First Tampa, Now New York: Foursquare Day Gets Major Boost

When it comes to firsts, New York City doesn't often lag behind Tampa Bay.

Except when it comes to Foursquare. Earlier today, New York City's Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced April 16 would officially be Foursquare Day in the city.

That's about a year after Tampa's former Mayor Pam Iorio made the same declaration.

It makes sense.

It was Nathan Bonilla-Warford, a Westchase optometrist, who founded the holiday last year via his Twitter page.

“For me the whole thing has been fun and a way to encourage local business and to get people out into the community," said Bonilla-Warford, when reached by phone in Houston where he is attending an optometry conference. "Every time it takes a bigger step, every time something happens, it’s just more fun.”

While still considered neophyte in the world of social media with 8 million users, Foursquare is quickly gaining popularity.

The application, largely used on phones, allows users to "check-in" at various locations around town. Going to Starbucks? Check-in. Getting a pedicure at your favorite spa? Check-in. The more times you check in at a location, the more status you receive. So after a number of times checking in, you earn badges and can even become "mayor" of a certain location.

Bonilla-Warford, who owns in Westchase, gained an affinity for the application because it encourages people to get out into their community and explore.

He thought, why not have a day to truly celebrate its ability?

And what better day than April 16 (a play on the mathematical equivalent of the number four squared.)

Last year Bonilla-Warford decided to Tweet his idea. Foursquare, headquartered in New York, got on board and it took off.

About 14,000 people around the world participated in "Foursquare Day" last year, Bonilla-Warford said. They expect more this year.

Basically, participating in Foursquare Day just involves going out and checking in at places throughout the community. Some cities have planned events.

Locally, there will be a Foursquare Day celebration at 3pm on Saturday, April 16 at the Tampa Tap Room, 13150 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618.

Tampa's current mayor Bob Buckhorn will award someone the "Foursquare Mayor of Tampa" on Saturday at the Sail Pavilion on the Riverwalk at the Tampa Convention Center  just after 2:00pm.

"The event is being held in celebration of Foursquare Day and to help raise awareness about ways social marketing can be used to increase business," according to a statement by the mayor's office.

After hearing the news about New York City and Bloomberg, Bonilla-Warford marveled at how far his idea had come.

“I’m really proud of the Tampa team, without the people supporting it last year this wouldn’t have happened," he said. "I'm really proud of Tampa to be able to pull this off to make it a successful event 2 years in a row.”

To find out more about Foursquare Day, go to this link.