Local advocacy groups are calling on Tampa City Council to support affordable energy reforms after proposed bills failed during Florida’s 2026 legislative session, while concerns over rising TECO electric bills continue.
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.
As part of Older Americans Month, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about common scams targeting older adults, including tech support fraud, fake bank alerts and scammers impersonating law enforcement officers.
Plant City will celebrate America’s 250th birthday on May 16 to honor military service members during the city’s “Berry Nifty at Two-Fifty” community celebration.
Kitten season is increasing the number of stray and feral cats across Tampa Bay, putting pressure on local shelters and prompting rescue groups to call for more community involvement in spaying, neutering and fostering efforts.
New nonstop flights from Tampa International Airport to St. Thomas and Cancun will launch this December through Breeze Airways.
Mayor Jane Castor’s 2026 State of the City Address highlighted major investments in infrastructure, housing, transportation, public safety and climate resilience, as she outlined Tampa’s continued growth strategy focused on strengthening the city’s foundation for the future.
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.
Plant City residents voiced frustration and demanded stronger domestic violence prevention efforts during a Plant City commission meeting following multiple recent shootings, including a quadruple homicide involving a mother, grandmother and two young children.
Mayor Jane Castor’s 2026 State of the City Address highlighted major investments in infrastructure, housing, transportation, public safety and climate resilience, as she outlined Tampa’s continued growth strategy focused on strengthening the city’s foundation for the future.
Lovebugs are returning across the Tampa Bay area as temperatures rise. Experts say the insects are harmless but can become a nuisance, especially for drivers dealing with buildup on vehicles during peak mating season.
The National Weather Service has designated May 3 through May 9 as Hurricane Preparedness Week, encouraging residents to prepare ahead of the June 1 start of hurricane season. Officials urge households to review evacuation plans, build emergency kits and stay informed on storm alerts to reduce risks and improve safety.
Sheriff Chad Chronister held a press conference providing a timeline of the investigation involving two University of South Florida students, outlining key developments from the initial missing person reports through forensic findings and ongoing investigative efforts.
Sea turtle nesting season has begun and will continue through October 31, marking a critical period for adult turtles to lay their eggs. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium has launched its annual nesting patrol and is urging residents and visitors to follow guidelines to help protect the species.
Local advocacy groups are calling on Tampa City Council to support affordable energy reforms after proposed bills failed during Florida’s 2026 legislative session, while concerns over rising TECO electric bills continue.
As part of Older Americans Month, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about common scams targeting older adults, including tech support fraud, fake bank alerts and scammers impersonating law enforcement officers.
Plant City will celebrate America’s 250th birthday on May 16 to honor military service members during the city’s “Berry Nifty at Two-Fifty” community celebration.
Kitten season is increasing the number of stray and feral cats across Tampa Bay, putting pressure on local shelters and prompting rescue groups to call for more community involvement in spaying, neutering and fostering efforts.
A viral video sparked a wave of community support, helping a Pinellas Park restaurant owner move closer to a permanent home.
99 Cafe is opening in West Tampa, bringing a modern space and a community-focused mission led by a local manager who built lasting relationships in the area. Grand opening is May 2 from 11 a.m to 3 p.m.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
In a city where wine tastings are often limited to sipping and swirling, The founder of St. Pete Wine Scene is introducing a more hands-on, creative approach called The Blending Table.
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 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.
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.
On April 6, Gotham Organization and The DeNunzio Group held a groundbreaking event. The Bluffs is a 400-unit apartment complex located on the edge of Coachman Park in Clearwater. This apartment took over the old city hall and in 2022 voters approved the project.
RankScore has launched a new AI-powered SEO platform aimed at helping small business owners, start-ups and content operations compete online without relying on costly agencies or complex software.
The Stevedore is a love letter to Ybor’s working-class roots, blending history with modern development. This new apartment complex, a part of Gasworx development, is set to open on April 1.
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.
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.
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.
New nonstop flights from Tampa International Airport to St. Thomas and Cancun will launch this December through Breeze Airways.
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.
