Tampa Bay Times Reviews

by Mellow Wanderer

I’m seeing more stories in the Times that are old news, especially on the front page and throughout the first section. And some stories with key information missing, such as the late reporting on FEMA vaccination locations taking walk-ups, locations, and times. I am finding this information from other sources. I like the reporting on the Pasco Co. Sheriff’s Office harassment story and want to see more resources invested in that kind of local reporting, especially the big local governments of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Polk counties. Also, in your main publication please prominently feature your blogs and podcasts. I would like to have fast, easy access to them. Seems they are more readily available on the free Times public website, or am I missing something? I would like everything available on the main publication. Keep moving forward! You can do this!

by KLWatt

I enjoy the Tampa Bay Times newspaper every day. I like that the online version looks just like the regular paper. I thought I would not adjust with not having a physical newspaper to read, but they did a great job making it look and feel like the real thing. The latest update has a few glitches where the current edition will not load automatically, the text for some articles will not load or the text will enlarge over a graphic and make it difficult to read. I am sure they will have it fixed in the next update. Overall a great way to get your daily local news.

by MHE280

The new app is much better than the old one but still is lacking in some areas. For example, I cannot read the box scores for baseball when I read it in paper mode. I have to expand the paper part of the box score versus just clicking and highlighting it like I can for an article in the rest of the paper. In addition, at some point each day when I read the paper version, the arrow feature to turn a page just stops working. Then I swipe the pages to turn a page but this at ends up not being consistent also. So much better overall but still some issues that need improvement to justify 5 stars.

by Tried Too Many Taken Nicknames

We have been subscribers for more years than I can count! If given a choice, I would select the “paper paper”, the way it used to be. I miss adds and coupon inserts. And more local news and stories. Since our delivery is the WORST (will we get a paper….or not on Wednesday and Sunday) and your customer service is just as bad, I can say that I am not a happy customer. Given the multiple calls to the Times, (recognize the same lady’s voice), it’s evident the Times doesn’t care about the customer. Makes me sad. For something positive to end on- at least we can get the sports scores online!

by Jenpsaki

The good: Great investigative reporting, general news and sports reporting. Editorial content is insightful, thought provoking and balanced.

The not so good: This may seem trivial to you but the bags used to protect the paper on the two delivery days are terrible- flimsy and always tear when they hit the driveway. Paper is ruined if there are wet conditions. Our parents were carriers of the St. Petersburg Times for 30 years so we appreciate what is required to deliver the paper in all conditions. We still enjoy holding and reading a paper paper but understand the technological world we now live in and why newspapers everywhere are struggling. I would ask that, on the two days we get a real paper, more care would be taken to make sure it was in one piece and readable. At least until, inevitably, a virtual paper becomes our only option.

by SandySea

I’ve been reading the paper on my iPad for as long as TampaBayTimes has been available. I love being able to enlarge the type as much as I need, the ability to go to the jump page by touching the link, the ability to find a particular page quickly, the ability to share an article via text or email, and so much more!

My husband resisted reading on his iPad until he was forced to with the onset of a printed newspaper only twice a week. Now he chooses the online edition even when the paper is delivered.

I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because on rare occasions a page or a section will be missing, which is very frustrating.

by JSiladie

In the beginning I thought I would not get used to reading electronically—and certainly would not ever prefer this type of paper delivery as I loved holding my daily newsprint in hand. However, now even when Wednesday and Sunday arrives and I know my hard copy is sitting in the driveway, I find myself opening TampaBayTimes instead—-especially if I’m sitting outside with my morning coffee—no more fighting with the wind and paper flying everywhere😉 Thank you TBT for finding a way to keep going and delivering authentic journalism in these challenging times!!

