Author

Jessi Smith

Jessi Smith

Jessi Smith (she/they) is a freelance writer who is passionate about sustainability, community building, and the power of the arts and transformative storytelling. A fourth-generation Floridian, Jessi received her B.A. in Art History and English from Florida International University and began reporting for 83 Degrees in 2009. When she isn't writing, Jessi enjoys taking her deaf rescue dog on outdoors adventures, unearthing treasures in backroads antiques and thrift shops, D.I.Y. upcycling projects, and Florida-friendly gardening.

Jessi Smith's Latest Articles

Winter Wonder Ride along Bayshore in 2014
For Good: Pedal through downtown Tampa, along Bayshore Boulevard in Winter Wonder Ride

Rapper Big Boi (best known for his role as half of the Grammy-winning hip hop duo Outkast) headlines this year's Winter Wonder Ride celebration, promising a jubilant post-ride dance party at the park, with food and beverages available for purchase from local vendors.

Bike lane in downtown Tampa.
Vision Zero focuses on making local streets safer for bicyclists, pedestrians

Whether you’re driving a truck or car, riding a bicycle or walking across the street, you can help prevent deaths and injuries by being more alert to the other guys. Ditto for government. Vision Zero arms urban planners with tools to make streets safer for everyone.

For Good: American Cancer Society, Tervis team up to create Hands of Hope

The American Cancer Society in collaboration with Sarasota County-based Tervis create an exclusive series of tumblers and water bottles with designs that feature the handprints of cancer patients and their families.

TEDxSarasota champions innovation, collaboration at full-day event in Venice

TEDxSarasota invites innovators and creatives to explore the "many facets that make a whole life, and the whole world a better place to live."

For Good: Free eBook guides nonprofits in private-sector partnerships

New ebook helps nonprofits create and navigate connections with businesses and corporations pursuing modern corporate culture's emphasis on the value of social responsibility.

From beer to batter, entrepreneurs capitalize on social nature of sharing food

Ever dream that your grandpa’s signature hot sauce might be your recipe for success? While starting any business is no easy task, becoming a food entrepreneur is a special challenge. Find out what makes a food-based venture cook with lessons from some of our most recent Tampa Bay startups.

For Good: Sarasota Hackathon seeks computer science mentors for teens

The Sarasota hackathon's three-day immersion experience pairs students with tech mentors to build a web or mobile app that positively impacts the community.

Total Quality Logistics opens new office in Sarasota, adds 100 jobs

TQL, a freight-brokerage firm based in Cincinnati, is adding a Sarasota office now and 100 jobs by 2020. 

University of Florida prepares to launch Innovation Station in Sarasota County

The University of Florida Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering will open the first physical extension of the college’s Florida Engineering EXperiment Station (FLEXStation) in Sarasota County.

City of Sarasota issues call to artists for public art at downtown roundabout

The City of Sarasota’s Public Art Committee plans to acquire and install landmark sculptures at the center island of each new roundabout in a placemaking effort spearheaded by the City Commission to highlight Sarasota’s identity as a hub for the arts on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

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