Author: Laura Byrne

Laura Byrne is an award-winning former television news journalist who spent 15+ years in newsrooms across the state of Florida including Sarasota, Tallahassee, Fort Myers and right here in Tampa Bay.She covered the political beat, crime beat and every day breaking news during her time in Florida newsrooms, but is now focused on sharing positive news stories and events with families in Tampa Bay. She is a proud mommy of two little boys who keep her on her toes and laughing every day.Her goal is to inspire families just like yours to get out and play and experience all that Tampa Bay and our great state of Florida have to offer! She encourages you to share your stories and upcoming events so we can spread the good news.
Prehistoric Predators at ZooTampa
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Prehistoric Predators exhibit NOW OPEN at ZooTampa

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is once again transporting you back into prehistoric times so you and the kids can go nose to snout with some of the world’s most ferocious prehistoric predators. Prehistoric Predators is a limited-time exhibit and the final day to experience it is Sunday, April 28, 2024. The best part — it’s…

Hustle Sanely Jess Massey
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Say goodbye to burnout with help from local mama, Jess Massey, founder of Hustle Sanely

As we get ready to step into a new year, a time when many of us look to reset, we’re introducing you to a local mom who has been right where you are—smack dab in the middle of burnout. Jess Massey not only found her way out, but she developed a planner and system to help other women find their path to a more “peacefully productive” life.

Juliette Feld Grossman shares the story behind the NEW Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
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Juliette Feld Grossman shares the story behind the NEW Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is roaring back to life in an ALL-NEW reimagined show and we’re chatting with Juliette Feld Grossman, who teamed up with her father to produce The Greatest Show on Earth, to talk about the evolution of the show.

The Gift of Experience in Tampa Bay: A Holiday Gift List Must
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The Gift of Experience in Tampa Bay: A Holiday Gift List Must

Rather than overloading our kids with more toys and clutter, why not give the gift of experience in Tampa Bay? An annual pass or membership to a local attraction is not only cost effective, it’s a gift that keeps on giving year–round to the entire family.  Added bonus- many of the attractions that offer summer camps…

Tampa Bay Parenting Toys for Tots at Toys R Us Where to donate toys
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12+ Places to Donate New Toys in Tampa Bay this Holiday Season

The high cost of living and inflation continue to make a significant impact on families and the non-profit organizations that support them. If you are financially able, donating a new toy and even food for a local family in need will make a big difference this holiday season.

Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent
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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…

RSV

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.

Hillsborough County Anti-Bullying Award

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…

Pelvic Floor Therapy, The HOPE Docs
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Pregnancy and Your Pelvic Floor: 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.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Parenting Class
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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.

Corbett Prep Christoff family on school boardwalk

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…

award-winning students

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…

Blink gun violence film

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…

Kiwanis Cares for Kids TreeHouse at Bonnet Springs Park
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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…