Local leaders travel to Sanibel to learn from Hurricane Ian, recovery efforts
The Tampa Bay area dodged a bullet for the most part when it came to Hurricane Ian. City officials from a few beach communities, though, said they want to be ready in case we’re not as lucky next time.
Local scientists work to combat seagrass loss after 4,000 acres killed off in Tampa Bay
Seagrass has been killed off at an alarming rate in Florida. Recent surveys show 4,000 acres of seagrass has been lost in Tampa Bay.
FWC proposes year-round ban on sabiki rigs on Skyway Fishing Pier to protect pelicans
There is a brand-new proposal on the table to protect pelicans from fishermen on the Skyway Fishing Pier, but not everyone is happy with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's plan.
Scientists prepare for second field test of clay mixture used to mitigate red tide
Two years after scientists first field tested a clay mixture to mitigate red tide, they are looking back on what they learned in Sarasota County and preparing for a new field test.
New report shows how Tampa Bay area stacks up against other communities in the US
Quality of life, work balance, transit and housing affordability in Tampa Bay were among the aspects of life stacked up against similar cities around the country in a State of the Region report Friday.
Law enforcement in Bay Area, across country bring attention to cold cases on 'National Missing Person Day'
It is National Missing Person Day, a time when officers in the U.S. will be highlighting unsolved cases in hopes of finding people's loved ones – or at the very least, bringing them closure.
Florida communities receive about $65 million from federal grant to help makes streets safer
Communities across Florida received about $65 million in federal grant money to make streets safer whether you walk, bike or drive.
New study: Renting a home is more affordable than buying one in 2023
A new rental Affordability Report by ATTOM found it’s more affordable to rent an average three-bedroom home in 2023 than to own a comparably sized median-priced home.
Mocktails trend brings more non-alcoholic options to menus at bars, restaurants
Data from the CDC shows more than 140,000 Americans die from excessive alcohol use every year. It's one reason why "mocktails" are becoming so popular.
Unlocked cars become main source of stolen guns, fueling violence on Tampa Bay area streets
Law enforcement agencies across the Tampa Bay area said unlocked cars have become the main source of stolen guns, which are fueling violence on the streets.
Cold air settles in across Tampa Bay area with freeze warnings issued in most of the region
The temperatures proved to be completely different from what they were Friday morning as the cold front moved through the Sunshine State. Temperatures dropped throughout the day, and freeze warnings and wind chill advisories have been issued for most of the region.
Tampa Bay area counties open cold weather shelters with freeze warnings issued for Christmas weekend
With forecasters expecting the Tampa Bay area to see one of its coldest Christmas Days on record, counties across central Florida are opening cold weather shelters for anyone needing a warm place to stay over the holiday weekend.
Tampa Bay animal shelters waive adoption fees to clear space amid continued overcrowding
From Polk County to Manatee County, many animal shelters are experiencing overcrowding due to an increase in pet surrenders. To combat this, they've announced they will waive adoption fees for a limited time.
Advocates pushed for more affordable housing this year as Tampa Bay area saw record rent, home prices
It's been a wild year for the Tampa Bay area housing market in 2022, and housing advocates said there’s been success and challenges still to overcome heading into the new year.
More children showing up to hospitals with suicidal thoughts, new report finds
As more people open up about their mental health, a new report found an increase among children nationwide thinking about suicide and attempting suicide, including in the Tampa Bay area.
Florida Aquarium, Ocean Conservancy team up to talk about solutions to red tide
The Florida Aquarium is teaming up with Ocean Conservancy to host panel discussions about what red tide is, how it spreads and what needs to be done to prevent it from destroying the gulf and Tampa Bay.
Hurricane Irma ripped a hole in Shell Key, but that's a good thing
When Hurricane Irma roared through last fall, it caused billions in damages across the state and ripped a hole in one of our barrier islands. But rather than doing damage, it's improved much of the marine environment nearby.
Five adoptable kittens named after the Backstreet Boys won't have you feeling incomplete this Christmas
As long as you love them, officials promise these kittens' adorable faces will truly show you the meaning of not being lonely. It's all they have to give.
Tampa Bay area leaders release roadmap for local governments to help protect coast against changing weather
The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council released a regional resiliency action plan to lay out dozens of steps to protect people and places over the decades. It establishes a road map for 32 municipalities from Citrus County down to Sarasota County.
Harbor pilots help guide massive ships in Tampa Bay waters
Harbor pilots have one of the most unique jobs in the world, but it can also be one of the most dangerous. They don't fly planes, but they do guide massive ships into Tampa Bay.