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

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

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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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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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 

Lack of representation creates need for accessible fashion

Lady Natasha Fines Adaptive Fashion features clothing with a variance of specific functions to help people with disabilities. This clothing piece features a kids zip up jacket with easy port/iv access. (Photo courtesy of Lady Fines Adaptive Fashion)

By Noah Chase Finding stylish and adaptive clothing can be a challenge for people with disabilities, as the fast-paced fashion industry prioritizes trends over inclusive design.  “I realized there was a huge need for clothing for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses,” said Tampa Bay fashion designer, Lady Natasha Fines. “I brought it up to the… Continue reading Lack of representation creates need for accessible fashion

Jannus Live concert venue helps reshape downtown St. Petersburg

Ken Carson performs at Jannus live on July 10, 2024. It was Carson’s first performance in St. Petersburg and the second stop on his "A Great Chaos" tour. (Photo by Tapan Harkhani)

By Tyler Tran In the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, Jannus Live has become more than just a concert venue; for many community members, it’s a cultural icon and a key player in the city’s economic and cultural revival. With its open-air stage and wide-ranging performances, Jannus Live attracts thousands of visitors, helping reshape downtown into… Continue reading Jannus Live concert venue helps reshape downtown St. Petersburg

Rising rents threaten artists’ presence in Warehouse Arts District

Juan Alonso-Rodriguez, a contemporary artist, stands with a handful of his pieces that are displayed in his studio within the Warehouse Arts District. (Photo by Jack Hernandez/NNB)

By Jack Hernandez and Madelyn Siner In the eyes of the community, The Warehouse Arts District in St. Petersburg has been a key part of the city’s cultural fabric. Known for its repurposed industrial spaces, the district has provided artists with places to work and opportunities to thrive. However, as property values rise and redevelopment… Continue reading Rising rents threaten artists’ presence in Warehouse Arts District

AI challenges St. Petersburg’s art scene

In this AI-crafted image from McArthur Freeman’s Instagram in 2022, vibrant colors and abstract forms blend together to tell a story. Freeman’s work continues to push the boundaries of AI in art, offering a glimpse into what's possible with this new technology. (Photo Illustration by McArthur Freeman)

By Tyler Tran Artificial Intelligence, known as technology that allows computers to imitate human intelligence, is reshaping the art world by introducing new opportunities and ethical concerns.  As AI-driven creations enter mainstream galleries and artist studios, St. Petersburg’s vibrant art scene may face a significant transformation. Some fear AI’s influence could dilute the authenticity for… Continue reading AI challenges St. Petersburg’s art scene