Longtime Tampa Bay Journalist Retires After 30 Years

John Romano reflects on his decades-long career uncovering the hidden stories of the region.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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After three decades as a journalist in the Tampa Bay area, John Romano is retiring. Romano spent his career at the Tampa Bay Times, where he was known for his ability to uncover and share the hidden stories of the region, giving a voice to the unheard and shedding light on important community issues.

Why it matters

Romano's retirement marks the end of an era for Tampa Bay journalism. As an experienced and respected reporter, he played a crucial role in informing and shaping the local community's understanding of important issues over the past 30 years.

The details

Throughout his career, Romano covered a wide range of topics, from local politics and community development to human-interest stories that highlighted the diverse experiences of Tampa Bay residents. He was known for his ability to build trust with his sources and uncover stories that might have otherwise gone untold.

  • John Romano began his journalism career at the Tampa Bay Times in 1996.
  • Romano is retiring from the Tampa Bay Times in February 2026 after 30 years with the publication.

The players

John Romano

A veteran journalist who spent 30 years reporting for the Tampa Bay Times, known for his ability to uncover and share the hidden stories of the Tampa Bay region.

Tampa Bay Times

A daily newspaper serving the Tampa Bay area, where John Romano worked as a journalist for three decades.

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What they’re saying

“Ah, this should have been Joey's story to tell.”

— John Romano

The takeaway

John Romano's retirement marks the end of an era for Tampa Bay journalism, as he was a respected and experienced reporter who played a crucial role in informing and shaping the local community's understanding of important issues over the past three decades.