Registration opens for the 2026 Florida Python Challenge

Florida officials announced registration is open for the 2026 Florida Python Challenge, which encourages the public to help remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades.

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.

Food + Beer opens ninth location in Town 'n' Country

A packed opening day welcomed Food + Beer to Town ’n’ Country as the Sarasota-based sports bar introduced its scratch-made menu, craft cocktails and late-night atmosphere to Tampa.

SOF Week brings economic impact, highlights Tampa’s military community

SOF Week returns to downtown Tampa May 18-21, bringing thousands of military personnel, defense leaders and visitors to the area along with demonstrations, road closures and heavy traffic.

From classroom to published authors: LLT Academy Tampa students imagine inventions for America’s future

35 third graders at LLT Academy Tampa Charter School celebrated becoming published authors while sharing creative inventions inspired by America’s upcoming 250th birthday.

Downtown Tampa road closures, traffic delays expected through May 30

Downtown Tampa drivers can expect major traffic delays, lane reductions and road closures from May 18 through May 30 due to demolition work and SOF Week events near the Tampa Convention Center.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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