News
Driver accused in fatal hit-and-run turns herself in
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested a woman accused of leaving the scene of a fatal hit-and-run that killed an 82-year-old pedestrian.
Tampa ranks among top U.S. cities expected to see pest increase in 2026
A warmer-than-average winter could lead to increased pest activity across Tampa Bay, with experts warning residents to prepare for rising mosquito, ant and other insect populations.
SPCA Tampa Bay found not guilty in Waddles the pig cruelty case
SPCA Tampa Bay was found not guilty in a civil animal cruelty citation involving Waddles the pig after allegations raised questions about the organization’s care of the animal.
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Beloved Tampa pop-up bookstore finds permanent home in Ybor City
After years of bringing books to pop-up markets across Tampa, Bookends: Literature and Libation has opened its first permanent home in Ybor City.
Woman charged with animal cruelty after deputies find neglected dogs in Hillsborough County
A Hillsborough County woman was arrested after deputies found two dogs suffering from severe malnutrition and medical conditions caused by long-term neglect.
As drink-spiking concerns grow, new wearable sensor aims to make nights out safer
As concerns over drink spiking continue to grow, two recent college graduates are developing a wearable sensor that detects common drink-spiking drugs and alerts emergency contacts.
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.
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
Driver accused in fatal hit-and-run turns herself in
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested a woman accused of leaving the scene of a fatal hit-and-run that killed an 82-year-old pedestrian.
Tampa ranks among top U.S. cities expected to see pest increase in 2026
A warmer-than-average winter could lead to increased pest activity across Tampa Bay, with experts warning residents to prepare for rising mosquito, ant and other insect populations.
SPCA Tampa Bay found not guilty in Waddles the pig cruelty case
SPCA Tampa Bay was found not guilty in a civil animal cruelty citation involving Waddles the pig after allegations raised questions about the organization’s care of the animal.
Woman charged with animal cruelty after deputies find neglected dogs in Hillsborough County
A Hillsborough County woman was arrested after deputies found two dogs suffering from severe malnutrition and medical conditions caused by long-term neglect.
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.
Beloved Tampa pop-up bookstore finds permanent home in Ybor City
After years of bringing books to pop-up markets across Tampa, Bookends: Literature and Libation has opened its first permanent home in Ybor City.
As drink-spiking concerns grow, new wearable sensor aims to make nights out safer
As concerns over drink spiking continue to grow, two recent college graduates are developing a wearable sensor that detects common drink-spiking drugs and alerts emergency contacts.
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.
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.
