News

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.

Protest Planned Over Country Thunder Festival on St. Pete Beach Hotel During Nesting season

The Coastal Wildlife Advocacy Group is organizing a protest on April 4 from 10 a.m. to noon, urging the TradeWinds to reconsider hosting Country Thunder during peak nesting season and asking the city of St. Pete Beach to not approve the Special Event Permit.

Environmental Groups Warn of Extinction Risks After Gulf Drilling Exemption

The Trump Administration has voted to exempt oil drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico from protections under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a decision that environmental advocates warn could put vulnerable marine life at greater risk of extinction.

New Regional Drought Restrictions Take Effect April 3

Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage Restrictions was approved by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The Tampa Water Department is asking residents to follow the new drought restrictions to better conserve water resources, according to the City of Tampa.

‘No Kings’ Protest outside Tampa City Hall

“No Kings” is a nationwide, peaceful protest movement against President Donald Trump's administration. Around 1,000 demonstrators gathered outside of Tampa’s City Hall March 28.

Department of Justice Sues Busch Gardens Parent Company Over Alleged Disability Discrimination

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division filed a lawsuit against United Parks & Resorts Inc. (UPR), the parent company of SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, alleging violations of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Reward Increased to $5,000 After Hammerhead Shark Found Mutilated

$5,000 reward for information regarding a 12-foot-long great hammerhead shark found on March 15, washed ashore near Juno Beach Pier with its dorsal fin and tail removed.

Lab-Grown Meat Ban Stands After Appeal Court Ruling

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeal is upholding Florida’s 2024 ban of lab-grown meat. Upside Food Inc., a California company that produces cultivating meat, including chicken, challenged the law in court after Senate Bill 1084 went into effect.

Crowds Watch as Valspar Championship Comes Down to the Final Hole

Environmental Groups Urges Endangered Status For Florida Manatees After Mass Die-Offs

Paid Summer Internships Available for Hillsborough County High School Students

Tampa General Hospital is the Second Hospital Worldwide Recognized for Excellence in Women’s Integrated Surgical Health

Two Students Charged in Separate School Firearm Incidents in One Week