Your trusted source for local Tampa Bay, FL news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
A preschool in Riverview, Florida, is pioneering a program called "Little Engineers" that introduces STEM concepts to toddlers as young as two years old. The initiative aims to foster early interest in engineering and problem-solving skills, particularly among girls, who are underrepresented in the field. Through play-based learning, children engage in activities that develop fine motor skills and cognitive abilities.
The Lakewood Ranch Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is launching a drone program to enhance recovery efforts during the 2025 hurricane season. This initiative aims to assess damage and identify residents in need of assistance more efficiently. A free demonstration event is scheduled for March 15, 2025, at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
Happy Soul, a vegan eatery in Palmetto, Florida, offers Zobo tea, a traditional Nigerian beverage made from hibiscus flowers. Owner Paula Tromp emphasizes fresh, additive-free ingredients in her dishes, aiming to promote health and wellness through her culinary creations. The article highlights the simplicity of preparing Zobo tea, making it an accessible choice for health-conscious consumers.
Manatee County schools are considering changes to school boundaries due to significant student population growth, which has led to overcrowding in several schools. The final public meeting on this issue is set for Wednesday, and any approved changes will take effect in the 2026-27 school year. School officials emphasize the need for proactive measures to accommodate the influx of new students and prevent overcrowded classrooms.
The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is returning to Dade City, Florida, this weekend with a "Shamrocks and Shenanigans" theme in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. This vibrant festival, now in its 47th year, features over 100 artisans, 15 stages of entertainment, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Guests can enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with historical experiences, food, and entertainment, running every weekend until the end of March.
The City of Tampa is initiating the Sulphur Springs Neighborhood Action Plan to gather community input for improvements in the historic neighborhood. The plan, which targets nearly 10,000 residents, aims to enhance the quality of life through infrastructure investments and community programs. A kickoff meeting on March 12 will allow residents to share their ideas and feedback.
The City of Tampa, in collaboration with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, organized the fourth annual Trash Free Waters Dive Crew Day at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, where divers and volunteers worked together to clean the Hillsborough River. The event highlights the city's commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement. Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the importance of collective efforts to preserve Tampa's natural beauty.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is inviting public input regarding Mosaic's application to drill an exploratory well at its former fertilizer facility in Plant City, aimed at potentially disposing of wastewater. Local residents express concerns about the impact on water quality and supply, highlighting the area's history of mining and water contamination. An open house event allowed residents to voice their opinions and gather information from experts.
The Tampa Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival is returning on March 22, 2025, to celebrate the rich cultures and traditions of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in Tampa. Hosted at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the festival will feature live performances, authentic cuisine, and various family-friendly activities. Mayor Jane Castor emphasizes the festival's importance in fostering community connections and cultural appreciation.
Federal job cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have led to significant layoffs, including meteorologists at the Lakeland Aircraft Operations Center. Kerri Englert, a former flight director, expressed concern that these cuts could hinder the agency's ability to gather critical data during hurricane season, impacting public safety and emergency response. The layoffs reflect broader trends in federal employment under the Trump administration and raise questions about the future of NOAA's missions.