Downtown Lakeland's historic Kress Building will no longer be home to Explorations V Children's Museum

The museum will move to the new Bonnet Springs Park development. As for the Kress, the soon-to-be owner says it will maintain the building's historic façade while possibly converting it to an event venue and office space.

City of Tampa celebrates 135th birthday with Archives Awareness Week

To celebrate Tampa's 135th birthday, the Hillsborough County Public Library and Tampa Bay History Center is offering courses during Archive Awareness Week on preserving old photos, heirlooms and how to peruse archives.

'It revolutionized the city': Tampa, cigar industry's growth woven through history

The City of Tampa turns 135 years old on July 15, and part of its birthday celebration includes Archives Awareness Week. Local archivists will present collections and hold discussions at various historic Tampa institutions.

40-year-old son recently discovers dad was one of the famous smokejumpers of WWII

Jerome Corbett was forty years old before he figured out that his dad was one of the famous smokejumpers, a member of the Triple Nickels in World War II.

Tampa Bay history: Fort De Soto Park and its 45-star flag

Fort De Soto Park and the 45-star flag that's in front of the Battery Laidley represents a particular part of Tampa Bay history.

Local author writes books about the history of Tampa's mafias

If you could turn back time in Tampa, you’d see the Cigar City has a thousand stories, including the ones in the book Cigar City Mafia by Scott Deitche. 

Tampa Bay forensic anthropologist's new book details torture, abuse uncovered at Dozier School

A forensic anthropologist who led a University of South Florida team that uncovered decades of torture and abuse at the Dozier School is revealing the details and emotions in a new book.

Tampa Rough Riders open museum to commemorate historic heroes

Tampa’s Rough Riders are a staple throughout the Bay Area, keeping the legacy of Teddy Roosevelt and the members of the 1st US Volunteer Cavalry Regiment alive. Now a museum exhibit is dedicated to educating the next generation about this historical era. 

Historic Leonard Reid home relocated to new location in Sarasota to preserve history

History was literally on the move in Sarasota during the overnight hours as crews drove the Leonard Reid house from its original spot in Newtown to a new location to be part of the African American Cultural Arts Center.

Kelly Ring reflects on interview with convicted murderer Oba Chandler on death row

For locals who have been around long enough, the name "Oba Chandler" can still send shivers down their spines. For Kelly Ring, it was the most fear she ever felt in an interview during her 37-year career at FOX 13.

Local news goes global: Kelly Ring in Saudi Arabia for troop buildup before Desert Storm

In 1990, Kelly Ring traveled with a team of journalists from the Tampa Bay area and MacDill Air Force Base's Central Command to tell the story of the troop buildup before Desert Storm.

The Ray brothers: Kelly Ring talks with Florida family years after children's deaths from AIDS

In the late 1980s, little was known about HIV and AIDS. A Central Florida family may have moved public awareness forward after their small children contracted the disease from blood transfusions. They're looking back on their tragedy and the hope they gained for others.

Cuba in 1991: Kelly Ring reflects on covering PanAm Games in poverty-stricken country

She may have anchored the news for three decades, but FOX 13’s Kelly Ring has also reported stories all over the globe. As she nears retirement, we’re revisiting some of her most important journalistic works. 

New waterfront swing tributes St. Petersburg's famous 'Green Benches'

The $20,000 prototype was paid for by the Majeed Foundation and provides a spectacular waterfront seat in a city that made sitting famous.

Family works to restore 120-year-old West Tampa cigar factory for wine company

West Tampa has a long history, and its become the new focus of the real estate boom. That's why Ted Boscaino and his family bought a 1908 cigar factory on North Albany Avenue.

New historic marker on Riverwalk will shine light on lynching victim, Tampa's dark past

Robert Johnson wasn’t famous in his day and his image is lost to time. Yet nearly 90 years after his body was found on the banks of the Hillsborough river, his name will be added alongside those of prominent city leaders memorialized along the Riverwalk.