20+ hour, 50+ min ago (350+ words) TAMPA, Fla. " Beulah Baptist Institutional Church hosted its second annual Christmas Miracle Market, offering families affordable holiday gifts with items priced at no more than $20 each. The church, located just outside downtown Tampa, allowed families to shop for high-demand items including Chromebooks, bikes and Nintendo Switches, at significantly reduced prices during the holiday shopping season. "We're always looking for different ways that we can serve our community, understanding that Christmas is a big time of the year for everyone," Pastor Alan Harris said. For some families, the timing couldn't be better. One mother explained that her daughter has a combined Christmas and birthday celebration, making the affordable market particularly helpful during the expensive holiday season. "Coming to a place like this really helps out during the holidays," says Tai Glover. The inventory moved quickly, with children excitedly picking bikes and…...

2+ week, 5+ day ago (233+ words) TAMPA, Fla. " Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tents are back open to serve families in the Tampa Bay area who are seeking food assistance this holiday season. More than 30,000 families in need are expected to seek assistance through this annual program. Metro Ministries operates four tents in the Tampa Bay area in neighborhoods with the highest need. The main Holiday Tent hub is in West Tampa on Rome Ave. Metro Ministries also has tents in West Pasco at Generations Christian Church in Trinity and East Pasco at the Metropolitan Ministries in Dade City. New this year, a Pinellas County tent will open at Holy Cross Catholic Church in St. Petersburg. With help from over 30 community partners and thousands of volunteers from around the Tampa Bay area, the hope is to help families this Thanksgiving and Christmas. Metropolitan Ministries said the need has…...

1+ week, 6+ day ago (159+ words) TAMPA, Fla. " Candypalooza filled more than a dozen Radiant Church locations in Tampa with candy, faith, and connection on Sunday, bringing families together after morning services. The event, described by attendees as one of the sweetest Sundays of the year, offered a safe place for children and parents to enjoy fun activities while deepening their spiritual engagement. Pastor Aaron Blake said the gathering is about more than just candy, emphasizing that people need opportunities to connect now more than ever. Central NextGen Pastor Delia Cornwell echoed his message, noting the importance of creating spaces where families can encounter faith and community in a welcoming environment. Florida beekeeper loses livelihood after neighbor has 20 beehives removed from his property An 84-year-old Citrus County beekeeper is fighting to recover 20 active beehives that were taken from his property months ago, leaving him without his…...

2+ week, 4+ day ago (406+ words) THONOTOSASSA, Fla. " Look around New Testament Church in Thonotosassa and you'll find people with big hearts for helping. "The church has been here for 63 years, I've been pastor for 13 years, and we just love doing what we do," said Senior Pastor Al Gallon. Gallon said the community means a whole lot. "We really want to get into the community and find what the needs are so that we'll be a blessing to them," he said. And they found a need for food. "People will say average Joes, you know, in the community that really need the help," said Associate Pastor ShaRhonda Axon. Axon reached out to Tampa Bay 28 saying they've served food in the past, but not with such a great need. They now started serving breakfast on Tuesday and dinner on Friday. "They don't have to be a member…...

1+ week, 2+ day ago (1773+ words) TAMPA, Fla. " Video circulating online shows three men harassing Muslim students at the University of South Florida during their morning prayer on Tuesday. Tampa Bay 28 reporter Jada Williams talked to some of the students who were there. The students tell Jada the men were shouting profanities, stomping around them and making racist remarks while they prayed on campus. WATCH: Muslim students describe 'very scary situation' during USF campus prayer The incident occurred during a monthly prayer gathering organized by the Muslim Student Association on top of Collins Parking Garage at 6 a.m. November 18. Saajid Khan, a member of the Muslim Student Association, described the terrifying encounter that unfolded during what should have been a peaceful religious gathering. "Right by our heads we heard stomping and profanities and screaming and a lot of really insulting things towards us and our religion," Khan said....