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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Cracker Barrel Is a Distraction From a Darker American Rebrand Sep 06, 2025

On a rainy Monday, I slid into a seat at Cracker Barrel. The chain's new, doomed logo dotted flatware sleeves, the only sign of its widely mocked brand overhaul. For the astonishingly low price of $10, I got a hefty bowl of chicken and dumplings with... Read More

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Have You Heard of This New Invention Called Cash? Aug 30, 2025

Trying to keep up with the pace of innovation these days feels fruitless. Recent concerns range from "will a sentient hologram steal my job?" to "are digital fashion influencers laughing at my ankle socks?" I do not know either answer. What I do know... Read More

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A Short Person Ponders the Leg-Lengthening Industry Aug 23, 2025

When I was 16 and applying for my driver's license, I had to provide my height. No one was behind me with a measuring tape, so I slipped an extra inch onto the form, cementing my official frame at 5-foot-1. That inch, even just on paper, pushed me cl... Read More

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Are These Lawmakers or Teens Who Love Fart Jokes? Aug 16, 2025

Hey, this is just a quick reminder about how dumb things have gotten. In what way? Well, take your pick. Today let's zoom in on Florida's bobo version of DOGE through which officials are auditing the state's counties and cities with a fine-tooth comb... Read More