Where to find the most DAZZLING Christmas lights in Tampa Bay
Christmas Lights are starting to Sparkle in Tampa Bay! Get into the Holiday Spirit with a stroll or drive by these beautiful Christmas lights!
Laura Byrne
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 and Orlando Parenting she leads a team dedicated to delivering expert-backed, locally relevant content for parents and families across the Tampa Bay area. 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.Laura earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication at Florida State University. 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 25 years, she covered politics, crime, and breaking news, earning accolades for her sharp reporting and on-air presence.Since joining the magazine Laura has transformed Tampa Bay Parenting into an award-winning publication, doubling its revenue and creating timely, relevant local content for local parents, while earning multiple Florida Magazine Association Charlie Awards for excellence in journalism.Laura also 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.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.
Articles by Laura Byrne
- Health + Wellness + Safety | High School Years & Beyond | In Print | People to KNOW in Tampa Bay | Tampa
Unique Ways People are Making A Difference in Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is a special place, and while we’re known for our world-famous beaches and attractions, it’s the people who really put our community on the map. So much incredible work is happening in Tampa Bay—it’s nearly impossible to highlight everyone, but know we see you and the work you do, so thank you!   But we…
The BEST Halloween Events for Kids in Tampa Bay + MORE Fun!
We’re sharing the best Halloween events for kids in Tampa Bay, along with trick-or-treating events, costume ideas, spooky snacks, and MORE!
Awesome Places to Go Trick-or-Treating this Halloween in Tampa Bay
If you’re not up for trick-or-treating in your neighborhood…or even want to snag some treats before Halloween, there are some SPOOKtacular events happening throughout October, including some huge outdoor trick-or-treating events on Halloween weekend!
Behind the Thrills of Tampa Bay’s BEST Halloween Events
There are some pretty amazing Halloween events around Tampa Bay, but have you ever wondered how event planners make it all happen? Or where they draw their inspiration as they dream up these nightmarish concepts? We went on a hunt to talk to the people who are conjuring up all the Halloween trickery in Tampa Bay to find out!
Where to see The Nutcracker in Tampa Bay
The beloved holiday performance is returning to the stage in 2026! We’re sharing our favorite places to see “The Nutcracker” in Tampa Bay.
Tampa Theatre Celebrates 100 Years of Cinema, Community and Starry Nights
Tampa Theatre’s Jill Witecki recently gave us a hard-hat tour as the last restorations were completed, giving us insight into the monumental amount of work that was done here and what’s to come in the second century of our beloved city landmark.
Second Chance Act, Florida’s new EKG screening mandate for high school athletes, saves local teen
The Lamke family is now sharing their story to raise awareness about this simple procedure that can potentially save more lives, not just those of young athletes.
INSIDE LOOK: Pirate Water Taxi’s Haunted Tours Returning as a Spookeasy in 2026
Ahoy brave souls! Pirate Water Taxi’s Haunted Tours are about to set sail once again in downtown Tampa with ghostly characters, and eerie tales of the city’s past..
INSIDE LOOK: Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa returns with NEW thrills in 2026!
ZooTampa’s Creatures of the Night family-friendly Halloween party is returning in 2026 for 15 select nights with NEW treats and thrills!
20+ Adorable Fall Festivals in Tampa Bay for Kids
These adorable Tampa Bay fall festivals will make you want to inhale the pumpkin spice! Fun for the whole family…and the pictures!
20+ Best Pumpkin Patches in Tampa Bay to Visit with the Kids
Your Guide to the Best Pumpkin Patches from around Tampa Bay! Get ready for an amazing experience to welcome Fall – and some great pictures!
8+ Not-to-Miss Corn Mazes in Tampa Bay and Beyond
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! We’re sharing our favorite corn mazes in Tampa to explore this fall with the kids!
Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Program Returns Sept. 20-Oct. 3, 2026!
For this limited time, you will be able to turn in an unused or expired car seat at guest services and receive a voucher for 20% off Target Circle Bonus on your next purchase of one car seat, booster seat, stroller, or other select baby home gear at Target!
A Dinner Date with the Kids at EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
Take the kids on a culinary adventure around the world at EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival where you can taste and play all day!
INSIDE LOOK: The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios
This new experience is a space where families are encouraged to play, embrace their creativity, and immerse themselves in the nostalgia of beloved Disney films like never before!
Spooktacular returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with a NEW character and treats!
We’re showing you what it’s like to experience Spooktacular at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to help you plan a ghoulishly good day!
- Central Florida | Fall Family Fun | Halloween | Pregnancy to Preschool Years | Theme Parks | Things to Do
Peppa’s Halloween Party is an OINKTASTIC way to celebrate the season at Peppa Pig Theme Park!
Peppa Pig Theme Park is hosting Peppa’s Halloween Party on select days throughout October with trick-or-treating, costumed character meet-and-greets, and more!
INSIDE LOOK: Brick or Treat kicks off this weekend at LEGOLAND Florida!
We’re dishing on all the details about Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida to help you map out your family’s adventure this Halloween season!
Eat Well and Do Good: Community Harvest program returns this September
The 1905 Family of Restaurants, which runs well-known Tampa restaurants like Columbia and Ulele, is bringing back its Community Harvest program for the 29th year this September to support local nonprofits.
