About Stephanie Hayes

Stephanie Hayes

Stephanie Hayes

Stephanie Hayes is a columnist with the Tampa Bay Times. She has been at the Times since 2003, when she became an editorial assistant and just kind of hung around until her bosses gave her more jobs. Before taking on her current role writing humor, she was an editor, leading arts and lifestyle coverage. In that capacity, she oversaw a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and James Beard Award, as well as winners of the National Headliner Awards, Society for Features Journalism and more. Prior to editing, she was a reporter covering local governments, higher education, nightlife, feature obituaries, fashion and performing arts. She won first place for criticism in the Green Eyeshade Awards and a first place National Headliner Award for lifestyle blogging. She’s the author of the novel "Obitchuary," inspired by her time on the death beat. She is a graduate of the University of South Florida and lives in Dunedin, Florida, with her husband, stepdaughter, giant cat and tiny dog. Read her column here.

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A Letter From the Gulf of America to Lake America Sep 05, 2026

Dear Lake America, Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play? Gosh, sorry. I never know how to start. You'd think I'd be smoother at dispensing advice, but I'm the same awkward ocean basin I've always been. It's been more than a year since I, t... Read More

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How To Get Away With Stealing $10 Million Aug 29, 2026

Greetings, students. With school in session, you're probably learning mnemonic devices, handy sayings and acronyms. "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" helps with the order of operations in math. Likewise, "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Noodl... Read More

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Florida Voters Are as Unpredictable as the State Itself Aug 22, 2026

If you drive north on U.S. 19 for hours, turning only at the end of the journey, you'll reach the Florida State Capitol. Almost one clean shot takes you to the hub of state government, a formal house of lawmaking festooned with candy-striped awnings.... Read More

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Seeking: One Quiet Solo Staycation Aug 15, 2026

I'm taking a couple late-summer days off next week to noodle around on leisure writing. Perhaps this sounds bananas to normal people, taking a staycation from a writing job to write, but, you know. Some of us were a pleasure to have in class. My husb... Read More