Tampa Bay, Florida news | Tampa Bay Times/St. Pete Times

Rays shortstop Wander Franco gestures in court during his trial on charges of sexual and psychological abuse of a minor in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on Monday.

Wander Franco found guilty in sexual abuse case but avoids prison time

The ruling is similar to his original trial in 2025 but includes a judicial pardon that eliminates potential punishment.

5 Florida races we’re watching after redistricting

Florida's new congressional map, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, could imperil longtime Tampa Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor. Redistricting makes GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna's path to victory slightly easier. Candidates are responding to the changes across the state.

The Republican redistricting plan introduced more competitive seats in the fight for the U.S. House.

Looking for soup dumplings in Tampa Bay? There’s a new kid in town

Soup dumplings, or xiao long bao, are the highlight at Shanghai Dumpling House, a new restaurant in Tampa.

Xiao Long Bao are the star at Tampa’s Shanghai Dumpling House.

St. Pete honors legacy of historic preservationist Robin Reed

Robin Reed, then chairman of the Old Northeast Planning and Preservation Committee, poses under an oak tree canopy at the intersection of 16 Avenue NE and Oak Street NE., 2/19/18.

The Old Northeast resident brought a new flock of flamingoes to Sunken Gardens and fought the demolition of older homes

A breakfast burrito and coffee drinks at the upcoming Double Six, a new coffee and brunch concept opening within La Setima in Ybor City on June 6.

Ybor City’s La Setima wine bar will soon share its space with a new cafe

Double Six is a coffee and brunch concept from the team behind La Setima.

Many classes end this week. Why have some Tampa Bay seniors already graduated?

A handful of caps are tossed skyward into the dome of Tropicana Field at the end of the Boca Ciega High School graduation ceremony on Thursday in St. Petersburg. Boca Ciega High School is the first school to hold its graduation back at Tropicana Field after the roof was torn off during Hurricane Milton.

Pinellas and Hillsborough schools have been celebrating. Meanwhile, Pasco waits.

Tampa Theatre’s 100-year history comes alive in Andrew Huse’s final book

"Tampa Theatre: A Century of Stories" was written by the late local historian and author Andrew T. Huse. It chronicles 100 years of local history and characters at downtown Tampa's iconic movie palace.

After the beloved Tampa historian and author died, a community rallied to get his last project to publication.

2026 Memorial Day: What’s closed in Tampa Bay?

Memorial Day ceremonies will take place across Tampa Bay on Monday, May 25. What will be open and closed on the holiday?

A guide to trash collections, grocery stores and local ceremonies during the holiday weekend.

SPORTS

Wander Franco found guilty in sexual abuse case but avoids prison time

Rays shortstop Wander Franco gestures in court during his trial on charges of sexual and psychological abuse of a minor in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on Monday.

Rays get walked off for a 2nd straight day, this time by Orioles

The Orioles' Colton Cowser celebrates after hitting a walkoff two-run home run during the 13th inning Monday afternoon against the Rays in Baltimore.

Cedric Mullins enjoys return to Baltimore, but it could’ve been better

The Rays' Cedric Mullins acknowledges the crowd as he is honored by the Orioles, his former team for parts of eight seasons, before his second-inning at-bat Monday in Baltimore.

Florida Gators earn national seed for NCAA baseball tournament

Florida pitcher Aidan King is the SEC Pitcher of the Year, with an 8-2 record and 2.48 ERA.

VIEWPOINTS

They call it school choice. For my daughter, there is no choice | Column

A classroom library book sits on a desk of a seventh-grader during class at Guadalupe Centers Middle School on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in Kansas City. The school does not have a library and Christopher Leavens, an English language development teacher, has started a small library in his classroom for the students to have access to more books.

The week’s best editorial cartoons from Times wire services

Cartoon

Memorial Day quiz: Remembering America’s undeclared wars | Column

On Memorial Day, the U.S. honors military personnel who died while serving in the country's Armed Forces.

Teen takeover at Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Park? Where are the parents | Letters

• Letters to the Editor

A screenshot from video captured by the Tampa Police Department's helicopter shows several people fighting in what the department called a "teen takeover" at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on May 8.

More Viewpoints

POLITICS

5 Florida races we’re watching after redistricting

Florida's new congressional map, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, could imperil longtime Tampa Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor. Redistricting makes GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna's path to victory slightly easier. Candidates are responding to the changes across the state.

Where do the Rays’ Tampa stadium hopes stand?

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, left, and Rays CEO Ken Babby are proponents of the team's stadium pitch. But some city council members, enough to possibly derail a future stadium vote, are skeptical.

UF and Sen. Rick Scott trade barbs on presidential search

Peabody Hall is seen last spring at the University of Florida in Gainesville. The school has zeroed in on Stuart Bell as the sole finalist to be its next president.

Floridians pay for CFO Ingoglia’s rides, security detail at sporting events

Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia criticizes Seminole County government spending during a press conference at Decision Tactical in Sanford, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025.

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DIVE IN

In 2026, the Tampa Bay Times is recognizing 165 area companies as part of our Top Workplaces rankings.

Here are the top 165 Tampa Bay Workplaces of 2026

Each year, the Tampa Bay Times surveys employers to celebrate the best places to work.

Tampa's upscale Scandinavian restaurant Ebbe earned a Michelin star within its first year. But inside the restaurant, a different story was unfolding.

At one Tampa restaurant, a Michelin star followed by chaos

TradeWinds Resort is slated for a major expansion that could take 20 years to complete.

6 development projects to watch on Pinellas County’s beaches

The St. Petersburg restaurant from the team behind Noble Crust opened in October 2025.

St. Pete’s Noble Tavern is all over the place, but that’s not a bad thing

Those who get a new driver's license should update their voter registration if they want to vote by mail.

If you’re renewing your Florida driver’s license, make sure you do this

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