Daily newspaper sites
St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Tribune
Why you need them: Daily papers have traditionally been the go-to place for sports fans in any given community, and it's no different in Tampa Bay. In terms of added online value, tbo.com has blogs for the local pro franchises, as well as the USF Bulls, Florida Gators and high school sports.
Tampabay.com has much the same, and as well as blogs on racing, Florida State Seminoles and Tom Jones' 2 Cents.
Pro sports franchises
Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Lightning
Why you need them: These offi
cial sites allow fans to keep up with the latest news, as well as buy tickets and find out about deals and promotions.
Local college teams
University of South Florida
University of Tampa
Eckerd College
St. Pete College
Why you need them: The official sites for Bay area college programs keep fans up to date and cover the gamut of intercollegiate teams.
Sports radio
620 WDAE, The Sports Animal
1040 AM, ESPN Tampa Bay
Why you need them: These busy sites offer sports news, commentary, links, blogs from radio personalities, "babe-of-the-day" features, videos, promotions, giveaways and more. The Sports Animal site is more local, and thus more aggressive about spotlighting its (mostly) local on-air talent.
The Pewter Report
Who Runs It: Publisher Scott Reynolds has established himself as a viable expert on all things Buc, appearing on radio and other forums. He has a three-person staff. Pewter Report evolved out of The Buccaneer, established by team owner Hugh Culverhouse 20 years ago as an official team newspaper.
Why you need it: Pewter Report is a genuine news and information source about the Bucs, rivaling the daily sports pages in its comprehensiveness. This is not a bunch of fanboys having fun; it's serious stuff for the football junkie.
Tampa Bay Sports Net
Who runs it: Local freelance sports journalist Ted Fleming
Why you need it: Solid coverage of Tampa Bay sports delivered from a skeleton crew. Has a homespun feel. Blogs, podcasts, links and more.
Tampa Bay Sports Blog
Who runs it: A fellow named Scott Brannelly organizes and edits this catch-all blog dedicated to Tampa Bay professional sports. He writes most of the posts and approves the others.
Why you need it: The commentary is informed and, if not overly pithy, at least tackles timely subjects. Unlike other sites, this blog doesn't home in on one sport — and, beyond writing about the Bucs, Rays and Lightning, Brannelly and company also comment on the Orlando Magic.
DRaysBay
Who runs it: This blog is part of SBNation, "sports blogs for fans, by fans."
Why you need it: The blog was founded in 2005 and, in a mission statement of sorts, offers "progressive statistical analysis and reasoned argument" about the Tampa Bay Rays. It's a bit dry, but plenty of info.
Buc 'Em
Who runs it: Also part of SBNation, "sports blogs for fans, by fans."
Why you need it: Amateur pigskin prognosticators hold court on this blog, and come up with informed and occasionally trenchant commentary.
Tampa Bay Club Sport
Who runs it: Tampa Bay Club Sport, owned by Tracey Giebner, provides myriad opportunities for locals to get involved in sports leagues, from coed cornhole to men's soccer.
Why you need it: If you want to get off the couch and have some fun competing in sports, this is a good place to start — especially if you're on your own and don't already have a team. You can find a league that fits your level of competitiveness.
