Author

Jessi Smith

Jessi Smith

Jessi Smith (she/they) is a freelance writer who is passionate about sustainability, community building, and the power of the arts and transformative storytelling. A fourth-generation Floridian, Jessi received her B.A. in Art History and English from Florida International University and began reporting for 83 Degrees in 2009. When she isn't writing, Jessi enjoys taking her deaf rescue dog on outdoors adventures, unearthing treasures in backroads antiques and thrift shops, D.I.Y. upcycling projects, and Florida-friendly gardening.

Jessi Smith's Latest Articles

PCGS masters degree students work on a variety of food sustainability and climate resilience projects, ranging from virtual reality solutions for sustainable practices to aquaponics and hydroponics farming.
USF Patel College opens enrollment for new M.S. in Global Sustainability

USF's new master's degree in Global Sustainability includes five concentrations in Entrepreneurship, Food Sustainability and Security, Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Transportation, and Water Sustainability. Learn more.

Amgen team members march at the 2019 Tampa Pride Parade.
Biotech pioneer Amgen supports local STEM equity, racial justice, COVID-19 relief efforts

Global biotech pioneer Amgen partners with Tampa Bay Area nonprofit organizations to support local people and programs working on STEM equity, racial justice, and COVID-19 relief. Learn what the company is doing in Tampa.

Violin soloist Jeff Multer of the Florida Orchestra.
Florida Orchestra composes savvy solutions to modulate COVID problem

The Florida Orchestra is back performing live at Mahaffey Theatre in St. Petersburg while observing CDC-recommended social distancing in front of a 25% audience capacity. The concerts are also available online.

A scene from "Reflections," 2020. Tampa City Ballet's "Dance for Camera" series launched during the pandemic and continues in 2021. In this series, dancers perform in outdoor spaces in Tampa and St. Petersburg.
PPE pirouette: Tampa City Ballet dances with COVID-safe precautions

Tampa Bay Area arts institutions are finding unique ways to persevere through the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn how the Tampa City Ballet is finding solutions.

Pasted photograph by Fabio Bucciarelli for the New York Times and illustration by Jeremyville on Allen Street in Manhattan. © Benjamin Petit.
Gallery experiences go virtual at the USF Contemporary Art Museum

While most of us have been staying home, watching too much TV, and learning to redefine what constitutes our new work-life balance, Tampa Bay Area arts institutions are finding unique ways to persevere through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Elizabeth Hordge-Freeman, Senior Advisor to USF President, DARE project lead
USF addresses systemic inequities using data from student, faculty insights

As USF grows, its institutional commitment to excellence in higher education asks in earnest: "Best" for whom? How does the "USF experience" vary among its heterogeneous racial and ethnic populations? And how might the university bolster its services and redefine campus culture to improve the collegiate experience and provide better opportunities, both within and beyond the university walls, for all Bulls?

A water level metering station at the US Coast Guard in St Pete.
Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council takes technical lead in statewide flood mitigation planning

Six of Florida's regional planning councils receive grants through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to create a statewide approach to flood planning and mitigation.

Derrick Blue, CEO of THAP Group in Tampa.
City of Tampa, THAPgroup partner to grow business accelerator for East Tampa entrepreneurs

A new partnership between the City of Tampa and the Tampa-Hillsborough Action Plan (THAPgroup) in East Tampa aims to offer the training and support necessary for entrepreneurs and microbusinesses to move forward with confidence.  

First Watch to open new Manatee headquarters near UTC Mall

The Florida-based restaurant chain, First Watch, will expand its corporate headquarters to south Manatee County in 2021 with the completion of a 39,000-square-foot headquarters at University Town Center.

Construction on Bayso at The Quay, a project by The Ritz-Carlton Residences architect, Kolter Urban, will begin in Spring 2021.
On our radar: Most anticipated projects coming to the Tampa Bay Area in 2021

As we exhale a sigh of relief to have 2020 behind us, 83 Degrees and our readers are looking forward to what's new and what's next for the Tampa Bay Area in 2021 and beyond that will transform our shared environment and experiences. Read about a few that you won't want to miss.

Our Partners

Solutions journalism takes time, trust, and your support.

Close
Psst. We could use your help today!

Don't miss out!

Everything Tampa Bay, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.