Those Who Teach • 3rd December 2024

Fostering community in curriculum

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world where our focus has become the top commodity, what does it look like to lead with intention rather than vying for attention? For elementary school teacher Caitie Christman, it means remaining vigilant in making sure her students feel supported through fostering strong relationships with those most important to their overall success...

Those Who Teach • 3rd December 2024

Moving from industry to classroom

For educators who find themselves in vocational teaching, it’s understandable why practical experience in the quote-unquote real world would be beneficial. However, while certain teachers who fit this description can bring a wealth of career knowledge into the classroom, it’s not uncommon to find others who might not have those same qualifications...

WUSF • 8th August 2024

Tampa is resurrecting a program to help residents find stable housing

Tampa is resuming its popular Rental and Move-in Assistance Program, or RMAP. The program has helped more than 1,800 individuals and families secure stable housing across Tampa. Eligible applicants receive help covering security deposits, first and last month’s rent and additional rental assistance for up to one year. Kayon Henderson is the city’s housing director. She said the program identifies those who would benefit the most from these services. “We were able to assist over 500 households,” Hende...

WUSF • 5th August 2024

Here’s what you need to know about river flooding across the greater Tampa Bay region

Debby made landfall along Florida’s northwest coast Monday morning, but its impacts are still being felt from the storm passing the greater Tampa Bay region. The National Weather Service is predicting significant river flooding is possible for the region, with coastal flood advisories and flood watches in effect through Aug. 6. River and lake flooding continues to be a key issue as heavy rains and storm surges persist. Water levels in Lake Tarpon rose over 18 inches overnight Monday with officials...

WUSF • 1st August 2024

A ransomware attack at OneBlood is delaying blood distribution to hospitals

OneBlood, a blood donation center that services hundreds of hospitals across the southeastern United States, is experiencing a ransomware event that’s limiting the organization’s software systems.The nonprofit organization said it’s remaining operational to collect, test and distribute blood, but there's going to be delays in getting that blood to hospitals.“OneBlood takes the security of our network extremely seriously,” Susan Forbes, OneBlood senior vice president of corporate communications a...

WUSF • 31st July 2024

How USF's policy changes could restrict how students gather on campus

Earlier this year, pro-Palestinian protests on the University of South Florida Tampa campus led to multiple arrests and academic consequences for students involved. Now, administrators are putting forth changes to school policy about how, when and why students can hold events — including protests — on campus.READ MORE: Jewish group applauds USF while protesters say admin has 'ignored' concernsRyan Ansloan is senior program officer for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). H...

WUSF • 19th July 2024

Laundromat event helps Tampa connect community members with needed services

Tampa leaders are working to inform and empower people one load of laundry at a time.The city recently held a free laundry day at Riverside Laundromat to provide more than just clean clothes.The mission of the first event of a new program called “Suds and Solutions” is to connect community members directly with valuable city information and resources through meaningful relationship building.“The whole goal of this event is to bring city resources into the communities we serve,” said Janelle McG...

WUSF • 16th July 2024

Tampa is expanding its Green Spine bicycle trail through Ybor City

Tampa's Green Spine cycling track will soon extend through more of Ybor City. Construction on the path is expected to start next month and wrap up by the Fall. The project will add bicycle lanes next to Nuccio Parkway and 15th street up to 17th avenue, where the track will transition to a wide multiuse section next to Cuscaden Park.Construction through Ybor City will finish the eastern portion of the trail, with a final phase of work on the west side of the Hillsborough River through downtown e...

WUSF • 9th July 2024

The sudden announcement of Tampa-area clinic closures leaves some patients worried

The abrupt announcement of the closing of Diagnostic Clinic Medical Group’s clinics is leaving some patients concerned about their next steps in finding health care.Patients were notified via letter in mid-June that the offices would end operation on Aug. 30.In these communications, the group stated that patients would have to find new doctors in their network with the insurance companies directly.The group has been operating for over 50 years, with four offices and clinics serving communities i...

WUSF • 2nd July 2024

Downtown Tampa’s Boom by the Bay is back

Mayor Jane Castor and the city of Tampa are bringing back the annual Boom by the Bay celebration Thursday at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park to celebrate July Fourth.This year's event will feature a variety of family-friendly offerings, including a pickleball tournament, apple pie desert competition, live music and the signature evening fireworks display.At a press conference on Monday, Castor said the event will be a central hub for a number of Independence Day celebrations happening around down...

WUSF • 1st July 2024

The planned restoration of Ybor City’s brick streets is leaving some business owners wary

The City of Tampa is scheduled to begin restoring Ybor City’s 7th Avenue to its original brick look starting later this month.While city officials are aiming to bring back the area’s historic charm, many business owners and residents are concerned the project’s impact on the community.GCM Insurance & Risk Management Advisors founder Grant Connor Mehlich said that blocking the streets for construction will hurt businesses in the area that are already suffering.The efforts will close one of Ybor's...

WUSF • 25th June 2024

Tampa City Council votes to move forward with construction agreement for Riverwalk expansion

The Tampa City Council is signing off on an expansion of the Riverwalk to connect with more neighborhoods west of the Hillsborough River.The expansion, known as the West Riverwalk project, was approved by a 5-2 vote last Thursday. It will add $26.8 million to the initial budget projections, bringing up the project’s price tag to $56.8 million. The contract requires a final vote, which is scheduled for July 18.Ultimately, the project will complete a 12-mile network of bike and pedestrian walkways...

