Last updated: September 24, 2026
IONTB provides local news and public-safety coverage for the Tampa Bay community, with a focus on Pinellas County. Coverage includes breaking news, crashes and road closures, fires, severe weather, and other developments affecting local residents.
How IONTB began
IONTB began in March 2013 after Steven Hirschfield photographed and recorded a fire that destroyed a candle warehouse in Dunedin. Sharing that footage drew interest from local media and first responders and helped inspire the creation of IONTB—Eye On Tampa Bay.
What began as a small site documenting local incidents grew with the support of readers and occasional contributions from others in the community. IONTB continues to focus on timely local information and the public-safety events that matter to its readers.
Publisher and editorial responsibility
IONTB is published by IONTB LLC and operated primarily by Steven Hirschfield, Publisher and Editor. Steven is responsible for selecting stories, reviewing source material, and making publication and correction decisions. IONTB is a small, independently operated publication.
Editorial questions, news tips, and correction requests may be sent to [email protected]. You can also use our Contact Us page.
How stories are selected
Editorial decisions focus on local relevance, public safety, the availability of reliable information, and the value of a story to the community. Reader questions and tips can help identify matters that warrant a closer look. Receiving a tip or press release does not guarantee publication.
Sources and verification
Reporting draws primarily on official press releases, agency statements, public records, and other information reviewed for accuracy before publication. When available, additional records, direct observations, and responses from people involved can provide context or clarification.
Our standard is to identify the source of material information, distinguish confirmed details from preliminary reports, and avoid presenting rumor or speculation as fact. Stories based on an agency statement should make that attribution clear. Links to source material are included when available and appropriate.
Confirming that an agency issued a statement does not mean every assertion in that statement has been independently verified. Agency accounts and allegations are attributed to their sources. An arrest or criminal charge is not a finding of guilt.
Third-party photographs, videos, and contributed material should be identified or credited as appropriate. See our Copyright & Content Use policy for permissions and submission terms.
Developing incidents and public-safety tools
Early information about an incident may be incomplete and can change. News reports may be updated as additional details are confirmed or official information becomes available.
Scanner audio, dispatch information, and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) listings shown through IONTB’s public-safety tools are preliminary operational information. They are not equivalent to a reviewed news report, and an initial call type does not establish what ultimately occurred.
IONTB is not a government agency or emergency service. For an emergency, call 911. Follow official agency instructions for immediate safety decisions.
Corrections and updates
Accuracy takes priority over leaving an error unaddressed. Send correction requests to [email protected] with the subject Correction request. Include the article URL, the specific detail at issue, and any supporting information or source documents.
Steven reviews correction requests and relevant source material. When a substantive factual error is confirmed, our standard is to correct the report and add a note explaining the correction. Minor spelling, grammar, or formatting fixes may be made without a separate note. New developments may be identified as updates rather than corrections.
Advertising and reader support
IONTB receives support through advertising, sponsorships, and reader contributions. Editorial decisions remain the responsibility of the Publisher and Editor. Payment or a contribution does not purchase favorable news coverage.
Paid promotional content should be clearly labeled as advertising or sponsored content so readers can distinguish it from news reporting. Advertising inquiries may be directed through our advertising page.
Contact and related policies
Publisher: IONTB LLC
Publisher and Editor: Steven Hirschfield
Editorial contact: [email protected]
Publisher contact: [email protected]
Phone: 727-580-2900
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