Stories

Feature Story Florida gardeners finds herbs really easy to grow.

Florida gardeners work the land to grow food, escape impact of COVID-19

Much like what happened with the Victory Gardens of World War II, Floridians stuck at home under the threat of coronavirus are planting and reviving gardens for food and pleasure.

Feature Story Clearwater Police thank the community on Facebook for bringing meals.

Clearwater residents pitch in during most challenging time

Now that spring-breakers have gone back home, Clearwater residents are getting down to the business of helping each other get through the coronavirus pandemic.  

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How you can access and support local arts while social distancing

Florida artists, museums, and galleries are stepping up in creative and innovative ways to meet the needs of the community while the threat of COVID-19 keeps us home and looking for things to do.

Innovation News TGH Virtual Care app allows consumers to speak directly to a physician

Tampa General Hospital offers new options for COVID-19 testing

The TGH Virtual Care app allows consumers to speak directly to a physician 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no appointment necessary. The charge is $49.

Why stay at home? New USF Health study shows coronavirus impact if you don't

USF College of Public Health warns: Take stay-at-home orders seriously. Why? Some 1.5M people for just over 4,000 hospital beds in Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace, and Hillsborough County.

Buzz Datz Dough baker workers in South Tampa in 2013.

Will Datz, Dough be able to rebound? Coronavirus takes toll on Tampa restaurants, small businesses

Suzanne Perry shares the emotional and financial drain of laying off employees at Datz Restaurant Group in Tampa following the outbreak of coronavirus.

Buzz COVID-19 cases in Florida as of Aug. 3, 2020.

Online tool tracks Florida cases of coronavirus by ZIP code

Curious whether people in your neighborhood are testing positive for coronavirus? The Florida Department of Health, Division of Disease Control and Health Protection has launched an online tool to map cases of coronavirus by ZIP code.

Innovation News Avalon bowlers

Avalon Healthcare Solutions: Florida company ramps up coordination of testing for COVID-19

Talk about being in the right place at the right time with the right price. Avalon Healthcare Solutions, based in Tampa and already ranked among Florida's fastest-growing companies, is busier than ever during the outbreak of COVID-19.

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USF Foundation launches Pandemic Research & Response FundDonations being accepted

Tampa philanthropist and USF alumna Mary T. Pipino has made a generous gift of $25,000 to kick off the new USF Health Pandemic Research & Response Fund. Join her and help USF Health to fight the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has affected the lives of millions.

Feature Story Jonathan Barnes demonstrating his 3D printed face shield.

Local entrepreneurs get creative in support of healthcare workers, filling community needs

Making 3D printed face shields and superhero masks, feeding healthcare workers, and turning breweries into manufacturers of hand sanitizer are among the Tampa Bay Area's creative responses to the risks posed by COVID-19.

Feature Story Chef Ronnie Estep prepares dessert at Lynn's Catering.

Why cook for Passover and Easter this year when you could do takeout?

Cooking nearly every day at home during this period of safer-at-home orders? So why not do something different for Passover and Easter this year? Across Tampa Bay, local restaurants are offering curbside and delivery options to make holiday eating a bit easier.

Feature Story Coronavirus garb designed for the #covid19 season.

How USF faculty, students transition to online learning in the time of coronavirus

Following Spring Break 2020 and the outbreak of coronavirus, USF and most other colleges around the nation returned to school via online classes only. This is the story of how one teacher is coping with the transition. Meet Master Instructor Wayne Garcia.

Buzz The Conversation screen shot

More funding, improved infection control key to halting spread of coronavirus in elder care centers

"There are alarming gaps in the government’s plan for protecting nursing homes,'' write USF researchers Kathryn Hyer, David Dosa, and Lindsay J. Peterson. Learn more.

Feature Story Enjoy the scent and taste of fresh baked bread.

What to do while at home due to coronavirus? Make the most of time

Remember all those things we never have time to do? This Tampa businesswoman and grandmother recommends we turn the coronavirus-induced new normal into time to slow down, catch up, renew, and dance like nobody's watching (because no one is).

Feature Story A caterpillar in Dr. Bruce Shepherd's monarch garden in Tampa.

A Tampa gynecologist’s second retirement: Life changes since COVID-19

A retired Tampa physician who carved out a new life's mission by teaching at a local university and on cruise ships is adapting to yet another new normal in the time of coronavirus. Read how he's doing.

Feature Story Goody Goody bags being filled for furloughed employees.

Columbia Restaurant Group feeds employees, sets up matching fund in face of COVID-19Florida's oldest restaurant group plans for future

The threat of coronavirus forced the temporary closing of Florida restaurants, including the Columbia in historic Ybor City, Ulele in Tampa Heights, and Goody Goody Burgers in Hyde Park Village. Learn more about what Columbia Restaurant Group Owner Richard Gonzmart is doing to support his workers. 

Innovation News Dr. Jonathan Ford examines a new batch of 3D printed nasal swabs.

USF Health, Formlabs, Northwell Health partner to create nasal swabs for coronavirus testing

The University of South Florida, 3D printing company Formlabs, and New York-based Northwell Health announce a newly formed partnership that produces 3D printed nasal swabs in response to coronavirus outbreak.

Feature Story An online meetup of St. John's staff on Zoom.

How a Tampa church adapts under the threat of coronavirusCreating new connections, sensible ways to show up

Churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples had to close their doors when #covid19 came knocking, but prayers and worship continue. Learn how one church in Tampa is coping.

Buzz Toilet tissue and a sense of humor help TFO Cellist Doniyor Zuparov survive social distancing.

WSMR broadcasts recorded concerts by The Florida Orchestra

Need a little pick-me-up in this age of social distancing and staying home with the TV? Check out new broadcasts of past performances by The Florida Orchestra playing on WSMR.

Buzz ICU nurses demonstrate the new #covid19 look.

Hillsborough County issues urgent plea for medical supplies

Hillsborough County is putting out a plea for donations of medical supplies that can be used to help fight the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus. Drop off at Westshore Plaza former Sears Automotive.