People Have Love/Hate Relationship with Tampa Peacocks
Peacocks are not native to this state. However, you can find them throughout Central and South Florida, much to the delight and sometimes disgust of their neighbors. Fanning out their splendid green, purple and gold feathers, they’ve made plenty of allies, those who enjoy their prances through places like Brandon’s Hillside Terrace, Wellswood, King Richards’ mobile home park in Gibsonton, and many other neighborhoods. However, they are not always welcome as residents.
Read full storyTwo Local Pups to Play in Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl XIX
Two local St. Pete puppies are going to make their national television debut next month. Nancy and Max will take the field as they play for Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl XIX. Nancy and Max were rescued by a local animal rescue group, Compassion Kind of St. Petersburg. Both dogs will play for Team Ruff. Nancy will also serve as a team cheerleader.
Read full storyCheck Out This Map of Artificial Reefs in Pinellas County
The Pinellas County Department of Solid Waste (PCSW) has created an interactive Google Map for all the artificial reefs in Pinellas County. The map contains the GPS coordinates for all 42 artificial reefs. The map is a helpful tool for boaters, divers, or anyone who wants to learn more about these environmentally beneficial structures.
Read full storyWUSF Extends Coverage to Sarasota and Manatee Counties
WUSF Public Media and the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation have hired Eric Garwood as Executive Editor of the CNC — Community News Collaborative. This independent journalism collaboration will expand coverage of news in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. In a time of media deserts and eroding resources in the news industry, this will deliver free, comprehensive and impactful journalism to people living in these counties.
Read full storyMake Your Own Homemade Valentines at Oxford Exchange
For anyone with a romantic bent and a little creativity, Sunday at the Oxford Exchange is a big day. The restaurant and bookstore has teamed up with the Henry B. Plant Museum for the annual creation of homemade valentines at Oxford Exchange. This event allows people to partake in a dying tradition — the creation of homemade valentines. Tea and light fare will be served during the event.
Read full storyOne Pint at a Time Explores Diversity in Craft Beer
Few words go better together than craft beer and Tampa Bay. But a notable lack of diversity in the industry could one day pose a threat to craft beer’s future. That’s why filmmaker Aaron Hosé set out to explore diversity and changes within the industry. In his film One Pint at a Time,he follows brewers as they overcome obstacles and stereotypes in order to open the breweries of their dreams.
Read full storySee Vintage Photographs from Italy at The Tampa Museum of Art
A new exhibit at the Tampa Museum of Art will show gorgeous vintage photographs from Italy this spring. The exhibit, aptly titled Travels In Italy, will feature photos of Italy's most popular cultural draws. These photos show the beauty of Italy before modernization. The exhibit will be on display until July 9.
Read full storyThe History of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Uniform
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will bring back their classic ‘creamsicle’ uniforms for throwback games in 2023. The fan-favorite colors can make a return since the NFL rescinded its one-helmet rule last summer. But why did the Bucs get rid of their classic colors in the first place? Let’s dig into the history:
Read full storyHidden History: Pirates in Tampa Bay
It's January in Tampa Bay. The time to be inundated with all things pirates and parades. But what were pirates to Tampa Bay? Were they a genuine threat? Did they lead to the development of the area? Were they just an extension of colonial control, Let's learn more about pirates and Tampa Bay and why we've dedicated so much to their memory.
Read full storyThe Urban Harvest Teaches Self-Sufficiency Anywhere
Elise Pickett knows a thing or two about gardening. She’s a third-generation Floridian and has been teaching locals how to grow their own food for the past 10 years. After learning about how the current food systems affect our health, she started growing her own veggies for her family. Soon her personal journey expanded outwards, and she opened The Urban Harvest, a resource for people who want to start taking control of their food and where it comes from.
Read full storyThe Tampa Arts Alliance is Putting Tampa on the Map
The Tampa Bay area is in a period of incredible development. And as the area continues to grow and thrive, Michele Smith of the Tampa Arts Alliance wants to make sure that the city's culture is thriving too. We talked with Smith about the Tampa arts scene and why it's important that art and artists grow together with their city.
Read full storyValrico Hummingbird Haven Contributes to Avian Research
Steve Backes has been a birder, well, forever, it seems. But he became hyper-focused on hummingbirds many years ago. Now, he and his wife, Debbie, are devoting themselves to creating a haven for these tiny, winged jewels. Their efforts have even attracted a researcher who has continually visited Backes home to check on the hummingbirds for over two decades.
Read full story43 Architect Firms Vie to Design New Sarasota Performing Arts Center
The Van Wezel Foundation and City of Sarasota are happy to announce they have received over forty qualification applications from architectural firms to design a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center. With over 43 respondents, the City and Van Wezel Foundation have options from around the world. Including internationally acclaimed and highly respected local firms.
Read full storyWhere You Can Learn CPR in Tampa Bay
The sports world was shaken to its core after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the football field in front of a national TV audience. His story is nothing short of miraculous and inspirational. As a result, millions of Americans have taken notice of just how important it is to have a health professional who knows CPR available at all times. However, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is something that anyone can learn and is certainly valuable for everyone to at least understand.
Read full storyCompanies Chosen for Climate Tech Accelerator in Tampa Bay
The Tampa Ba Innovations Centers is beginning another accelerator program this month. The topics will focus on the climate and sustainability industries. Definitely a hot topic in the Tampa Bay area. Over 250 startup companies applied for eight positions in the Tampa Bay Innovation Center’s Climate Tech Startup Accelerator program.
Read full storyUSF Helps Reduce Non-Emergency Ambulance Calls By Over 50%
The USF College of Nursing recently partnered with the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Center to help reduce non-emergency 911 calls to their facility. On average, the center – housing 160 beds for homeless men and women – had about three calls to emergency medical services every day, most commonly for side effects related to not having access to their medication.
Read full storyFMoPA moving to Ybor in 2023
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) is pleased to announce the museum’s upcoming move to Ybor City in 2023. The new gallery space will feature over 3,000 square feet of exhibition space, including a separate Community Gallery. This new location will offer visitors a ground-floor entrance from the historic 7th Avenue Ybor Citywalk, a gift shop, and space for lectures and Artist Talks.
Read full storySpirit, Rhythm, Blues Exhibit Opens at Gallery 221
There's a new exhibit at Hillsborough Community College Gallery 221. It's called Spirit, Rhythm, Blues by Bronx artist Le’Andra LeSeur. It will be on display at the gallery from January 9 to March 2.
Read full storyBell Family Farm and Apiary — Step Away from Life’s Stress and Pet Some Animals
With so much to do in the Greater Tampa Bay area, visiting a petting farm might not even be on most people’s radar. But a short drive east lands visitors on a 14-acre family farm where a tiny goat will gladly untie your shoelaces and a mini cow will help you pack away your stress for an hour or two.
Read full storyHidden History: Guava in Tampa Bay
Ever wonder why the guava is associated with Tampa — yet you rarely see wild guava trees in people’s yards? It has a lot to do with the foundation of Ybor City and eventually Tampa. Let’s learn more about how this fruit has taken over Tampa’s culture.
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