Stories

Feature Story Aerial survey of one of Hillsborough County's numerous solar arrays, offsetting its carbon footprint by moving to clean energy.

Regional governments make plans to transition to sustainable energy alternatives

“The big push is to figure out where we can collaborate and convene on issues to move the needle through collective action,” says Cara Serra, comprehensive resiliency planner for the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council.  

Feature Story Some of the trophies given to Clearwater businesses during AMPLIFY Clearwater's annual awards ceremony in October 2021.

AMPLIFY Clearwater CEO reflects on 100 Years of chamber history, looks ahead

What's next for AMPLIFY Clearwater? An annual meeting at which the chamber’s approximately 900 members will reflect on the successes of the last few years and look back at 100 years of business history.

Feature Story Hillsborough County's Equity Profile Action Plan will look at key issues through an equity lens.

Hillsborough County seeks input on new Equity Profile Action Plan

''By developing an equity profile of our community, opportunities for equitable growth can be identified and nurtured,” says an RFP describing Hillsborough County's Equity Profile Action Plan. 

Innovation News Though it’s a large mural, there’s no lack of details in the gemstone’s surface.

Water Street Tampa boasts first augmented reality mural in Tampa

Internationally renowned muralist Leon Keer brings new technology to add to his painted murals.

Buzz An average of about 9,396 fans per game attended the team’s 81 home games this season at Tropicana Field, according to Baseball Reference. Tropicana Field has a capacity of 25,025 fans.

MLB nixes Sister City Plan for Tampa Bay Rays, Montreal

Major League Baseball rejects a proposal by the Tampa Bay Rays for a Sister City split season with Montreal. Rays co-Owners begin to explore new options. Read the complete story.  

Buzz A Cuban sandwich like none other served up at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City in Tampa.

What makes the Cuban sandwich special?Tampa native tracks history, ingredients

What goes into Tampa's traditional Cuban sandwiches and the bread that makes them special? Tampa native Jamie Allen tells all in the January edition of Garden and Gun.

Development News Construction of the $84M project is expected to be complete by 2023.

Imagine Clearwater vision begins to take shape in redo of Coachman Park

Vertical construction has started on the gateway plaza part of the Imagine Clearwater waterfront redevelopment of Coachman Park. Read what’s new and what’s next.

Innovation News USF has installed the Reverse Vending Machines on campuses in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Coca-Cola, Florida universities recycle for good

The University of South Florida’s new Reverse Vending Machines help the environment and students in need.

Innovation News Dr. Patrick Zhang, research director of phosphate beneficiation and mining at Florida Polytechnic University’s Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute (FIPR), shows a solution containing various rare earth elements in the institute’s lab.

Energy funds study that could lead to new industry for Florida

A Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute study can help position the state to become a U.S. supplier of the rare earth elements used to manufacture green energy and tech gadgets.

Innovation News Tampa Bay Wave helps entrepreneurs accelerate innovation through world-class programs and networks.

New fintech accelerator aims to quickly grow Tampa Bay Area tech companies

The Tampa Bay Wave is accepting applications for its new fintech accelerator through Feb. 28. Learn more about the process.

Feature Story The Related Group expects to start construction on Rome Yard in West Tampa in the early months of 2024.

10 projects to watch in 2022 as building boom continues in Tampa

Affordable housing is in the works for West Tampa. Construction soon begins on a multi-use development that will connect downtown Tampa's Central Park/ENCORE! and Channel District with Ybor City neighborhoods. And construction has begun in Plant City on a brand new hospital.

Development News News clips from 1909-10 on construction of original hotel now being considered for restoration.

Tampa cigar company plans to restore old hotel near Ybor City

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. leaders envision converting the long abandoned Sanchez y Haya Hotel built in 1910 as a boarding house for employees into a chic bed and breakfast for Tampa visitors.

Development News Airplane passengers and commuters taking all three bridges across Tampa Bay can see the cranes lined up along the Howard Frankland Bridge as construction continues.

Cranes mark ongoing reconstruction of Howard Frankland Bridge connecting Tampa, St. PeteFDOT says work is on budget, on schedule

A new design and additional lanes under construction on the Howard Frankland Bridge should make commuting across Tampa Bay easier, even for walkers and bicyclists.

Buzz Hundreds of thousands of parade goers are expected to line the Gasparilla parade route, begging for beads and displaying debauchery as festivities return in 2022 after taking a year off due to COVID.

Everything you want to know about Gasparilla 2022Parades, festivals, history, and more

Gasparilla is back! After the annual pirate festivities were canceled in 2021 due to the pandemic, Tampa residents and visitors can't wait to partake in 2022. 

Feature Story Growing everything from herbs to aloe, 813 Hood Garden wants everyone to know how it easy it is to grow at home.

East Tampa resident makes her way north to find space for community gardenHer goal? Gardening spot closer to home

The Founder of 813 Hood Garden in Tampa is looking for space to create a community garden in East Tampa to serve residents of the largely low-income neighborhood.  

Feature Story Local restaurant owners also shop at Sanwa Farmer's Market for fresh produce and exotic packaged foods not found elsewhere.

The road to food sovereignty pauses in East Tampa

Sanwa Farmer's Market provides an oasis for fresh produce and ethnic choices in East Tampa as much of the surrounding community remains a food desert lacking grocery stores that populate other neighborhoods.

Feature Story New apartments, condos, and townhomes are under construction at Westshore Marina District south of Gandy in Tampa.

New Westshore Marina District in Tampa aims to 'maximize life on the water'

BTI Partners, the South Florida developers building the new Westshore Marina District in South Tampa, are well on their way to creating a city within a city for the higher-end real estate market.

For Good .

January Arts Roundup: Poetically environmental art, an exhibition all about cats, and more

From the USF campus in Tampa to Ybor City to downtown St. Pete, the local arts scene is hopping in January. Read more about things to do.

Innovation News Sheffie Robinson, Founder, CEO, and CTO, of Shamrck, a career development firm that relocated to St. Petersburg.

Career development firm moves to St. Petersburg

The workforce development firm Shamrck, which relies on artificial intelligence and machine learning, has relocated from Mississippi to St. Petersburg and is making plans to open a data center.

Feature Story Thousands of aerial photographs by Selbypic, like this one taken of downtown Tampa in 1982, were donated to the Tampa Bay History Center.

Flying high above Tampa: Family donates aerial news photographer’s work to Tampa Bay History Center

A treasure trove of images taken by legendary Tampa aerial photographer Bill Morris from the mid-1960s through the mid-1990s is now part of the Tampa Bay History Center's collection.