Tampa Police Department asks public for help in fatal hit-and-run investigation

A 19-year-old bicyclist died after a hit-and-run crash near West Waters Avenue and North Albany Avenue on May 25, and Tampa Police are asking the public for help identifying a 2013-2016 Toyota RAV4 believed to be involved.

HCSO concludes Memorial Day DUI and boating safety operation

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office made 36 DUI arrests and responded to multiple boating incidents during its Memorial Day weekend safety operation conducted with local law enforcement partners.

Water violations continue rising across Tampa amid drought conditions

Tampa Bay remains under Phase III water restrictions as drought conditions persist across the region and water violations continue to rise. City officials said more than 430 customers have received citations since the order took effect in December 2025

Registration opens for the 2026 Florida Python Challenge

Florida officials announced registration is open for the 2026 Florida Python Challenge, which encourages the public to help remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades.

HCSO arrests 14 in $5 million retail theft operation

Detectives say a sophisticated retail theft ring operating across four states led to 14 arrests and the seizure of millions in stolen goods during “Operation D-Fence.”

HCSO introduces ‘Prepared’ 911 platform to improve emergency response

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has launched a new AI-enhanced 911 platform designed to improve emergency response times, dispatcher awareness and communication with deputies through real-time video sharing and instant call transcription.

Temporary water treatment change underway in Tampa starting May 29

The Tampa Water Department will temporarily switch its disinfection process from chloramine to chlorine from Fri. May 29 through Fri. June 19.

Downtown Tampa drivers should expect road closures June 1–6

Drivers in downtown Tampa should expect overnight road closures along E. Polk Street beginning June 1 as CSX crews complete a week-long maintenance project at multiple intersections through June 6.

ZooTampa celebrates America’s 250th with free admission for local heroes

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is offering free summer admission to active-duty military members, teachers and local government employees through Sept. 7 in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

Tampa nears 10,000 affordable housing goal under Castor administration

Tampa is nearing Mayor Jane Castor’s goal of creating 10,000 affordable housing opportunities, with more than 8,300 units completed or currently in development across the city.

Street photography meetup in downtown Tampa aims to build creative community

A Tampa street photographer is hosting a free downtown meetup on May 30 at Curtis Hixon Park, giving photographers of all experience levels a chance to explore the city, practice their skills and connect with others in the creative community.

Tampa’s Stay & Play program returns for summer with free activities for teens

Tampa Parks and Recreation’s Stay & Play program returns May 29 through Aug. 8, offering teens ages 13-19 free evening activities, meals and supervised spaces at recreation centers across the city.

Things to do in Tampa Bay this Memorial Day weekend

From rooftop pool parties to comedy shows and community celebrations, here are some Memorial Day weekend events happening across the Tampa Bay area.

Cowboy hats and country music takes over Clearwater at Country Thunder Florida

Country fans gather at Coachman Park as Country Thunder Florida kicked off a weekend of live performances, vendors, food and festival fun along the waterfront.

Where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo throughout the Tampa Bay area

Cinco de Mayo festivities are happening across Tampa Bay, with restaurants and venues in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The Tampa Bay Observer has rounded up some spots to celebrate.

Cost of renting in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater

The cost of renting in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater is leveling out in 2025, but affordability remains an issue as housing costs continue to outpace wages.

Things to do for Mother’s Day in Tampa, Clearwater and St. Pete

Mother’s Day is approaching, and the Tampa Bay Observer has rounded up events across the region to help readers celebrate the mother figures in their lives.

DOJO Tampa Blends Fitness, Recovery and Community Under One Roof

DOJO Tampa is more than a gym. The space blends training, recovery, workspace and community under one roof. This is designed for people who want to move seamlessly between working out, building businesses and simply spending time together.

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.

Volta Wine + Market Breaks Ground at 400 Central in St. Petersburg

Volta Wine + Market is the first tenants to break ground at 400 Central in St. Petersburg. On April 14, Mayor Ken Welch and project partners celebrated the milestone inside the development's suite 136.

New Music Venue Coming to Gasworx

The Gasworx district is set to add a 4,300-capacity music venue designed to complement Tampa's growing live music industry while honoring Ybor City's historic roots.

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.

Emergency Legislation Restores HIV Treatment Access, But Advocates Warn of Long-Term Uncertainty.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an emergency legislation restoring access to life-saving HIV medication for Floridians affected by recent cuts to the state’s AIDs Drugs Assistance Programs until June 30. Advocates warns need of long-term plan.

Measles Cases Rise As USF Expert Warns of Declining Vaccinations

Two Measles Cases Confirmed in Tampa Bay Area

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

Florida Regional Carrier Silver Airways Ends All Flights, Leaving Travelers Stranded