Virginia Johnson

Saint Petersburg

Ragin' Cajun Reporter in Tampa/St. Pete at Spectrum Bay News 9. I care about journalism, and the freedom to tell stories- @MedillSchool #emmy #murrow

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Articles

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay welcomes a new president, new word and meerkats

1 week ago | spectrumnews1.com | Virginia Johnson

TAMPA, Fla. — Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is undergoing a $37 million upgrade that will bring new life to the 66-year-old theme park.
Tampa Bay Watch’s Eco tour highlights marine conservation

2 weeks ago | baynews9.com | Virginia Johnson

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Aboard Tampa Bay Watch’s eco vessel Discovery, they believe the answer to conservation is education. What You Need To KnowTampa Bay Watch Eco Tours and Discovery Center at the St. Pete PierWildlife tour: 90 minutesLook for dolphins hunting against city sea wallsJust a few feet from the docks and doorsteps of downtown St. Petersburg is a water world teeming with life — an estuary.
Nathan Beard’s “Ten Measure Tune” will hang at The Werk Gallery in St. Pete

2 weeks ago | baynews9.com | Virginia Johnson

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Every cool idea starts somewhere. What You Need To Know“Ten Measure Tune” by Nathan Beard in today's On The TownIt's taking place at The Werk GalleryThe location is 2210 1st Ave. S., St. PeteThe exhibit runs through May 11Like enveloping a dainty room in 180 pieces of art. “And so, in your brain, it’s 'Oh man, it’s like awesome, right?’ And it is going to look awesome. It’s just going to take a long time," said artist Nathan Beard. It’s less than a week before opening.
Sweet treats at Ferris Groves in Floral City

4 weeks ago | mynews13.com | Virginia Johnson

CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. -- Ferris Groves opened in 1931 in Floral City. With their current strawberry crop is in full swing, Jennifer Aitken spends her days preparing the berries for a special milkshake. They pick berries in the morning. And several times throughout the day. In the morning, workers spend about two hours cutting berries. And then they do a full bucket for puree.
Do Good Day gathers dozens of nonprofits groups looking for volunteers

4 weeks ago | baynews9.com | Virginia Johnson

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Whether it’s delivering meals or rescuing injured wildlife, there are dozens of nonprofit groups in the Tampa Bay area looking for volunteers. And Do Good Day is a chance for residents to find their community. On Saturday, March 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill, you can find your tribe of do-gooders.
Dade City’s Joy-Lan Drive-in celebrates 75 years

1 month ago | baynews9.com | Virginia Johnson

DADE CITY, Fla. — The sun has gone down in Dade City. What You Need To KnowJoy-Lan Drive-in celebrates 75 yearsIt is located at 16414 U.S.-301, Dade CityJoy-Lan Drive-in is open Wednesday through SundayThere is a Sunday swap shop from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.And light is leaving the sky. Just in time for Joy-Lan Drive-in to fire up its first feature of the night. This mainstay of Dade City is celebrating 75 years of waiting for the dark.
Historic May-Stringer Home in Hernando County subject of ghost tours and hunts

1 month ago | baynews9.com | Virginia Johnson

BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — The year 1856 is calling. What You Need To KnowFlorida on a Tankful visits the May-Stringer House for ghost tours Brooksville home was built in 1956 and maintained by the Hernando Historical Museum AssociationEvidence includes reports of moving furniture, threatening voices and orbs/shadows in picturesGhost Tours are held on Friday and Saturdays. *Note: The attic has a creaky door — don't panicIt wants its house back. The Historic May-Stringer house in Brooksville.
Happy Soul's Zobo hibiscus tea offers taste of nature

1 month ago | baynews9.com | Virginia Johnson

PALMETTO, Fla. — A few ingredients and 15 minutes stand between you and Zobo tea. Zobo tea has roots in Nigeria, and it’s on the menu at Happy Soul, a vegan stop in Palmetto.
Artist expresses love of study and freedom

1 month ago | baynews9.com | Virginia Johnson

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Art is a reflection of the world that surrounds creators. What You Need To KnowShelly Steck-Reale’s ceramic pieces, on display at the in Gulfport, depict a diverse group of women sitting atop stacks of banned books. It’s titled “Banned: And Still I Rise.” It runs until the end of MarchMore On The Town with Virginia JohnsonSometimes Shelly Steck-Reale comes face to face with ideas out of alignment with her family values.
Horseback ride in Goethe State Forest offers chance to commune with nature

2 months ago | baynews9.com | Virginia Johnson

DUNNELLON, Fla. — She has been guiding people on horseback for nearly two decades. “It’s my two favorite things — horses and nature,” said Sandy Johnson, who takes riders into neighboring Goethe State Forest in Dunnellon.