Author: TBO Digital Staff

Shark and ocean experts will gather in Tampa this month for SharkCon, preceding the Discovery Channel’s annual Shark Week. The Florida State Fairgrounds will be turned into an event for people of all ages on July 15 and 16 to promote awareness of shark and ocean protection, as well as sustainability, sponsored by National Geographic. Over 150 merchants of shark and ocean-related products, as well as dozens of non-profits and celebrities, will be on hand for the weekend-long event. The event costs $5+ for kids and $20+ for adults. Saturday Schedule Sunday Schedule To know more about this event and…

In an era where our lives are perpetually intertwined with technology, it’s also valuable to make time for introspection, recentering, and finding tranquility, all of which can be achieved through meditation. The good news is that Tampa has a wide range of meditation and wellness institutes that promote relaxation, healing, and inner peace, ranging from yoga studios to holistic health centers. Here, we’ve compiled a list of eight highly recommended meditation centers in Tampa, each with its unique approach, services, and ambiance. 1. Hanaq Prana Yoga Wellness Center & Transform Academy Hanaq Prana Yoga Wellness Center & Transform Academy is…

According to the Florida Department of Health, six malaria cases were reported in Sarasota County in May and June. Based on the Florida Arbovirus Surveillance report for the week of June 25 to July 1, there were five human malaria cases recorded in June and one in May, with two of those cases deemed active. Sarasota and Manatee counties are both under a Mosquito-borne Illness Alert, while Polk County is under a Mosquito-borne Illness Advisory. All six cases were acquired locally. Four of the instances had previously been reported. Malaria is spread through mosquitos, according to experts. Symptoms can show…

Whether you’re furnishing your new apartment, giving your home a makeover, or simply looking to add a few trendy pieces to your space, choosing the right furniture can fully transform your space. If you’re on the hunt for stylish furniture that won’t break the bank, Tampa Bay Observer has gathered the best discount furniture stores which will help you in your purchasing decisions – from aesthetics, functionalities, to budget! With our team’s firsthand experience exploring these establishments, these recommendations will provide insight into the top spots for scoring great deals on fashionable furnishings. So, let’s dive in and uncover the…

A local non-profit organization committed to providing meals to homebound seniors is looking for volunteers. Every day, Meals on Wheels of Pinellas County serves over 300 seniors. However, the program is suffering from a significant volunteer shortage. More than 100 volunteers are needed to cover routes for daily meal deliveries. Many of the seniors live alone and are unable to prepare their own meals. Sometimes a volunteer’s visit is the only interaction they have during the day. “I would have to scrounge around and try to find something,” said Shirley Horn. “I got a lot of canned goods, so I can…

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that out-of-state driver’s licenses are no longer valid in the state as a result of the implementation of Senate Bill 1718, which is considered Florida’s strongest immigration enforcement to date. The list of invalid licenses was compiled by DeSantis and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and it covers five states. “Someone who is in our country illegally and has violated our laws should not possess a government-issued ID which allows them access to state-funded services and other privileges afforded to lawful residents,” Gov. DeSantis said. “The Biden administration may continue to…

July’s first Thursday is another hot day with temps in the mid and upper 90s. With the humidity, it will feel like 105-108 degrees in the Tampa Bay area this afternoon. Due to this temperature rise, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, and Desoto counties are under a heat advisory from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Showers begin along the coast shortly before lunchtime and travel inland during the afternoon. Later today, the most widespread downpours will be east of I-75. In terms of rain fall, it could begin much earlier on Friday – a few early showers are possible. Highs…

Tampa’s thriving seafood scene is a testament to the city’s coastal location and diverse cultural influences. Here, you’ll find a compelling mix of traditional Floridian fare, Caribbean flavors, and modern culinary twists. Now, let’s cast a net and reel in the 7 must-try seafood restaurants around downtown Tampa! 1. Trophy Fish Trophy Fish is a highly-rated seafood restaurant in Tampa featuring a laid-back atmosphere and eclectic nautical decor. This casual and inviting spot offers an impressive selection of fresh seafood dishes, perfect for a memorable dining experience. Address: 5901 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604 Hours: Phone: +1 813-402-2203 Best…

Following record-breaking temperatures for the Fourth of July on Tuesday, the Tampa Bay area is again under a heat advisory on Wednesday. The advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. for the counties listed below: Temperatures will reach the low to mid-90s, while the heat index will reach 110°F at times. Moreover, the heat index is a measure of how hot it actually feels when relative humidity and actual temperature are included. The Florida Department of Health provides these general tips for staying safe in the heat: Follow Tampa Bay Observer for more updates.

Threads, a social networking app from Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, will go live on Thursday. The text-based software is being positioned as a competitor to Twitter. “Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow,” says the app’s description. Screenshots of the app reveal a layout similar to Twitter. When someone creates a “thread,” they have the choice to heart, remark on, or share it. Users will also be able to restrict who can see a thread. Users who search for the Threads app…