News across Hillsborough County

Preventing Drug Abuse, Protecting Our Community
By State Attorney Suzy Lopez “Two of the men I depended on the most are gone,” Lisa Jo Burke said after losing both her son Brandon, and her husband, John, to fentanyl overdoses less than a year apart. Her words capture the devastation substance abuse can leave behind. Addiction…

City of Tampa, Hillsborough County Schools and Sidewalk Stompers Celebrate National Walk to School Day
City of Tampa, Hillsborough County Schools and Sidewalk Stompers Celebrate National Walk to School Day Tony D. Fri, 10/02/2026 - 10:45 am 2025 National Walk to School Day @ Roosevelt Elementary School 2025 National Walk to School Day @ Roosevelt Elementary School City of Tampa…

Red Eye Mahjong Club is the region’s booming mahjong hub
Jacob Chang, the founder of Red Eye Mahjong Club, is of Chinese and Ecuadorian descent. Growing up in Tampa, Jacob was immersed in mahjong from a young age thanks to […]

Young Lithia Author Shows The Power Of Imagination
At an age when most children are just beginning to develop their writing skills, 5-year-old Nila Pravveen of Lithia is a published author. Her story is more than publishing a book — she is a curious, creative child who loves learning and storytelling, and her journey raises a…

Before Hollywood, Florida was already making movies. A new exhibit tells the story
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," Rodney Kite-Powell with the Tampa Bay History Center discussed "Cinema in the Sunshine State" and how the visitors can learn more about Florida's legacy in the film industry.

SOTD 10/2/26: Mas Que Nada by Bajune Tobeta, Gracinha Leporace, Marianna Leporace and Black Prez
The WMNF Song the Day for October 2, 2026 is “Mas Que Nada” by Bajune Tobeta, Gracinha Leporace, Marianna Leporace and Black Prez “Mas Que Nada” is one of the most recognizable anthems in Brazilian music history. Originally written and performed by Jorge Ben Jor in 1963, the…

Arts Alive! podcast: Jane Austen at Stageworks
Onstage through Oct. 11 at Stageworks Theatre in Tampa, Jane Austen in 89 Minutes is a fast-paced comedic farce that manages to compress all six of the 18th century novelist’s books into … well, 89 minutes. As the theater’s producing artistic director Karla Hartley is quick to…

“A Day of Unity: Domestic Violence Awareness” on Morning Energy
“When you leave an abusive relationship, you are not choosing to abandon someone; you are choosing to save yourself.” — Anonymous In the United States, October is recognized for many important awareness campaigns, as well as numerous national observances. One of these is National…

The Florida Orchestra’s high voltage fall lineup kicks off a season of sound this weekend
The Florida Orchestra, headquartered right here at home, is one of the state’s premier musical experiences. Their huge fall lineup officially begins this weekend, bringing an incredible run of concerts […]

State investment bolsters Eckerd’s student rescue force
The $364,811 appropriation will upgrade boats and storm-damaged docks used by student volunteers who respond to hundreds of Tampa Bay maritime emergencies each year.

Where Are They Now? Chef Guiliano Hazan on Italian Cooking
Dalia visited Giuliano at his home in June 2024, and she returned for another conversation at his kitchen table in June of 2026.

Where Are They Now? Chef Giuliano Hazan on Italian Cooking
Dalia visited Giuliano at his home in June 2024, and she returned for another conversation at his kitchen table in June of 2026.