Economist: Florida's craft beer industry is faring better than expected, so far
Floridians apparently love their craft beer -- which is one of many reasons why the industry in the Sunshine State seems to be holding steady more than one year after the pandemic began.
Litter Gitters deployed in Bay Area waterways to remove trash
A new device being deployed into area waterways could help to remove trash and protect the environment.
Impact of Piney Point water release on Tampa Bay may not be known for months
Tampa Bay Watch searches the waters near Port Manatee by drone and by boat looking for algae blooms after approximately 215 million gallons of water were released from an old phosphate plant.
Residents push for water testing; county eyes algae bloom after Piney Point wastewater dump
Manatee County commissioners have extended the state of emergency that was issued weeks ago when a leak sprung at the old Piney Point phosphate plant wastewater stacks.
USF’s red tide research helps predict Piney Point wastewater flow
The Tampa Bay Coastal Ocean Model was designed by USF's College of Marine Science to track red tide. Now the model is being used to forecast where nutrients from Piney Point will end up.
Researchers keep close eye on Tampa Bay's dolphins after Piney Point discharges
From a boat outside Port Manatee, Dr. Randall Wells keeps a close eye on the water. He and others are tracking dolphins who live in the area to see how they've been affected by wastewater discharges from the old Piney Point fertilizer plant.
TECO files proposal seeking $400M in rate hikes for customers
Tampa Electric Co. has filed a proposal seeking more than $400 million in base-rate increases during the next three years. TECO has about 800,000 customers in Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco and Pinellas counties.
Driver shortage blamed for higher ride-share fares
If you’ve used Uber or Lyft lately, you may have noticed fares are much higher than normal. Both companies said it’s partly because of a driver shortage and a sudden increase in demand.
Humpback whale makes rare appearance in Gulf of Mexico
Nicholas Lynch has been fishing his whole life, but this week, he captured incredible video of something few people will ever get to see in the Gulf of Mexico: a humpback whale breaching the water.
Frantic markets, costly materials put home buying and building out of reach for many
It’s a tight market for anyone trying to buy a house in the Tampa Bay area. Realtors say newly-listed houses are sometimes snatched up in one day. Buyers pay more attention to cash offers first, making it even more difficult for first-time homebuyers.
Tampa Bay area sees sharp increase in rent costs
In the last year alone, rent costs in the Tampa Bay area have increased almost 7% -- one of the biggest hikes in the entire country.
New transportation service helps those in need catch a ride throughout the Tampa Bay area
A new service is helping those in need get around throughout the Tampa Bay area, paying a $6 flat fee for a ride anywhere in the region. People may qualify as "transportation disadvantaged" due to a physical or mental disability, age, or income.
On the auction block: own part of Tampa Bay's Beer Can Island
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a private island, now may be your chance. The owners of Beer Can Island in the middle of Tampa Bay are auctioning off a 33% stake in the island, and their preferred currency is bitcoin.
'Trumparilla' among boat parades being planned in lieu of Gasparilla
Tampa's annual Gasparilla tradition may be off, but that isn't stopping Cliff Gephart and others from launching a boat parade of their own, calling it Trumparilla.
New report reveals troubling water quality trends in Old Tampa Bay
The results of a recent study by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program revealed some concerning trends regarding levels of algae known for posing a health risk to wildlife and people.
FWC looking for tips regarding scalped pelicans near Skyway pier
Rescue groups say someone is deliberately scalping pelicans by the Skyway fishing pier, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the crime.
Rescue group pleads for help as they rescue hundreds of pelicans from Skyway pier
At nearly two miles long, the south end of the old Sunshine Skyway Bridge is now the longest fishing pier in the world. It's also one of the most deadliest spots for pelicans, but a local group of volunteers is working to change that.
Bay Area oyster farmers building back Florida's aquaculture industry
A Bay Area couple is working to build back Florida's oyster industry after the Apalachicola Bay oyster fishery was shut down. They now manage the first aquaculture oyster farm in the history of Tampa Bay.
After Super Bowl Sunday: Host committee touts $2 million investment
The Super Bowl LV Host Committee celebrated the impact its Forever 55 program is expected to have long after the big game is over.
Bay Area hospitality industry adapts to unusual Super Bowl
After years of planning, Super Bowl week is finally here. The COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench into the plans, and that's not the only unusual thing about the Super Bowl in 2021.