Stories

For Good The Redefining Refuge team, with founder and Executive Director Natasha Nascimento in the center, during Operation Dragon Eye, a two-week missing child operation across Tampa Bay considered the most successful child recovery operation is U.S. history

Redefining Refuge: Natasha Nascimento’s mission of hope for exploited children

Launched in 2010, Tampa Bay nonprofit Redefining Refuge has a vital, heart-wrenching role in providing care, support, and advocacy for children and youth recovered from exploitation and trafficking.

For Good Artist Anthony Freese's street mural in the Carver City/Lincoln Gardens neighborhood, shown here in 2020, was going to be refurbished by the Westshore Alliance. Instead, it's been removed by the state.

Masthead gallery: Tampa Bay street murals gone by state mandate

A gallery of some street murals in Tampa and St. Pete that were removed under Gov. Ron DeSantis's order targeting street art.

Partner Content With funding from the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa's Wealth Builders program offers parents living in poverty training and guidance to get better-paying jobs.

Wealth Builders offers route from poverty to prosperity

With funding from the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa's Wealth Builders program offers parents living in poverty training and guidance to get better-paying jobs.

For Good Pinellas County Commission Chair Brian Scott proposes the county stop funding its local arts agency, Creative Pinellas, in the budget year starting October 1.

County Commission chair proposes to stop funding Creative Pinellas

Pinellas County Commission Chair Brian Scott proposes the county stop funding its local arts agency, Creative Pinellas, in the budget year starting October 1.

Feature Story The Tampa City Ballet, shown here during a March 2025 performance of "Don Quixote" at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center, is part of the center's annual arts festival

September arts: New Tampa Performing Arts Center Annual Arts Festival returns, much more

September's Tampa Bay arts scene has the New Tampa Performing Arts Center's annual festival, a St. Pete Warehouse Arts District Association exhibition reflecting on the dismantling of USAID, Powerstories' presentation of "Ada and the Engine," and much more.

Innovation News The Book Rescuers has grown from a driveway yard sale to a 14,400 square-foot warehouse location with 10 employees and a calendar of community events.

The Book Rescuers: Largo business on mission to rehome books, build community

George and Sarah Brooks have taken The Book Rescuers from a yard sale in their driveway to a 14,400 square-foot warehouse location that's part bookstore, part community gathering place.

Feature Story Largo's Horizon West Bay, shown here in June, is slated to open in the fall

Pinellas cities' construction projects aim to revitalize key areas

For Largo, Pinellas Park, Clearwater, and Oldsmar, city construction projects are part of the effort to revitalize key areas of the community.

For Good New Tampa Bay History Center President and CEO Audrey Chapuis

Tampa Bay History Center names new President, CEO

New Tampa Bay History Center President and CEO Audrey Chapuis brings decades of leadership at cultural and academic institutions to the role.

For Good Heard 'Em Say's monthly open mic, the only youth open mic in Tampa, is a cornerstone program for the nonprofit.

Heard 'Em Say helps young people find their voice through poetry, performance

Heard 'Em Say Youth Arts Collective, the nonprofit behind Tampa’s only youth open mic event, uplifts adolescent and teen voices through poetry, storytelling, and the arts. 

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Masthead gallery: Countdown Improv Festival finale

A photo gallery from the 2025 Countdown Improv Festival's closing day at The Commodore in Ybor City. 

For Good Creative Pinellas' "Making Waves" cultural tourism pilot program is planned to bring environmental-themed art installations and projects to parks, beaches, preserves, and other public places around the county in spring 2026.

Creative Pinellas accepting artist grant applications for environmental-themed "Making Waves"

Creative Pinellas is launching “Making Waves,” a new environmental-themed cultural tourism pilot program, in spring 2026. Pinellas-based artists who want to take part have an August 31st deadline to apply for grant funding.

For Good USF's Pakistani Student Association performs during the Pakistani American Association of Tampa Bay's 2025 Independence Day celebration.

Pakistanis celebrate Independence Day with full house at The Regent

The  Pakistani American Association of Tampa Bay's annual Independence Day celebration at The Regent in Riverview draws an estimated crowd of 700 to honor their shared heritage and culture and enjoy an evening of music and food.

For Good The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts' weeklong World Photography Day celebration includes its photo club's inaugural happy hour meet-up

FMoPA World Photography Day special events

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts celebrates World Photography Day with a week of events. 

For Good This Lamar Sparkman painting depicts tarpon fishing off Gasparilla Island with the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse in the background. Tampa Bay History Center Collection

Get hooked on Florida fishing history with new Tampa Bay History Center exhibit

The Tampa Bay History Center's new exhibit "The Lure of Florida Fishing" explores the state's long history with fishing and Tampa Bay's role in the story. 

For Good New Community Foundation Tampa Bay Chair Linda O. Simmons brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience to the role.

Community Foundation Tampa Bay Chair Linda O. Simmons looks to grow nonprofit's impact, drive change

New Community Foundation Tampa Bay Board Chair Linda O. Simmons brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience and a commitment to drive positive change.

Innovation News Ariana Walker and Luke Preston of The Studio

Creative sanctuary The Studio launching pop-up in heart of Ybor City

The Studio, a creative space and sanctuary planned in Ybor City, is launching a Kickstarter campaign for a four-weekend pop-up that will hopefully lead to a permanent space. 

Feature Story WUSF and WSMR "are examining every aspect of every project and ensuring that the things that we put the most effort into are the things that the most people are using,” General Manager JoAnn Urofsky says.

Before the signal fades: The unseen costs of defunding Florida’s public media

Following the elimination of federal and state funding for public broadcasting, Tampa Bay area stations vow to continue community mission in face of uncertain future.

Feature Story Healthcare professionals and dedicated volunteer advocates are working to promote screening for cervical and breast cancer among minority women.

Promoting cervical, breast cancer screening among minority women

Healthcare professionals and cancer survivors educate and advocate for increased cervical and breast cancer screening among minority women.

Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Gorkhali Kitchen brings Nepal’s bold flavors to Tampa Bay

New Tampa's Gorkhali Kitchen, the first and only Nepalese restaurant in the area, has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction three years in a row.

Feature Story  Launched in 2023, Tampa Pickleball Crew is a hive of activiity. Who knew that whacking plastic balls back and forth across a net, under 40-foot ceilings with exposed, oxidized beams, would feel so cool and urban and of-the-moment? 

Tampa Pickleball Crew takes the court for Ybor revival

Breathing new life into a former industrial building on Adamo Drive, Tampa Pickleball Crew is part of a re-energized Ybor City's revitalization.