A New President and a New Era at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Q&A with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s new president, Jon Vigue, on the park’s history and latest area, the new Lion & Hyena Ridge!
In Print
Back To School With The Library
Time to head back to school! Check out these titles to find books that can help prepare everyone for the school mindset.
Kids to Know: Cameron Cowans
Meet 13 year old Cameron Cowans of Troop 46 in Tampa who collected over 350 used musical instruments to help support local music programs.
Introducing Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Newest Residents, Wahoo and Tuna!
Meet the newest residents of Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Pinniped Pier, the adorably fun sea lions Tuna and Wahoo!
The Magic of the Past – 5 Cool Things to See at the Mysteries of the Nile: Ancient Egypt, now on display at the Tampa Museum of Art
See over 117 objects on display to immerse you in the lives of ancient Egyptians at Tampa Museum of Art’s “Mysteries of the Nile: Ancient Egypt.”
High Speeds, No Helmets
BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Experts want parents to take a serious look at e-bike and e-scooter safety There’s a new menace on the road, and chances are, you’ve already looked at one and thought, “That looks like fun!” Before adding that electric bike or scooter to your shopping cart, however, BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Specialist…
Beyond the Letter Grade: What Hillsborough’s “A” Means for Students
This summer, Hillsborough County Public Schools celebrated a milestone more than a decade in the making: earning its first “A” district grade from the Florida Department of Education in more than 10 years. That’s certainly exciting news for the district, but if you’re a parent, you might be wondering: What does that actually mean for…
Why Your Child’s Back-to-School Checklist Should Include an Eye Exam
New shoes. Fresh pencils. A backpack that somehow already weighs more than your child. Back-to-school season has a rhythm every parent knows. We check the supply list. We fill out the forms. We make sure our children have what they need to begin the year with confidence. But before the first homework assignment, before the…
Lunchbox MVPs: Dairy Snacks Kids Love
In partnership with Florida Dairy Farmers Another school year is here, which means packing lunchboxes is probably back on your daily schedule. As parents, we want to make sure that our kids are enjoying what they eat away from home while also getting the proper nutrients to keep their bellies and brains full. While kids…
The K–8 Advantage with Excelsior Prep
Why More Families Are Choosing One School for the Journey Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. While traditional middle schools continue to serve many students well, a growing number of families are exploring the benefits of a K–8 education. Research suggests that continuity, strong relationships and…
STEM is Important – But What Can Parents Do About It?
STEM used to be an easy-to-understand acronym. In the 1990s, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) was an education buzzword — a category for science fair volcanoes, “Hello, World” coding and bridges built from marshmallows and toothpicks. Today, with ample access to AI, 3D printers, computer-aided design (CAD) software, digital simulators and more, STEM is…
From an Unexpected Loss to a Thriving Family
From an Unexpected Loss to a Thriving Family, Thanks to the Renowned USF Health | Tampa General Hospital Fetal Care Center Kadian was at a holiday party, six months into what had been a normal pregnancy, when she began experiencing a worrisome sensation of deep pressure — unlike anything she had felt before. “That’s when…
The Family Business: An INSIDE LOOK at children’s clothing line, Emerson and Friends
I first came across the Emerson and Friends children’s clothing line a couple of years ago at Butter Bug Boutique in South Tampa. While the fabrics were everything I was looking for — buttery soft and lightweight — what caught my eye were the Florida-inspired designs. My favorite? The pattern featuring our beloved manatee. Come…
- Back to School | Big Kids | Education | Elementary School Years | In Print | Lil Kids | Middle School Years | Summer Break Fun
Back-to-School Fair Returns Aug. 1 with Free Backpacks, Family Fun and School-Year Inspiration
Picture this: a student proudly slinging a brand-new backpack over their shoulders, a favorite sports mascot posing for photos nearby, performers taking the stage to showcase their talents, and parents crossing items off their back-to-school shopping lists … all while enjoying a break from the Florida heat. That’s the scene families can expect at the…
Carrying Forward a Tampa Tradition: Phil Alessi Jr. on Family and Legacy
Today, more than a century after his grandfather opened Tampa’s Alessi Bakery, Phil Alessi Jr. finds himself serving as both a caretaker of a beloved local institution and a steward of its future.
