Local News
Community news from our local sources
Chalk Talk (07/01/26): Art wins best of show
Florida student’s art wins Best of Show in Fish Art Contest TAMPA – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in collaboration with Wildlife Forever, recognized Sebastian Romo for his submission in the 2026 Fish Art Contest. Sebastian was named the Florida freshwater…
Village welcomes former police officer, Navy fireman
LAND O’LAKES – The Tunnel to Towers Let Us Do Good Village has welcomed two new heroes to its growing community. Navy Fireman Brenda Arnaud and Industry Borough Police Officer Scott Morrison are among the 11 heroes who have moved into the village this year. Nearly 30 families…
Local Wildlife: Skunk sisters enjoy frozen treat
TAMPA – The Florida Aquarium recently welcomed striped skunk sisters Ginger and Juniper from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Independence Day weekend marked their first appearances as part of the aquarium’s animal ambassador program, helping guests learn about one of North America’s…
Cronin: Development isn’t the same as growth and it’s certainly not sprawl
In recent years, Pasco County has been exporting its greatest natural resource. Not phosphate. Not citrus. Not timber. Our people. For decades, communities like Pasco County carried the label of a “bedroom community.” People live here because housing was affordable but every…
USF students get exposure to teaching at Pepin Academies
TAMPA – Twelve University of South Florida students pursuing degrees in Exceptional Student Education gained teaching experience while helping children with learning disabilities at Pepin Academies. The four-week Summer Institute wrapped up recently, giving both groups a chance…
PHSC unveils Wilton Simpson Science & Innovation Center
DADE CITY – Pasco-Hernando State College recently celebrated the grand opening of the Wilton Simpson Science & Innovation Center. The 27,000-square-foot center provides a hub at East Campus for evolving technologies and will house classrooms, workspace and offices, as well as a…
Woodfield Development begins construction on apartments
LAND O’ LAKES – Woodfield Development has started construction on Connerton Apartments, a 270-unit residential community within the Connerton master-planned community in Land O’ Lakes. The project further expands Woodfield’s Florida portfolio and introduces new rental housing to…
Hillsborough County Extension Service releases July programs
TAMPA – Hillsborough County residents can improve their landscapes, strengthen financial wellness, explore healthy eating habits and learn sustainable living practices this July through Hillsborough County Extension Service’s lineup of educational classes and workshops offered…
Local Wildlife (6/30): Aquarium returns sea turtle to gulf
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – A juvenile green sea turtle named Purple returned to the gulf on June 26 after months of rehabilitation at The Florida Aquarium following a cold-stunning event. Purple was transferred to The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center on Feb. 11 after…
PulteGroup donating mortgage-free homes to veterans
RIVERVIEW – PulteGroup’s West Florida Division is gifting two mortgage-free homes at once through its Built to Honor program in partnership with Building Homes for Heroes. Army Specialist Ryan Heard and Army Sergeant Carson Shaw were selected because their stories were equally…
Libraries bring summer fun across Hillsborough County
TAMPA – Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative offers engaging, entertaining and informative free programs for the entire family in July. The events listed below are only a sampling of the many scheduled. Find more listings under the “Events & Classes” tab at HCPLC.org.…
Families receive keys from Hooters to Habitat townhomes
CLEARWATER – Several employees from Tampa Bay-area Hooters locations and the corporate office attended Habitat’s townhome dedication block party on June 22 in Clearwater. The Original Hooters sponsored townhomes for the Sanchez and Xhokli families, making this their 11th home…