Stories

Buzz COVID-19 cases reported in Florida as of November 23, 2020.

COVID-19 continues to plague Florida, nation

COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the nation and in Florida. The state is recording 10,000 new cases a day. The numbers are up in schools. No end is in sight. Get the latest news and information. 

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Book excerpt: Tampa: Impressions of an Emigrant by Wenceslao Gálvez y Delmonte

Wenceslao Gálvez y Delmonte (1867–1951) was a Cuban-born baseball player, lawyer, and writer. In 1896, Gálvez fled the violence of Cuba’s war for independence and settled in Tampa. He soon made his new home the focus of a work of costumbrismo, the Spanish-language genre built on closely observing the everyday manners and customs of a place. This excerpt is taken from Gálvez’s narrative and is translated into English. 

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Awaiting a COVID-19 vaccine

Dr. S. "Aaron'' Laden, a retired pathologist in the Tampa Bay Area, looks for humor in the everyday vicissitudes of life. This time his cartoon reflects the boredom setting in while waiting for a vaccine.

Feature Story Latino Scholar Evelyn Cueves Campos and Sponsor Richard Gonzmart of the Columbia Restaurant Group.

USF Latino Scholarship Program: Creating generational change for good

The USF Latino Scholarship Program is designed to make the University of South Florida a more diverse institution and to better connect Latinx students with the academic environment while giving them the tools they will need to succeed after graduation.

Innovation News The new PITT training center in Tampa.

New PITT med center in Tampa tackles non-opioid pain relief

Pacira Biosciences’ new Tampa training center is designed to train doctors, other clinicians in non-opioid patient recovery techniques as alternatives to opioids.

Innovation News The AmSkills mobile unit takes manufacturing job training around Tampa Bay.

Bootcamp on wheels takes training for manufacturing jobs to local talent

Mobile two-week boot camps in Tampa Bay offer manufacturing job skills training and promise participants an OSHA-10 Certificate upon graduation as well as a portfolio of newly learned manufacturing competencies. The camps also offer immediate job interviews upon graduation and are free to attend.

Innovation News FlowerFive is a pop-up buggy offering fresh bouquets for $5 each.

Shopping and Sharing to support local small businesses

FlowerFive entrepreneur takes networking concept to the next level by creating Shopping and Sharing to support Tampa small businesses.

For Good A fresh coat of paint and new murals are part of the renovations to Oak Park Community Center in East Tampa.

Teamwork off the field boosts East Tampa neighborhood, kidsTech giant Jabil, Tampa Bay Bucs work for good

Global tech firm Jabil and the Tampa Bay Bucs combine forces to fix up a low-income East Tampa neighborhood center with a creative makeover and state-of-art electronics.

For Good A mini-grant for one neighborhood funded a bike rodeo, complete with free helmets and safety information.

Love where you live but think you can make it better? Mini-grant might help

Need a new playground in your neighborhood? How about a little free library? Or a youth garden? Or something else to make it extra special? Hillsborough County is offering mini-grants of up to $5,000 for creative new projects designed to make it easier for you to love where you live.

Development News Farm fresh produce, meats, and eggs will be sold by the farm store.

New urban farm, store opens in ENCORE! TampaMeacham Urban Farm is named after the first African-American school principal in Tampa

Urban farmers Joe Dalessio, Kristin Beauvois, and Travis Malloy combined their talents and resources to create Meacham Urban Farm, which is built on property owned by the Hillsborough County School District and in conjunction with the Tampa Housing Authority.  

Development News The view from atop Water Street Tampa looking toward Hillsborough Bay from downtown Tampa.

Water Street Tampa takes shape as cranes dot the sky, construction workers scurry below

If you haven't visited downtown Tampa since the pandemic broke out, prepare to be impressed by all the construction taking place, mostly at Water Street Tampa. Buildings taking shape will offer new apartments, offices, shops, university classrooms, hotels, and more.

Feature Story Black Leadership Network Founders (l to r) Jerry Bell, Ruth Bell, Ashley Butler, Adrien Julious-Butler, Rena Upshaw-Frazier, Anddrikk Frazier, Monica Narain and Ed Narain.

Black Leadership Network at USF champions professional development, builds community

"The Black Leadership Network helps provide a viable pathway for students who want to attend USF, offers support while they are here, and opportunities for their careers and future when they graduate," says Walter Jennings, Assistant Director of Diversity Initiatives at USF in Tampa.

Feature Story High School student Matthew Aleman works remotely to finish his studies.

COVID-19 recovery: A look at pandemic life in Tampa's Tempo District

COVID's disproportionate economic hardship on lower-income Americans is well documented as the pandemic rages on across the nation. In Tampa, community organizations and neighbors are stepping up to help residents of ENCORE!, a newly constructed affordable housing, retail, and green space on the north edge of downtown.

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Remember when it was safe to answer the phone?

Dr. S. "Aaron'' Laden, a retired pathologist in the Tampa Bay Area, looks for humor in the everyday vicissitudes of life. This time he comments on an abundance of solicitations and political calls.

Development News Public artwork showcases the entryway to the new Mary McLeod Bethune apartments for seniors in Tampa.

Tampa celebrates opening of new apartments for low-income seniors

Activity is picking up at the new and renovated public housing apartments for active seniors living in Tampa, as tenants begin to move in. The Tampa Housing Authority also has several big projects moving toward completion, with others still in the planning stages.

Feature Story Speaking of Florida: My Time Remembered

Book excerpt: Speaking of Florida: My Time Remembered by Terrell Sessums

The late Terrell Sessums of Tampa, a former lawmaker and speaker of the Florida House, spent his last years penning the history of the state based on his memories. It was his last act of public service.

Feature Story Rendering of new buildings at Moffitt Cancer Center in Uptown Tampa.

Uptown leaders in North Tampa reset for resiliency amid pandemic$2-billion in new development

Influencers and innovators from the Uptown District in Tampa and beyond recently took a moment to reflect on the challenges of the past year and the opportunities ahead.

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Tampa Bay WAVE’s pitch night features top women tech entrepreneurs

Twelve inaugural members of Tampa Bay Wave’s TechWomen Rising accelerator participate in “Pitch Night,” a virtual presentation in which each company’s Founder presents her innovative product or service, market analysis, growth projections, and support team.

Feature Story Holly Moon from Lion’s Eye Institute and Devin Dominguez of WEDU work with Wilma Norton on a podcast to promote Tampa Bay Philanthropy Week, Nov. 9-13.

New philanthropic initiative offers Mental Health First Aid in Tampa Bay

A new program launched this fall by the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay is designed to elevate awareness, attention, and care for people suffering from depression and other mental illnesses and challenges.

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Tampa cartoonist on top social media posts

Dr. S. "Aaron'' Laden, a retired pathologist in the Tampa Bay Area, looks for humor in the everyday vicissitudes of life. This time he takes on top social media posts.