Author

Lauren Wong

Lauren M. Wong

Lauren Wong is a graduate of the University of Tampa with a degree in journalism who is freelancing while she looks for a full-time job. Originally from the Chicago area, she enjoys travel and aspires to be a travel photojournalist. During the summer of 2019, she worked for Premier Travel Media in Chicago and as a correspondent for Input Fort Wayne, another Issue Media group online magazine based in Indiana. She loves spending time outdoors camping, kayaking, and taking pictures.

Lauren Wong's Latest Articles

New smart kiosks being installed in downtown provide maps, directions, and information on local small businesses.
Electronic interactive kiosks coming to downtown Tampa

The Tampa Downtown Partnership sees tremendous value in bringing the kiosks to downtown Tampa because a lot of their focus is on wayfinding and disseminating information about local, small businesses.

An ongoing federal study of future Amtrak service bypasses Tampa and Tampa Union Station, the state's second-busiest station, on a proposed Chicago to Florida route.
What’s next for Tampa Union Station?

The City of Tampa considers how to repurpose part of Tampa Union Station to lease out workspaces that could create revenue for maintaining and preserving the building.

The Healthy 22nd Street Initiative promotes gardening as a solution to food insecurity in East Tampa.
Healthy 22nd Street brings boxes of hope to food deserts in East Tampa

A keen sense of urgency surrounding growing food insecurity and a few determined souls are stepping up to cultivate community and individual gardens in Hillsborough County's low-income neighborhoods like East Tampa.  

Artist Nicole Peasley painted a mural to enhance the dining experience within one parklet.
Looking for a safer place to meet up with a friend? Consider visiting a parklet

Each 8-by-28-foot parklet in Downtown Tampa is adjacent to a restaurant or bar with socially distanced seating, planters, and a specialized splash of color sitting on top of a unique mural created by local artists.

The Winter Village Choo-Choo, a 12-seat, three-car trackless train, makes 10-minute loops around Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park during the evening light shows at Winter Village.
10 local places designed to get you in the holiday spirit (despite COVID-19)

The Tampa Bay Area is getting decked out in holiday displays this year (2020) as everyone looks for a little extra cheer amid the woes surrounding the pandemic life. Here are a few worth a look.

Lauren Wong's view outside back home in Chicago.
University of Tampa senior pivots in the face of coronavirus

For high school and college seniors about to graduate with the Class of 2020, life as they anticipated it is forever changed in ways they still can’t fathom. Read about 83 Degrees Media student intern Lauren Wong.

People of all faiths gather for special Thanksgiving dinner welcoming refugees to Tampa.
Welcome home: A Tampa Thanksgiving for refugees and immigrants of different cultures, faiths

Prayers, friendship, respect, and appreciation get served up at the Refugee Interfaith Thanksgiving in Tampa right next to the turkey and all the traditional American trimmings alongside dishes representing the diverse cultures of the guests' native countries.

DJ JoeyEls
Music helps DJ preserve mental health, encourage others

Joseph Loiacono, a senior at the University of Tampa, credits DJing with helping him find peace and a purpose following a rough period of mental illness and drug abuse. He now urges others to seek help when they need it.

The sun reflecting off one of Sunken Gardens many vibrant flowers.
Finding a mindful escape without going far from home

Feeling overwhelmed by global strife, economic uncertainty, and the crazy that dominates today's political scene? Or simply need to get away without flying anywhere? Here are a few peaceful places in our midst that aren't always in plain sight.

A wet nose greets visitors to Golden Spirit Alpaca Ranch.
Worth the trip: An alpaca paradise just north of Tampa

Ever had an alpaca experience? You can now by getting up close and personal at a small ranch in Northwest Hillsborough that is home to more than 200.

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