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Donalds towers over a sleepy Florida governor's race

Florida's race for governor has plenty of candidates but little competition.

Politics

Almost a month before the Aug. 18 primary, the race to be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida&#x27;s next governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/byron-donalds-florida-governor-fundraising" data-vars-content-id="a18d9567-a82b-4e5c-85de-95dc801a1035" data-vars-headline="Donalds towers over a sleepy Florida governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/byron-donalds-florida-governor-fundraising" target="_self">Florida&#x27;s next governor</a> is shaping up to be a dud.Why it matters: The contest to lead the nation&#x27;s third-most populous state is bloated with candidates who lack name recognition and front-runners whose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sizable polling leads" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/governor/republican-primary/2026/florida?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="a18d9567-a82b-4e5c-85de-95dc801a1035" data-vars-headline="Donalds towers over a sleepy Florida governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/governor/republican-primary/2026/florida?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">sizable polling leads</a> have sapped much of its drama.

St. Pete City Council elections: Who's running and what's at stake

Seven candidates are vying for two seats representing districts 2 and 6.

News

Along with a crowded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mayor&#x27;s race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/23/st-petersburg-mayor-election-forum-takeaways" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/23/st-petersburg-mayor-election-forum-takeaways" target="_self">mayor&#x27;s race</a>, St. Petersburg voters will have the chance to send new representatives to City Council this election season. Why it matters: City Council members approve budgets and set policy on issues ranging from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cltampa.com/news/st-pete-city-council-moves-to-help-strengthen-tenant-rights-for-renters-in-affordable-housing-developments-18403989/" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cltampa.com/news/st-pete-city-council-moves-to-help-strengthen-tenant-rights-for-renters-in-affordable-housing-developments-18403989/" target="_blank">housing</a> to climate resiliency. Among the major issues that will carry over to the next slate of Council members: <ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="future of Tropicana Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/01/st-pete-trop-redevelopment-gas-plant-ken-welch" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/01/st-pete-trop-redevelopment-gas-plant-ken-welch" target="_self">future of Tropicana Field</a>.</li><li>Whether to continue exploring a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city-run alternative to Duke Energy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/st-pete-duke-energy-city-council-feasibility-study" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/st-pete-duke-energy-city-council-feasibility-study" target="_self">city-run alternative to Duke Energy</a>. </li><li>How to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="make up funding shortfalls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/florida-puts-property-tax-overhaul-on-ballot-as-local-officials-sound-alarm" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/florida-puts-property-tax-overhaul-on-ballot-as-local-officials-sound-alarm" target="_self">make up funding shortfalls</a> should voters approve a constitutional amendment overhauling property taxes.</li></ul>

Florida's property tax amendment lacks champions

Don't expect Gov. Ron DeSantis to become its marquee messenger.

Opposition is mounting to the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sweeping property tax overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/florida-puts-property-tax-overhaul-on-ballot-as-local-officials-sound-alarm" data-vars-content-id="9b71826c-7e25-4cc2-b445-8cff8268f988" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s property tax amendment lacks champions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/florida-puts-property-tax-overhaul-on-ballot-as-local-officials-sound-alarm" target="_self">sweeping property tax overhaul</a> — and its once-biggest champion is nowhere to be found.Why it matters: The constitutional amendment, if passed by 60% of voters, would leave some local governments <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="starved for revenue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/06/25/property-tax-cut-could-cost-hollywood-services" data-vars-content-id="9b71826c-7e25-4cc2-b445-8cff8268f988" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s property tax amendment lacks champions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/06/25/property-tax-cut-could-cost-hollywood-services" target="_self">starved for revenue</a> as they scramble to maintain services and offset billions of dollars in losses.

Florida citrus exhibit opens at St. Pete-Clearwater International

"Juicy: A Slice of Florida Life" features vintage citrus crate labels from local growers.

A taste of Florida history awaits locals and tourists in a new exhibit at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. State of play: &quot;Juicy: A Slice of Florida Life,&quot; presented by Creative Pinellas, features vintage citrus crate labels from local growers, a nod to Pinellas County living history museum Heritage Village&#x27;s 50th anniversary.

St. Pete Pride hears the heat complaints but isn't moving

History and timing with other local and state Pride events outweigh complaints about heat, organizers say.