WUSF • 20th June 2024

Castor pushes for federal heat protections for workers in wake of Florida law

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor is calling on federal officials to approve workplace protections for heat-related issues.  In a letter sent to a number of agencies last week, Castor (D-Tampa) singled out a law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in April that prevents community officials from setting heat exposure limits for outdoor employees and contractors.The legislation comes as Florida continues facing record-breaking summer heat, including across the greater Tampa Bay region.

WUSF • 20th June 2024

Tampa Police Department secures nearly $1 million for electric patrol cars

The City of Tampa received a federal grant to purchase up to 13 new electric vehicles for the police department. The new additions to the department’s fleet will be the first in testing eco-friendly options for citywide public safety divisions. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said at a Tuesday press conference that the cars will be a great benefit in reducing the organization's carbon footprint."They are faster, the performance is better, and they save us money. The police officers obviously are goi...

WUSF • 18th June 2024

Photos connect a throwback Fire Island and today's St. Petersburg

It’s 1962 at a Girl Scout camp in Bayport, Long Island. Among the hushed whispers of the campers at a beach sleepover, a young Meryl Meisler begins hearing talks of a nearby island seemingly straight out of a fairytale.“These girls were whispering about something and pointing out to the ocean and talking about a place called Fire Island.” Meisler said. “Where there were naked fairies who lived in little houses with names like Shirley Temple.”Flash forward to the late 1970s. Meisler is working as a...

WUSF • 7th June 2024

Feeding Tampa Bay expands its mission with new Causeway Center

Just southeast of Port Tampa Bay, there’s a new 215,000-square-foot facility that leaves an impressive mark on the surrounding landscape. The $60 million building, built and run by Feeding Tampa Bay, is called the Causeway Center. The goal: building a space to foster community services for combating hunger through personalized support.“The Feeding Tampa Bay Causeway Center has been in the making for the last five years,” said Lorena Hardwick, the organization’s chief external affairs officer. “One...

WUSF • 5th June 2024

Tampa Bay organizations commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy

June 6, 1944, marks the 80th anniversary of one of the turning points of World War II and the largest seaborne invasion in history — D-Day. And two groups from the greater Tampa Bay region have traveled to France to be a part of the global commemoration. The Clearwater Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol was selected as the official Civil Air Patrol Color Guard for the 2024 commemoration ceremony in Normandy, France."You see the cemeteries,” said Anthony Young, first lieutenant of the Squadron. “Yo...

WUSF • 29th May 2024

The 100 deadliest days for teen drivers have begun

As the school year ends and summer vacation begins, the risk of teenage car accidents rises exponentially. Known as the “100 deadliest days for teen drivers,” the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends sees nearly half of all teen driver-related deaths for the year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration."You have young, inexperienced teenage drivers who are now out of school,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “They’re spending more ti...

WUSF • 23rd May 2024

Tampa is on track for record-breaking heat

The Tampa Bay area is experiencing above-average temperatures this month — and that’s not likely to change any time soon. As of mid-May, the average daily temperature has been on pace to be one of the hottest ever recorded.“We are running above normal,” said Paul Close, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Tampa Bay Area office. “The overnight lows have been higher than normal compared to the high temperatures; there's been bigger spreads. But the average for the month so far for t...

WUSF • 21st May 2024

The Florida avocado industry faces pressure from a tree disease

Tree growers and researchers across Florida are continuing to try to reduce the harm caused by a decades-old disease that’s impacting avocado production. The disease, known as laurel wilt, was first introduced to the United States through infested wood packing material from Asia in 2002, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.“A boat came into Port Wentworth, Georgia, with some wooden pallets,” said Jeff Wasielewski, a commercial tropical fruit agent at...

WUSF • 1st December 2023

These events will help you celebrate the holidays across Tampa Bay

With so many ways to celebrate the most wonderful time of year, here’s a list of holiday events to choose from across the Tampa Bay area. Weather permitting, however; the National Weather Service says potentially severe storms will move through the region on Dec. 16-17, and events are already been canceled. Be sure to check before heading out. City of St. Pete Beach Holiday Boat Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony — Dec. 1, 6 p.m. Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, St. Pete Beach. Head over to Horan...

WUSF • 17th November 2023

Getting in the holiday spirit? How to start celebrating across Tampa Bay this weekend

Thanksgiving might be the next event on everyone’s calendar, but it’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays across the greater Tampa Bay region. From Christmas tree lightings to winter villages, here’s how those eager to feel some holiday cheer can start ringing in the season early: City of South Pasadena Holiday Tree Lighting — Friday, Nov. 17. 6:30 p.m. Bay View Park, 7054 Sunset Drive S., South Pasadena. Mayor Arthur Penny will light up the tree and park in a community celebration featurin...

WUSF • 14th November 2023

Here is the concert lineup for the 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival

The annual Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City has announced its headlining performers for the 2024 season. From up-and-coming artists to classic favorites, there’s something for everyone in this year’s lineup.Tickets go on sale starting Dec. 7 at 8 a.m.Over the 11-day event, a variety of acts ranging from classic rock to up-and-coming country will take the Wish Farms Soundstage. And with a surprise artist to be announced for the final night, there’s something to look forward to for all mu...

WUSF • 14th November 2023

Here is the concert lineup for the 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival

The annual Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City has announced its headlining performers for the 2024 season. From up-and-coming artists to classic favorites, there’s something for everyone in this year’s lineup. Tickets go on sale starting Dec. 7 at 8 a.m.Over the 11-day event, a variety of acts ranging from classic rock to up-and-coming country will take the Wish Farms Soundstage. And with a surprise artist to be announced for the final night, there’s something to look forward to for all mu...