Avery Cotton

Tampa

Morning News Co-Anchor at WFLA-TV (Tampa, FL)

Morning News Co-Anchor @wfla

Articles

‘The Story Garden’ blooms in St. Pete as a bookstore just for kids

6 days ago | wfla.com | Avery Cotton

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — There’s a new magical spot in St. Petersburg where stories come to life and young imaginations are set free. Welcome to The Story Garden, the city’s first children’s-only bookstore, nestled in a charming, cozy bungalow on 14th Street North. Opened in March by Megan Kotsko, a mom and former teacher, the Story Garden was born from her love of storytelling—and her desire to create a space where kids feel welcomed, inspired, and excited about reading.
‘The Story Garden’ blooms in St. Pete as a bookstore just for kids

6 days ago | yahoo.com | Avery Cotton

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — There’s a new magical spot in St. Petersburg where stories come to life and young imaginations are set free. Welcome to The Story Garden, the city’s first children’s-only bookstore, nestled in a charming, cozy bungalow on 14th Street North. Opened in March by Megan Kotsko, a mom and former teacher, the Story Garden was born from her love of storytelling—and her desire to create a space where kids feel welcomed, inspired, and excited about reading.
Tampa toddler named 2025 ‘honored hero’ after beating cancer before her 2nd birthday

1 week ago | wfla.com | Avery Cotton

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — At just two years old, Lana Michel has already overcome a battle most adults can’t imagine, and now, she’s being celebrated as a symbol of resilience and hope. Diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia just months after her first birthday, Lana faced an intense medical journey that included multiple rounds of chemotherapy and even spending Christmas in the hospital.
Beloved Tampa tradition returns: Christ the King Carnival kicks off its 62nd year

2 weeks ago | wfla.com | Avery Cotton

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A beloved Tampa tradition is back as the Christ the King Carnival opens its gates for the 62nd year. The annual event, hosted on the grounds of Christ the King Catholic Church and School, brings the familiar thrills of classic rides, delicious fair food, and cherished family memories. But this year, the celebration comes with a somber undertone as the Catholic community prepares to mourn the passing of Pope Francis.
Beloved Tampa tradition returns: Christ the King Carnival kicks off its 62nd year

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Avery Cotton

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A beloved Tampa tradition is back as the Christ the King Carnival opens its gates for the 62nd year. The annual event, hosted on the grounds of Christ the King Catholic Church and School, brings the familiar thrills of classic rides, delicious fair food, and cherished family memories. But this year, the celebration comes with a somber undertone as the Catholic community prepares to mourn the passing of Pope Francis.
Riverview woman fostering success in hundreds of young girls

1 month ago | wfla.com | Avery Cotton

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Hillsborough County foster mom has spent nearly 20 years turning young girls into confident women ready to fly the nest and succeed on their own. It’s hard for Karen Bowen to count how many foster children have come through her home, but she estimates it’s over 300. While she’ll take anyone, she says she mostly fosters teenage girls. She says that when they come in, her goal is to teach them independence and how to achieve their goals.
The Kidpreneur Club helps young, future business owners

1 month ago | wfla.com | Avery Cotton

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — At just 9-years old, Elliott Perez is already quite the businessman. He says it feels amazing when he makes a sale. Perez started his business, Fluff, Puffs and Other Stuff, under the Kidpreneur program, where he makes and sells crafts like pillows and fun artwork. He’s one of over a hundred kids who are part of the non-profit.
Non-profit helps kids in need celebrate birthdays

2 months ago | wfla.com | Avery Cotton

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — “What am I going to get them? What am I goig to say?””What am I going to get them? What am I goig to say?”Those are the thoughts that ran through Chimere Hilaire’s mind when her daughter Treasure was getting ready to turn 5-years old, and she knew she wouldn’t be able to throw her a party or get her a gift because she was down on her luck. That’s when Chimiere came across Celebrate Birthdays and their Birthday in a Box program.
Non-profit helps kids in need celebrate birthdays

2 months ago | yahoo.com | Avery Cotton

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — “What am I going to get them? What am I goig to say?””What am I going to get them? What am I goig to say?”Those are the thoughts that ran through Chimere Hilaire’s mind when her daughter Treasure was getting ready to turn 5-years old, and she knew she wouldn’t be able to throw her a party or get her a gift because she was down on her luck. That’s when Chimiere came across Celebrate Birthdays and their Birthday in a Box program.
New classes added to popular St. Pete kids program

2 months ago | wfla.com | Avery Cotton

Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center is a place where anyone really can see what lives in our waters, and learn how our ecosystem works. But, twice a month, our smallest explorers can visit for their Bay Babies class. It’s become so popular, the center has added an extra class. “It’s about all sorts of the marine animals, the birds, the butterflies and everything that’s doing that wonderful migration to get to the warmer weather down here,” says Education Specialist, Izzy Knot.