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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Will This One Last Political Robotext Change Your Mind? Oct 31, 2026

Hi, Public records indicate you voted in the last 800 elections, but we have reason to believe you might not get to the polls this one very important time. Sometimes people come down with chickenpox or get a flat tire. Sometimes they look up from the... Read More

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Before 'You Can See Everything' Came The Villages and Florida Oct 24, 2026

Sorry, but I'm going to do that thing everyone is doing: Me: "Did you watch 'You Can See Everything,' the documentary about tech fraudster Elizabeth Holmes?" Perhaps you: "Not yet!" Then I'll chew my fist before sinking into the bushes because any ut... Read More

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Ladies, How To Dress for the Gym To Please Men Oct 17, 2026

I'm an avid gym-goer and hobby powerlifter. I top out at 5 feet tall and look as threatening as a Monchhichi in a baby bib, so a passerby might not realize my bench press is 110 pounds, squat 170, deadlift 195. I'm looking forward to breaking 200 on ... Read More

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Our Impending Apocalypse Is Not the Time To Take Away 'Lol' Oct 10, 2026

The latest generational culture war has members of Gen Z calling millennials cringe for adding "lol" to the end of sentences. Do I personally do this? Every single day, lol. We needn't probe the myriad existential reasons for these perennial debates.... Read More