City of Tampa Archives - Creative Loafing Tampa

A wide exterior photograph showing storm surge crashing over the seawall along Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa, Florida, during Hurricane Helene on September 26, 2024. Captured at a wide angle along the wet, paved pedestrian walkway, a large wave sprays white foam over the concrete balustrade onto the sidewalk. In the background across dark, choppy waters, high-rise residential buildings and construction cranes stand under a grey, overcast storm sky.

The City of Tampa hosts a hurricane prep event on Saturday

There’s no cover when emergency management and public safety officials help residents be ready for the next storm.

by Ray Roa August 26, 2026August 26, 2026

It’s true that forecasters agree Florida can now expect a “well below-normal” hurricane season (it lasts through Nov. 30). That shouldn’t keep you from being ready, especially since all it takes is one hurricane to upend your life (ask the New Yorkers who left after 2024, or the folks who stuck around and are still […]

A photograph of the public art installation "Forms of Wander" by Marc Fornes at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa, Florida, taken on January 10, 2023. The large outdoor sculpture features an intricate network of pale green, perforated metallic curves that resemble organic, twisting roots or branches. It stands on a waterfront walkway with a metal railing, set against a clear blue sky. In the background, palm trees, a body of water, and an elevated interstate with passing cars are visible.

Tampa’s 139th birthday is this month—tell us what you love (and loathe) about the city

Responses could appear in our July 9 issue.

by Ray Roa July 3, 2026July 3, 2026

A flooded street view of South Howard Avenue near West Bristol Avenue in Tampa, Florida, during September 2016. High, murky floodwaters cover the entire roadway and parts of the concrete sidewalk, reflecting the sky. In the center, a white Brookdale shuttle bus and a white pickup truck wade slowly through the deep water, while other vehicles are visible lined up further down the flooded street under an overcast sky.

Tampa business coalition sues city over flood relief project records

The South Howard Flood Relief Project calls for the construction of a new major stormwater drainage system.

By Hannah Lau/ WMNF NewsJune 24, 2026June 24, 2026

Aerial drone view of downtown Tampa skyline featuring skyscrapers, the Hillsborough River, and the Selmon Expressway interchange under a blue sky

Carmageddon returns to downtown Tampa this weekend

Expect even more traffic in your traffic.

by Colin Wolf April 8, 2026April 8, 2026

Electric cargo bikes, including a red Tern GSD folding e-bike, on display at City Bike Tampa. The shop interior shows cycling gear and accessories in the background, highlighting urban commuting options in downtown Tampa.

It’s your last chance to sign up for the City of Tampa’s e-bike voucher program

Residents can receive up to $3,000 towards a new ride.

by Kailey Aiken February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

A wide shot of the Tampa City Council seated at a curved wooden dais during a morning workshop. Seven council members are visible behind the desk, with the City of Tampa seal and American and Florida flags centered on the wall behind them. A digital overlay in the corner identifies the meeting as a "Tampa City Council 9:00 a.m. Workshop" dated January 29, 2026.

Business alliance posts legal challenge over meeting discussing South Tampa’s Howard Avenue flood relief project

Attorneys for the City of Tampa say the meeting is not a violation of Sunshine Law.

by Jasmin Parrado and Ray Roa January 29, 2026January 29, 2026

News & Views, Things to Do

12 ways to celebrate Tampa’s 138th birthday during Archives Awareness Week

by Ray Roa July 11, 2025

‘One of those things we need to embrace’: Rodney Kite Powell defends Tampa’s flag ahead of archives awareness week

by Ray Roa July 11, 2025

City of Tampa offering free garage parking for Hurricane Milton

According to the City of Tampa, it’s recommended that EVs be parked on the 3rd floor or higher at any garage.

by Colin Wolf October 7, 2024December 21, 2024

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor says National Guard has been activated to help with water rescues

Officials are encouraging people to stay off the roads and at home if they can.

by Ray Roa September 27, 2024February 13, 2025

Kayon Henderson, Tampa’s Director of Housing and Community Development, is resigning

She spent more than a decade with the City.

by Ray Roa June 20, 2024June 10, 2025

Six months after John Ring Jr. plead guilty, the investigation about ‘corruption within the City of Tampa’ remains active

A motion to seal evidence was granted by a judge.

by Tom Scherberger and The Florida Trident March 14, 2024August 4, 2025

Tampa’s King State files for bankruptcy reorganization as it deals with surrounding construction

The cafe will continue to operate as normal.

by Ray Roa February 7, 2024August 5, 2025

A third of downtown Tampa is parking lots, city planners say they are actively trying to fix that

Surface lots, garages, street parking, you name it, Tampa Bay’s got it.

by Kate Oberdorfer August 18, 2023July 20, 2025

While Tampa Mayor eyes 16% property tax increase, residents ask why other fees haven’t been raised before upping millage

A budget workshop with city council and the administration is scheduled for Aug. 14 at 5 p.m.

by Arielle Stevenson August 9, 2023March 12, 2025

City of Tampa launches Tenant Services Team to help residents navigate housing crisis

But the team cannot find you money for housing assistance.

by Gracey Davis August 1, 2023April 14, 2025

City of Tampa wants residents to stop dumping ‘hot loads’

Officials say when a garbage or recycling truck driver notices a fire they’re forced to immediately dump the contents on the street.

by Colin Wolf August 1, 2023June 5, 2025

City of Tampa moves ahead on internship for individuals with intellectual disabilities

The internship will align with the city’s traditional program and start posting materials on its website beginning Aug. 25.

by Arielle Stevenson July 31, 2023June 26, 2025

PURE, Tampa’s latest plan to treat wastewater, is over for now

Tampa City Council will vote next week on adding language that ensures PURE’s contract is over.

by Arielle Stevenson May 26, 2023March 24, 2025

Hearings begin for Indigenous men accused of damaging Tampa’s Christopher Columbus statue

The defense is considering presenting a motion to dismiss.

by Justin Garcia March 8, 2023May 22, 2025