Stories

Development News .

Tampa Bay Area real estate: Trending upward and onward

National ULI, PwC study ranks the Tampa Bay Area in top 10 regarding economy, social issues.

Buzz The Patel Conservatory's hiigh school Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra practices before the Spring Music Spectacular.

Art Snax: High School Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra performs at Spring Music Spectacular in Tampa

The Straz Center in Tampa will be the site of the Spring Music Spectacular featuring top high school performers from all over the Tampa Bay Area on April 21. Tickets are on sale now. COVID-safety protocols will be in place.

Innovation News Chris Vasilakis of Guided Virtual Tours

Tampa entrepreneur projects growth in guided virtual tours of property

The Founder of Tampa-based Guided Virtual Tours expects to attract 10,000 more online property buyers in the next 18 months because of advances in technology and safety concerns around COVID-19.

Feature Story 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.

Feature Story Community members install oyster bags to create a living shoreline in Ozona.

Meet 3 local resiliency officers designing plans to combat climate change in the Tampa Bay AreaLearn what they are doing and why

Tampa Bay Area residents going about their daily lives may not realize that behind-the-scenes, a trio of experts is working to find solutions to projected climate change and its potential impact on local people, property, planning, and prosperity.

Feature Story Lauren Farrell West, licensed clinical social worker

Commentary: Gratitude is a powerful state of mind that can help you get through tough timesA social worker reflects on life in a pandemic

A Tampa social worker suggests how to move forward: 'I try to live in the present moment and not worry about the past or obsess about the future. Simply said, that's hard to do. But, almost always worth the effort it takes.' Learn more.

Feature Story Cluck Norris (Nashville hot chicken and gouda)

Food entrepreneur: St. Pete celebrity chef creates instant hit with Fo'Cheezy Twisted Meltz

A celebrity chef does what some thought impossible: He opens a new concept food truck and then a restaurant in St. Pete during the pandemic. Now he's looking to open a second restaurant later this month. Read his recipe for success.

Buzz The USF Park on the Tampa Riverwalk near the Tampa Convention Center.

USF grad programs get top ranking nationally

U.S. News & World Report ranks USF graduate programs among the nation’s best.

Feature Story Architecture of Artspace Mt. Baker in Seattle, WA.

New Artspace in Tampa? You can help decide by taking the Arts Market Study survey now

The creatives behind an effort to bring Artspace to Tampa are asking anyone who comes in contact with the arts (audience members, appreciators, influencers, artists, writers, administrators, public officials, community leaders, etc.) to participate in a survey to help determine the best fit for Tampa.

Feature Story The Carrollwood Cultural Center offers tours of the artwork on display. Best to call ahead to make an appointment.

Photo essay: Carrollwood Cultural Center

Looking for a peaceful place to give your mind a break from the woes that surround us? Check out the Carrollwood Cultural Center in northwest Hillsborough County, about a 25-minute drive from downtown Tampa.

Development News The Rome Yard project is on a bluff overlooking the Hillsborough River.

954 new homes to be built on bluff overlooking Hillsborough River in West TampaCity of Tampa, Housing Authority pick developer

New apartments, townhomes, shops, and a cultural arts center are in the plans for the development of the Rome Yard in West Tampa. Learn more.

Feature Story .

City of Clearwater aims to revitalize North Marina District

The City of Clearwater's improvements to the Seminole Street boat ramp and plans to repurpose an abandoned school are designed to improve the neighborhood for residents and visitors. 

Innovation News CytoCore is considered a user-friendly, motorized device that produces cellular samples quicker and more comfortably.

Local invention to improve soft tissue biopsies approved for use in EuropeThe FDA gave its approval in 2020

A local medical doctor looking for a better way to perform biopsies creates a device designed to use a smaller needle, create less risk for bleeding, and increase diagnostic accuracy.

Feature Story 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.

Feature Story Muchachas serves tacos, burritos, and its most popular item quesatacos/quesabirria.

What's new in Tampa Heights? More than you may know

Meet nine of the new businesses, shops, and restaurants that now call the Tampa Heights neighborhood home. 

Feature Story Bae's Burgers signature five-ounce burger is available in several variations, including the two-burger "Tampa Bae Burger," the "Mush-Swiss Burger,” and the "Tex-Mex Burger.”

A winning combo: Bae’s Burgers in Tampa tempt your tastebuds while images of Florida feed your soul

Photographer Fred Bellet stopped by to chat one day with the Founder of Bae's Burgers along impoverished North Nebraska Avenue in Tampa. That conversation led to a feast for the eyes: Walls covered in iconic photos of Florida.

Innovation News First facet from the writer’s beginning faceting class.

Art Snax: Rock on with the Tampa Bay Science and Mineral Club

Don’t take for granite (wink, wink) the opportunity to go to the First Annual Hot Rocks, Cool Gems Spring Show at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center in Plant City.  

Innovation News Sam Piazza meeting his hero WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil at the local YMCA.

WEDQ airs local TV doc 'Because of Sam' in honor of World Down Syndrome Day

Because of Sam, a locally produced TV documentary over 10 years in the making about a Tampa man with Down syndrome, makes its television debut on WEDQ on March 21 in honor of World Down Syndrome Day.

Feature Story Katy Parsons, Senior Director of Account Strategy at ChappellRoberts

Commentary: Summoning the fortitude of forced change

"One year ago, everyone on this planet was forced to change. The changes were quick and infiltrated all aspects of our lives -- work, family, friends, and routines. Some changes were easier than others, but the common denominator was that no one had a choice. Through the lens of hindsight, at least the painful workplace changes have evolved into a bounty of benefits that now serve as accolades to our adaptation,'' writes Katy Parsons. Read more.

Partner Content A financial advisor can help families accumulate wealth over generations.

Bridging the financial generation gap

Managing wealth and paving the way for philanthropy requires bridging six generations in some families, a challenge that demands creativity, communications, understanding, and patience from everyone involved. Learn more.