art books, home décor, and more. The Glazer Children's Museum The Glazer Children's Museum encourages kids to learn by playing and having fun. They can try a variety of fun activities, including: Helping a furry patient at a mock vet clinic Creating their own art Learning about money at a pretend bank Building at the engineers' workshop Learning about where food comes from at a small farm Exploring a fun firehouse Creating forts Generating sound and color at the Light Cloud exhibit Shopping for groceries Playing with tiny tugboats Learning about the roles of doctors Exploring nature This place is ideal for children under 11 years old, and it's open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also visit Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. You can experience many more fun spots on the Tampa Riverwalk, including the Tampa Bay History Center and the Florida Aquarium. Checking out this interesting area is a great way to get some exercise and spend time with your family members or friends. Image via Pixabay.com

If you're in the mood for tasty BBQ, you can find a number of eateries in the Tampa, Florida, area that offer flavorful menu options. Instead of trying to fire up your own grill and start cooking, head to one of these joints to enjoy a delicious meal. Al's Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que The name of this BBQ spot says it all – you'll be licking your fingers to enjoy the saucy flavors. Al's Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que was named one of the top barbecue joints in the state, as well as one of the city's top restaurants on both Tripadvisor and Yelp. The BBQ spot is open Wednesday through Saturday, serving up tasty options. more On the menu, you'll find sandwiches served with bread and sauce and featuring ribs, pulled pork, smoked sausage, chopped beef, chicken, turkey breast, or turkey leg. You can also get a plate of just meat or enjoy one of the smoked meat options with sides. Try some baked beans, Southern-style potato salad, yellow rice and chicken, creamy slaw, collard greens, black-eyed peas, okra and tomatoes, mac ‘n' cheese, or cornbread. Save room for dessert, as the homemade banana pudding, pies, and OMG cake are decadent treats. Bruh Mans BBQ For a unique experience, locate the Bruh Mans BBQ food truck, which parks at various locations around Tampa. The owners started this family-owned eatery in 2008, using their grandfather's recipes that he used when smoking hams and turkeys for Thanksgiving. The food options available at the truck still use the same family recipes, putting their soul into what they prepare. Additionally, Bruh Mans BBQ has a passion for feeding the local community. Smoked meat options include ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and brisket, while sides include baked beans, slaw, mac and cheese, and potato salad. Ya Boy's BBQ Ya Boy's BBQ is open Thursday through Saturday, serving up flavorful smoked meats and side dishes. It's best known for its chicken wings and BBQ ribs, although the menu includes several other choices as well. You can enjoy a sandwich topped with chopped beef or chicken, sausage, or pulled pork, a plate with your choice of meat and two sides, or a family meal that has enough to feed a group. The sides rotate on occasion, but some of the top choices include mac and cheese, yellow rice, baked beans, potato salad, seasoned curly fries, green beans, and collard greens. Mel's House of Smoke BBQ & Catering Mel's House of Smoke is another food truck that only serves on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for lunch and dinner, but it's a popular place to eat. On the meat list, you'll find ribs, thin ends, chicken, sausage, and pulled pork. You can get your meat on a plate with side dishes, piled on bread as a sandwich, or on its own in various size options. The menu even includes smaller options for kids, along with side dishes like potato salad, collard greens, and dirty rice. With so many places to eat BBQ in Tampa, it's easy to pick out a new favorite joint. Take advantage of the comfortable atmosphere that each offers, along with the tasty menu options. Image via Pixabay.com

Tampa, Florida, has a diverse population, making it easy to get a variety of international foods from all over the world. This includes Asian cuisine from many regions. When your taste buds want sushi, noodles, or other Asian fare, try out one of the following locations as one of them is sure to be serving what you crave. Pei Wei When you want a meal that is fresh and flavorful, you want to try Pei Wei. Here, they will see to it that your meal is prepared when you order it to ensure it has the best taste and meets all your dietary restrictions. Some of our favorite menu options are the rice bowls. Get one with orange chicken, it has crispy tempura white-meat chicken that's wok-seared and tossed with fresh sliced oranges. Other rice bowl flavors include spicy General Tso's, kung pao, ginger broccoli, and Mongolian. more Asiatic Street Food + Noodle Bar For that distinct Thai food flavor, you'll want to dine at Asiatic Street Food + Noodle Bar. Each meal is made-to-order and blends a variety of flavors to give you a delicious and perfectly spiced meal. Start off with an order of spring rolls or some pot stickers. Try the tom yum goong, a traditional Thai soup with shrimp, mushrooms, and tomatoes cooked