Category: Uncategorized

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

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 

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

Leadership St. Pete celebrates 55 years of shaping the city 

The Leadership St. Pete Class of 2025 comprised of 40 professionals from diverse backgrounds who will complete the program's 55th year. (Photo courtesy of Leadership St. Pete)

By Dayana Melendez  Every Friday morning at a downtown café, a group of professionals gather for breakfast. They’re not coworkers or longtime friends — at least not in the traditional sense. Five years ago, they were strangers thrown together in Leadership St. Pete’s Class of 2017. Today, they’re part of an invisible network that has… Continue reading Leadership St. Pete celebrates 55 years of shaping the city 

FEMA’s future in question after 2024 hurricane devastation

A floodwater line takes damage caused by Hurricane Helene in St. Petersburg. (Photo by Kayla Buckingham)

By London Evans, Julian Borrmann, Kayla Buckingham and Victoria Whitlock  Since 1979, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has made it possible to recover quickly and return to normal everyday life after natural disasters occur. With the organization facing potential changes, waterfront locals are anxious for answers about whether they will receive aid in the next… Continue reading FEMA’s future in question after 2024 hurricane devastation

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

Jordan Park Youth Program helps local children flourish

Students attend the Tutoring and Education Program, an after-school tutoring session at the Jordan Park Clubhouse. Volunteer tutors provide academic support designed to help students improve their skills, gain confidence and succeed in school. (Photo courtesy of St. Petersburg Housing Authority)

By Ailyn Garcia  The St. Petersburg Housing Authority’s Jordan Park Youth Program is an initiative that provides free after-school programs for the children of Jordan Park. They have mentorship, educational and recreational activities available.  Kiara Lovett, the director of social services for SPHA, believes this initiative has created a safe and supportive environment for the… Continue reading Jordan Park Youth Program helps local children flourish

New law could mean less flooding for Pinellas County residents

Pinellas County lawmakers hope to regulate vehicle speeds in areas vulnerable to flooding, as well as bring awareness to the issue with the proposition of a new bill. (Photo by Kadin Knowles)

By Rhiannon McIsaac, Kadin Knowles, Paola Bisbal and John Mancini During major storms, Pinellas County residents face the real threat of speeding vehicles pushing flood water into their front yards and homes, leading to damage that could have been avoided.  Pinellas County lawmakers hope to regulate vehicle speeds in areas vulnerable to flooding, as well… Continue reading New law could mean less flooding for Pinellas County residents