Blog

Common Hurricane Misconceptions aerial view of a hurricane in the Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico)

Hurricane Myths Busted: The Truth Behind Common Hurricane Misconceptions

Is wind more dangerous than water? Will Tampa always dodge big storms? Will taping your windows prevent them from breaking? Hurricane season is here, and while it’s important to know the facts and be prepared, it’s also easy to become misinformed. We recently spoke to ABC Action News Chief Meteorologist Denis Phillips about some of…

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Manatee Rehabilitation Center people looking at manatees
|

Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Rescuing, Rehabilitating and Releasing Tampa Bay’s Gentle Giants

It takes a village to raise a child – a familiar adage for parents. The same holds true for manatee rescue and rehabilitation, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is part of that village for Tampa Bay Area manatees. As of August 12, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Manatee Rehabilitation Center (MRC) is now open! Dr….

Fine Arts at the library for your family

Fine Arts Resources at Your Local Public Library

The A in STEAM stands for “Arts.” The fine arts, encompassing both the plastic arts and the performing arts, are for everyone. Our local public library is a welcoming space that features a wealth of resources, making the exploration and enjoyment of the fine arts accessible to all. Explore Fine Arts at the Library: Books…

Rendering of the entrance of new Ronald McDonald House at St. Joseph's Women's Hospital.

Ronald McDonald House Charities to add 5th house in Tampa Bay at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is partnering with St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital to open a new house in June 2025 on the hospital’s third floor, expanding its ability to serve even more families in the Tampa Bay area.

Tampa Bay Sun FC players on field in Tampa
| | |

Tampa Bay Sun FC: Ready to Kick Off a History-Making Season

The Tampa Bay Sun Football Club is kicking off its inaugural season this Sunday, August 18, bringing the highest level of professional women’s sports ever to the Tampa Bay Area. We’re getting to know head coach Denise Schilte-Brown as we talk women’s sports, motherhood, and her love of Tampa Bay.

Toddler Classes at The Rock open play for toddlers
|

The Best Weekly Classes and Open Play for Toddlers and Preschoolers in Tampa Bay

Tampa has changed and grown so much over the past few years of raising my daughters (ages 2 & 4). By now there are a TON of new options for toddlers since the end of the Covid/lockdown era and our littles are loving all the new playtime offerings. From long-time Tampa favorites like Carrollwood’s Little…

A Healthy & Seasonal Sensation: Grilled Chicken Panzanella Salad

A Healthy & Seasonal Sensation: Grilled Chicken Panzanella Salad

Bread, salad, and grilled chicken—does it get any better? This salad is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. It’s an ideal option for a late-summer healthy seasonal meal, especially during August when the Tampa Bay area is still sizzling hot! Using my indoor electric grill for this recipe has been a game-changer, but you can…

Bharat Chhabria Very Eric Carle exhibit
|

Discover the Magic of Eric Carle at the Glazer Children’s Museum

This summer, the Glazer Children’s Museum invites Tampa families to dive into the whimsical world of Eric Carle with the “Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit.” On display through Sept. 8, this enchanting exhibit brings the beloved author and illustrator’s vibrant stories to life, promising an unforgettable adventure for visitors…

Back to School Tips from Maggie and the Moms
|

Back to school tips from Maggie and the Moms’ experts

It’s hard to believe, but our kids will be going back to school this month. Summer always goes by too quickly (if you ask them), and adjusting to the new schedule takes time. To help you and your children navigate the transition as smoothly as possible, some Maggie and the Moms’ panelists use their areas…

Person studying using Help Now and World Book Online

Study Smarter with Help Now and World Book Online

As students return to school, parents aim to provide the best educational resources to support their children’s learning and development. In today’s digital age, the Hillsborough County Public Library offers two outstanding tools that can significantly enhance your child’s academic journey: Brainfuse-Help Now and the World Book Online. Both databases and others are free of…

Lemonade Stand Fundraisers Sailor Garfield, Anderson O’Kelley, Reagan Leung, Ruby Nolan, Haydon Swanson
|

