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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I'm So Sorry, but Cigarettes Look Cool Mar 28, 2026

I have secretly always longed to be a smoker. This is not an acceptable thing to say out loud, I know. Due to the fact that cigarettes can kill a person all while making their nails yellow and skin sallow and lips wrinkled and breath horrific, I will... Read More

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Spring Break Activities That Require No Gas or Groceries Mar 21, 2026

Let's go, party people! It's spring break, the kids are out of school, and no one has any disposable income. Groceries cost approximately three inheritances, and even going out for a Whopper requires sacrificing at least one child's education. The jo... Read More

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Spring Forward Is Here To Change Your Life Mar 14, 2026

The name's Spring. Spring Forward. Some say I'm even more nefarious than my brother, Fall Back, but they are mistaken. Me? I'm an angel. I come in the shadows and simply borrow a measly hour of your z's, a commodity of which you are already deprived ... Read More

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How a Writer Overcame Delusions in Postpartum Psychosis Mar 07, 2026

When Ayana Lage got pregnant, she prepared for the worst. She'd struggled with mental health and knew depression could be lying in wait. She didn't expect to feel exhilarated after the birth. "I'm so happy," recalled Lage, 32. "I'm doing amazing. I'm... Read More