Pinellas County task force investigates fatal St. Petersburg officer-involved shooting

The Pinellas County Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in St. Petersburg after police responded to a call about a suicidal subject armed with a knife.

NHC monitoring Atlantic disturbance with low chance of tropical development

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a disturbance off the Southeast coast with a 10% chance of tropical cyclone formation over the next seven days.

HCSO arrests teen accused of holding victim against her will, assaulting her with firearm

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 17-year-old suspect accused of holding a victim against her will, assaulting her and threatening her with a firearm during an alleged domestic violence incident in Brandon.

Tampa Bay water restrictions extended as drought conditions continue

Tampa Bay water restrictions have been extended as drought conditions continue to impact the region’s water supply.

TPD searching for suspect after Father’s Day shooting, says no officers were involved

Tampa Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect after a shooting in West Tampa left a 29-year-old man dead on Father’s Day. Police said no officers were involved in the shooting despite online rumors.

3-year-old found unresponsive inside vehicle in Riverview, HCSO investigating

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 3-year-old child who was found unresponsive inside a parked vehicle at a Riverview home.

Tiny sea turtle makes big comeback after Florida Aquarium rehabilitation

After being rescued in February suffering from cold-stunning, Purple the green sea turtle has returned to the ocean after months of rehabilitation at the Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center.

Making a splash: City of Tampa promotes drowning prevention through World’s Largest Swimming Lesson

More than 500 children dove into lifesaving swim lessons during the City of Tampa’s World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, where families learned water safety skills and officials highlighted the importance of drowning prevention.

New Florida bill targets e-bike safety after surge in injuries

As e-bike injuries continue to rise across Tampa Bay, a new Florida bill could bring stricter safety rules for riders, including speed limits near pedestrians and new crash reporting requirements.

ZooTampa celebrates baby boom after 54 births since January

ZooTampa is celebrating a baby boom with 54 animal births since the start of the year, including three new arrivals welcomed in May.

Solar program aims to make renewable energy more affordable for Tampa residents

Solar United Neighbors and Switch Together launched a program to help Tampa Bay residents access affordable solar installations through group pricing, education and installer guidance.

Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan enters next phase with focus on community input

The Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan has entered its next phase, collecting community feedback to identify flood risks and help guide future resilience projects across seven counties.

What to do in Tampa Bay this weekend: July 3-5 events guide

Looking for weekend plans in Tampa Bay? Here's a roundup of events happening across the region from July 3-5

5 highly rated lawn-care companies in Tampa Bay for 2026

Keeping a Tampa Bay lawn looking its best can take time and expertise. The Tampa Bay Observer highlights five highly rated lawn-care and landscaping companies across the region offering services from routine maintenance to landscape design.

What to do in Tampa Bay this weekend: June 26–28 events guide

Looking for weekend plans in Tampa Bay? Here's a roundup of events happening across the region from June 26-28

One year later, St. Pete Wine Scene continues to bring wine lovers together

St. Pete Wine Scene is celebrating one year of connecting wine lovers, local businesses and industry professionals across St. Petersburg.

Where to celebrate the Fourth of July across Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay communities are preparing to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with fireworks, drone shows, live music, festivals and more. From Tampa to Clearwater and St. Petersburg, the Tampa Bay Observer gathered Fourth of July celebrations happening across the region.

Cheers, chants and Team USA: Walk-On's aims to be Tampa Bay's World Cup destination

As Team USA prepares to face Paraguay in its opening World Cup match, Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux is preparing to welcome fans with watch parties, special promotions and wall-to-wall soccer coverage.

Ziki’s Greek Street Food set to open at Sparkman Wharf this July

Sparkman Wharf is adding a new locally owned dining concept called Ziki’s Greek Street Food. The restaurant is set to have a soft opening in July.

[solidcore] announces new fitness studio coming to Water Street Tampa

National fitness brand [solidcore] is expanding its Tampa Bay presence with a new studio planned for Water Street Tampa in fall 2026.

Venture X opens new coworking space in Westshore

Venture X has opened a 30,000-square-foot coworking and flexible office space in Tampa’s Westshore district, offering private offices, meeting rooms and hospitality-focused amenities for businesses and entrepreneurs.

Water Street Tampa entertainment district moves into city review process

The Water Street Tampa entertainment district has entered the City of Tampa’s development review process, marking a key step forward in Strategic Property Partners’ plans for the project.

Engrained Lifestyle Apparel expands from online to first storefront at Sparkman Wharf

Strategic Property Partners, LLC announced that Engrained Lifestyle Apparel, a Tampa-born lifestyle apparel brand inspired by the city’s culture and community, will open its first storefront at Sparkman Wharf.

Olivette Topping-Out Marks Major Milestone for Gasworx Development

Olivette, the tallest and largest residential building in the Gaworx District, has officially reached its topping-out milestone. This is a major step forward in Phase 2 of the project.

Tampa General Hospital expands behavioral health services with new mental health treatment program

TGH Behavioral Health Hospital has launched a new Partial Hospitalization Program designed to provide intensive mental health care for patients who need more support between inpatient and traditional outpatient treatment.

As Tampa Bay heats up, know the signs of heat-related illnesses

As Tampa Bay experiences more days above 90 degrees, local officials and experts are highlighting the growing risks of extreme heat and sharing ways residents, workers and vulnerable communities can stay safe.

Tampa Bay works to build the next generation of nurses amid statewide shortage

As Florida faces a growing demand for nurses, local organizations are creating opportunities for students to explore the healthcare field and build the workforce of the future.

USF experts say hantavirus risk for Florida cruise travelers remains low

University of South Florida Health experts say the risk of hantavirus for cruise travelers remains low following a rare outbreak linked to a recent cruise ship voyage.

$2M Initiative Aims to Expand HPV Screening and Cervical Cancer Prevention in Rural Communities

Human papillomavirus, the leading cause of cervical cancer, is the focus of a new $2 million prevention initiative led by the University of South Florida Health and Tampa General Hospital. The effort aims to expand screening and early detection, particularly in rural communities across Florida.

Mother Shares Son’s Life-Saving Organ Donation Story for Donate Life Month

April marks National Donate a Life Month, and a Clearwater mother is sharing her son's story in hopes of raising awareness about the impact of organ donation.

Avelo Airlines to launch two nonstop destinations from Tampa International Airport

Avelo Airlines will launch new nonstop service from Tampa International Airport to North Texas and the Charlotte, North Carolina, area this November.

Breeze Airways soars into its fifth year at Tampa International Airport

Breeze Airways is celebrating five years at Tampa International Airport after growing from one route to 37 nonstop destinations and expanding international service across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Tampa Cruise Port Parking 2026: Every Option, Price, and Shuttle Compared

Compare every parking option at Port Tampa Bay for 2026: official rates, third-party lots, and hotel packages.

Tampa travelers gain new nonstop getaways to St. Thomas and Cancun this winter

New nonstop flights from Tampa International Airport to St. Thomas and Cancun will launch this December through Breeze Airways.

Spirit Airlines shuts down operations; Frontier offers 'rescue fares'

Spirit Airlines has begun an immediate wind-down of operations, canceling all flights. Frontier Airlines is offering a "rescue fare" discount for Spirit guests looking for new flights.

Pinellas County Beaches Cleared for Swimming After Bacterial Contamination Advisory