Joshua Hightower

2 weeks ago | wmnf.org | Joshua Hightower

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) launched its on April 15, two weeks earlier than in previous decades. The decision aligns with updated guidance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. The agency states nesting begins on the Gulf Coast and north Florida beaches in April or May. During sea turtle nesting season, female sea turtles come to shore to lay their eggs on the beach. The aquarium’s patrol team monitors about 21 miles of beach in North Pinellas County.

3 weeks ago | wmnf.org | Joshua Hightower

Grocery prices in the Tampa Bay region are on the uptick, according to a recent study by financial technology company SmartAsset. The report examined grocery inflation across twelve major metro areas from March 2024 to March 2025. The Tampa Bay region ranked second with a 4.3% increase in groceries. Only Honolulu ranked higher, with a 5.3% increase. The study measured seven categories to determine its findings. Among them were eggs, meat, and poultry, where the Tampa Bay region saw a 7.8% increase.

1 month ago | wmnf.org | Joshua Hightower

On Tuesday, the Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development committee unanimously supported Senate Bill 936, which calls for a statewide study on how automation, AI (artificial intelligence), and robotics are affecting the Florida workforce. Democratic Senator Tracie Davis filed the bill in February. This is the second time it received a unanimous vote, after being reported favorably in the Commerce and Tourism Committee in March.

1 month ago | usforacle.com | Joshua Hightower |Mithil Vyas |Tobey Blair |Camille Grall

Before Sunday night’s loss against Memphis, USF baseball rattled off eight straight wins. Now, the Bulls (19-11, 7-2 AAC) find themselves on a two-game slide after losing to Stetson 3-1 on Tuesday night. Coach Mitch Hannahs said the team was tired after traveling back from the weekend series versus the Tigers. “I know they were dragging tail, and I told them before the game, we weren’t going to use it as an excuse,” Hannahs said.

1 month ago | wmnf.org | Joshua Hightower

On Monday, the Florida House of Representatives’ House Commerce Committee supported House Bill 955, which would require all private businesses to use an E-Verify system to check a new employee’s legal status. The bill was introduced by Republican Representative Berny Jacques. He said the E-verification system would be free for all businesses to use. The software will ask for the individual’s name, address, and social security number. The bill ignited debate in the committee meeting.