Kids to Know: Sailor Garfield, Anderson O’Kelley, Reagan Leung, Ruby Nolan, Haydon Swanson

In preparation for summer break, most students across Tampa Bay anticipate what the season means for them: vacation travel, athletic camps, beach days, pool time, late nights and no homework. But for five rising sixth and seventh grade girls, this was the time to host their fourth annual lemonade stand to raise money for local…

Ambika Agrawal
| |

Moms to Know: Ambika Agrawal, Ambika Photography

In the wizarding world of Harry Potter, a wand is a conduit that brings out the energy of a magical person and manifests it in the physical world in the shape of what they may be casting or creating. This is also true for Ambika Agrawal and her camera, a tool that blends the creative…

the authors kids hold "UF" balloons in reference to the college application process
| |

The Clock Starts Yesterday: 8 tips to kick off the college application process for high schoolers (or middle schoolers)

I remember being at Gymboree with my oldest (many moons ago) when a mom asked me, “Where do you think your son will go to high school?” In the sleep-deprived era of toddlerhood, I wanted to say, “Lady, I am so tired and I don’t even know what we are having for dinner, much less…

women's health services at TGH in Tampa a mom with her baby

Women’s Institute at Tampa General Hospital: The Gold Standard of Care

A wave of impressive honors underscores why the Women’s Institute at Tampa General Hospital (TGH) provides the gold standard of care for a full range of women’s health services. Consider that the institute recently received the highest honor from a national accrediting body, earning Level IV maternal care designation from The Joint Commission—literally the gold…

Paige the Literacy Bus! Hillsborough County public schools
|

Turning the Paige on Literacy in Hillsborough County Public Schools

Meet Paige. She’s fun, she’s engaging and she’s filled with books! She is Hillsborough County Public Schools’ newest literacy resource—Paige the Literacy Bus! Paige’s mission is to provide early access to resources and promote literacy beyond the classroom. She is geared toward our younger learners up to age 5. When children step onto the bus,…

Corbett Prep Students at the airport show the Benefits of Global Learning

5 Reasons It’s Good to Go Global

We love to ask little kids what they want to be when they grow up. But the truth is that the world is changing so quickly that students today will enter a future filled with jobs, challenges and opportunities we are yet to imagine. As adults, we have witnessed the transformative power of technology from…

Top 5 Breastfeeding Questions and Answers
|

Preparing to Pump? Here are 5 Common Breastfeeding Questions Answered by a Pro

Breastfeeding provides many bonding and health benefits for both mom and baby, and many moms may choose to pump, whether it be exclusively or times when they are away from the baby. August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month which aims at educating and celebrating breastfeeding moms. Lactation consultants are a great resource and can help…

BayCare Mobile Medical Clinic is a bus with purpose

A Bus with a Purpose: BayCare’s Mobile Medical Clinic celebrates 20 years of serving area children and families

In the early 2000s, there was a national push to increase immunization rates for children. In 2004 in Tampa, Florida, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital responded to the call by putting together the Mobile Medical Clinic (MMC)—a bus with a registered nurse, a nurse practitioner and a program coordinator that drove around to underserved areas. That…

girl wearing backpack shows the importance of Backpack Safety Tips

Backpack Safety Tips: How to Choose, Load and Wear a Backpack

Carrying too much weight in a backpack or wearing it the wrong way can lead to unnecessary pain and strain for your child. When shopping for your child’s school backpack this month and helping them load it for school, take these steps to avoid potential health problems.   Choosing a Backpack Choose a backpack with…

Tampa YMCA Preschool Program brand new classroom

NEW Tampa YMCA Preschool Program Set to Launch this August!

July means summer is in full swing, but it also means back to school. Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is delighted to launch our Licensed Preschool Program* at the Central City YMCA in the Tampa Heights and YMCA Camp Sierra in Carrollwood. Coming this August, both Y locations, which are geared at 2 to 4-year- olds…