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Stephanie Hayes - Columnist

Columnist

Please buckle in for a glamorous journalism biography. I left my job at a mall CD store to work here at 19, distributing faxes and running to Publix to pick up cakes for real reporters. Upon being the last warm body in the office, I got to write actual stories. The rest has been a wonderful journey. I'm now a columnist, writing on the proverbial "lighter side of life" and giving side-eye to Florida. Starting in 2021, my columns will be syndicated worldwide via Creators Syndicate. Before this, I was an editor overseeing arts and culture coverage. As a reporter, I’ve covered local governments, higher education, nightlife, obituaries and performing arts. How's that for variety? I'm a stepmom, fledgling novelist, amateur makeup artist and avid host of parties with too much food. Find me in Dunedin, coolest town in Florida.

  1. Welcome back! Did you miss them?
  2. The Kool-Aid Man, who raised us.
  3. People wait to claim their luggage at Tampa International Airport on Thursday.
  4. The Florida Legislature getting to work.
  5. The School Board Meeting Agenda notebook on the sign in before the beginning of the Pinellas County School Board meeting, at 301 4th St. SW on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023 in Largo.
  6. A model walks the runway for Beach Bunny Fashion Show during Miami Swim Week at the Paraiso tent on July 15, 2022, in Miami Beach.
  7. The audience wave their hands in the air in support of the speaker as they make their case to defend banned books during the Pinellas County School Board meeting, at 301 4th St. SW on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023 in Largo. The audience was asked not to cheer but were instead asked to shake their hands in the air to agree with the speakers.
  8. Rochelle Bard as Norma and Matthew Vickers as Pollione, center, in Opera Tampa's 2023 production of "Norma."
  9. A rooftop lounge area at The Tampa Edition hotel on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, in Tampa.
  10. Lily Tomlin is seen alongside Tom Brady in a scene from "80 for Brady."
  11. New College students attend a protest of the appointment of new board of trustees members by Gov. Ron DeSantis at New College on Tuesday, Jan 31, 2023, outside the Harry Sudakoff Conference Center on the school in Sarasota.
  12. A copy of Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" inside a Little Free Library in Crystal Beach on Jan. 26.
  13. A copy of Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" inside a book box in Dunedin on Jan. 26, 2023. Pinellas County school officials have removed the book from all high schools.
  14. A pirate gives beads to partiers along Bayshore Boulevard during the Gasparilla Parade of Pirates on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022.
  15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady: Old?
  16. A prime 14-oz New York strip, served with garlic green beans, is available at Roam Steakhouse and Bar in St. Petersburg.
  17. New Year's resolution: Nap more.
  18. The new Bucs owner? Let's dream it.
  19. Customers shop for items at Hotbins on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, in Tampa.
  20. Dec. 20, 2022• Opinion
    A few questions for gnomes.
  21. He stands ready to steal your White Elephant gift.
  22. Winston Sullivan works in night security at Tampa Improv to keep his days free for workouts.