June in St. Petersburg comes with a couple of traditions: the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pride parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/24/st-pete-pride-weekend-events-weather-parking" data-vars-content-id="3b22c499-fc81-473e-8044-5720d35d1e68" data-vars-headline="St. Pete Pride hears the heat complaints but isn&#x27;t moving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/24/st-pete-pride-weekend-events-weather-parking" target="_self">Pride parade</a>, and conversations about whether you&#x27;re going because it&#x27;s so dang hot.Why it matters: Another scorching Pride weekend has some locals questioning whether it&#x27;s time for a change.

Heat will hang over Tampa Bay for the Fourth of July

We won't face the worst of the heat dome, but the region is still in for a familiar summer swelter.

Climate

Tampa Bay won&#x27;t face the worst of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat dome " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/26/heat-wave-dome-july" data-vars-content-id="6d1792b1-d686-4899-ab6d-ded9177aabf0" data-vars-headline="Heat will hang over Tampa Bay for the Fourth of July" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/26/heat-wave-dome-july" target="_self">heat dome </a>building over the Southeast, but the region is still in for a familiar (and dangerous) summer swelter.Why it matters: The heat could complicate Fourth of July celebrations, with crowds expected to gather outdoors to mark <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s 250th birthday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/america-250-birthday-polling" data-vars-content-id="6d1792b1-d686-4899-ab6d-ded9177aabf0" data-vars-headline="Heat will hang over Tampa Bay for the Fourth of July" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/america-250-birthday-polling" target="_self">America&#x27;s 250th birthday</a>.

Tampa Bay faces major heat risk as "feels like" temps hit 100

If you&#x27;ve spent time outside this week, you&#x27;ve surely felt it: It is hot. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat index" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/22/florida-2025-temperature-outlook-tampa-st-pete" data-vars-content-id="b48208c4-12ec-4b40-8a2e-39c318ac0e88" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay faces major heat risk as &quot;feels like&quot; temps hit 100" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/22/florida-2025-temperature-outlook-tampa-st-pete" target="_self">heat index</a>, or the &quot;feels like&quot; temperature, which accounts for humidity and air temperature, will hit the triple digits Thursday and Friday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Florida hurricane forecast brings cautious hope for insurance market

But it won't reverse the last several years of skyrocketing premiums.

A below-average forecast for the Atlantic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hurricane season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/21/atlantic-hurricane-season-forecast-2026-noaa-preparation-el-nino" data-vars-content-id="8697092d-21a7-469e-8671-14071b0a510f" data-vars-headline="Florida hurricane forecast brings cautious hope for insurance market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/21/atlantic-hurricane-season-forecast-2026-noaa-preparation-el-nino" target="_self">hurricane season</a> that begins Monday was welcome news to more than just storm-weary Floridians.Why it matters: Hope for a quiet season, plus legislative reforms and no storm hits last year, have home insurance experts cautiously optimistic about the stability of the market, the News Service of Florida <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/real-estate/2026/05/28/property-insurance-industry-hurricane-rates-prices-citizens/" data-vars-content-id="8697092d-21a7-469e-8671-14071b0a510f" data-vars-headline="Florida hurricane forecast brings cautious hope for insurance market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/real-estate/2026/05/28/property-insurance-industry-hurricane-rates-prices-citizens/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

These are the storm names for the 2026 hurricane season

Here are this year's names we hope won't live in infamy.

From <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Katrina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/08/21/new-data-new-orleans-displaced-hurricane-katrina" data-vars-content-id="a310c30a-b036-4430-9f9f-a2a3d496c1ab" data-vars-headline="These are the storm names for the 2026 hurricane season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/08/21/new-data-new-orleans-displaced-hurricane-katrina" target="_self">Katrina</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Milton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/10/hurricane-milton-wind-damage-rainfall-flooding" data-vars-content-id="a310c30a-b036-4430-9f9f-a2a3d496c1ab" data-vars-headline="These are the storm names for the 2026 hurricane season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/10/hurricane-milton-wind-damage-rainfall-flooding" target="_self">Milton</a>, every few storm seasons, a new name or two takes on an infamous reputation.Why it matters: For those in affected areas, a hurricane&#x27;s name lingers as a one-word shorthand for the communal trauma of living through and recovering from a natural disaster.

