A local company embraces change as Gen Z enters the workforce

Nicole Andersen (left) and Abdul Muqeet Khawaja (right) participated in a volunteer tree-planting event sponsored by their company, Jabil, in January. (Photo courtesy of Abdul Muqeet Khawaja)

By Mahika Kukday  When Nicole Andersen was gearing up to graduate from the University of South Florida last year, she was also picturing her future employer, but the image in her head didn’t look like what it used to for previous generations.  At 22, Andersen is part of Generation Z, those born between 1997 and… Continue reading A local company embraces change as Gen Z enters the workforce

Ready for Life offers stability to foster youth facing homelessness 

In honor of National Nonprofit Day, Ready for Life staff celebrates their mission to serve former foster youth and recognize the vital role of community partners, volunteers and mentors in that work. (Photo courtesy of Ready for Life)

By Dayana Melendez  For many young people who have gone through the turbulence and instability of growing up in foster care, moving from group home to group home, what they hope for most is a sense of normalcy.  “I want a career, a wife [and] a family of my own one day,” said Nicolas Burke,… Continue reading Ready for Life offers stability to foster youth facing homelessness 

The relationship between the Rays and St. Petersburg remains uncertain 

Damage to Tropicana Field’s roof remains visible more than a month after the Tampa Bay Rays pulled out of a new stadium deal. The city has committed $22.5 million toward repairing the roof, with work expected to begin in August. (Photo by John Mancini)

By John Mancini   Over a month has passed since the owner of the Tampa Bay Rays, Stuart Sternberg, called off the deal that would’ve built a new stadium for the major league baseball team. The deal was stopped due to financial and negotiation issues. Now, residents and city officials are wondering what the next… Continue reading The relationship between the Rays and St. Petersburg remains uncertain 

Local boba tea shop combines flavor and anime for customers

Hudson's Manga Tea Shop displayed their new soft serve ice cream for customers on Instagram and Facebook on April 19. (Photo courtesy of Hudson's Manga Tea Shop's Instagram)

By Alyssa Moritz  The Manga Tea Shop in Hudson is gaining popularity, as it draws in customers with its unique blend of boba tea and an anime-themed atmosphere. “You can come here, and you can engage with other fans of anime […] and I think a lot of other [boba] places don’t offer that opportunity… Continue reading Local boba tea shop combines flavor and anime for customers

Tampa Bay artists react to Doechii’s historic Grammy win

At the 67th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, Doechii becomes third woman to accept Best Rap Album Award for “Alligator Nites Never Heal." (Photo courtesy of Doechii on Instagram)

By Canela Vasquez  On Feb. 2, songwriting rapper Doechii made history as the third woman to win Best Rap Album at the Grammys.   During her acceptance speech, she highlighted the talent in Tampa, and urged “labels go to Tampa, there’s so much talent there.”  As the self-proclaimed “swamp princess,” Doechii has never hidden the fact… Continue reading Tampa Bay artists react to Doechii’s historic Grammy win

Food trucks revolutionize the local resturant scene

Food trucks, such as Galvin's Goodies, are taking over the Tampa restaurant scene. (Photo courtesy of Galvin's Goodies)

By Destiny McDaniel  On Saturday evenings, Scott Street in Ybor City fills with parked cars and crowds as diners gather outside a local restaurant, soaking in live music and the glow of fairy lights. Meanwhile, across town, a food truck prepares for the dinner rush alongside others in a bustling lot. From burgers to ice… Continue reading Food trucks revolutionize the local resturant scene

The hidden stories behind city murals inspire locals 

Murals and artwork look over St. Petersburg sharing messages of hope and inspiration. (Photo by London Evans)

 By London Evans  Colorful murals now line the streets of St. Petersburg, transforming the city into an open-air gallery that began taking shape a decade ago when officials eased restrictions on street art.   It all began around 10 years ago when local authorities relaxed their restrictions on street art and welcomed local artists’ ideas… Continue reading The hidden stories behind city murals inspire locals 

Wartime legacy lingers in historic neighborhoods

Soldiers train along the coast while safeguarding residents from the threat of enemy submarines. (Photo courtesy of St Petersburg Museum of History)

By Julian Borrmann  Before it became a vacation hotspot, St. Petersburg was a wartime stronghold. With more than 100,000 military trainees flooding the city, 62 local hotels were converted into barracks and hospitals. This massive influx reshaped the community, as many soldiers and their families remained in Florida long after the war ended.  Rui Farias, a… Continue reading Wartime legacy lingers in historic neighborhoods

Leadership St. Pete celebrates 55 years of shaping the city 

The Leadership St. Pete Class of 2025 comprised of 40 professionals from diverse backgrounds who will complete the program's 55th year. (Photo courtesy of Leadership St. Pete)

By Dayana Melendez  Every Friday morning at a downtown café, a group of professionals gather for breakfast. They’re not coworkers or longtime friends — at least not in the traditional sense. Five years ago, they were strangers thrown together in Leadership St. Pete’s Class of 2017. Today, they’re part of an invisible network that has… Continue reading Leadership St. Pete celebrates 55 years of shaping the city 

FEMA’s future in question after 2024 hurricane devastation

A floodwater line takes damage caused by Hurricane Helene in St. Petersburg. (Photo by Kayla Buckingham)

By London Evans, Julian Borrmann, Kayla Buckingham and Victoria Whitlock  Since 1979, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has made it possible to recover quickly and return to normal everyday life after natural disasters occur. With the organization facing potential changes, waterfront locals are anxious for answers about whether they will receive aid in the next… Continue reading FEMA’s future in question after 2024 hurricane devastation