There is an issue quietly lurking in cities and towns from coast to coast in America. That issue is animal hoarding and abandonment, and while it has always been an issue, it&rsquo;s one that is on the rise. As rescue organizations scramble to meet the needs of so many animals caught up in such a situation, they also want the public to be aware of it and what they can do to help.
"We are seeing a sharp increase in the number of calls we are getting regarding animal hoarding and abandonment," says Kelly Basham, critical incident director for Guardians of Rescue. "It&rsquo;s a heartbreaking situation and one that we need help with if we are to meet the needs of the public and help these poor animals involved.&rdquo;
As inflation and the rising cost of living continue to strain households nationwide, Guardians of Rescue are seeing a direct impact on pet ownership. Higher costs for food, veterinary care, housing, and basic necessities are forcing some individuals into difficult situations, leading to an increase in pet abandonment and contributing to already overwhelmed living conditions in hoarding cases. Financial stress is not only driving more animals into shelters, but also making it harder for individuals struggling with hoarding behaviors to properly care for the animals they have taken in.
What often starts out as an act rooted in compassion, it leads to a situation that becomes dire, with animal hoarding and abandonment. There are people who want to take in many animals to help them, only to end up having the opposite effect on them, as it leads to them not being taken care of properly. In many cases, the animals end up diseased and dead. 
According to research published in published in PubMed in 2023, animal hoarding is a complex condition that requires urgent attention. They conducted a systemic search of literature that included 374 studies on the topic, which evaluated over 500 animal hoarders. They found that the people were largely middle-aged, unmarried women who lived alone in urban areas. Their residences were mostly unsanitary, and they most commonly hoarded dogs and cats. They report that animal carcasses were found at 60% of the properties and there was a recidivism rate of up 41%.
Animal hoarding is often out of sight, hidden away within homes, so that those in the area don&rsquo;t see it right away. It starts small and then the problem grows until it becomes unmanageable for the person. Meanwhile, the animals suffer from a lack of proper care, food, sanitary conditions, and safety. Animal hoarding is a condition where someone acquires a large number of animals and fails to provide proper care for them. It&rsquo;s a mental health condition that is related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.
There are some things people can do to help with the rise in animal hoarding and abandonment, including:
<ul><li>Report situations. Those who suspect animal hoarding should report it so that it can be properly investigated and addressed. Those hoarding animals have family members, and there&rsquo;s likely someone who knows they are doing it.</li><li>Raise community awareness. Making sure the community knows what animal hoarding is and what to do about it is an important step. Whether posting about it online, talking with friends about it, or holding an informational session, it&rsquo;s important to get the word out.</li><li>Use understanding. Approaching the situation with compassion is ideal. Animal hoarding is a mental health issue, more than an animal cruelty issue. Both the animals being hoarded and the person doing the hoarding need help.</li><li>Volunteer at shelters. Local shelters are seeing a rise in animals being turned in, putting them in a position to need volunteers to help care for the animals. Also, foster families are often needed when there are rescues.</li><li>Support rescue organizations. The organizations on the ground helping hoarding and abandonment situations, such as Guardians of Rescue, count on the support of others to be more effective. Donating to them is a simple way to help with the situation.</li></ul>
Guardians of Rescue is currently working on &ldquo;Operation Abandoned,&rdquo; where they were called in by animal control to help with a dire situation. So far, they have found 73 animals left behind by animal hoarders, which includes 31 dogs, 30 cats, six kittens, six neonate kittens, and a turtle. Many of the dogs were trapped in cages, unable to fend for themselves and the house was in shambles and in no condition for humans or animals to live in. The rescue team is still actively working to catch additional animals on the property hiding from human contact.
&ldquo;This case is a heartbreaking example of what happens when animals are abandoned and neglected,&rdquo; said Basham. &ldquo;Operation Abandoned is not just a rescue it&rsquo;s a promise that we will not leave until every animal is safe and those responsible are held accountable.&rdquo;
To get more information or make a donation, visit the site at<a href="http://www.guardiansofrescue.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> www.guardiansofrescue.org</a>.

Tampa

Hillsborough County

Tiffany Razzano

Tampa Bay Area

Florida

America’s Hidden Animal Crisis: Hoarding and...

There is an issue quietly lurking in cities and towns from coast to coast in America. That issue is animal hoarding and abandonment, and while it...

America’s Hidden Animal Crisis: Hoarding and Abandonment Cases Surge Nationwide

In a world where people are increasingly seeking meaning, connection, and beauty in their everyday spaces, artist and entrepreneur Neha Shah is creating work that does more than decorate, it resonates. As the founder of Neha Shah Creative, Shah is emerging as a distinctive voice in mixed media art, known for pieces that capture movement, light, and emotion in a way that feels both modern and personal. Her work is not just seen, it is experienced. 
What began as a creative exploration has evolved into a purpose-driven business rooted in intention. Inspired by the moment of her young daughter dancing freely, Shah set out to capture something fleeting yet powerful - the energy of joy, movement, and light.
&ldquo;I wanted to create something that felt alive,&rdquo; said Neha Shah, founder of Neha Shah Creative. &ldquo;Through textures like broken glass, 24K gold foil, Swarovski crystals and resin, each piece interacts with light in a way that changes throughout the day. It is not static, it moves, it shifts, it tells a story capturing the energy of a moment.&rdquo;
Shah creates multidimensional works that transform depending on their environment. Light becomes an active element in each piece, refracting and reflecting in ways that bring depth, energy, and emotion into a space. That first piece inspired by her daughter became the foundation for Neha Shah Creative, a brand now recognized for its signature use of mixed materials in each piece.
As her work gained attention, Shah naturally transitioned into a commission-based model, collaborating closely with clients to create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect personal stories, milestones, and identity. Each work becomes more than art - it becomes a meaningful extension of the person it was created for. This approach reflects a broader shift in how people engage with art today. Collectors are no longer just purchasing pieces for aesthetics - they are seeking connection, customization, and purpose.
At the heart of Neha Shah Creative is a built-in philanthropic model. With every commissioned piece, 10% of the purchase is donated to a charity chosen by the client - transforming each work into a vehicle for impact.
&ldquo;Art has the power to uplift, connect, and give back,&rdquo; Shah said. &ldquo;I want every piece to not only bring beauty into someone&rsquo;s space, but also contribute to something bigger.&rdquo;
Today, Neha Shah Creative continues to grow as both an artistic platform and a purpose-driven brand, attracting collectors and clients who value work that feels intentional, expressive, and impactful. Her pieces live at the intersection of art, design, and emotion offering something that goes beyond visual appeal and into experience. For more information, visit<a href="http://www.nehashahcreative.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> </a><a href="http://www.nehashahcreative.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">www.nehashahcreative.com</a>.

From Passion to Purpose: How One Founder Turned...

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Seminole Heights

Temple Terrace

Carrollwood-Northdale

Brandon

Bloomingdale-Riverview

Westchase

Pinellas County

St. Pete

Safety Harbor

Lutz

Clearwater

Bayboro Brewing Co.

Artwork by Leafmore Studios will be on display May 5th - June 2nd at Bayboro Brewing with an Artist Reception on SUNDAY, MAY 10TH from 1-5pm.
The majority of pieces in the show have not been displayed publicly prior to this exhibition! Read on for a bit of background...
Leafmore Studios strives to give form to feelings… To create magic in the mundane. To see creative possibilities.
Dynamic duo Becca McCoy &amp; Justin Groom are dedicated to collaboration, celebrating home, and creating from a place of passion.
Named for the street where the studio was formalized, within which there was a spindly potted lemon tree.
That impossible tree fruited a single improbable lemon which has become our studio mascot – a bright, cheery symbol of creation and success against the odds.
“By pen, paint, computer, and clay – for zombie bros and cat-lovin’ joes. Uncommon art for uncommon people.”

Location: 2390 5th Ave South in St Pete, FL
Exhibition has been curated by James E. Hartzell.

Local Event: Eclectic Works of Leafmore Studios - Art at Bayboro

Eclectic Works of Leafmore Studios - Art at...

Artwork by Leafmore Studios will be on display May 5th - June 2nd at Bayboro Brewing with an Artist Reception on SUNDAY, MAY...

Eclectic Works of Leafmore Studios - Art at Bayboro

Get ready, guitar lovers—Florida’s most exciting guitar event is back!
 The 2026 Sarasota Guitar and Amp Show returns June 6th–7th at the legendary Robarts Arena, bringing together players, collectors, builders, and gear fanatics for an entire weekend dedicated to guitars and tone. Quickly becoming recognized as the premiere guitar show in Florida, the Sarasota Guitar and Amp Show is the place where vintage history meets modern innovation. 
Whether you’re a working guitarist, a serious collector, a tone chaser, or simply someone who appreciates the craftsmanship of great instruments, this event offers a rare opportunity to see and experience an incredible range of new and vintage guitars, amplifiers, effects, hard to find parts and gear all in one place. Thousands of instruments will be on display from dealers, collectors, boutique builders, and gear companies from across the country. Attendees will find everything from rare vintage guitars and classic American instruments to modern boutique builds, custom shop models, and unique one-off creations in all price ranges. 
For vintage enthusiasts, the show floor will feature coveted instruments from the golden eras of guitar manufacturing—pieces that shaped the sound of rock, blues, country, and beyond. Amplifier lovers and tone purists will also have plenty to explore. Expect a huge selection of vintage tube amps, boutique amplifier builders, and modern designs pushing the limits of guitar tone. From low-watt studio amps to stage-ready powerhouses, players will have the opportunity to hear, compare, and experience some of the finest amplifiers available today. 
Top Dealers are looking to BUY or TRADE for your Gear, so turn your gear into cash or trade up for your Dream Guitar or Amp.
 Make sure your here for the Custom Guitar Giveaway Awesome Raffles, Food concessions,&nbsp; Plenty of Free parking&nbsp;
Kids 12yrs and under get in with Adults, so bring the whole family for an amazing time. Doors open at 10am Early bird tickets are available now Dealer space is going fast&nbsp; Contact us for Sponsorships opportunities For tickets and dealer info