in a spicy lemongrass broth. Other popular menu options include roasted duck, kanom jeen, and Thai chicken biryani. Ichicoro Ramen The unique yet modern atmosphere at Ichicoro Ramen makes it the ideal location to enjoy some soulful, authentic ramen-ya. Their friendly service and delicious menu items will keep you coming back for more. Ramen options are tonkotsu, shoyu, and mushroom. These selections are also available as cups of bone broth, which is good for boosting your immune system, promoting the healthy growth of skin, bones, and hair, and calming your mind. A menu of sake, beer, and wine will let you choose the perfect beverage to go with your meal. Soho Sushi If you're looking for a vibrant location where you can enjoy some award-winning sushi and sashimi, then stop by Soho Sushi in the heart of South Tampa. They offer a variety of Japanese menu options, so everyone in your group is sure to find something that will please their palate. A few of our favorite rolls include the Tampa, which has fried white fish and scallions; the eel roll, which is eel, cucumber, and avocado; and the spider, which has soft shell crab, scallions, avocado, and roe. If you want something other than sushi, you can order the yakitori, steam buns, or a bowl of miso soup. Asian Kitchen With their friendly service and tasty food, you can't beat the meals served at Asian Kitchen. For appetizers, they have edamame, pot stickers, seaweed salad, and steam buns. If you need a delicious and filling gluten-free option, order the AK burrito. It comes with rice, furikake, sweet cucumber, avocado, mixed greens, spicy mayo, and your choice of protein. Additionally, they have some great rice and noodle bowls to choose from. When you want Asian food, these are some of the best Asian restaurants in Tampa. So what are you waiting for? Go out and try one today. Image via Pixabay.com

The 2020 Ford Explorer is built for the long haul. Whether you're traveling on vacation or loading up materials for a job, the Explorer can get you where you need to go while providing exceptional capabilities. Here's why you should explore the world in a 2020 Ford Explorer. Power and Performance The 2020 Ford Explorer model lineup comes in five trim levels: the base Explorer, XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum. The Explorer and XLT both come standard with Ford's 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine, and when you upgrade to the ST or the Platinum, you upgrade to the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine. The Limited features Ford's hybrid technology with its 3.3-liter hybrid engine. more Interior Comfort and Convenience Travel comfortably in the Explorer with its standard features including tri-zone climate control with separate temperature controls for driver and passengers, exceptional cargo space, and soft cloth seats. The Explorer makes more room with its second and third-row split-folding seats, giving you 87 cubic feet of room for loading up anything you need to transport. You'll get standard convenience features across all of the Explorer's trims, including remote keyless entry, remote start, and a rearview camera with backup assist technology. Add the available sunroof option to any of the Explorer's upper trims. Impressive Technology The Explorer also comes packed with helpful, cutting-edge technology. Standard tech features include Ford's Co-Pilot360 technology, driver assist technology with lane keeping assist and alert, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. You can add the SYNC 3 and FordPass technology as an upgrade, and you can control everything right from your 8-inch touch screen. SiriusXM satellite radio also comes standard for all trims, and you can add the optional voice command navigation system. Excellent Capabilities The Explorer provides exceptional towing and hauling capabilities. All 2020 trims come standard with rear-wheel drive and the option to add the four-wheel-drive package. When you upgrade your Explorer with the four-wheel-drive system, you'll get the terrain management system, which boosts the off-road capabilities of the vehicle. The trailer sway control system brakes selectively and adjusts the engine's output to keep your trailer riding smoothly so you can safely tow up to 5,600 pounds. The Class III trailer tow package comes standard with the 3.0-liter EcoBoost and as an option with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost and the 3.3-liter hybrid. Safety and Security The Explorer features several standard and optional safety packages for the 2020 model year. The standard safety features you'll get across all trim levels include a driver and passenger air bag deployment system, roll stability and traction control, LATCH seating restraints for child safety seats, and the SOS crash alert system. The upgraded safety package also includes advanced safety technology, such as the BLIS driver assist system with blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, and park assist to ensure you maneuver your vehicle safely and securely. The 2020 Explorer is an excellent combination of comfort, class, and capability. When you drive away in this mid size SUV, explore the world confidently knowing Ford's got you covered. Image via ElderFordofTampa.com

