Together, we inspire

There are many ways to have an impact on the community. We have top-notch columnists who will make you laugh, and make you think, and are looking out for you.

JOHN ROMANO I’ve been a beat writer and a feature writer. I’ve written metro columns and op-ed columns. And of all the jobs I’ve done in a newsroom, none can compare to being a sports columnist. Because, the way I see it, my job is to be your best friend on the next barstool. The guy who loves to dissect games, interpret moves, anticipate outcomes, talk trash and, every so often, shed a tear with you in sorrow or joy.

SUBSCRIBE TO STEPHANIE’S NEWSLETTER HERE: Stephinitely

STEPHANIE HAYES This world can feel so heavy, especially lately. Need I list the reasons? My goal as a columnist is to inject a little levity into the room, like an aunt who is always breaking up fights between the cousins. I marinate on the absurdity of life, which I assure you, is plentiful. Going to the grocery store, doing a home renovation, trying to get through the 2020s without ending up a meme - these are tragically comical things. If I can make a reader laugh, I’ve succeeded. If I can make a reader think, I’ve done one better.

Engaging with our readers

We continue to seek out opportunities to collaborate with our community, including forming a Community Reader Panel, a group of about 50 readers who meet quarterly with senior leaders from the Tampa Bay Times newsroom. The group was created as a new way to interact with avid consumers of our news products and discuss.

Read about it here