Moms to Know: Jen Smurr, Owner, Born + Bread Bakehouse, Lakeland
Meet Jen Smurr, Owner of Born + Bread Bakehouse in Lakeland, Florida.
- In Print | People to KNOW in Tampa Bay | Straz Center for the Performing Arts and Patel Conservatory
Q&A with “Hamilton” Star and Central Florida’s Own Eddie Ortega
Orlando native and Hamilton star, Eddie Ortega, talks about being in one of Broadway’s biggest musicals of all time, which heads to the Straz this fall.
A Magical Way to Experience American History at Walt Disney World
A magical visit to Walt Disney World’s Liberty Square unveils hidden gems and history, just in time for America’s 250th anniversary.
Summer is Calling – And So Is Your Best Smile
If straightening your child’s teeth — or your own — has been on the to-do list, summer is the time to do it at Imagine Orthodontic Studio. School is out, schedules are flexible and there’s room to adjust to new braces or aligners before the back-to-school rush. Whether your child is 7 and ready for…
Chill Out with Ice Cream Recipes to Beat the Summer Heat!
When summer is here and the sun is out, what sounds better than a cold, creamy ice cream treat? July is National Ice Cream Month, and we’re celebrating by sharing some of our favorite homemade ice cream recipes from our friends at Florida Dairy Farmers! These recipes are tried and true with real Florida dairy…
Back-to-School Means More to Explore at MOSI
At MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science and Innovation, back-to-school season is more than just supplies and schedules — it’s about keeping curiosity alive. From launching rockets and solving engineering challenges to building virtual worlds and exploring the mysteries of space, MOSI creates experiences that stick with children long after they leave. Here, learning isn’t limited…
Benefits of Probiotics for Kids – Culturelle Probiotics
The information provided herein is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as medical advice or to replace professional medical care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional before starting any new medication or dietary supplement. Did you know that over 70% of your child’s immune system resides in their gut? As…
A Pioneer in Minimally Invasive Pediatric Urology Surgery Leads the Way at Tampa General
While urology is commonly thought of as an adult specialty, children have unique urologic needs that require dedicated expertise. At Muma Children’s Hospital at Tampa General Hospital (TGH), families have access to advanced pediatric urology care tailored specifically for children — combining innovation, precision and a deeply compassionate approach. In fact, Muma Children’s Hospital at…
Shining Summer Reads for Your Child’s Summer Reading Challenge
Check out these colorful summer-themed picture books to get your child to their 24-hour reading goal.
INSIDE LOOK: New Tours and Experiences at ZooTampa this Summer!
It’s going to be a wild summer at ZooTampa! Not only can you explore the amazing new Florida Waters, where you can let the kids press their noses to the aquarium glass and go nose to snout with the manatees once again, but you can also book all-new experiences to upgrade your day. Several new…
INSIDE LOOK: Sunshine Needlepoint in Ybor City
We’re getting to know the ladies who launched Sunshine Needlepoint, a new store in Ybor City, and learning more about the resurgence of this crafty activity!
- In Print | Life + Home | Parenting | Tampa
A Most Egg-cellent Family Pet: Chickens!
When the Hartneys of South Tampa aren’t at work or school, or blasting off to worlds far, far away in MOSI’s new “Above and Beyond” exhibit, our cover family is busy raising seven adorable Orpington hens.