Pickup trucks are one of the fastest-evolving vehicle types on the market, having grown from reliable but uncomfortable work companions to all-around vehicles versatile enough for any task. The 2020 Ford F-150 and F-250 are two great examples of modern trucks that are strong enough to get the job done, but safe and comfortable enough to take your family on a road trip. Powerful Available Engines Choosing the right engine for your truck depends on your needs and preferences, but luckily both these trucks have a wide range of engine choices. The 2020 F-150's base engine is a strong 3.3-liter V-6 with up to 290 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. While this should be enough for most drivers, if you're looking for some extra power, Ford has you covered. The other engine options are a 2.7-liter turbo V-6 with 325 horsepower, a 5-liter V-8 with 395 horsepower or 450 horsepower on the higher trims, and a turbo-diesel V-6 with great towing capability. The  2020 F-250 only has three engine types, but all of them are monstrously powerful. The base engine is a 6.2-liter V-8 that can produce up to 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The 2020 model introduces a new engine type, a 7.3-liter V-8 with 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. And if these two are not exactly what you're looking for, F-250's turbocharged diesel V-8 engine has up to 475 horsepower and an astonishing 1,050 pound-feet of torque. more Great Standard Features Both the 2020 Ford F-150 and the 2020 F-250 have very well-equipped base models. The F-150's basic XL trim comes with handy features, such as trailer sway control, pre-wired trailer connections, and a great-sounding four-speaker sound system. The optional 101A package can add some tech features like smartphone connectivity through Bluetooth and USB ports. The F-250 also comes with useful standard features like a trailer tow package, a removable locking tailgate, and telescoping tow mirrors. On the interior, the XL trim comes with standard air conditioning, a rearview camera, and a four-speaker sound system. Useful Active Safety Systems With trucks being used more and more as weekend family vehicles, safety is a very important issue. Luckily both the F-150 and F-250 are large vehicles with sturdy frames, but they are also equipped with modern accident-avoidance technology. The F-150 has pre-collision assist with automatic emergency warning, alerting the driver of any potential frontal collision and even applying the brakes. It also comes with lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. The F-250 is a bigger truck, so the driver needs to be properly informed regarding anything that's happening around the vehicle. The blind-spot monitoring system does exactly that, alerting the driver of any vehicle entering the truck's blind spot. The trailer tow camera system shows you what's behind the trailer as you're reversing, and the tire pressure monitoring system alerts you if one of the truck's tires drops below the recommended pressure. The 2020 Ford F-150 and F-250 are both powerful and versatile trucks that will be reliable partners both at work and in your free time. Image via Ford.com

The new Ford Edge offers comfort, ease, and style to drivers who want some extra size and space while maintaining power and fuel efficiency. With several impressive standard features, you can't go wrong no matter which 2020 Edge you choose. Here are five of the most appealing features of the new Edge. Eye-Catching Good Looks You're sure to turn some heads while driving around in the 2020 Ford Edge. Depending on the trim level you choose, you'll enjoy exterior features like LED fog lights and Bi-LED low and high beam headlights for a brighter road ahead and less energy use. Heated side mirrors with security approach lights help you safely access your vehicle even when it's dark. A dual-exhaust with brushed tips in stainless steel give the Edge a bit of an edge. Choose the Titanium trim for all the top-notch exterior features like chrome accents and LED taillights with amber-colored turn signals. more Exciting Standard Power The standard engine is a 2.0-liter EcoBoost that uses twin-scroll design and direct fuel injection to provide precise, responsive power without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Automatic start and stop technology comes with the SE model and will save your Edge energy and fuel by turning off the engine when you're stopped in traffic or at a light and then turning it back on the second you're ready to go. This is ideal for city drivers with busy commutes. Interior Comfort When you choose the 2020 Edge Titanium model, you'll be welcomed into a cabin featuring a leather-wrapped steering wheel, perforated leather-trimmed seating, ambient lighting, and interior chrome accents. The standard rotary shift dial provides convenience and a thoroughly updated look to the inside of the Edge. With seating for up to five and plenty of space for cargo in the rear, you can bring everything and everyone you want along for this comfortable ride. High-Tech Tech Stay connected while on the road without being distracted thanks to Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system. This smart system allows you hands-free access to apps, music, phone calls, and more with voice-activation technology. Opt for the available integrated navigation, and you'll have the best co-pilot with you for every drive. Use the available FordPass app to keep track of your vehicle