Local Guides

Celebrate Valentine’s Day Florida-Style

By WOW Editor | January 27, 2026

This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, offering the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy Florida’s gorgeous winter weather. Below are a few fun ideas to celebrate as a couple, friend group or family. Get out on the water. The storm-free winter months are ideal for a boat ride. Pirate Water Taxi offers […]

Top Reads of 2025

By WOW Editor | December 31, 2025

As 2025 came to a close, we were inspired by the many “Best Books of 2025” lists circulating on social media channels, and we decided to create our own by putting a call out on WOW’s Westchase Neighborhood News Facebook page. Thanks to all who responded. Below are the Top 25 Reads of 2025 according […]

Where to See Manatees

By Heather Bossowski | December 31, 2025

Every year, as Florida’s Gulf waters begin to cool and the winter air settles in, something magical happens beneath the surface. From November through late March, manatees make their annual pilgrimage from the chilly open waters of the Bay and the Gulf into the state’s warm, crystal-clear springs. Manatees, officially known as Trichechus Manatus Latirostris, […]

Hillsborough County Hiking Spree

By WOW Editor | December 19, 2025

Hillsborough County is home to over 60 conservation parks and nature preserves with more than 300 miles of marked hiking trails. The Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department is challenging you to get just a taste of what the area has to offer during the 2025-26 Hillsborough County Hiking Spree. This year’s Hiking Spree features […]

A Guide to Local Markets

By WOW Editor | December 14, 2025

As the temperatures start to cool, it’s the perfect time to check out our local farmers markets. Not only will you find everything from fresh, locally sourced produce to handcrafted jewelry, but you will also support local artists, farmers and vendors. Plus, it’s a fun way to get out and explore different corners of the […]

Best Birding Spots in Tampa Bay

By WOW Editor | December 5, 2025

Moderate temperatures and ample supplies of food and water bring a number of migratory species to Tampa Bay each winter. While we are fortunate to have a wide variety of birds that call Florida home year-round, winter is the perfect time to get out and spot some visitors from up North. Warblers, goldfinches, American robins, […]

Best Spots for a Bike Ride in Tampa Bay

By WOW Editor | November 30, 2025

Our Northwest neighborhoods are home to a number of trails and bike lanes perfect for a bike ride. Chances are, however, that you have ridden many of these routes over and over again. Now that cooler weather is here, why not head out and try a new cycling route? Tampa Bay is chock-full of bike-friendly […]

A Beach for Everyone

By WOW Editor | November 21, 2025

When it comes to spending a day at the beach in our area, you really can’t go wrong, but it does help to have an idea of what to expect before you head out. Below, we break down a few of our favorite beaches and what makes them unique. Fred Howard Park Beach: The family […]

Where to Donate Items You No Longer Need

By WOW Editor | October 2, 2025

Whether you are taking advantage of cooler weather to do a deep clean or trying to figure out what to do with all those things that didn’t sell during your neighborhood’s fall garage sale, here is a list of a few amazing organizations that can do some good with your unwanted items. Please note: At […]

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