Students evacuated from Florida university building as huge blaze breaks out on campus
A fire broke out at a commercial building near the University of South Florida St. Petersburg on Saturday afternoon sending thick smoke into the sky.
Florida’s Cities Build Luxury Towers Instead of Affordable Residences While Thousands Sleep in Cars
As developers race to build high‑end apartments, everyday Floridians are pushed into parking lots, tents, and old cars, exposing a housing system that rewards wealth while leaving working families behind.
Habitat Seminole-Apopka recognizes volunteers advancing housing efforts
Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka honored over 100 volunteers at its April 24 Achievement Awards in Altamonte Springs. Habitat's 'Blueprint for the Future' aims to expand its impact on Central Florida's housing affordability challenges. The nonprofit builds affordable homes for low- to moderate-income families in Apopka and the Seminole-Apopka area. Apopka-area...
Monthly coffee meetings connect Bay Area veterans with each other and community resources
TAMPA, Fla. - Every month, veterans in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties use a cup of coffee to start conversations and create connections. "Anybody that was a part of military service is trained to work in groups, to work in organizations," U.S. Air Force Veteran Rev. Dr. Christian Frazier said. "So, what happens is when you get out, you're by yourself, so there's that whole what...
Spirit Airlines closure impacting hundreds of Florida travelers
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Spirit Airlines, an impish upstart that shook the industry with its irreverent ads and deep discount fares, announced Saturday that it has gone out of business after 34 years. The ultra-low cost airline that once operated hundreds of daily flights on its bright yellow planes and employed...
St. Pete police officer involved in crash with motorcycle, rider critically injured: SPPD
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A St. Petersburg police officer was involved in a crash with a motorcycle Friday night that left the rider with life-threatening injuries, according to the St. Pete Police Department. What we know:. Police say the crash happened at approximately 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of 54th...
The New Dish: Saltwater Hippie Beach Bar
Each week, The New Dish features new restaurants opening in Tampa Bay and highlights their signature dishes. This week, Farron and Maggie had the privilege of trying menu items from a Madeira Beach restaurant that finally reopened after Hurricane Helene devastated the property. Saltwater Hippie Beach Bar was forced to close for more than a year while repairs were underway, but has returned with...
The best outdoor dates in Tampa, while it’s still nice out
We’re in that time of year in Tampa where you walk outside and think, wait… it’s actually nice out? Before the humidity fully takes over and stepping outside feels like a commitment, this is your window to take advantage of it. Naturally, this is peak outdoor date...
St. Petersburg rejects Mahaffey Theater proposal, restarts search
St. Petersburg leaders are headed back to the drawing board in search of a new management group to run the Mahaffey Theater. Why it matters: Officials rejected the sole proposal submitted through a competitive bid process, leaving the city to take over theater operations for the first time in two decades.
Florida Restaurants Serving Grouper Sandwiches So Fresh Locals Won’t Order Anything Else
Florida has a secret weapon, and it comes tucked between two toasted buns with a slab of fresh grouper on top. From the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic side, locals know exactly where to go when a craving hits. The grouper sandwich is practically a Florida tradition, and the restaurants...

