by Remplir 9

I’ve been a daily print subscriber of TBT for over twenty years. Reading the newspaper has always helped ground me for the day ahead. So I felt almost bereft when I learned that TBT was eliminating the print edition five days each week. But I understood very well the need for TBT to cut costs in the throes of the Coronavirus pandemic. So, I tried TampaBayTimes and began using the e-edition. I must admit, after a few days I became very comfortable with the e-edition and I’ve become a fan of several of its advantages (increased content, more columnists, beautiful color photography, and the ability to adjust the font size to my needs at age 67). If seven days of print eventually resumes, I will most likely return to my old habit. But I’m very impressed with TampaBayTimes , the e-newspaper, and the thoughtful, gracious way the TBT introduced this transition to its readers.

by M's Mimi

While not quite the paper it was years ago due to a changing news landscape, the Tampa Bay Times is still an incredibly important source of investigative reporting. As such, the Times plays an extremely significant role in our community. Twitter might communicate quickly, but it doesn’t dig deep, search for verification, and work to discover the whole story while holding all parties into account.

Critical thinking is a must these days and that requires so much more than just speed & brevity. I am happy to subscribe to The Tampa Bay Times and appreciate their continued journalistic endeavors.

by Bobhodgen

Six years ago I reluctantly switched to the e paper and have never looked back. Who knew it could be so easy to download the paper and read it on my I Pad. I thought I’d miss the physical paper in regards to going outside to pick it up, to removing it from it’s plastic bag, to removing ads I wasn’t interested in to folding and refolding the page with the crossword puzzle with precise precision. My only problem now is no longer having leftover papers to line my cockatiel’s bird cage. Now it’s so easy to read the Tampa Bay Times. I’m not sure I could go back to reading the paper paper.

by CampingKatie

I never thought I would make the switch from paper delivery to the online version on TampaBayTimes, but I have. What’s not to like? All the pictures are in color and to continue on to another page to finish an article is a touch of your finger, and the same to go back to the page you were on. The layout is identical to the paper one and even includes more articles and other items. I’m glad I was forced to use TampaBayTimes when paper delivery went to two days a week due to COVID-19. You continue to do an outstanding job Tampa Bay Times!

by FLstamper

I have been using the Tampa Bay Times app for a long time. I think I started shortly after it became available. Before coved-19 came along, I’d read the Times online whenever I was traveling out of Tampa Bay or when I in a location where the light was dim. Now of course I read it every day online, even when the print version is available. My husband on the other hand prefers the print version. I especially like that I can read it in browse mode, so it looks like the print version, choosing that mode more often. I hope the print version continues to be available too.

by Postal Hunter

I have been a life long reader of the St. Petersburg times. I love the print version and thought I would never be like reading the paper on an iPad. Due to the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 the St. Pete Times suspended home delivery, except on Wednesday and Sunday. I have been forced to adapt and at first I hated it. But after a month, I have to say that I prefer newspaper on the iPad. Mainly because it’s easier. You click on an article and it’s right in front of you. Not at the top of the page or at the crease and the inevitable second part is there also. The Sunday Times(if you have home delivery) comes with a printed supplement that has all of the puzzles for the week. This was an A++ reason for my enjoying the e-paper. So to sum it up, I love it and don’t see any reason to return daily delivery.

by Adventurenan

I have been using my epaper for two years. I have reached the point where I forget to look for my paper copy on Wednesdays. I love the fact that it looks exactly like the paper copy, so it’s easy for me to navigate. It’s easier to turn pages, see things up close, discard when I’m done, and even find past articles. The only down side is that I can’t work all the puzzles in my head (some I can and I do just to keep my 73 year young brain functioning on all cylinders). Now that the Sunday paper copy has an insert for all the week’s puzzles, I can do others. Thanks for improving with the times.

by Jdogi

I have been using TampaBayTimes for about 4 months now and I think it’s great. I like to read the paper on my front patio and not having to deal with turning pages in the breeze is much appreciated. I particularly like being able to read an entire article without the page-flipping. As a result, I end up reading more articles than before in a much shorter time.

