Support Us Button Widget

Educate yourself with 4 Tampa Bay area schools updates

Here’s a quick roundup of some education news in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

January 24, 2024 • 
Patrick Sidwell
An up-close shot of a Hillsborough County school bus. No one is on board.

HCPS is looking to hire bus drivers.

Photo by TBAYtoday

Class is in session.

From hiring news to teacher recognition, there’s a bunch happening in the Tampa Bay area’s education scene. Here are four of the latest updates:

  • Hillsborough County Public Schools is looking to fill 250+ vacant bus driver positions. Check out information about the role + hiring process.
  • Gerard Madrinan was named Pinellas County Schools’ 2024 Teacher of the Year at this week’s Evening of Excellence ceremony. The Seminole High School music teacher + band director now leads the band he fell in love with as a kid while watching his older brother perform 33 years ago.
  • HCPS will receive a federal grant of ~$64 million to build a new school on the site of Tinker K-8 on MacDill Air Force Base. Officials voted unanimously this week to extend the school’s lease from 25 years to 33 years, through 2057.
  • Hillsborough County is hosting its 2024 Excellence in Education Awards on Thursday, Feb. 1.
More from TBAYtoday
A concert venue with seats lined in a row and to the side of a stage with blue and purple spotlights.
Events
30+ Upcoming concerts in the Tampa Bay
From pop legends to chart-topping bands, there’s no shortage of concerts to see this year in the Tampa Bay area.
September 17, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
1948_Hurricane.JPG
History
Do you remember the 21st night of September in Tampa Bay?
Do you remember the 21st night of September? Join us on a trip down memory lane to see what TBAY residents were up to this week throughout the years.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
St. Pete's waterfront. Palm trees line the water, with condo towers and high rises in the distance, with their reflections visible in the water. The sky is mostly blue with some clouds dotted around. Boats are in the marina.
Government
Ironing out St. Pete’s $1.18 billion budget, Tampa’s walkability, and a mucky lake
We’re sharing the latest updates on St. Pete’s $1.18 billion budget, Tampa’s $13 million transit upgrades, and the Jungle Lake cleanout.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Screen Shot 2023-07-19 at 12.48.07 PM.png
Theater
Preview the upcoming 2025-2026 Straz season
Take a look at the latest Broadway shows, live shows, comedy, and orchestra performances coming to the Tampa venue over the next several months.
September 11, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Tampa Skyline
Live
How much does it cost to live in the Tampa Bay area?
We broke down the cost of living in the Tampa Bay area, including rent, housing, and other expenses — and compared it to other locations.
September 10, 2025
 · 
Staff
Snapinsta.app_341136429_9347921475248418_7063775347314675284_n_1080.jpg
Live
Flow at these Tampa Bay area yoga studios
Check out these 15 yoga studios around the Big Guava and the Burg that offer hot, aerial, yin, vinyasa, and more yoga studio offerings.
September 3, 2025
 · 
Robin Schwartzkopf
Cheeky's, a new St. Pete resturant's interior is filled with tables and wood chairs, a light blue bar with wooden stools, and shiplaped walls.
Business
Snag matchbooks at these Tampa Bay eateries
Collect colorful and locally-branded matchbooks at these Tampa, St. Pete, and beachfront spots.
September 2, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
An aerial shot of Tampa. Sun is shining on sporadic skyscrapers and the bay and waterways are visible in the background.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Tampa Bay
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
August 27, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
Semi-aerial_2-final_29.jpg
Development
Check out 4 new hotels going up in the Tampa Bay area
The dual AC Hotels + Moxy by Marriott hotel will boast a rooftop bar and restaurant, 310 rooms, and plenty of other amenities.
August 26, 2025
A Sunset on St. Pete Beach. The sky is orange and yellow, with a dark beach before it in the shadows.
City
Visit these “The Summer I Turned Pretty"-esque spots in Tampa Bay
Pretend you’re Belly, Jeremiah, or Conrad and spend summery moments at these Tampa and St. Pete restaurants, parks, and other local gems.
August 25, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever