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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Paying For Gas Is So Easy Oct 03, 2026

In this prickly economy, everyone is stretched thin. Gas prices around the country have ballooned due to the war in the Middle East. No, right, sorry. It's not a war. It's a mere skirmish. A rumble, if you will. A dance-off between rival greaser gang... Read More

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Everyone, Grow Up and Debate Each Other Already Sep 26, 2026

All right, listen up. All those running for public office should suck it up and debate their opponents. I know, I know. Political debates have devolved into air hockey tables at Dave & Buster's, bleating fracases devoid of the decorum befitting publ... Read More

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How I Stopped Being Ticklish Sep 19, 2026

My feet have always been extremely ticklish. Despite this unfortunate fact, I also like having presentable tootsies. And I don't enjoy doing my own nails. So, in spite of myself, I get a pedicure almost every month. I've never enjoyed the process, n... Read More

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A Day in the Life as AI Prepares To Eradicate Humanity Sep 12, 2026

Yawn. Time for another sun-dappled morning of human existence, drinking in the beauty of the natural world. Let me just turn off the phone alarm. Oop. News alert. Former Anthropic researcher warns AI could kill us all. Oh. Coffee. OK, it says ... Read More