Meghan Bowman

Mark Luther, director of the USF Center for Maritime and Port Studies, said the Sunshine Skyway collapse in 1980 led to innovations for bridge protection that were not present at the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

Thirty-six cylindrical concrete bumpers filled with rock line the bottom of the Sunshine Skyway, along with two rock islands that surround the main supports. These protective structures were installed after the 1980 disaster to guard the bridge against vessels crashing into it.

Bike boxes are the green-painted, L-shaped sections of roadways at signal-controlled intersections. Officials say there have been up to 50% reductions in crashes between cars and bikes where the boxes are used.

Hillsborough County is implementing green bike boxes to increase bicyclists'visibility. The boxes at the signal-controlled intersection of Sheldon Road and Citrus Park Drive are some of the first in the region.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is an important habitat for gopher tortoises in South Pinellas County. Recent deaths and a lack of protections for the species raise concern with the Center for Biological Diversity.

Millions of people are affected by seasonal allergies. Allergy season lasts almost the entire year in Florida, and experts say warmer weather could extend it.

Allergy season lasts almost the entire year in Florida, and some experts say warmer weather could extend it.

Once a month, Classical Revolution makes chamber music more accessible to the public. The St. Petersburg chapter takes over Webb's City Cellar for people to enjoy the same music they would at a concert hall — except in flip flops with a cold beer.

Baristas at Dale Mabry and Linebaugh filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board Wednesday. It would be the first location in the region to unionize.

In Florida, managing seasonal allergies can be hard, especially for those who are allergic to many types of pollen.