News in Tampa
Floridians can give input on the state's new science ed standards during a listening tour this week
Some education advocates worry the subject of climate change will be phased out of Florida's science standards during the updating process.

Florida scientists are raising funds to rapidly respond to invasive plant pests and diseases
As the continuously warming climate allows plant pests and diseases to spread further and wider, a researcher says Florida gets about one new pest or plant disease every month.

Education commissioner tells districts to remove sexually explicit books before parents complain
Commissioner Henry Mack wants school districts to cross-check the DOE’s official list of removed books with their own list of instructional materials and library books for review.

How Jefferson High School prepares students for Tampa's booming hospitality industry
In partnership with Visit Tampa Bay, the program equips students to learn skills to work in a variety of jobs under the hospitality umbrella.

How will Rays stadium construction affect Hillsborough College students?
When the Tampa Bay Rays begin work on Hillsborough College's Dale Mabry campus, classes will move to a temporary hub called The Nest.

UTampa removes policy banning student involvement in 'unrecognized groups'
The controversial policy, which has since been removed from the University of Tampa's website, restricted participation in groups that are not recognized by the school.

The Scoop: Tue. Sep. 22, 2026, Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF
Learn about the innovative AI class at the University of Tampa and how it prepares students for the future of technology.

Most Florida universities fell in national rankings, per U.S. News & World Report
University of South Florida stayed in the top 50 among public universities nationally but dropped three spots from No. 43 to No. 46.

USF faculty discuss AI’s role in education
The panelists explored the pros and cons of the technology and how it should be used in a classroom setting.

City of Tampa Celebrates First Graduates of GEAR UP Workforce Development Program
City of Tampa Celebrates First Graduates of GEAR UP Workforce Development Program Tony D. Wed, 08/26/2026 - 08:26 am Pictured are Christopher Figuereo and Maurice Kennedy who successfully completed the City of Tampa's Gear Up program. GEAR UP Workforce Development Program…

USF opens expanded College of Nursing facility
USF celebrated the opening of its newly expanded College of Nursing facility on the Tampa campus today, adding 53,000 square feet of educational space. The expansion was supported by a $33 million state investment approved in 2022 and will train the next generation of nurses and…

Back-to-School | Parks and Rec will be providing after-school care to more than 1500 kids
Back-to-School | Parks and Rec will be providing after-school care to more than 1500 kids Tony D. Mon, 08/10/2026 - 09:02 am About 1,600 kids from 1,000 families attend the Parks & Recreation After School Program. Parks & Rec After-School Program Opens Doors After caring for…