Racial justice program at USF gives students tools to advocate for equity

Students are often at the helm of social change, and that’s what some Tampa Bay universities want to tap into through a new racial justice fellowship at the University of South Florida.

Judge rejects latest lawsuit over greyhound racing ban

A Leon County circuit judge Friday rejected a lawsuit that alleged a 2018 voter-approved ballot measure banning greyhound racing in Florida resulted in an unconstitutional “taking” of property. 

Endangered $3,800 macaw stolen from St .Pete pet shop found safe, suspect arrested

Andy Burnett is facing grand theft charges in connection with a $3,800 bird stolen from the Animal House Pet Center that was safely reunited with the shop owners on Thursday, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department. 

St. Petersburg trio accused of using PPP loans to fund drug operation

Several suspected drug dealers in St. Petersburg are accused of cheating the government out of funds aimed at helping small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rare albino dolphin calf spotted in water off Shore Acres

Dolphins are a common sight off our coast, but not like this one. A Pinellas County man caught a glimpse of a rare calf swimming near his backyard.

Mockingbird faces new challengers as Florida state symbol

Florida has a range of state symbols, including the Florida panther, the manatee, the American alligator, and orange juice. But frustration over Florida's state bird is mounting as lawmakers propose ditching the mockingbird for something a little more representative of the Sunshine State's winged population.

Morean Arts Center expands art therapy program to include clay pottery classes for veterans

The 'Art of Valor' program at Morean Arts Center in St. Pete gives an opportunity for veterans to meet others and have a creative outlet through glass-blowing, photography and making clay art.

Report: St. Pete scooter rider says he didn't try to avoid hitting elderly bicyclist, killing her

Alvera Minutello was bicycling to a Publix in St. Pete when a 22-year-old on an electric scooter slammed into her. The 77-year-old died a few days after the crash. Investigators said the suspect spotted her 80 feet away but made no attempt to avoid a collision.

Police: Man walked off with endangered $3,800 macaw

The Animal House Pet Center in St. Pete is missing a very expensive bird, and police are hoping a slipped mask will help them identify the thief.

Officials target undoing racial divides created by Florida highways, interstates

Historians say Tampa Bay is among the areas with highway designs that displaced minorities and created racial inequity. Instead of connecting communities, highways were used to racially divide neighborhoods.

St. Pete police arrest electric scooter rider after deadly head-on collision with elderly bicyclist

Police in St. Pete have arrested an electric scooter rider for manslaughter, days after they say he collided head-on with an elderly bicyclist. Investigators said he didn't swerve out of the woman's way, even though most of the lane was clear.

Following grandfather’s footsteps, St. Pete woman applies chemical engineering background at distillery

Clara loves being a chemical engineer and her expertise landed her a job at the St. Petersburg Distillery. She has advice for any young girls out there following in her footsteps: Be confident and keep pushing forward.

Drag racers hit 114 mph along Gandy Bridge, troopers say

Troopers say four people were arrested for drag racing along the Gandy Bridge overnight, at times reaching speeds of 114 mph.