What's in and out for Tampa Bay, Florida in '26
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Photo credits from top left: Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images; Kathryn Varn/Axios; Tampa Bay Rays/Hines; Octavio Jones/Getty Images; Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images; Alex Golesh; Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
We didn't see hurricanes this year (🙌). But we did see stadium shuffles, power battles (involving both utilities and politicians) and so much more.
- As we look back at the year that was and ahead to 2026, here's our list of what's in and out.
Out: 🏟️ Rays-Hines Gas Plant plan
After collapsing late last year due to hurricanes and politics, plans by the Tampa Bay Rays and development partner Hines for a new ballpark and Historic Gas Plant District came to an unceremonious end in March.
In: 🔮 Gas Plant District's future
Developers are eager for a chance to pick up the pieces. Two have sent proposals to the city, and another two have said plans are in the works to redevelop the Trop site.
- And that's before the city opens the formal solicitation period on Jan. 4.
Out: ⚾ The Sternberg era
Twenty-plus years, two World Series runs and infinite Trop redevelopment discussions later, Rays owner Stuart Sternberg sold the team amid fallout from the failed stadium deal.
In: 🧢 The Zalupski era
The first big question awaiting Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski and his fellow owners is where the Rays will play after the team's Trop lease ends in 2028.
Out:⚡ Duke Energy?
Under pressure from residents frustrated by rising rates, St. Pete and Clearwater are weighing whether to ditch the power company.
In: 💡 Municipal-run utilities?
City-owned power would lead to more accountability and decisions that prioritize residents over shareholders, say organizers of the grassroots Dump Duke campaign.
- Duke says such a transition doesn't guarantee lower rates and would be risky and expensive to undertake.
Out: 🗳️ Casey DeSantis, gubernatorial candidate
Rumblings that Florida's first lady might launch a bid to succeed her husband as governor seemed plausible, if not well substantiated.
- That buzz waned after a Tampa Bay Times investigation into Hope Florida, an organization tied to Casey DeSantis that was found to have routed millions of dollars from a Medicaid settlement to oppose last year's ballot referenda on marijuana and abortion.
In: 🥊 The boys are fighting
It wasn't so long ago that President Trump's endorsement vaulted a little-known congressman to the Florida governor's mansion, but can he do it again?
- Gov. Ron DeSantis isn't convinced — choosing to bash the Trump-anointed Byron Donalds rather than endorse him. And his acolytes and former allies have flooded the race.
Out: 🏈 Alex Golesh and Byrum Brown
USF's football team was in dire straits before Golesh came onboard as head coach. With him, the Bulls posted three winning seasons, becoming a ranked team and, briefly, a College Football Playoff contender.
- But to no one's surprise, Golesh announced his departure after the regular season to coach at Auburn.
- And, to make matters worse, we're down a quarterback. Brown has announced that he will enter the transfer portal.
In: 🤘 Brian Hartline
Less than a week after Golesh announced his departure, USF fans learned that the program had landed what the Times called "one of the hottest young coordinators in college football."
- Go Bulls!
Out: 🐘 GOP unity
Republicans have held a trifecta in state politics for more than two decades, and under DeSantis have leveraged that control to enact a conservative "blueprint" for the nation.
- But after DeSantis rendered Democrats irrelevant and Trump did the same to him, the GOP has turned inward, fighting over everything from immigration to taxes.
In: 🦆 Lame Duck DeSantis
He was once an all-powerful figure in Florida. Now, he's term-limited, and defying him comes with little GOP blowback so long as Trump is on your side.