Tampa Bay teachers face new and evolving barriers as school year begins

An apple a day could make a teacher stay. The connection with students becomes one of the only remaining factors keeping teachers working.

Societal changes due to the pandemic and the influence of social media are significantly impacting students. Educators are feeling the effects. By Annabel Hutchings Education Beat Reporter ST. PETERSBURG – The majority of educators are in their careers because they love what they do, but this love can only go so far with the difficulties… Continue reading Tampa Bay teachers face new and evolving barriers as school year begins

From Childs Park to the Cover of Food & Wine

Pictured Above: The Publix 2021 Collard Green Festival, featuring James Beard Award-winning chef and native son Edouardo Jordan (right), is happening this Saturday on the corner of 22nd Street and 9th Avenue South. On the left is former News Channel 8 newsman Rob Carter with festival co-founder Boyzell Hosey at the 2018 event. Courtesy of… Continue reading From Childs Park to the Cover of Food & Wine

A donut challenge in Gulfport aims to enforce masks

By Samantha Harris As the pandemic is still ongoing, local Gulfport business Golden Dinosaurs Vegan Deli (GDVD) took the chance to get creative with enforcing masks by creating their own donut challenge. Starting in February 2021, GDVD is challenging customers to wear a mask at the order window, and if the restaurant can go 30… Continue reading A donut challenge in Gulfport aims to enforce masks

How the YMCA has maintained childcare safety during the pandemic

By Madison Hursh In the midst of a global pandemic, children have been affected immensely in their daily life. Schools have shut down, sports were put on hold, and even things as little as toys have been taken away from them to minimize the spread of bacteria and viruses.  The youth in the last year… Continue reading How the YMCA has maintained childcare safety during the pandemic

Alternative Baseball Organization expands to Tampa Bay and beyond

Pictured above: ABO’s last national game was held in 2019, played against a team of former MLB players. Courtesy of Taylor Duncan By Baron Reichenbach The Alternative Baseball Organization, an association for youths with autism spectrum and related disorders, is looking to massively expand its teams in time for the 2022 season.  “We went from… Continue reading Alternative Baseball Organization expands to Tampa Bay and beyond

Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church believes in serving through community outreach

Pictured Above: Members and volunteers at Mount Zion Progressive Missionary preparing grocery items for community members. (USF/Malique Ferrette) By Malique Ferrette With so many people still in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mount Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church has prioritized community outreach to better serve others.  Human Services Director for the church, Anegla Rouson,… Continue reading Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church believes in serving through community outreach

Local Church in St. Pete focuses on the value of personal relationships

By Hannah Simpson In the last decade, mega churches across the nation have been booming and becoming a staple of modern day Christianity. Churches with an average attendance of 1,800 people or more constitute a mega church. According to the Hartford Institute for Religious Research, there are 120 mega churches in the state of Florida… Continue reading Local Church in St. Pete focuses on the value of personal relationships

Midtown St. Petersburg has a nutrition deficit

Pictured Above: St. Pete Youth Farm hosted the Women’s Appreciation event on March 27. (USF/Catherine Burke) By Catherine Burke There is a clear discrepancy between health and nutrition equity in the St. Petersburg area.. A lack of community awareness around this issue is the reason why many people don’t pay attention to the clear nutrition… Continue reading Midtown St. Petersburg has a nutrition deficit

A retired teacher and former students reminisce about Douglas L. Jamerson Jr. Elementary

By Rebecca Bryan Elementary school years define a child’s life. The experiences during these stages help develop children’s personality traits, how they interact with others, how they respond to trauma and more.  Although to most it may become a far-off memory, these long years leave a mark on everyone, whether they realize it or not. … Continue reading A retired teacher and former students reminisce about Douglas L. Jamerson Jr. Elementary

St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market provides fresh produce to locals

Pictured Above: The market participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Incentives. Courtesy of Downtown St. Pete By Olivia Sawdy Located at the heart of St. Petersburg, the Saturday Morning Market gathers almost every week.  At the market, you can find anything from body care and clothing to local produce and pet food.  SNAP… Continue reading St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market provides fresh produce to locals