while you're far from it. Using your smartphone, you can start your car, lock or unlock the doors, and even find nearby gas and parking. ST Model Want 335 horsepower with your SUV? Sure, no problem. The 2020 Edge ST model comes with a powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine that offers some seriously impressive horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The automatic transmission allows you to shift gears with the simple turn of a dial and offers a button for sport mode that'll power up the ST to its fullest potential. You'll also love the paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel for continued control even during spirited driving. Come by Elder Ford of Tampa to browse our lot and showroom full of new Ford models. Take a 2020 Ford Edge for a test drive to experience these great features for yourself. Image via Ford.com

With the newest generation introduced last year, the 2020 Ford Ranger is continuing to keep up with more updates and added perks. In addition to a newly available off-road package, the 2020 Ranger offers several impressive standard features and loads of exciting options inside and out. Here's what you should know about the 2020 Ford Ranger. Exterior Options Every new Ranger trim comes with exterior features like tow hooks, automatic halogen headlights, side mirrors with an integrated spotter mirror, and tie-down hooks in the truck bed. If you're looking for more convenient and eye-catching features, there are plenty available through certain upgrades, packages, and add-ons. Available black or chrome running boards provide help getting into the truck while adding a little extra style. Choose between the Chrome, Sport, or Black appearance packages for a unique look and sleek accents throughout the exterior. more Impressive Power You'll find a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine under the hood of every 2020 Ford Ranger. Using the twin-scroll turbocharger design, this engine kicks out up to 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Its auto start/stop technology helps conserve fuel by automatically shutting off the engine while the truck is idling and turning it back on as soon as you release the brake. The transition is so smooth, you won't notice anything except the fuel-efficient driving. This EcoBoost engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to its tow/haul mode and other SelectShift driving modes, you can tailor your truck to handle exactly what you need it to with the simple turn of a dial. Strong Capability When it comes to towing and hauling, the Ford Ranger gets the job done. When properly equipped, this pickup will tow up to 7,500 pounds and handle a 1,860-pound payload. Its steel bumpers are mounted on the frame of the truck along with its tow hooks for rigid strength when you need it. Ford's ESOF (Electronic Shift on the Fly) system allows you to shift into 4x4 hi or low mode easily for rougher terrain and back to two-wheel drive for smooth surfaces and better fuel economy. Lariat Trim If you're looking for some extra luxury and perks in addition to all that the 2020 Ranger can do, consider the Lariat trim. This is the top trim with all the top features. On the outside, you'll enjoy 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with gray pockets, LED exterior lighting, a chrome grille, and power heated side mirror with security approach lights and integrated turn signals. This trim also comes standard with the full list of active safety systems. Stay aware of your surroundings and potential collisions with lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and pre-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and rain-sensing wipers are also available. New Off-Road Package Adventurers will love the new FX2 off-road package. An off-road suspension and electronic-locking rear differential help the Ranger handle super tough terrain while body-side decals give it some extra attitude. Choose the FX4 off-road package for even more adventure-ready features. Head into Elder Ford of Tampa to check out our selection of new Ford vehicles. Get behind the wheel of a 2020 Ranger and take it for a spin. It might be your next new car. Image via Ford.com

Whether you're looking for an elegant restaurant to take your date or you just want to grab a quick bite, Tampa, Florida, has several great French restaurants. We've created a list of some of the best French restaurants in Tampa to help you find the perfect location for your next meal. Parts of Paris Bistro & Bar The Parisian bistro-inspired Parts of Paris Bistro & Bar offers diners a unique dining atmosphere inside a 1936 Florida bungalow. They provide a menu filled with French bistro fare, most of which is prepared on-site. A full cocktail bar offers excellent libations and the perfect atmosphere for socializing with friends. If you go for dinner, try the steak frites, moules frites, or carre d'agneau. They also offer a Sunday brunch menu that has options like chevre chaud, foie gras, and crepe salee. more Bizou Brasserie If you want to eat in a unique location that also serves excellent food and drinks, check out the Bizou Brasserie. It's housed in one of Tampa's most iconic buildings, the former federal courthouse. With a central downtown location, this makes a great spot to enjoy a French meal after spending a day exploring the area. They're