TAMPA, Fla. — It's a debate that's familiar to Tampa residents.

  • Debate over name for Tampa residents
  • Are they Tampans, Tampanians or Tampenos.
  • Tampa man Mario Nunez wants city council to weigh in

Florida residents are referred to as Floridians -- but what do you call Tampa residents? One man is determined to find the perfect title this year.

And he plans to make a title official.

Tampa natives have had their own terms that they’ve called themselves over the years, but now, one man wants to change that—he’s pushing for an official proclamation—and an official name for all Tampa residents.

Mario Nunez grew up here in Tampa, and over the years, he says he’s heard many monikers for Tampa residents.

But when it comes down to it, he says there are really only three options— Tampan, Tampanian or Tampeno.

Nunez is hoping council members will make a proclamation and give Tampa residents an official name. Most agree Tampan is out. Nunez is personally pushing for Tampeno.

"Tampeno simply means a person from Tampa, but more than that," said Mario Nunez. "I think it reflects our cultural diversity, it’s an inclusive term and if there’s something I can really drive home with everybody, Tampa’s history is unique.

"The culture here has always been one of inclusiveness and diversity.  I think the name Tampeno reflects that in ways Tampan certainly doesn’t and Tampanian doesn’t either."

Nunez says he’s prepared for a public debate on the issue.