News
Woman arrested after 11-year-old crashes vehicle into Riverview 7-Eleven
An 11-year-old crashed into a concrete barrier at a Riverview 7-Eleven after the child was allowed to drive a vehicle,
USF expands College of Nursing to address Florida's nurse shortage
USF has opened a new 42,000-square-foot College of Nursing facility designed to expand hands-on training and help address Florida’s growing nursing shortage.
Tampa Bay residents share common flooding concerns as Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan moves forward
Nearly 400 Tampa Bay residents have shared common flooding concerns and what they believe is contributing to issues across the region as the Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan prepares to moves into its next phase.
Latest
NHC tracking two Atlantic disturbances with chances of formation
The National Hurricane Center is tracking two Atlantic disturbances, with one having a 50% chance of formation over the next seven days.
3 months later, Plant City police reveal timeline of deadly May 3 shooting
Plant City police have closed the case on a quadruple death that shook the community three months ago, ruling it a murder-suicide involving a grandmother, mother and two children.
HCSO makes 116 arrests in human trafficking operation
HCSO's Operation Relentless Summer resulted in 116 arrests and five victims recovered during a nearly two-month investigation targeting human trafficking and sexual predators.
UTampa’s West Riverwalk segment set for completion later this year
A new 2,000-foot section of the West Riverwalk is under construction near the University of Tampa and is expected to be completed later this year, giving students and the community a new multi-use connection through Plant Park.
Guide to celebrating 813 Day across Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is celebrating 813 Day on Aug. 13 with special events, local activities, food and drink specials, and discounts at businesses across the area.
HCSO arrests four in $300,000 retail theft operation
Four people have been arrested in connection with an organized retail theft operation targeting businesses across the Tampa Bay area. Investigators recovered nearly $300,000 in stolen merchandise, along with drugs, firearms and cash during a search of the suspect's residence.
Woman arrested after 11-year-old crashes vehicle into Riverview 7-Eleven
An 11-year-old crashed into a concrete barrier at a Riverview 7-Eleven after the child was allowed to drive a vehicle,
NHC tracking two Atlantic disturbances with chances of formation
The National Hurricane Center is tracking two Atlantic disturbances, with one having a 50% chance of formation over the next seven days.
3 months later, Plant City police reveal timeline of deadly May 3 shooting
Plant City police have closed the case on a quadruple death that shook the community three months ago, ruling it a murder-suicide involving a grandmother, mother and two children.
HCSO makes 116 arrests in human trafficking operation
HCSO's Operation Relentless Summer resulted in 116 arrests and five victims recovered during a nearly two-month investigation targeting human trafficking and sexual predators.
HCSO arrests four in $300,000 retail theft operation
Four people have been arrested in connection with an organized retail theft operation targeting businesses across the Tampa Bay area. Investigators recovered nearly $300,000 in stolen merchandise, along with drugs, firearms and cash during a search of the suspect's residence.
HCSO arrests 2 in separate fentanyl overdose death investigations
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced two arrests in separate fentanyl overdose death investigations, warning that counterfeit pills can contain lethal amounts of the drug.
Tampa Bay residents share common flooding concerns as Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan moves forward
Nearly 400 Tampa Bay residents have shared common flooding concerns and what they believe is contributing to issues across the region as the Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan prepares to moves into its next phase.
UTampa’s West Riverwalk segment set for completion later this year
A new 2,000-foot section of the West Riverwalk is under construction near the University of Tampa and is expected to be completed later this year, giving students and the community a new multi-use connection through Plant Park.
Four rehabilitated green sea turtles return to Atlantic Ocean
Four juvenile green sea turtles returned to the Atlantic Ocean after months of rehabilitation at The Florida Aquarium, including one turtle that survived a severe wound.
ZooTampa introduces acupuncture therapy to help animals heal and recover
ZooTampa has introduced acupuncture therapy as part of its veterinary care, helping animals with complex medical conditions heal, recover and improve their quality of life.
Beyond hurricanes: Tampa Bay residents urged to prepare for rainy season flooding and mold risks
Hurricane season may be quiet, but Florida’s rainy season can still bring serious risks for Tampa Bay homeowners and renters. From flooding to water damage and mold growth, experts are urging residents to prepare before small problems become costly repairs.
City of Tampa to repave 1.8 miles of New Tampa Boulevard
Around 12,000 drivers use New Tampa Boulevard each day. The City of Tampa will begin a $1 million project to repave 1.8 miles of the roadway, with overnight construction expected to last up to eight weeks.
Guide to celebrating 813 Day across Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is celebrating 813 Day on Aug. 13 with special events, local activities, food and drink specials, and discounts at businesses across the area.
What to do in Tampa Bay this weekend: Aug. 14- Aug. 16 event guide
Looking for weekend plans in Tampa Bay? Here's a roundup of events happening across the region from Aug. 14- Aug. 16.
Best Tampa Bay restaurants locals love: Reader picks
We asked Tampa Bay readers to share their favorite local restaurants, and you delivered. From waterfront seafood spots to barbecue joints and pizza favorites, discover the restaurants locals recommend across the region.
What to do in Tampa Bay this weekend: Aug. 7- Aug. 9 event guide
Looking for weekend plans in Tampa Bay? Here's a roundup of events happening across the region from Aug. 7- Aug. 9.
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.
ONE Tampa tops out as downtown’s tallest residential tower at 42 stories
A new landmark is taking shape in downtown Tampa. ONE Tampa has topped out at 42 stories, marking a major milestone for the city’s largest residential tower.
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.
USF expands College of Nursing to address Florida's nurse shortage
USF has opened a new 42,000-square-foot College of Nursing facility designed to expand hands-on training and help address Florida’s growing nursing shortage.
National blood supply crisis declared as Jersey College hosts Tampa blood drive
The American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis as donations fall to a four-year summer low. Jersey College's Tampa campus will host a blood drive Aug. 4 to help meet the need.
‘If you have lungs, you can get lung cancer’: Tampa survivor shares her story on World Lung Cancer Day
After an unexpected discovery led to a lung cancer diagnosis, Tampa resident Shelly Glenn is using her experience to remind others that anyone with lungs can be at risk.
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.
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.
