Local
New $30K grant brings community ideas to Tampa neighborhood spaces
A new $30,000 grant from the Tampa Downtown Partnership will fund community-driven projects aimed at reimagining neighborhood spaces, with applications open through May 31.
Salcines Park reopens in West Tampa after $1.4M renovation
Salcines Park, in West Tampa, has reopened following a $1.4 million renovation by the Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency. The redesign centers around the “Faces of West Tampa” mural, honoring community leaders while creating a refreshed space for residents and visitors to connect.
‘Liberty by the Bay’ lights up Tampa with drone show, fireworks this Fourth of July
The City of Tampa is preparing its largest-ever “Liberty by the Bay” celebration to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, bringing a full evening of Fourth of July festivities to Julian B. Lane Park and locations across the city.
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Year-round Tampa Bay Ferry Service to connect Tampa, St. Petersburg
The Tampa Bay Ferry will link Tampa and St. Petersburg with two vessels operating daily, seven days a week.
DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day returns April 25
Residents will have the opportunity to safely dispose of unused or expired medications April 25 during the 30th annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
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.
Suspect of two missing USF students has been charged, human remains found but not identified
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating the disappearance of two University of South Florida doctoral students last seen April 16 in Tampa. The Tampa Bay Observer is continuing to follow the case and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
Country Thunder, Hurricane Help Florida team up to aid hurricane recovery efforts
Country Thunder is partnering with Hurricane Help Florida to raise money for families still recovering from the 2024 hurricane season, using discount HELPFL at checkout.
Tampa community honors 3Rs winners for environmental art, poetry
For Earth Day, families gathered to celebrate the 21st annual 3Rs winners, recognizing students who created artwork and poetry promoting environmental stewardship.
Year-round Tampa Bay Ferry Service to connect Tampa, St. Petersburg
The Tampa Bay Ferry will link Tampa and St. Petersburg with two vessels operating daily, seven days a week.
DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day returns April 25
Residents will have the opportunity to safely dispose of unused or expired medications April 25 during the 30th annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Suspect of two missing USF students has been charged, human remains found but not identified
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating the disappearance of two University of South Florida doctoral students last seen April 16 in Tampa. The Tampa Bay Observer is continuing to follow the case and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
Tampa Reopens Renovated Herman Massey Park
The Community Redevelopment Agency and the Tampa Parks and Recreation Department celebrated the renovation of Herman Massey Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
West Riverwalk Project Underway, Expanding Tampa Connectivity
Mayor Jane Castor held a press conference to discuss the West Riverwalk project, a major expansion that will extend the Tampa Riverwalk into Tampa Heights and West Tampa to improve connectivity and mobility across the city.
Development in Collier County Sparks Lawsuit Over Threat to Florida Panthers
Conservation groups have filed a lawsuit agains the U.S. Fish and Wild Life Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, aiming to protect endangered Florida Panthers from a proposed 10,264-acre residential and mix-use development in Collier County.
New $30K grant brings community ideas to Tampa neighborhood spaces
A new $30,000 grant from the Tampa Downtown Partnership will fund community-driven projects aimed at reimagining neighborhood spaces, with applications open through May 31.
Salcines Park reopens in West Tampa after $1.4M renovation
Salcines Park, in West Tampa, has reopened following a $1.4 million renovation by the Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency. The redesign centers around the “Faces of West Tampa” mural, honoring community leaders while creating a refreshed space for residents and visitors to connect.
‘Liberty by the Bay’ lights up Tampa with drone show, fireworks this Fourth of July
The City of Tampa is preparing its largest-ever “Liberty by the Bay” celebration to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, bringing a full evening of Fourth of July festivities to Julian B. Lane Park and locations across the city.
Country Thunder, Hurricane Help Florida team up to aid hurricane recovery efforts
Country Thunder is partnering with Hurricane Help Florida to raise money for families still recovering from the 2024 hurricane season, using discount HELPFL at checkout.
Tampa community honors 3Rs winners for environmental art, poetry
For Earth Day, families gathered to celebrate the 21st annual 3Rs winners, recognizing students who created artwork and poetry promoting environmental stewardship.
Residents Seek Answers on Flooding, Schools and Housing at HOPE Action
Around 1,000 people gathered for the HOPE Nehemiah Action, an event where community members listened to school board officials, city officials and Superintendent Van Ayres responses to questions on key concerns including stormwater drainage ponds, youth education and the county’s affordable housing trust fund.
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.
Tampa Date Night Ideas 2025: Unique Spots Locals Actually Use
Discover Tampa's best date night spots beyond the typical dinner. From hidden rooftops to interactive experiences - insider picks for memorable evenings.
Florida State Fair Competes for Title of America's Best State Fair
Tampa Bay Wins the Title of Americas Most Relaxing City
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.
$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
