Stories

Feature Story Atmos is working to centralize the function of smart-home technologies.

Smart home, smart travel: Disruptive tech companies in Tampa Bay Area

Talking forks. Robots on patrol. Driverless buses. As technology continues to revolutionize our world, such innovative ideas are not as far away from the Tampa Bay Area as you might think.

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For Good: A special star shines at a St. Pete school

What's a teacher to do when faced with a classroom filled with adults from all over the globe who speak dozens of different languages? Michael Glenn, an ESL teacher, brings the world together in English.

Development News The pool at the new YMCA in Riverview.

Tampa YMCA opens newest family facility in Riverview, south Hillsborough

The new YMCA in Riverview offers a full lineup of family-friendly activities and services, including swimming lessons.

Historic hotel reopens as Belleview Inn near Clearwater

A decade of restoration work on Florida's oldest luxury hotel results in the opening of Belleview Inn in Pinellas County near Clearwater.

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Publix grocery seals deal to open in Downtown Tampa Channel District

May 2019 is target date for opening of Publix in Channel District of Downtown Tampa.

Feature Story Calvin Williams, vice president for Administrative Services at USF, signs the 20-foot long, 800-pound beam placed on top of the new USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute.

Change is coming: Development projects to watch in 2019

What’s next on the horizon in Tampa Bay Area’s fastest-growing downtowns? Here’s the latest from developers creating transformational change in Tampa and St. Petersburg.  

Feature Story  Turtle Buddy recently began offering bamboo straws for sale.

Dislike plastic but still want to sip your drink? Turtle Buddy to the rescue

Looking for an alternative to plastic straws? Check out Turtle Buddy in Tampa and Sunshine Straw Co. in St. Petersburg.

Innovation News TiECON 2018

Tech Bytes: Startups compete for exposure at TieCON Florida 2019

Startup companies will have the opportunity to compete at TiECON Florida's Startup Pitch Competition, which will be held at USF Saturday, February 16. 

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Science, innovation create jobs, help shape future of St. Pete

3D bio-printing of medical devices, implants, and tissue. Facial recognition technology to count fish. Scientists and physicians in St. Pete’s Innovation District tell their stories.

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USF scientists dissect fish eyes to track change in oceans

Cutting-edge research at the USF College of Marine Science looks at the lenses in fish eyes to provide answers about environmental change and the health of our oceans. Learn more about what they are discovering.

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For Good: The Red Tent Women's Initiative provides safe space for transition to stability

The Red Tent Women's Initiative in St. Petersburg FL helps Pinellas County women and families through mentoring, financial empowerment and social bonding.

Development News Tampa streetcar

City of Tampa proposes plan to extend, modernize historic streetcar system

The end goal for expanding the city's streetcar system is to facilitate the development of downtown Tampa by providing better transportation options to the neighborhood’s 15,000 residents and roughly 100,000 weekly visitors.

Innovation News Synapse 2018

2019 Synapse Summit spotlights innovation in Florida

Top innovators and investors from around the country will be speaking and/or participating at the Synapse Summit 2019 at Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa. Speakers and activities are listed in this story.

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Westshore Marina District takes shape near Gandy in South Tampa

Located near the intersection of Westshore and Gandy boulevards in South Tampa, the Westshore Marina District will include retail and office space near some 2,400 new homes being built on adjacent property.

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Medical marijuana dispensary opens in Old Seminole Heights, Tampa

In Florida, medical marijuana use is legal for patients suffering from approved conditions, such as PTSD, Crohn’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer.

Feature Story Adrienne Fennell, coach treasure at the workshop leads a prayer. "During this season, transform lives so those individuals may go and grow," she said.

For Good: Jobs Plus Initiative bolsters family incomes at Robles Park in Tampa

Thanks to a federal grant, the Tampa Housing Authority is working with Robles Park public housing residents to take a deeper dive into employability skills and how-to network with potential employers. Many residents are getting jobs and feeling a measure of success.

Feature Story 2018 Arts and Culture Award: Tampa Museum of Art “Love is Calling” Exhibit

2018 Urban Excellence Awards: Celebrating innovation in Downtown Tampa

The Tampa Downtown Partnership recognizes individuals, businesses, organizations, and events that help shape downtown into a live, work, play, stay environment.

Innovation News Students experiment with virtual reality goggles.

Tech Bytes: USFSP offers virtual reality training to future teachers; plus more local tech news

A new STEM Lab is using virtual reality to train future teachers at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg. Plus a new FabLab is being constructed in Tampa, and more tech news in Tampa Bay.

Development News Brightline engine

Plans for Tampa-to-Orlando express rail move forward

Brightline, the private company looking to expand its express passenger rail system that now links Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, picks up a major partner and investor in British billionaire Richard Branson and his company Virgin Group.

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Sparkman Wharf features Tampa's favorite restaurants in converted shipping containers

Looking for a unique outdoor dining experience with plenty of options for food and seating along The Tampa Riverwalk? Check out 10 new food concepts at Sparkman Wharf in the Channel District of downtown Tampa.