How to get free COVID tests for your family
We’re showing you how to get four free COVID tests beginning Sept. 25 and where to go for low-cost or free COVID-19 tests in Tampa Bay.
Laura Byrne
Laura Byrne is an award-winning journalist whose 15+ years in Florida newsrooms have shaped her into a trusted voice for Tampa Bay families. As Creative Director and Managing Editor of Tampa Bay Parenting and Orlando Parenting she leads a team dedicated to delivering expert-backed, locally relevant content for parents and families across the Tampa Bay area. With a career spanning television and print journalism, Laura blends professional expertise with her personal journey as a mom to two boys, offering practical insights that resonate with busy caregivers.Laura earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication at Florida State University. She launched her career in 2002 as a reporter at SNN Local News 6 in Sarasota, followed by stints at WCTV in Tallahassee (2002-2007), WINK News in Fort Myers (2007-2009), and WTSP-TV in Tampa Bay (2009-2013). Over 25 years, she covered politics, crime, and breaking news, earning accolades for her sharp reporting and on-air presence.Since joining the magazine Laura has transformed Tampa Bay Parenting into an award-winning publication, doubling its revenue and creating timely, relevant local content for local parents, while earning multiple Florida Magazine Association Charlie Awards for excellence in journalism.Laura also served on the Hillsborough County Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee, the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board for Circuit 13, and as a board member of Leadership Hillsborough (Class of 2021-2022). A sustainer of The Junior League of Tampa, Laura’s civic engagement underscores her dedication to the Tampa Bay area.Laura’s insights reach beyond Tampa Bay Parenting. She’s been featured in outlets like WFLA, Tampa Bay Times, and The KNOW Women, sharing expertise on parenting and media.
Articles by Laura Byrne
- Christmas>Gifts>Metropolitan Ministries | Family Life>Fun>Holidays>Thanksgiving>Volunteer and Donate
Thanksgiving donations desperately needed in Tampa Bay
The Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent in Tampa will officially open and begin accepting donations for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays on October 29. Once again, they need more help than ever, especially in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton. This year, the non-profit which serves our six county region, expects to assist more than…
The 411 on RSV | What you need to know about this common virus
 We’re catching up again with Dr. John Prpich, BayCare Kids Pediatric Pulmonologist and Medical Director of Pediatric Respiratory Care at St Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, to learn more about RSV and a groundbreaking new medicine just approved for use in all infants to prevent RSV infection.
Tampa Bay’s Bully Busters: Hillsborough County Anti-Bullying Award Recipients
Each October, in honor of Bullying Awareness Month, Hillsborough County’s Anti-Bullying Awareness Committee recognizes a student or students who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in our community. This year, it wasn’t just one person who stood out, but a local elementary school student and a group of students who are taking…
Pregnancy and Your Pelvic Floor:Â Why exercise and pelvic floor therapy matter
Your pelvic floor probably doesn’t come up in routine conversations with friends and family. However, if you’re pregnant or have had a baby, you’ve probably either thought about it or felt the impacts post-partum, even years after childbirth.
CMA and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Team Up to Offer Free Parenting Classes
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is teaming up with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital to offer free parenting classes at CMA with classes that focus on different developmental milestones including speech, feeding, and reading for children from birth to 5-years-old.
A Place to Call Home: Corbett Prep Helps Tampa Transplants Find their Village
Over the past few years, we have welcomed numerous new families to the Tampa Bay area who were seeking the warmth of not just the sun, but of our community too. Diving into a new city can be a tad overwhelming when your quest is not only to find a house, but a home; not…
LEGOLAND Florida and Disney Offering Hurricane Evacuees Discounts on Hotels
If you were ordered to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Idalia, LEGOLAND Florida and Walt Disney World Resort are offering you and other Hurricane Idalia evacuees discounts on their resort hotels.
Hillsborough Strong: Trailblazing Students Doing Incredible Things in Music, Media and Technology
These four award-winning students from Hillsborough County Public Schools are sharing their successes and advice for doing the things they love. Justice Jones Rising fifth-grader, Hunters Green Elementary, Tampa Award: Hillsborough County Elementary Fine Arts Festival, All County Modern Band Drummer On his passion for music: “I love to do what I do because I…
How to book a free or low cost car seat inspection in Tampa Bay
Safe Kids provides free and low-cost car seat inspections in the Tampa Bay area. You might want to book one because most parents are doing it wrong.
Is your child addicted to social media? Here’s what you need to know.
Dr. Jennifer Katzenstein, Ph.D, talks about how to teach kids smart social media behavior and how to find a healthy balance.
Splash Pads in Tampa Bay to Keep Your Cool
Splash pads are a great way for kids of any age to have fun and cool off. Check out our picks for some of the best splash pads in Tampa Bay!
Blink: A new, locally produced film puts the spotlight on gun violence in Tampa Bay
Gun violence is a problem among youth in America—and this is not an opinion. Centers for Disease Control data shows gun-related deaths surpassed car accidents as the number one killer of children in our country in 2020, and that data hasn’t changed today, according to the Gun Violence Archive. This is where a new locally…
MOSI STEAMing Ahead into a Future of Growth and Innovation
A lot has changed in the world and in Tampa Bay in the 60-plus years since MOSI first opened its doors. Just as our community has grown and evolved, science and technology have too, taking us to frontiers we never could have imagined decades ago. The museum has also evolved, and while it’s not expanding…
Totally Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Summer with the Kids
We’re sharing some of our favorite things to do in Tampa Bay from an epic scalloping adventure to a day at one of our amazing local water parks!
Meet the People Bringing ‘Big John’ the Triceratops to Tampa
We’re introducing you to the family who bought Big John the Triceratops and how the record-setting fossil ended up in Tampa.
Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays to Return in 2024
The state of Florida is providing some financial relief for families with not just one, but TWOÂ Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays in 2024: June 1-June 14, 2024, and August 24-September 6, 2024.
Experience what it’s like to walk underwater with SeaTREK at The Florida Aquarium
Join us as we take you on a deep dive into what to expect when you walk underwater with The Florida Aquarium’s SeaTREK experience! Kids as young as 10 can participate too!
- Beaches + Waterparks + Splashpads | Outdoors | Spring Break | Spring Family Fun | Summer Break Fun | Travel
What You Need to Know About Kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River
The Weeki Wachee River is a Florida treasure. We’re showing up how to be good stewards as you go kayaking on the spring-fed river.
10 Things We Love About Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland
When we say you have to see it to believe how incredible it really is, we mean it when it comes to Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland. This brand-new privately built park on the outskirts of downtown Lakeland is a new place to play in Tampa Bay and we have a feeling it will quickly…
