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.

Community seeks answers, prevention measures after deadly Plant City violence

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 delivers State of the City Address, emphasizes a city built to last

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 return to Tampa Bay as temperatures rise

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.

Hurricane Preparedness Week urges preparation ahead of June 1 hurricane 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.

Advocates call on Tampa City Council to act on affordable energy reforms

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.

In honor of Older Americans Month, PCSO highlights growing scam threats in Pinellas County

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 to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on Armed Forces Day

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.

Overcrowded shelters, rising strays: kitten season escalates across Tampa Bay

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.

One video, one visit changes life for Pinellas Park restaurant owner

A viral video sparked a wave of community support, helping a Pinellas Park restaurant owner move closer to a permanent home.

Keeping It 99: West Tampa Cafe Brews Coffee and Community

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.

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.

Sip, Blend, Create: The Blending Table Brings Interactive Wine Experience to St. Pete

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 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.

Groundbreaking Held for the 400-Unit Bluffs Apartment Project in Downtown Clearwater

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 Launches AI SEO Tool to Help Small Businesses

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 Opens April 1 in Gasworx, Mixing Ybor History with Modern Living

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.

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

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