Local Event: 2026 Sarasota Guitar and Amp Show

Sarasota County

Sarasota

2026 Sarasota Guitar and Amp Show

Get ready, guitar lovers—Florida’s most exciting guitar event is back!
 The 2026 Sarasota Guitar and Amp Show returns June...

$500.oo off the price of a new roof - mention this ad 

Buddy's Roofing & Repair's Inc

Buddy’s Roofing &amp; Repairs Inc. is a trusted family-owned roofing company proudly serving Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County for over 35 years. We specialize in residential and commercial roofing, roof repairs, roof replacement, reroofing, leak detection, storm damage repairs, and preventative maintenance. Our experienced team works with shingle roofs, metal roofing, flat roofs, modified bitumen, TPO systems, and more. We are known for honest recommendations, dependable communication, fair pricing, and quality workmanship. Whether you need a minor leak repair, emergency roof service, or a complete new roof, Buddy’s Roofing is committed to protecting your home or business with reliable roofing solutions built to last. We proudly serve Tampa, Brandon, Valrico, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Sun City Center, Plant City, Temple Terrace, and surrounding areas. We also assist property managers, HOAs, apartments, warehouses, office buildings, and retail centers with inspections, maintenance, repairs, and reroofing projects. For over three decades, local families and businesses have trusted Buddy’s Roofing &amp; Repairs Inc. for dependable service and professional results. Free estimates available. Serving Tampa Bay with honest roofing and quality workmanship for 35+ years.

Buddy’s Roofing & Repairs Inc. is a trusted family-owned roofing company proudly serving Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County for over 35 years. We...

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop of South Tampa Announces Grand Opening

Floyd's 99 Barbershop South Tampa

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop of South Tampa today announced plans for their grand opening event to be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The day-long celebration will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, an in-shop scavenger hunt, prizes, and more. The shop, located at 1155 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Unit 6, in South Tampa, is owned and operated by franchisee Stephanie Noyes, a lifelong member of the Tampa Bay community. “Floyd’s is all about giving our customers an amplified experience, and we can’t wait to create that excitement at our grand opening event,” said Stephanie, noting that this is her third Floyd’s location, with shops already open in Clearwater and St. Pete. “This is an opportunity for the community to celebrate with us, meet the stylists, and even get a haircut,” she said. “Floyd’s is for everyone – men, women, and kids – and we’ll be accepting walk-in appointments all day.” The South Tampa location is offering 50% off haircuts for the first 30 days, beginning on Friday. Other activities and promotions planned for the day include: 10:00 a.m.	 - Ribbon-cutting ceremony with the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce All Day		 - Plinko and other games to win Floyd’s coupons, swag, and other prizes - Scavenger hunt to find the musicians featured on Floyd’s iconic poster walls - Meet the stylists and receive free consultations and 50% off haircuts “We are grateful to the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce for their support throughout this process, and we appreciate all that our families, friends, and neighbors have done to make our dream of opening a Floyd’s South Tampa location a reality,” said Stephanie. “We look forward to growing the Floyd’s brand throughout the Tampa area in the years ahead.” Floyd’s 99 Barbershop was founded in 1999 in the Denver area by three brothers with a simple belief: a great haircut should amplify your confidence. Today, Floyd’s delivers expert cuts and an amplified experience in 140+ shops across 15 states.

Hillsborough

South Tampa

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop of South Tampa today announced plans for their grand opening event to be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a...

Dive into Warmth with Solar Pool Heating from Solar Solution

Solar Solutions Inc

Tired of a chilly pool cutting your swimming season short? Solar Solutions Inc. transforms your backyard into a year-round oasis, providing reliable, efficient, and cost-saving solar pool heating systems for Florida homeowners.

Tired of a chilly pool cutting your swimming season short? Solar Solutions Inc. transforms your backyard into a year-round oasis, providing...

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Tampa, FL|Local Classified|Announcement|Apr 16