University of Tampa, TPD launch partnership giving students head start on police academy before graduation

A new partnership between the University of Tampa and the Tampa Police Department gives qualifying students a direct pathway into law enforcement by starting the police academy before graduating

Fatal shooting at Tampa gentleman’s club under investigation

Tampa police are investigating a fatal shooting at Emperor’s Gentleman Club on Adamo Drive after an altercation between a security guard and a customer left a man in his early 20s dead.

TPD responds to reports of man allegedly photographing female runners on Bayshore Boulevard

Concerns are growing after social media posts alleged a man has been photographing female runners along Bayshore Boulevard. Tampa police say they investigated the reports and are reminding residents to report suspicious behavior directly to law enforcement.

HCSO arrests woman in death of 3-year-old child

A woman has been arrested in connection with the death of a 3-year-old child after investigators determined the child suffered fatal inflicted injuries while in her care.

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.

USF Health welcomes record-breaking medical school Class of 2030

The University of South Florida's Morsani College of Medicine welcomed its Class of 2030 with record-setting academic credentials, including the highest median MCAT score in school history and one of the strongest incoming classes in the nation, according to USF.

PSTA announces new transit service connecting downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa International Airport

PSTA is launching the new 727 transit service this October, providing a direct connection between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa International Airport through the Howard Frankland Bridge Express Lanes

HCSO uses DNA technology to identify three men in decades-old cold cases

HCSO Cold Case Unit used DNA technology and forensic genetic genealogy to identify three men whose remains went unidentified for years, bringing answers to families.

ZooTampa celebrates six new animal births as baby boom continues

ZooTampa at Lowry Park continues its animal baby boom with the arrival of a manatee calf, an endangered Eastern bongo calf and four Bali mynah chicks as the zoo works to support conservation efforts.

Restoration begins on historic George Guida Sr. House in West Tampa

The City of Tampa has started a $3.9 million restoration project to preserve the historic George Guida Sr. House and transform the West Tampa landmark into a community gathering space.

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.

What to do in Tampa Bay this weekend: July 31-Aug. 2 events guide

Looking for weekend plans in Tampa Bay? Here's a roundup of events happening across the region from July 31-Aug. 2.

5 highly rated pest control companies in Tampa Bay for 2026

Pest problems can be a year-round challenge for Tampa Bay residents. From termites and rodents to mosquitoes and other common household pests, the Tampa Bay Observer rounded up five highly rated local pest control companies based on Google reviews and star ratings as of July 2026.

Your vote counts: Tampa Bay Choice Awards spotlight local businesses and community favorites

The Tampa Bay Choice Awards are here, giving residents the chance to nominate and celebrate their favorite local businesses, restaurants, attractions and community favorites across the region.

What to do in Tampa Bay this weekend: July 24-26 events guide

Looking for weekend plans in Tampa Bay? Here's a roundup of events happening across the region from July 24-26.

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

Tampa-based RankScore reaches 5,000 clients, earns SEO software award

Tampa-based RankScore has reached 5,000 clients and was named SoftDesk’s Best SEO Software of Summer 2026. Learn about RankScore, Artemis and RankScore reviews.

New luxury residential tower proposed for Water Street Tampa expansion

Strategic Property Partners has submitted plans for a 400-foot luxury residential tower in Water Street Tampa featuring 452 homes, ground-floor retail and resort-style amenities, with construction expected to begin in 2027.

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.

Tampa General becomes first hospital in nation to sign healthy food pledge

Tampa General Hospital is the first hospital in the nation to sign the Make Hospital Food Healthy Again pledge, reinforcing its commitment to using nutritious, whole-food meals as part of patient care and recovery.

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.

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