S.B.
Fly into Tampa, but head to the beaches! St. Petersburg Beach, Clearwater, Indian Rocks are all WONDERFUL!! The beach is miles & miles long, soft sand and the gulf waters are warm. My family & I have been going there for over forty years. Lots of kitchie type places to shop and great food around. Tons of family friendly places to visit. I too am in KC, so the beach is very important to us since we never get to see it. There are lots of beachfront hotels & condos in the area at a variety of prices.
Also, if you can afford it, Southwest Airlines flies non-stop to Tampa, so that's an easy trip and flying gives you extra vacation/beach time. Have fun! I may see you there this summer too.