NHC tracks first Atlantic disturbance of 2026 hurricane season

The National Hurricane Center is tracking the first Atlantic disturbance of the 2026 hurricane season, with a low chance of development as it forms by the Bay of Campeche.

6.1 earthquake off Cuba shakes Florida from Tampa to Miami

A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Cuba Mon. June 8, with residents across the state reporting shaking from Tampa to Miami.

Two people found dead in Plant City; HCSO investigating

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating the deaths of an adult man and woman found Wednesday at a residence on James Melvin Drive in Plant City. Detectives say there is no known threat to the public as the investigation continues.

UPDATE: Two injured in double stabbing near USF; HCSO investigating

Two people were injured in a stabbing at an apartment complex near USF early Wednesday morning. Deputies say all involved parties have been identified, and both victims are in stable condition.

After Clearwater Beach shooting and Tampa arrests, officials target teen takeovers

Police agencies across Tampa Bay are increasing enforcement, expanding social media monitoring and investing in youth programs as they work to prevent teen takeover events from escalating into violence this summer.

Pinellas, Clearwater officials ramp up efforts to stop teen takeovers after Clearwater Beach shooting

Pinellas and Clearwater law enforcement officials say they are intensifying efforts to stop teen takeover events after a 17-year-old was shot during a gathering at Clearwater Beach on May 31. Authorities have arrested a 16-year-old suspect and plan to use increased enforcement and new social media monitoring tools to identify and prevent future incidents.

From parks to storm drains, Clearwater residents can make a difference

Clearwater's Adopt-a-Park, Street, Trail and Drain programs are giving residents a hands-on way to improve public spaces while supporting environmental stewardship and building community pride throughout the city.

USF Student's app connects Tampa Bay residents with local business deals

A University of South Florida student created an app called 9Yaps, connecting Tampa Bay residents with deals from local restaurants and barbershops. What started as a simple newsletter has grown into a platform with 100 businesses and 10,000 downloads.

Tampa Bay comes together to raise awareness this World Oceans Day

Keep Pinellas Beautiful and Clearwater Marine Aquarium partnered to bring over 40 organizations together, giving Tampa Bay residents the tools and resources to help protect the oceans, lakes and waterways in the area.

Hidden in plain sight: UF/IFAS Hillsborough Extension offers science-based education to improve the community

For more than a century, UF/IFAS Extension has been offering science-based education to residents on everything from backyard gardening and hurricane preparation to tax assistance and professional arborist training.

Summer Reading Challenge encourages Hillsborough residents to turn pages for prizes

The Hillsborough County Library Services Summer Reading Challenge is underway, encouraging residents of all ages to read throughout the summer for a chance to win prizes while helping students avoid the "summer slide."

HCSO to conduct active threat response training at schools across Hillsborough County

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will conduct active threat response training at several schools across Hillsborough County throughout June, with residents expected to see increased law enforcement activity during the exercises.

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.

I GOT A TEXT! Tampa Bay bars host Love Island watch parties

Grab your friends and get ready for a season of romance, drama and unexpected twists. Here's where to watch Love Island around Tampa Bay.

Ride, rail and river: Navigating Tampa Bay

From streetcars to water taxis, Tampa offers a variety of ways for residents and visitors to get around the city without driving. The Tampa Bay Observer compiled a guide to some of the most popular public transit and rideshare services available throughout Tampa.

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.

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.

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.

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

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