Thanks also for providing a week’s worth of puzzles in the Sunday edition. I am a huge fan of all types of puzzles and that fits my needs well. I didn’t think I could ever get used to reading the paper on my tablet but you have won me over and it is now my preferred method. Thanks again.

by Reporter Turned Pastor

As a former reporter/section editor for The St. Petersburg Times, I was thankful to be part of a news production team that was thorough, insightful and had such integrity. (Now Tampa Bay Times.)
We moved to the Middle East where I became even more aware of the importance of having freedom of the press on a world-wide scale.
Now we’re in Lakeland and I was surprised and so thankful to discover I could access the Tampa Bay Times digitally. It’s a great blessing and I will be making a contribution to support this crucial work on behalf of our community, This paper has always been a vital part of Tampa Bay but during these challenging times I believe it is essential for our health and well being.

Rev. Mary McKey HR

by Wifeypou

Really enjoy the ease of reading the Times online.
Change is difficult for most people. I’ve been accessing the Times on. Line for some time now 1-2 years in addition to receiving home delivery. It sure is great when we travel to have instant access to the news in my hometown area.

Although I like the “feel” of the paper in my hands, the ease of reading on line is much easier. I can read the whole article at once. Not having to search for the correct page for the continuation of a story.

I think the pre internet generation of which I am a part associates the paper with being connected and finding out the latest on world events. There’s an emotion that goes with opening the front door , greeting your neighborhood, and anticipation to see the headlines.

For many elders a Newspaper left out too long, prompts a neighbor to check on them. Perhaps the times could develop an automated line for check in of this crowd that would make them feel cared for. Better yet a daily call system which you could charge extra for.

by AlyChuck

The paper is ready for me to read at 5 o’clock. I can enlarge the print to read more easily. Sitting at my breakfast table I can print articles to share or post them on Facebook instantly. Away from home I can still enjoy the paper. I’m 78 and am still amazed with the technology advancements. Reading the Tampa Bay Times online is the best!

With Covid 19 I treasure my Times even more. I pat my I-Pad each morning and ask it to please keep functioning.

The Times helps me survive in the Trump world of Polk County. It is appalling that many decent and educated people do not read and do put forth the effort to verify questionable information.

by Wehrboy

I hope we can save our local paper! So necessary! Where else will you get in depth local news and feature stories, sports, reviews etc. Political bias more balanced since purchasing Tampa Tribune but is still lacking in critical analysis of liberal mainstream narratives. More articles from WSJ ( my fav national paper) would provide a more semblance of balance. I have been an intermittent long time subscriber. Online subscription is the future of course. I’ve historically been a paper subscriber but I’ve adapted and now wouldn’t want to go back to paper! So many advantages. I’m a boomer so I hope younger generations realize the value of a quality local news source.

by The Old Marmot

I have always enjoyed the feel of holding a newspaper in my hands while reading it. But, I have to admit that it now seems perfectly natural to use my handheld phone to read the Tampa Bay Times every morning. In fact, this past Wednesday was the first time that I read the news online and completely forgot it was a delivery day! I only realized it when I went out in the afternoon to run an errand and saw the newspaper in the driveway. I laughed out loud when I saw it. That’s when I knew that I had already made the transition from a printed paper to the digital approach for handheld news.

Thanks and keep up the good work, Tampa Bay Times!

by KAT20001

We’ve subscribed to the Times for over a decade and with each redesign of the web version we’ve still encountered lots of hassles. Luckily we had the print version to fall back on. Each time I begin reading the web version - which is less and less frequent I give up after 3 or 4 articles. Look at The Advocate in Baton Rouge - it’s a simple format that is a breeze to use.

by 42 Year Subscriber

After subscribing for forty two years, I find the Times is a shell of what it was when I first subscribed and the price has gone through the roof. I hate trying to scroll through the epaper while drinking my morning cup of coffee. There no balance in reporting the news; completely devoted to the liberal side. It just shows what a lack of competition can do to a product.

