News & Views Archives - Page 12 of 2067 - Creative Loafing Tampa

Eckerd professors want to tell you about the microplastics in Tampa Bay

Dr. Amy Siuda and Dr. Shannon Gowans developed an app to track microplastics in 2023.

by Kailey Aiken January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

A sunlit outdoor view of the entrance to the Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Dale Mabry Campus. The main signage consists of a concrete wall featuring the HCC seal and a large, grey mesh structure adorned with blue hawk silhouettes. Green shrubs line the base of the sign, with a clear blue sky and several palm trees in the background.

Letters: Hillsborough College is ready to play ball with the Rays, but are students getting shut out of the deal?

Is it in the best interest of Hillsborough College students and the surrounding community to confine academic growth while continuing a trend that prioritizes lucrative sports industries, unaffordable housing, more concrete and cars?

By Jeffrey RubinsteinJanuary 28, 2026January 28, 2026

Campus carry bill shifts to other security measures

The bill proposed after a shooting at FSU no longer lets professors and TAs open carry on state campuses.

By Liv Caputo/Florida PhoenixJanuary 27, 2026January 27, 2026

Bill eliminating insanity defense scrapes through first committee stop

An independent senator called the legislation “crap,” a Democrat deemed it “unjust,” and a Republican voted “no.”

By Liv Caputo/Florida PhoenixJanuary 27, 2026January 27, 2026

Vern Buchanan wearing headphones for translation, sitting at a desk with a microphone and American flag

Sarasota U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan leaving Congress after 20 years

Trump endorsed him for re-election in November.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix January 27, 2026January 27, 2026

Two people stand close together smiling in a room decorated with music memorabilia and green walls. The individual on the left wears a dark blazer over a checkered button-down shirt and tan trousers, while the individual on the right wears a dark, floral-patterned v-neck dress and a name tag. In the background, another person stands with crossed arms near a sofa.

Democratic socialist Richie Floyd, St. Pete’s youngest councilperson, officially launches re-election campaign

He was named council vice chair this month.

by McKenna Schueler January 27, 2026January 27, 2026

A child's hand holds a purple marker writing the letter "a" multiple times on a cursive practice sheet.

Proposal to require Florida students pass cursive test swoops to House floor

The bill’s sponsor voted against it in previous legislative sessions.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix January 26, 2026January 26, 2026

Recreational pot advocates lose court battle a week ahead of petition deadline

Smart & Safe Florida must submit at least 880,062 valid signatures statewide and meet congressional district signature thresholds by Feb. 1 to put the issue on the ballot.

by Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida January 26, 2026January 26, 2026

Fentrice Driskell speaks into a microphone at a desk while other House members look on.

Tampa Rep. Fentrice Driskell sponsors bill to revive abortion access

The Reproductive Freedom Act bills were filed on Roe v. Wade’s 53rd anniversary.

by Christine Sexton and Florida Phoenix January 26, 2026January 26, 2026

Zoom in of a vintage tarot cart featuring The Chariot.

Oracle of Ybor: How do I avoid burnout under fascism?

Balancing strength, stamina and care is key.

by Caroline DeBruhl January 22, 2026February 18, 2026

A woman holding a sign that reads 'Every Student Protected, Every Family Respected' during a press conference inside the Florida Capitol.

Equality Florida: DeSantis’ LGBTQ-targeted bills are ‘smoke bomb’ distractions [PHOTOS]

Floridians should focus on issues like affordability and the Hope Florida scandal, the group said.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaking at a podium labeled "Establishing Florida's AI Bill of Rights" with American Flags behind him and a tv camera and audience members in the foreground.

‘I think about Jurassic Park’: DeSantis’ AI Bill of Rights clears first committee hurdle

Union advocate Rich Templin reflected on the warnings of the blockbuster film.

By Liv Caputo/Florida PhoenixJanuary 21, 2026January 21, 2026

Advancing Florida bill would make it even harder to get unemployment

The GOP-backed measure is meant to crack down on alleged fraud in the system.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

n a crowded parking lot at night, an individual with long curly hair and a black shirt speaks with a law enforcement officer wearing a white uniform and a "Hillsborough County Sheriff" patch. In the foreground, another person stands with their back to the camera wearing a grey t-shirt featuring a graphic of the Dome of the Rock and the word "PALESTINE."

Vigil for Tampa man killed in West Bank interrupted by Christian content creators [PHOTOS]

One content creator who heckled families created a fundraiser for himself.

by Valerie Smith January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

Four people walk down a sidewalk smiling and laughing while carrying bags of litter and a discarded orange traffic cone. They are all wearing matching white t-shirts with a blue graphic, shorts, and baseball caps.

Neighborhood cleanup? There’s a Gasparilla for that

Gasparilla Clean Team turns Tampa’s trash into a community treasure.

by Laura Troyer January 19, 2026February 25, 2026

Richie Floyd and Lisset Hanewicz are pictured seated at a long wooden dais during a formal meeting of the St. Petersburg City Council. Floyd is dressed in a light grey suit with a patterned blue tie, looking toward Hanewicz.

St. Pete City Councilman Richie Floyd launches re-election this weekend with record store party

He was named council vice chair this month.

by Jasmin Parrado January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

A triptych of professional headshots featuring two women and one man, all smiling and dressed in business attire.

Hillsborough Commissioners Cepeda, Wostal, and Miller skip signing MLK Day commendation

The Republican commissioners’ signatures were missing from the recognition of the Tampa Organization of Black Affairs.

by Jasmin Parrado January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

A person in a dark suit, red tie, and glasses stands outside near a wall and a sign indicating a parking lot.

Meet the four people who have signed up to be Tampa’s next mayor—so far

Some big names are rumored to be running, but have yet to file paperwork.

by Jasmin Parrado January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

A crowd of people hold protest signs and a large banner reading “MICRO PENIS” during an outdoor demonstration, with a law enforcement officer standing nearby.

Photos: Protestors picket Border Patrol recruitment at St. Pete Carillon Hilton

About 100 protestors chanted and held signs to air their grievances with the agency and the hotel hosting the event.

by Valerie Smith January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Law enforcement officers wearing tactical vests stand near a Hilton Carillon Park sign during an outdoor event, with people and protest signage visible in the background.

At St. Pete recruitment event, Border Patrol rep touts qualified immunity and early retirement

Inside the Jan. 13 event at the Carillon Park Hilton.

by Valerie Smith January 16, 2026January 19, 2026