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.
St Pete Beach Things to Do
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A Picture Perfect Day at the #1 Beach in America: St Pete Beach

We’re sharing top picks of things to do in St. Pete Beach so you can plan your next trip to the number one beach in the United States!

Maggie Rodriguez

Writing a New Chapter with Maggie Rodriguez

Maggie Rodriguez, a monthly contributor to our magazine, has forged a new, more flexible career path as the co-host of Daytime on WFLA.

LUFKA Refillables South Tampa
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For the Love of Earth and Family: LUFKA Refillables Zero Waste Store in Tampa

Meet Kelly Hawaii and her husband Parosh, launched their business Lufka Refillables Zero Waste Store right here in Tampa!

weeki-wachee-mermaids
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Mermaids in Tampa Bay. Yes, it’s TRUE! They Live in Weeki Wachee Springs

Learn more about the history and magic of mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-South NICU
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St. Joseph’s Hospital-South opens new NICU to care for the tiniest patients

The new Level II NICU at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South provides specialized around-the-clock care 24 hours a day, seven days a week for newborns and their mothers.

heavy metals in baby food
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Heavy Metals in Baby Food: Expert info on what you need to know

Dr. Rachel Dawkins, a pediatrician at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital shares the need to knows about heavy metals in baby food.

Everything you need to know about The Super Bowl Experience Presented by Lowe’s
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Everything you need to know about The Super Bowl Experience Presented by Lowe’s

The Riverwalk takes center stage for pre-game events to get the community and our visitors a chance to step inside the Super Bowl Experience.

best beaches in Tampa bay
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Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Spots to Social Distance in Tampa Bay

Life during a pademic has us all seeking a little bit more space! We’re sharing some of our favorite social distancing friendly places in Tampa Bay!

Legoland-Preschool-Pass
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LEGOLAND Florida offering FREE Preschooler Pass, too!

Busch Gardens + Adventure Island just announced their FREE Preschool Card for little ones, and now LEGOLAND Florida has one too!

How to give back as a family in Tampa Bay volunteer
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Season of Giving: 10 Ways Your Family Can Give Back in Tampa Bay

We’re sharing different ways your family can give back in Tampa Bay whether it’s by volunteering your time or supporting a local non-profit.

Junior Buccaneers Cheerleading program
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The Junior Buccaneers Cheerleading Program is Going Virtual in 2020!

If your little one loves to cheer and dance, the Junior Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleading program might be a perfect match for them!

aisnley earhardt

Focus, Faith and Family with Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt

Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt is heading to Tampa Bay with many of her other Fox News Channel hosts for the inaguaral Patriot Awards. She’s sharing more about motherhood, faith and focus at work.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coloring Sheets
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Keep the Kids Busy with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers During Quarantine!

You and the kids can get moving and get coloring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during your self-quarantine! Check out these FREE printables and videos!

Van Gogh Alive at the Dali Starry Night
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Van Gogh Alive at The Dali extended through June!

Van Gogh Alive at The Dali is an immersive, multi-sensory art exhibit like you’ve never experienced before! We’re sharing what to expect.

register for kindergarten in Hillsborough County

Sign Up for Kindergarten this month with Hillsborough County Schools

If you have a rising kindergartner, this is the time to register! Hillsborough County elementary schools are hosting Ready for Kindergarten events this month.

lost pearl pirate water taxi
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Yes, you CAN ride…or rent…a real Pirate Ship in Tampa

A real pirate ship is invading Downtown Tampa and it’s here to stay! Meet the Lost Pearl, the newest addition to the Pirate Water Taxi fleet.

Delilah Dawson and family at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Hollywood Studios in Orlando.
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Local Mom, Delilah Dawson, Pens New Novel Based on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

We’re introducing you to local mom of two, Delilah Dawson, an acclaimed author who not only wrote a novel based on Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, but also created a character you can meet at the park!

Family and Football: Mike Evans on lessons from the field to home
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Family and Football: Mike Evans on lessons from the field to home

We met with Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his gorgeous family to talk about football, fatherhood and philanthropy.

5 Fun Ways to WOW Your Kids with the Wonders of Space 

5 Fun Ways to WOW Your Kids with the Wonders of Space 

Grayson Kamm, a dad of two and former TV journalist who covered the space program, shares cool facts and FUN ways to teach your kids about outer space!

