Coast Guard identifies kayaker missing near Honeymoon Island
The U.S. Coast Guard has identified a kayaker who went missing near Honeymoon Island Sunday evening.
Freeze Warning Issued As Tampa Bay Area Plunges Into Deep Chill
TAMPA, Fla. – Residents across the Tampa Bay region should prepare for a drastic shift in conditions over the next 24 hours. Following a wet start to Sunday, temperatures are expected to nose-dive overnight, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue urgent cold weather alerts just in time for the Martin...
Input sought by Madeira Beach on possible uses of newly acquired waterfront property
MADEIRA BEACH, Fla - The City of Madeira Beach has officially purchased a 4.6-acre waterfront property at the base of the 150th Avenue drawbridge, a highly visible gateway into the city. What we know:. The land, which cost $18 million, has sat vacant for roughly a decade after a previous...
Is Costco open on MLK Day 2026? What stores are open, closed this holiday
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the holiday celebrating the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. Whether you're heading out to the MLK Day parades in Tampa or St. Pete, or enjoying a day off from school or work, you may be wondering what's open and closed across the...
Family is their middle name, and this Clearwater diner treats every customer that way
CLEARWATER, Fla. - South of Sunset Point Road on Highland Avenue, hungry customers can find a family-friendly diner that features homemade meals cooked from scratch. The Clearwater Family Restaurant is open six days a week to take care of those cravings for breakfast and lunch. What they're saying:. "We have...
Hotly anticipated Mediterranean restaurant, LUMA, sets opening date for Jan 22 at SkyBeach Resort
A taste of the Mediterranean is coming to the Gulf Coast. LUMA, the highly anticipated dining concept at SkyBeach Resort (6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane South), is officially opening to the public on January 22. Reservations for the new experience are available now. Born from a thoughtful, intentional creative journey,...
On this day: Snow fell in Tampa Bay 49 years ago
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Tampa Bay area is no stranger to the occasional cold snap, but it usually comes without the snowfall expected farther north. However, on Jan. 19, 1977, folks as far south as Venice woke up to a blanket of snow on their cars and lawns. The snow started late the previous […]
On MLK Day: Reflecting on Black pioneers who carried the dream
It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and the crew at "Florida Matters Live & Local" is honoring King’s legacy and the work of other Black trailblazers. We begin by hearing how King inspired the late Georgia congressman John Lewis to become a civil rights icon, then revisit a conversation with Tampa-area politician...
Some Florida lawmakers look to strengthen e-bike laws
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Florida lawmakers have proposed a bill that could strengthen electric bike laws. The bill would have a new licensing requirement, and riders could face fines for modifying their bike. E-bikes have changed EBike Adventures of St Pete owner Drew Pomeroy’s life. “After about 100...
CapyCove: A capybara ‘oasis’ is coming to St. Pete
A new resort in St. Petersburg will cater to massive South American rodents rather than humans, who are also invited. Brianna Holzerland, founder of CapyCove, calls the long-planned facility a tropical oasis for capybaras. The world’s largest rodent species is known for its docile demeanor and gentle disposition....