NOAA forecasts quieter hurricane season but warns: Prepare now

Officials expect fewer Atlantic storms in 2026 but stress even one hurricane can be devastating.

Energy & Climate

This year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlantic hurricane season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/20/national-hurricane-center-updates-cone-of-uncertainty" data-vars-content-id="4e960f27-3540-4289-86b1-f9c435955f39" data-vars-headline="NOAA forecasts quieter hurricane season but warns: Prepare now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/20/national-hurricane-center-updates-cone-of-uncertainty" target="_self">Atlantic hurricane season</a> is expected to be below average in storm activity for the first time in more than a decade, NOAA meteorologists said Thursday in their annual forecast.Why it matters: Residents should still take the season seriously and prepare now, officials stressed.<ul><li>&quot;It&#x27;s very important to understand that it only takes one,&quot; NOAA administrator Neil Jacobs told reporters.</li></ul>

How to prep for hurricane season 2026

Scouting for supplies now can save you headaches later.

It&#x27;s National Hurricane Preparedness Week — which unfortunately means <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="this year&#x27;s storm season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/13/2026-hurricane-season-somewhat-below-normal-storm-activity" data-vars-content-id="c29986b0-2685-44d4-be9b-ee26061cc9e9" data-vars-headline="How to prep for hurricane season 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/13/2026-hurricane-season-somewhat-below-normal-storm-activity" target="_self">this year&#x27;s storm season</a> is not far behind.Why it matters: Scouting for supplies now can save you headaches later.

2026 hurricane season may see "somewhat below-normal" storm activity

Researchers say the return of El Niño will be the dominant factor for the season.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlantic hurricane season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/10/hurricane-milton-wind-damage-rainfall-flooding" data-vars-content-id="2a91be8b-57a6-43ed-964e-b9e61ad9bf41" data-vars-headline="2026 hurricane season may see &quot;somewhat below-normal&quot; storm activity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/10/hurricane-milton-wind-damage-rainfall-flooding" target="_self">Atlantic hurricane season</a> is expected to have &quot;somewhat below-normal&quot; activity, with 13 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes, according to a prominent forecast group.Why it matters: That would make this season similar to last year&#x27;s — which saw 13 named storms and five hurricanes — and it could be even quieter, with fewer major hurricanes expected.

Tampa Bay among worst regions for pollen sufferers

The Lakeland, Sarasota and Tampa metro areas are among the nation's allergy capitals.

Pollen season is in full swing in Tampa Bay.Why it matters: We live in a tough region for people with pollen allergies, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/aafa-2026-allergy-capitals-report.pdf" data-vars-content-id="28a1950b-54cb-46db-8ee9-3e8e89ef3169" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay among worst regions for pollen sufferers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/aafa-2026-allergy-capitals-report.pdf" target="_blank">new report</a> from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Cold-stunned Florida sea turtles recovering in Tampa Bay

Aquariums in Clearwater, Tampa and Sarasota are treating dozens of cold-stunned turtles rescued statewide.

The recent cold snap didn&#x27;t just challenge human Floridians.Why it matters: Wildlife officials, rescue groups and good Samaritans have rescued <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds of cold-stunned sea turtles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/FWCResearch/posts/over-500-sea-turtles-rescued-statewidecold-stunned-sea-turtle-update-over-the-pa/1352885880205241/" data-vars-content-id="157122be-c807-430d-863b-d7b05f380ca2" data-vars-headline="Cold-stunned Florida sea turtles recovering in Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/FWCResearch/posts/over-500-sea-turtles-rescued-statewidecold-stunned-sea-turtle-update-over-the-pa/1352885880205241/" target="_blank">hundreds of cold-stunned sea turtles</a> from Florida waterways, and dozens are recovering in Tampa Bay.

Climate 🌿

St. Pete Pride hears the heat complaints but isn't moving

Heat will hang over Tampa Bay for the Fourth of July

Tampa Bay faces major heat risk as "feels like" temps hit 100

Tropical Storm Arthur forms in Gulf, threatens flooding across Southeast

Florida hurricane forecast brings cautious hope for insurance market