Local News

Back-to-school Success: Keep It Simple

For many autism families, the first few weeks after school starts can be the hardest. New teachers, new classrooms, different expectations, unfamiliar routines and changing schedules can bring excitement, but they can also bring anxiety, challenging behaviors and plenty of…

Richard J. Meadows Scholarship Honors Legacy Of Service

By David L. Miller Maj. Richard J. ‘Dick’ Meadows remains one of the most respected figures in the history of U.S. Army Special Forces. A pioneer of the Regiment, he served in Korea, volunteered for the newly formed Special Forces in 1953, later served with MACV-SOG during the…

Florida’s new education commissioner wants to block undocumented students from paying for career programs

In one of his first moves as education commissioner, Henry Mack has advanced a rule that would block undocumented students from attending the state’s postsecondary career and technical education (CTE) programs. The programs train students in a wide variety of career fields and…

USF receives $5 million gift to name eye institute

The University of South Florida has received a $5 million gift from alums Caroline Sue “Suzi” Martin and her son, Dr. Farrell “Toby” Tyson to name the USF Health Tyson-Martin Eye Institute. According to a prepared statement, this will “support the growth of ophthalmology…

Florida Virtual School Launches New Courses

Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is expanding its course catalog, student clubs and learning experiences for the 2026-27 school year, offering new opportunities for students in both FLVS Full Time Public Schools (FLVS Full Time) as well as students taking individual courses…

Pasco schools set to join Tampa Bay neighbors as a majority-minority district

Pasco returns to school, with heightened focus on K-8 campuses

‘Get politics out of our classrooms’: Groups look to remove Moms For Liberty school board candidates in Tampa Bay

Two organizations say they’re investing a quarter of a million dollars to support “pro-equality, pro-academic freedom” school board candidates this election season. The Equality Florida Political Action Committee and Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund announced Friday…

Meet The 2026 Team Of ‘Osprey Observer’ Interns

By Jamie Lu Each summer, the Osprey Observer hosts an internship program for high school and college students interested in supporting the local community through journalism. Read on to learn more about this year’s set of interns. Ella Baroni Ella Baroni is a senior in high…

ACLU files lawsuit against Florida International University

The ACLU filed a lawsuit against Florida International University on behalf of seven students who faced disciplinary action after a protest.

SPC expands partnership with CareerSource Tampa Bay

St. Petersburg College is expanding its partnership with CareerSource Tampa Bay to “help more residents facing financial challenges discover affordable education, workforce training and financial assistance that can lead to stable, high-wage careers,” according to a prepared…

Pinellas students head back to school