Moms to Know: Jenny Hales, Vice President of Operations, Grateful Hospitality
Fifteen minutes before the doors of Hales Blackbrick open, the staff of the popular South Tampa restaurant gathers for a motivational meeting. “It’s really a pep talk before a busy dinner service,” says co-owner Jenny Hales. “We have something in our company called grateful armor, and we like to touch on that in those meetings. It helps…
Forecast Changes, AI Models and More. What to Know About Hurricane Season 2026 with Tampa Bay 28’s Denis Phillips
Hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30, which means it’s time to start prepping for any possible storms that may head our way this year. Lucky for us, last year’s hurricane season went easy on the Tampa Bay area after the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. This…
Old Florida Attractions You Can Still Visit Today
While there’s no doubt the arrival of Walt Disney World changed the landscape of tourism in Florida, the state’s beaches, natural springs, parks, and weather have long attracted tourists here. Back in the day (as our kids would accuse us of saying), it was roadside attractions that reigned supreme, and you can still visit many of these today with your kids!
Teacher to Know: Anna Grulich, Guest Engagement Coordinator, Glazer Children’s Museum
On any given day at Glazer Children’s Museum, you might find children building forts, climbing to the rafters, dancing to a piano melody or transforming recycled materials into imaginative creations. For Guest Engagement Coordinator Anna Grulich, those playful moments are where the real magic happens. If you’ve visited GCM recently, you may recognize Anna as…
INSIDE LOOK: Soar with us at the new ‘Above and Beyond’ exhibit at MOSI
Get ready to soar this summer at MOSI’s new summer exhibit, “Above and Beyond”, an interactive experience where you can learn about the history of flight, experience for yourself how birds master flight, and even see a slice of a real airplane’s fuselage to help answer the question…how’d they do that?
INSIDE LOOK: Galacticoaster at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is ready for launch
We’re sharing the details on LEGOLAND® Florida Resort’s groundbreaking all-new indoor roller coaster, Galacticoaster, to immerse us in a LEGO® galaxy in 2026!
Building Confidence, Community and Careers: Tampa YMCA Summer Camps in Action
At the Tampa YMCA, summer camp is more than a seasonal activity; it’s a pathway for growth, leadership and lifelong connection. For over 135 years, families across the Tampa Bay area have trusted YMCA summer camp programs to provide safe, engaging and enriching experiences for children of all ages. From first-time campers discovering independence to…
Teaching Teens to Think Like Innovators, Leaders and Problem-Solvers
At a time when financial literacy, economic understanding and entrepreneurial thinking are more essential than ever, Shorecrest Preparatory School is proud to introduce a new Signature Distinction for Upper School students: the Ross Roeder Institute (RRI) Certificate in Financial Literacy, Economics, and Entrepreneurship. Designed for students who are curious about how ideas become ventures and…
Teacher to Know: Christi Atkinson, Hillsborough County Public Schools Teacher of the Year
At Wharton High School, Christi Atkinson is doing far more than teaching science; she is shaping future environmental leaders and elevating excellence across campus. Serving as head of the science department, she teaches Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE)/Cambridge Marine Science and AICE Environmental Science, where her students consistently outperform global averages in these rigorous…
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Celebrates 100 Years of Healing
“This is an incredible milestone, a historical time for our organization, made possible by ongoing community support, dedicated employees and visionary leaders.” -Alicia Schulhof, M.H.A., F.A.C.H.E., president of Johns Hopkins All Children’s
Kids to Know: Drew Garcia and Paige Wilson, American Bios Project
The American Bios Project: Student-Led Veteran Storytelling High school students Drew Garcia and Paige Wilson are helping preserve Tampa Bay history in a powerful way: researching and writing biographies of veterans buried at the American Legion Cemetery. Through the American Bios Project, they’re ensuring that veterans’ stories aren’t forgotten and helping others feel connected to…
- MOSI | In Print | Museums | Things to Do
SNEAK PEEK: Set Your Imagination in Motion at MOSI’s Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit in January
Get ready to crank, spin and fly into the mind of the world’s greatest inventor at “Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion” at MOSI next month!