open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can get a meal anytime you're close by. For breakfast, try the French vanilla pancakes or the stuffed brioche French toast. The lunch menu has tasty selections such as a charcuterie and cheese platter, grilled chicken and spinach flatbread sandwich, and a Bizou chopped salad. If you go for dinner, you might enjoy the boursin stuffed chicken breast, the fresh local catch, or the Bizou meatloaf. They also have a wonderful dessert menu, so you can finish off your meal with something sweet. La Creperia Cafe Chef Dinos has been perfecting the art of crepe making for over 20 years, and you can enjoy the taste of his efforts at La Creperia Cafe. Watch him pour, flip, and twirl as he makes you a delicious crepe using only the freshest ingredients. Breakfast crepes are served all day and include options like la metro with cheese, eggs, caramelized onions, and green peppers; or try the atomica with cheese, eggs, mushrooms, and a pinch of crushed red pepper. If you want something sweet, try the maple madness. It comes with butter, maple syrup, bananas, and walnuts. They also serve savory crepes that are filled with a variety of ingredients such as chicken, beef, seafood, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and lots more, so you're sure to find a combination that you love. Gulf Bistro Since 2001, Gulf Bistro has provided the Madeira Beach area with exceptional French cuisine in an elegant setting. You'll receive high-quality, personalized service in addition to the great food. They offer weekly specials that are sure to delight your taste buds. These specials vary, but may include options like snapper bonne femme, porc au chevre, or beef tenderloin claire. The regular dinner menu includes authentic French items such as country style pate, seafood gratine, sea bass aux amandes, and so much more. No matter what type of French cuisine you're in the mood for, you can find something to satisfy in the Tampa, Florida, area. Let us know what you think of these French restaurants or share your favorite one with us. Check with local restaurants to see if changes have been made to their operating hours and/or pickup options. Image via Pixabay.com

The Ford Ranger returned to the American market last year after an eight-year absence, with the midsize pickup truck still being hugely popular worldwide during that time. The 2020 model comes with many new features, making the Ranger one of the most reliable and comfortable trucks on the market today. A Wide Variety of Trims and Configurations There are many ways in which you can configure the 2020 Ford Ranger so it can suit your exact needs. There are two cab configurations available: the extended cab with a 6-food bed and a crew cab with a 5-foot bed. After deciding which cab length is right for you, there are three trim levels to choose from: XL, XLT, and Lariat. Even the basic XL trim is a very well-equipped vehicle, with features such as 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and modern active safety systems. There are also two feature packages available, the 101A and the Co-Pilot 360, which add extra comfort and safety features. Higher trims being even more features, such as alloy wheels, an 8-inch touch screen interface, exterior esthetic enhancements, LED headlights, leather upholstery, and a great-sounding 10-speaker sound system, among others. more Great Power and Performance All 2020 Ford Ranger trims come equipped with the same engine, a versatile 2.3-liter four-cylinder that can produce up to 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. All that power is smoothly transmitted down to the wheels with the help of a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine manages to propel the Ranger to a speed of 60 miles per hour from a complete standstill in only 6.8 seconds, a time that 's better than many much smaller and lighter sedans and compact cars. Adding the FX4 off-road package will enhance the Ranger's performance on rough terrains. Amazing Interior Space and Comfort No matter what cab configuration you decide on, you're likely to be impressed with the 2020 Ranger's large cabin. The seats are spacious and easy to get in and out of irrespective of your size, while the wide-opening doors make getting in and out a breeze. All the materials used throughout the interior are good quality and pleasant to touch, with small storage space and buttons for the most important functions all around the cabin. Smartphone connectivity is also easily achievable, through Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and USB ports. Modern Safety Features With midsize pickup trucks often being used as family vehicles, safety is definitely the number one priority for many drivers. The 2020 Ranger comes with many modern and useful active safety systems designed to alert the driver of any potential danger and even help with avoiding it. Some of them are the forward and reverse sensing system, alerting the driver of any objects in the front and rear of the vehicle, the automatic emergency braking system, and the lane-keeping system. Pickup trucks are very popular nowadays, mainly due to their versatility. The 2020 Ford Ranger is clear proof of that, with a multitude of trims and configurations to suit your every need, great comfort and safety levels, as well as a comfortable and modern cabin. Image via Ford.com