The Office of Media Relations at USF St. Petersburg published Bayboro Briefing between 1988 and 1998 as a way to disseminate "news for alumni and friends at the University of South Florida at St. Petersburg." This publication, printed on an irregular basis, highlighted campus initiatives, faculty research, and student accomplishments. Although many of the stories appealed to alumni and included articles about graduates from the campus, the distribution of this newsletter also targeted others in the broader community. The first issue appeared in April 1988, during the tenure of Dr. Lowell E. Davis, a campus executive who worked diligently to create greater autonomy for the programs at USF St. Petersburg.

The newsletter promoted ties between town and gown, especially after the arrival of Dr. H. W. "Bill" Heller in the early 1990s. Publication of this newsletter continued until the fall of 1998, a time when the academic mission began to change with the expansion of St. Petersburg Junior College course offerings on campus and the creation of new academic initiatives such as the Learning Community. Throughout the life of this publication, USF St. Petersburg served as a regional campus within the USF System but lacked separate accreditation.

Those with an interest in the history of USF St. Petersburg should take note of the fall 1990 issue. This issue of the newsletter provides an excellent overview of USF St. Petersburg's first twenty-five years (1965-1990) and includes articles from longtime employees and former campus administrators.