Tere Taracido

WFTS-TV

ABC Action News - WFTS is the primary ABC network affiliate for the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Sarasota television market, programming a strong schedule of news, sports and entertainment. ABC Action News has been named the Associated Press' Best Overall News Operation for past four years. ABC Action News leads the way providing local news and weather coverage on-air, online and on mobile. ABC Action News includes I-Team special reports, Taking Action Against Domestic Violence campaigns, Dirty Dining and Florida's most accurate weather forecasts. The area has very diverse regions, from Pinellas County's popular subtropical beaches and Ybor City's Cuban heritage to the farmlands and orchards in Polk, Pasco and Highlands counties. Tampa Bay is headquarters for a number of major corporations, including Bloomin' Brands (Outback, Carrabbas), Raymond James Financial, Jabil Circuit, Wellcare Health Plans, Baycare Health Plans, Sykes Enterprises, Tech Data, Checkers and Rally's, plus Hooters was founded in Clearwater and Publix Supermarkets was founded in Lakeland, Polk County, which borders Hillsborough. Tampa, St. Petersburg and their counties have several hundred parks and zoos, including the theme park Busch Gardens (which is half zoo), Lowery Park, Florida Aquarium and the world-famous Clearwater Marine Aquarium (home of Winter of "Dolphin Tale" fame). Tampa Bay is also home to the 2002 Super Bowl Champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2004 Stanley Cup Champions Tampa Bay Lightning, perennial Arena Bowl winner Tampa Storm, Tampa Mutiny of MLS and borders the Orlando Magic market. The University of South Florida is the fourth largest college in Florida with about 50,000 students and Tampa is also home to the University of Tampa, while St. Petersburg has St. Petersburg College and Eckerd University. Tampa Preparatory School has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School and Berkley Preparatory School as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.