News
HCSO deputy arrested on stalking charge after traffic stop
A Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputy has been suspended without pay after being arrested on a stalking charge.
2 HCSO deputies shot in Ruskin shooting; suspect dead
Two Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies were shot after a suspect, allegedly involved in a hostage situation, opened fire on them on West Shell Point Road in Ruskin.
Hotel Flor celebrates 100 years with a journey through time
As Hotel Flor approaches its 100th anniversary, the downtown Tampa landmark is honoring its past with monthly celebrations inspired by the decades that shaped its history.
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Where to say 'I do': five Tampa Bay wedding venues to explore
Planning a wedding? Explore five wedding venues across the Tampa Bay area, featuring ceremony spaces, reception options and pricing information to help couples compare options and begin planning their big day.
UPDATE: Tropical Depression 2 forms in Gulf; Tropical Storm Watch issued for Florida Panhandle
Tropical Depression 2 has formed over the northern Gulf of America, prompting a Tropical Storm Watch for parts of the Florida Panhandle as NHC warn of heavy rain and possible flash flooding along the Gulf Coast through Thursday.
Operation Hall of Fame results in largest Pinellas drug seizure in 40 years
Operation Hall of Fame exposed an alleged drug trafficking network that transported cocaine from El Paso, Texas, to Pinellas County, resulting in nine arrests and the seizure of 132 pounds of cocaine.
Operation Southern Slow Down returns to Florida through July 18
Law enforcement agencies across five Southeastern states are stepping up speed enforcement through July 18 as part of Operation Southern Slow Down, an annual campaign aimed at reducing speeding-related crashes and saving lives.
What to do in Tampa Bay this weekend: July 17-19 events guide
Looking for weekend plans in Tampa Bay? Here's a roundup of events happening across the region from July 17-19
Three arrested after pointing BB guns at HCSO helicopter in Lutz
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested three people after authorities said they pointed BB guns, initially believed to be rifles, at an HCSO helicopter during a prowler investigation in Lutz.
HCSO deputy arrested on stalking charge after traffic stop
A Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputy has been suspended without pay after being arrested on a stalking charge.
2 HCSO deputies shot in Ruskin shooting; suspect dead
Two Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies were shot after a suspect, allegedly involved in a hostage situation, opened fire on them on West Shell Point Road in Ruskin.
UPDATE: Tropical Depression 2 forms in Gulf; Tropical Storm Watch issued for Florida Panhandle
Tropical Depression 2 has formed over the northern Gulf of America, prompting a Tropical Storm Watch for parts of the Florida Panhandle as NHC warn of heavy rain and possible flash flooding along the Gulf Coast through Thursday.
Operation Hall of Fame results in largest Pinellas drug seizure in 40 years
Operation Hall of Fame exposed an alleged drug trafficking network that transported cocaine from El Paso, Texas, to Pinellas County, resulting in nine arrests and the seizure of 132 pounds of cocaine.
Operation Southern Slow Down returns to Florida through July 18
Law enforcement agencies across five Southeastern states are stepping up speed enforcement through July 18 as part of Operation Southern Slow Down, an annual campaign aimed at reducing speeding-related crashes and saving lives.
Three arrested after pointing BB guns at HCSO helicopter in Lutz
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested three people after authorities said they pointed BB guns, initially believed to be rifles, at an HCSO helicopter during a prowler investigation in Lutz.
Hotel Flor celebrates 100 years with a journey through time
As Hotel Flor approaches its 100th anniversary, the downtown Tampa landmark is honoring its past with monthly celebrations inspired by the decades that shaped its history.
West Tampa's The Brisket Shoppe earns Michelin Guide recommendation
The Brisket Shoppe has earned a Michelin Guide recommendation, making it the only barbecue restaurant recognized in the Tampa Bay area while celebrating its West Tampa roots and commitment to scratch-made barbecue.
Tampa volunteers plant 3,500 trees at future New Tampa park
The City of Tampa planted 3,500 native trees at the future K-Bar Ranch park as part of its ongoing effort to restore the city's tree canopy and reach its goal of planting 30,000 trees by 2030.
Give shelter pets a reason to wag this Christmas in July
SPCA Tampa Bay is asking the community to donate toys, treats and enrichment items during its first Christmas in July Donation Drive to support shelter animals.
Tampa Convention Center named one of five venues worldwide to receive 2026 Venue Excellence Award
The Tampa Convention Center is one of five venues worldwide to receive the 2026 Venue Excellence Award.
Great Explorations invites community to help shape new Discovery Center
Great Explorations Children's Museum is inviting the community to help shape its new Discovery Center through a series of free forums where residents can preview plans and share ideas.
Where to say 'I do': five Tampa Bay wedding venues to explore
Planning a wedding? Explore five wedding venues across the Tampa Bay area, featuring ceremony spaces, reception options and pricing information to help couples compare options and begin planning their big day.
What to do in Tampa Bay this weekend: July 17-19 events guide
Looking for weekend plans in Tampa Bay? Here's a roundup of events happening across the region from July 17-19
What to do in Tampa Bay this weekend: July 10-12 events guide
Looking for weekend plans in Tampa Bay? Here's a roundup of events happening across the region from July 10-12
Top-rated ice cream shops in Tampa Bay for 2026
The Tampa Bay Observer rounded up highly rated ice cream shops across the Tampa Bay region based on Google reviews, highlighting a range of local spots offering unique flavors, seasonal creations and classic favorites.
Skip the crowds: Alternative ways to watch Fourth of July fireworks in Tampa Bay
Planning your Fourth of July and looking to avoid the crowds? The Tampa Bay Observer rounded up alternative fireworks viewing spots across Tampa Bay, including rooftop bars, waterfront dining, dinner cruises and boat rentals.
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
The Westin Tampa Bay opens new waterfront pool
The Westin Tampa Bay has opened a new waterfront resort-style pool featuring an 8-foot waterfall wall, bayfront views and poolside dining as part of the hotel's ongoing transformation.
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.
Florida reports 35 cases of cyclosporiasis, including five in Tampa Bay
The Florida Department of Health has confirmed 35 cases of cyclosporiasis this season, including five in the Tampa Bay area. The CDC says the parasitic illness is commonly spread through contaminated food or water.
BayCare offers free monthly wellness screenings in Plant City
Residents can receive free health screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose checks, on the first Tuesday of each month.
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.
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.
