Stories

Feature Story .

Following the rules ...

Dr. S. "Aaron'' Laden, a retired pathologist in the Tampa Bay Area, looks for humor in the everyday vicissitudes of life. This week he reflects on evolving social engagement rules.

Feature Story Few visitors get away from Florida without at least trying a little fried gator.

Photo essay: Florida Strawberry Festival 2021

Florida's weather cooperated in a big way to ensure a delightful visit every day at the Florida Strawberry Festival 2021. See images from the 11-day event.

Development News Pedestrian and bicycle safety is expected to improve with the installation of new sidewalks in the University Area of North Tampa.

New bus route, sidewalks, sculpture add to quality of life in University Area neighborhoods

A new bus route connecting residents to work and shopping, new sidewalks protecting children as they walk to and from school, and a new public art piece are all recent additions to the lower-income neighborhoods served by the University Area CDC. 

For Good Equipment purchased by PCF grant recipients has been a vital lifeline for children during the pandemic.

Pinellas Community Foundation awards grants to fit current, future needs

The most recent grants awarded by the Pinellas Community Foundation went to local nonprofit organizations addressing the immediate needs brought on by the pandemic as well as those that focus on equity issues and ensuring the needs of the community in terms of race and socioeconomic status. Learn more.

Buzz Drew Newman of Newman Cigar Company in Ybor City speaks during a 2021 Café con Tampa event.

Cafe con Tampa: Meet Drew Newman, cigarmaker

Drew Newman shared the history of his family's involvement in the Tampa cigar industry going back to the 1800s in a recent appearance at Cafe con Tampa at the Oxford Exchange in Tampa. Learn more.

Feature Story Brittny Bevel, the Education Curator for the Tampa Museum of Art, creates video tours to share online.

Photo essay: Tampa Museum of Art

Paintings by Florida's Highwaymen and exhibits honoring the work of women artists are on display at the Tampa Museum of Art through March before a major renovation begins later this spring. Here's what we saw on a recent visit.

Feature Story Michael Maurino, his wife, and his daughter pose with the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the Super Bowl Experience.

Commentary: Running the risk of limiting our spaces

Wearing masks and social distancing at the Super Bowl Experience made Michael Maurino, a Tampa transportation and planning expert, think more deeply about how to create spaces, six feet apart or more, that we all need to be successful.

Innovation News A scary scene from The Brood.

Second Screen pops up to show provocative movies in Tampa Bay Area

Second Screen Cult Cinema is back to creating unique experiences in the Tampa Bay Area with pop-up movies featuring provocative content and boundary-pushing cinematography.

Feature Story 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.

Innovation News A Conversation with Myself By Julliette Moore (Florida)

Powerstories creates virtual Voices of Truth Theatre Festival

In its inaugural virtual Voices of Truth Theatre Festival, Powerstories aims to share real-life stories that wouldn’t otherwise be heard or seen.

Buzz .

Gasparilla Festival of the Arts picks winners, gives prizes

The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts first-ever virtual festival is the first of its kind with an esteemed juror and significant award prize money. Read the list of winners announced by Raymond James.

Innovation News A former teacher, Shea Quraishi saw firsthand the need for social and emotional learning strategies to be woven into curriculum.

Raising Empathy launches to support Tampa Bay Area children

A new Tampa-based social and emotional learning consultancy partners with schools, families, educational organizations to increase empathy and understanding among children who are different.

Innovation News Dr. Cliff Davis and his medical team perform first Histotripsy, a non-invasive procedure using sound waves to remove liver tumors.

TGH begins trial of new device created to destroy tumors without surgery

Tampa General Hospital begins testing a new procedure using sound waves to remove tumors without surgery, a non-invasive method that could lead to quicker recoveries and FDA approval for more widespread use. 

Feature Story Three teens -- Noah, Kiana, and Kourtez -- learn about native plants and animals in the swamp.

New film explores the 'Hidden Wild' in Florida

Watch along as high school students go on a journey through the South Florida wilderness to see, experience, and appreciate the state’s natural habitat that they wouldn't have otherwise discovered. 

For Good A Feature Florida Partnership crew shooting on the beach at Ft. DeSoto in Pinellas County.

Feature Florida Partnerships strategizes how to keep, attract filmmakers hereCreate It Here! Program lifts up local filmmakers

Feature Florida Partnerships announces finalists for its Create It Here! program along with the next round of open calls for emerging screenplays in April. The overall goal is to keep local filmmakers busy working in Florida.

For Good Duncan McClellan, “Dancing Dragonflies” glass, 22"x22"x 6,” value $3,200

Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum awards college scholarships to St. Pete residents

Local artist turns overcoming her own life’s adversity into scholarship dollars for college-bound St. Pete teens.

Development News Cyclists can get in their miles while watching a movie.

Grove Theater opens in Pasco County with creative use of space

Developers convert an old Cobb theater in Wesley Chapel into a major entertainment center with an upscale bistro, a sushi bar, a cycle cinema, a comedy club, a kids play area, and much more. 

Buzz One of the three ARCE-1 satellites sits beside a permanent marker for scale.

USF researchers built 3 satellites onboard SpaceX mission

Three satellites built by USF students launch into space aboard SpaceX mission.

Feature Story Wholesome Church is a COVID-19 testing site in Wimauma.

Wholesome Community Ministries taps faith, fundraising to create wellness hub in south Hillsborough3-phase buildout will cost $6.2M

The Keeping the Promise fundraising campaign in Wimauma is appealing for donations to help build out a holistic place of faith and wellness serving low-income families in South Hillsborough as part of Wholesome Community Ministries. Read how you can help.

Innovation News In a Lifetime of a Fact, a magazine editor discusses "the facts'' contained in a writer's essay during a performance at Stageworks Theatre in Tampa..

Stageworks Theatre, Ruth’s List go virtual with 'What the Constitution Means to Me'

Instead of sitting in a theatre watching a play while social distancing and wearing masks during the ongoing pandemic, audiences can be a part of lively virtual discussions around selected and sometimes controversial plays.