Tradewinds

Four Ways to Daycation in Tampa Bay

Why vacation when you can daycation? There are so many options for families in Tampa Bay, so we’re sharing four ideas we think you and the kids will love!

u-pick-peaches-tampa-bay
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Peachy Perfect: U-Pick Peach Farms in Tampa Bay You Must Try!

Our Family Fun contributor Heather DeManche is sharing some her family’s favorite places to u-pick peaches in Tampa Bay! They are all just peachy perfect!

RAWRsome! Dinovations Lab Now Open at MOSI!
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RAWRsome! Dinovations Lab Now Open at MOSI!

MOSI’s newest exhibit is going prehistoric with the unveiling of the Dinovations Lab featuring a diplodocus dino skeleton, Paleo Lab, and more!

Florida-sweeties-u-pick-farm
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Tampa U-Pick Farm | Florida Sweeties Open for Citrus This Month!

Florida Sweeties, known for their peach orchards, is offering a u-pick of citrus fruit during what looks to be perfect picking weather this weekend.

Bucs

Best. Gift. Ever. Game day fun with the home teams! 

The gift of experience is the only way to go and what better way to share a day with your child than cheering on the home team?

Gerald McCoy and family
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Meet the McCoys | Family, Football and Business

Gerald McCoy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his wife Ebony share what life is like off the field as a family of seven in Tampa Bay!

Get WILD: Animal encounters in Tampa Bay your kids will never forget  
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Get WILD: Animal encounters in Tampa Bay your kids will never forget  

We went to several local attractions to check out some of animal encounters in Tampa Bay so we can share our favorites with you!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

FREE Beer Samples Return to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay May 1-August 5!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced it’s bringing back FREE beer samples to the theme park May 1 through August 5! Guests who are 21 and older can head to the Garden Gate Cafe to sample two 7-ounce beers for FREE! Favorites will remain on tap for you to sample through the summer like Bud Light,…

Indoor activities in tampa bay

Beat the BRRRRR with our favorite indoor activities in Tampa Bay!

Wowzers! Get ready to get your BRRRRR on this week as temperatures plunge way below normal! The park may be out of the question for many of you, so we’ve put together this list of fun things to do in Tampa Bay that are INDOORS! Explore a local museum. There are so many wonderful museums…

Kids eat free
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16 Places in South Tampa Where Kids Eat FREE!

Merris Pope of Hula-Frog South Tampa shares her favorite places in South Tampa hwere kids eat free!

Florida-Aquarium-Splash-Pad-Tampa-Bay-Parenting
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The Florida Aquarium: The Splash Pad

The Florida Aquarium re-opened its new and improved splash area in 2017 and it is hands down our favorite place in Tampa Bay to splash, learn and play! “The Splash Pad” features a giant lily pad climbing structure, along with multiple water features and even two covered bug-themed dry play areas. The sandbox is also returning,…

How a Stay-at-Home Dad Used His Family Roots to Start Growing Business

How a Stay-at-Home Dad Used His Family Roots to Start Growing Business

  As my high school sweetheart and I prepare to celebrate 12 years of marriage just before Father’s Day, I am honored to shine a spotlight on my hard-working husband, Brooks Boyette, new business owner. For Brooks and me, home was always Tampa. This is where we met, where we grew up and where we…

Wendy Rice

How to Create Healthy Adult Mother-Daughter Relationships

When you think about your relationship with your mother, does it make you smile and feel good inside or do you get a knot in your stomach and start to clench your fists? Or Moms: When you think of your daughter, do you feel proud and grateful or do you get angry and think about…

LEGOLAND-Florida-Flash-Sale
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LEGOLAND Florida To Offer $99 Annual Pass During Flash Sale!

LEGOLAND Florida is about to offer its biggest deal of the year during a flash sale which will allow you to buy the Awesome Annual Pass for $99!

Tampa Bay Private School Guide

Tampa Bay Area Private Schools: Find the One For You

Hillsborough Bayshore Christian School 3909 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa 813-839-4297; www.bayshorechristianschool.org The school’s college preparatory program focuses on core academic subjects, with enrichment programs in performing arts, visual arts, foreign language, computer, media science and physical education. Students have athletic opportunities at the middle school, junior varsity and varsity level. Upper school students are prepared…