Laura Byrne
Laura Byrne: Creative Director & Managing Editor
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, she leads a team dedicated to delivering expert-backed, locally relevant content for parents across Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando counties. 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.
A Journalism Journey Rooted in Florida
Laura’s path to parenting journalism began at Florida State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, honing her storytelling skills. 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 15 years, she covered politics, crime, and breaking news, earning accolades for her sharp reporting and on-air presence. Today, she occasionally freelances for WTSP-TV, maintaining her ties to Tampa Bay’s media scene.
In 2015, Laura founded TampaFamilies.com, a platform for local family resources, which she later merged into Tampa Bay Parenting. Since joining the magazine in 2016 as Managing Editor—and later becoming Creative Director—she’s transformed it into an award-winning publication, doubling its revenue and content while earning multiple Florida Magazine Association Charlie Awards for excellence in journalism.
Leading Tampa Bay Parenting with Expertise
At Tampa Bay Parenting, Laura oversees a multimedia platform—print, web, and social—that’s been a cornerstone for Bay Area families since 2007. Her leadership reflects her dual passions: journalism and motherhood. She’s not a self-proclaimed parenting guru but a seasoned professional who knows when to call in the experts—physicians, educators, psychologists, and more—to ensure content is accurate and actionable. From curating event guides like “Things to Do This Week in Tampa Bay” to hosting the annual Back to School Fair with Hillsborough County Public Schools, Laura’s work connects and empowers local parents.
Her editorial approach is grounded in integrity, as outlined in our Editorial Guidelines, with a rigorous Fact-Checking Policy and a commitment to Expert-Driven YMYL Content. Laura’s oversight has made Tampa Bay Parenting a reliable resource for raising kids in Florida’s vibrant Tampa Bay region.
Award-Winning Journalist and Community Leader
Laura’s journalism career is marked by accolades, including awards from her time in television news for reporting excellence. Since taking the helm at Tampa Bay Parenting, she’s led the magazine to multiple Charlie Awards, recognizing its standout covers, features, and family-focused content. Her work extends beyond the newsroom—she’s a respected community figure, having 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.
A Mom’s Perspective
As a proud mom to two energetic boys and wife to “the most amazing dude ever,” Laura brings a relatable lens to her work. Her family keeps her grounded, laughing, and inspired—fueling her mission to help Tampa Bay parents navigate the joys and challenges of raising kids. Whether she’s sharing tips from her own parenting journey or spotlighting local families, Laura’s voice is authentic and informed by real-life experience.
Connect with Laura
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. Follow her on social media for a peek into her world:
