Local boba tea shop combines flavor and anime for customers

Hudson's Manga Tea Shop displayed their new soft serve ice cream for customers on Instagram and Facebook on April 19. (Photo courtesy of Hudson's Manga Tea Shop's Instagram)

By Alyssa Moritz  The Manga Tea Shop in Hudson is gaining popularity, as it draws in customers with its unique blend of boba tea and an anime-themed atmosphere. “You can come here, and you can engage with other fans of anime […] and I think a lot of other [boba] places don’t offer that opportunity… Continue reading Local boba tea shop combines flavor and anime for customers

Tampa Bay artists react to Doechii’s historic Grammy win

At the 67th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, Doechii becomes third woman to accept Best Rap Album Award for “Alligator Nites Never Heal." (Photo courtesy of Doechii on Instagram)

By Canela Vasquez  On Feb. 2, songwriting rapper Doechii made history as the third woman to win Best Rap Album at the Grammys.   During her acceptance speech, she highlighted the talent in Tampa, and urged “labels go to Tampa, there’s so much talent there.”  As the self-proclaimed “swamp princess,” Doechii has never hidden the fact… Continue reading Tampa Bay artists react to Doechii’s historic Grammy win

Food trucks revolutionize the local resturant scene

Food trucks, such as Galvin's Goodies, are taking over the Tampa restaurant scene. (Photo courtesy of Galvin's Goodies)

By Destiny McDaniel  On Saturday evenings, Scott Street in Ybor City fills with parked cars and crowds as diners gather outside a local restaurant, soaking in live music and the glow of fairy lights. Meanwhile, across town, a food truck prepares for the dinner rush alongside others in a bustling lot. From burgers to ice… Continue reading Food trucks revolutionize the local resturant scene

St. Petersburg celebrates artists at the Second Saturday ArtWalk

Soft Water Gallery, part of the ArtsXchange campus, welcomes visitors during St. Petersburg’s Second Saturday ArtWalk. (Photo by Kylie Perz)

By Kylie Perz  St. Petersburg Second Saturday ArtWalk unites the city’s art districts for a lively monthly event, allowing visitors to explore new exhibits, meet local artists and engage in the community. From 5 to 9 p.m. on the ArtsXchange campus, studios and galleries open their doors to showcase their one-of-a-kind pieces, offering food, wine and music… Continue reading St. Petersburg celebrates artists at the Second Saturday ArtWalk

Soaring egg prices scramble restaurant operations citywide

"Eat, drink and be happy" is the motto of the local creperie which debuted in 2015, Taylor Sams. Taylor Sam's is the original New Jersey brunch spot's first chain location, which arrived in St. Petersburg in 2023. (Photo by Alisha Durosier)

By Alisha Durosier  The servers, baristas and bussers of the St. Petersburg brunch restaurant Taylor Sam’s found themselves adjusting to a new normal in late January when they were told they were no longer permitted one free breakfast item per shift or discounts on all menu items.  New store policy now requires restaurant staff to… Continue reading Soaring egg prices scramble restaurant operations citywide

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Categorized as Family

Vinyl records captivate a new generation  

Vinyl records are displayed at Bananas Records in St. Petersburg in April 2025, ahead of Record Store Day celebrations. Collectors and music fans are drawn to vinyl for its unique sound, collectible variants and nostalgic appeal. (Photo by Emma Lamison)

By Emma Lamison  Vinyl records are making a strong comeback in St. Petersburg. The music industry is changing, with artists using various types of records to create a unique collectible item that helps them connect with their fans more.  “My walls in my room are covered with my vinyl on display shelves to show off my favorite… Continue reading Vinyl records captivate a new generation  

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Categorized as Arts

Local theatre thrives from New Port Richey citizens’ support. 

Richey Suncoast Theatre actors perform a scene to their audience from their production of the play "Oliver!" in May 2024. (Photo by Lydia Oestreich)

By Alyssa Moritz  Richey Suncoast Theatre has seen a surge in community support in recent years, helping the New Port Richey venue expand its reach. “In the time I’ve been here, the support has definitely grown,” said Alyssa Vargas, a 21-year-old actress. “We’ve definitely seen an increase in support for the theatre, but I think… Continue reading Local theatre thrives from New Port Richey citizens’ support. 

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Categorized as Arts

The hidden stories behind city murals inspire locals 

Murals and artwork look over St. Petersburg sharing messages of hope and inspiration. (Photo by London Evans)

 By London Evans  Colorful murals now line the streets of St. Petersburg, transforming the city into an open-air gallery that began taking shape a decade ago when officials eased restrictions on street art.   It all began around 10 years ago when local authorities relaxed their restrictions on street art and welcomed local artists’ ideas… Continue reading The hidden stories behind city murals inspire locals 

Pinellas County adapts to the FDA’s recent ban on Red No. 3 

Popular products like Funfetti cake mix and Betty Crocker icing and sprinkles are subject to recall due to containing Red No. 3. (Photo by Christiana Eckard)

By Christiana Eckard Maraschino cherries, PEZ candy, Jelly Belly treats and Entenmann’s Little Bites all share more than fan-favorite status — they contain Red No. 3, a dye set to be banned from shelves by 2027.   The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent decision to ban Red No. 3, an artificial food dye that gives… Continue reading Pinellas County adapts to the FDA’s recent ban on Red No. 3 

Wartime legacy lingers in historic neighborhoods

Soldiers train along the coast while safeguarding residents from the threat of enemy submarines. (Photo courtesy of St Petersburg Museum of History)

By Julian Borrmann  Before it became a vacation hotspot, St. Petersburg was a wartime stronghold. With more than 100,000 military trainees flooding the city, 62 local hotels were converted into barracks and hospitals. This massive influx reshaped the community, as many soldiers and their families remained in Florida long after the war ended.  Rui Farias, a… Continue reading Wartime legacy lingers in historic neighborhoods