Tampa architect brings history of Lee Elementary into school's future as Tampa Heights Elementary
At first, you might think Tampa Heights Elementary is an old school -- and it is, but it's also brand new. It was nearly destroyed by a fire just after Hurricane Irma in 2017. Some believed the historic 1906 school was gone forever, but not everyone.
Home carrying legacy of Sarasota's first Black community to be relocated, transformed for cultural center
A home in Sarasota's Rosemary District will soon carry the legacy of the city’s first Black community. Plans are in the works to transform it into an African American cultural arts center and history museum, but first the home has to be relocated.
100 years after founding of Sarasota's Newtown community, first bank opens its doors
After playing football in the NFL, Carlos Yancy returned home to the Newtown. Now he's working to better his community with First Home Bank – the town's first bank since it was established in 1914.
Aerial photographs showing Tampa's changing landscape donated to History Center
The work of late Tampa pilot and photographer Bill Morris gives a view of Tampa’s transformations through time. Many saw his aerial photographs in the pages of the Tampa Tribune, but now his work will live on for generations at the Tampa Bay History Center.
State considers establishing department to find, honor lost cemeteries
Lawmakers in Florida are moving the state another step toward grappling with its history of racial segregation, specifically regarding Black-only cemeteries that were covered over or otherwise ignored.
Plant City community mourns death of iconic Whistle Stop Café owner
Jerry Lofstrom, the owner of The Whistle Stop Café, died December 13 after a long illness. The café he built more than 20 years ago contains a treasure trove of antiques, collectibles, model trains, model cars, and everything Jerry liked. But many came because they liked Jerry.
Babe Ruth home run ball is back at UT after 102 years
On April 4, 1919, Babe Ruth hit a monstrous home run in Tampa. It took 102 years, but the ball that changed the course of America's pastime is now back at home plate, on display at the Henry B. Plant Museum.
Fun-Land Drive-In neon sign rescued for use in new immersive art experience
Last week, we learned one of Tampa Bay's last remaining drive-in theaters had abruptly closed, but thanks to the creators of an immersive art experience, the theater's iconic neon sign will have a new home.
St. Pete’s Biff Burger restaurant, assets will be sold at auction
It’s the end of an era for Biff Burger fans in Pinellas County. The final location has closed, but you can take a piece of it home.
Tampa's Vila Brothers Park to get 'totally red white and blue' makeover namesakes always wanted
After bombs dropped on Pearl Harbor, Tampa brothers Joe and Willie Vila told their parents they were going to fight for America. All 7 Vila brothers ended up fighting in the war and the park that bears their name is getting an upgrade worthy of their service.
Historic Hacienda Hotel in New Port Richey to reopen after major renovation
The gulf coast's 'other pink hotel,' the Hacienda in Pasco County was near complete disrepair, but after a massive renovation, this historic hidden gem of Florida is almost ready to again welcome guests.
'Old Florida is alive' at The Hotel Jacaranda in Avon Park
Many residents call The Hotel Jacaranda the jewel of downtown Avon Park. Babe Ruth was a regular visitor during spring training trips; Al Capone and Clark Gable also stayed at the hotel.
Bartow's historic cigar factory can't be saved, city decides
After standing for 100 years, it looks like the old cigar factory in Bartow is finally coming to the end of the road.
FOX 13's original report on Winter the dolphin: April 2007
FOX 13's Cynthia Smoot has been covering Winter the tailless dolphin for years -- long before the rescued dolphin became a movie star and CMA icon. Here's how it all began in April of 2007.
Monkey Island of Homosassa, a Florida tale
Back in the 1960s, a Citrus County developer tried to fix two problems and ended up creating Florida's own Alcatraz. Monkey Island remains a fixture for the state's Nature Coast, beloved by locals and an attraction for visitors.
The Cuban Club is one of the oldest Ybor buildings – and one of the most haunted in the U.S.
It’s the heart and soul of Ybor City, but its history is not for the faint of heart.
Water from St. Pete's famed Fountain of Youth contained high levels of lithium
What if a sip of water could turn back time? That is the promise of the mythical Fountain of Youth, but as recently as the 1970s, St. Pete residents thought they had tapped into their very own magical water source.
'Once in a lifetime' 1921 hurricane shows devastation Category 3 storm could have on Tampa Bay
If the Bay Area saw a repeat of the 1921 Category 3 storm that hit Tarpon Springs, it would likely be a multi-billion-dollar disaster to the Tampa Bay region.
Expansion plans finalized for Florida's first landmark museum for Black history
The designs and specs are in to expand a St. Petersburg museum into the first landmark museum for Black history and culture in the state of Florida.
The history of Cypress Gardens, Florida's first theme park
The Sunshine State’s major tourism industry began with a 'Good Housekeeping' article back in the 1930s. Today, Cypress Gardens lives on as part of LEGOLAND Florida.