by Djdhdhsjejejeje

TampaBayTimes used to work great and I used it everyday. But now I cannot share stories from TampaBayTimes . It offers a way to share but when I use it the person gets a message that the link is invalid. This would be a very good app if they can fix this problem. I tried to click on app support but it led to a dead website.

by Tampa Heights

TampaBayTimes is buggy at best, with broken links to set up your account. There is no pre-notification when your digital subscription is about to expire. It simply locks you out. Re-subscribing sends you back through the same torturous routine and dead ends. The most recent application update was a year ago. I think you can do better than that.

by VERY DISAPPOINTED 287

I’ve lived in the area for two years and read the Tampa Bay Times daily word for word. I’ve gone from a total waste of paper having it delivered to strictly the e version and they have messed with the version this last month, to the point that I’m going to have to cancel. Too bad, I was just getting used to reading all my papers online and saving the trees.

by HappyCritic2011

And it probably should be removed from TampaBayTimes Store for false advertising. The “App Support” link in TampaBayTimes Store goes nowhere - it’s dead. There is no support provided by the newspaper. It loads most (not all) of the time, but rarely will it display the page of the newspaper without being so blurry that’s illegible. This is despite an excellent connection (and includes everyone in our house accessing the paper).
We loved the idea of getting the paper digitally - the Tampa Bay Times ruined that idea with poor, poor execution.

by Tommyray

I have more problems with signing in. Apple dies not save the passwords it suggests and I foolishly use.I’ve been through mostly rude customer service help. The solution is a browser based paper that is not the same as the digital rendition of the Dailey paper. Very disappointed and want to quit subscription. I hope they get there online offering together and usable. I have very enjoyed it.

by ArizonaDixie

Today my iPad e-edition comes up with a message ‘your account does not have a subscription needed to view this edition’ nor any edition prior that I downloaded evidently. Customer Service tells me it is a Safari issue with my iPad and to use my lap-top. Well I don’t carry my lap-top around town, around the country, or around the world. And it has worked just fine on my iPad until today. I NEED it on my iPad! Fix. Now.

by Suemcgame

A few weeks ago TampaBayTimes was changed so you got a blank screen and had to go to editions to select the paper. A couple of days ago TampaBayTimes started giving a message no internet connection when that was not the case. Called the Times, no tech support. Will ask for money back.

by Phmokda

I am sent an email everyday to my email address asking if I would like to access the electronic version. I got tired of logging in so I downloaded TampaBayTimes . Then it would not take my email address and or password. I asked for a new password but it then said my email address was not in the database despite being sent a daily email there??!!!

by Stafl

I've read the St Petersburg Times for years, first as a student at FSU, then as a resident of Clearwater/Safety Harbor. I no longer live in the area, but still find the Times one of the best (papers) in content. I subscribe to the NYT and Washington Post E-papers and their sites are easy to navigate and read!
The Tampa Times (still have difficulty writing or saying it) e-paper should pattern their efforts after them. I am about to cancel my E-paper subscription, it's just too difficult to navigate. I'll miss their perspective on stage and national issues.

by Mercergirl

I love, love, love the Times, but their enewspaper app is lacking after many years of updates and “enhancements.” I have complained to subscriber services that it started not working right weeks ago. I missed a few issues until I figured out to work around the paper not loading. I do not want the dead tree version, so I depend on the e-version. I was able to go back and read the missed issues, but 3-day old newspapers aren’t real newsy in today’s news cycle.

Hope it gets a real rebuild, and not just a new logo page that leads to a blank screen.

by KerryOReilly

I like how TampaBayTimes presents the stories as a designer would lay them out on paper. It makes it easy to find what I want and discover stories I might not normally read.

by Dave002

So the day after contacting the Times, the problem was fixed!
Yea! Love TampaBayTimes again!

by Atlantalj

Has improved