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Hillsborough County approves Rays stadium MOU

Tampa could follow tomorrow, bringing this side of the Bay closer than ever to a stadium deal.

News

The Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners voted 5-2 on Wednesday to enter into a non-binding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="memorandum of understanding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/14/hillsborough-county-unveils-proposed-stadium-deal-with-rays" data-vars-content-id="264232da-d3ef-4269-ac44-eba647818300" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough County approves Rays stadium MOU" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/14/hillsborough-county-unveils-proposed-stadium-deal-with-rays" target="_self">memorandum of understanding</a> with the Rays to build a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/05/rays-new-stadium-renderings-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="264232da-d3ef-4269-ac44-eba647818300" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough County approves Rays stadium MOU" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/05/rays-new-stadium-renderings-hillsborough-college" target="_self">new stadium</a> for the team at Hillsborough College.Why it matters: The Tampa City Council could follow tomorrow, bringing this side of the Bay <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closer than ever" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/20/tampas-40-year-quest-for-baseball-comes-to-a-vote" data-vars-content-id="264232da-d3ef-4269-ac44-eba647818300" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough County approves Rays stadium MOU" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/20/tampas-40-year-quest-for-baseball-comes-to-a-vote" target="_self">closer than ever</a> before to a stadium deal with the Rays.

City to discuss Scientology's role in Clearwater's "urban renaissance"

It's hard to keep up with all the development activity in downtown Clearwater.

For the first time in recent memory, it&#x27;s hard to keep up with all the development activity in downtown Clearwater. Why it matters: City officials have dubbed this moment an &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="urban renaissance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox13news.com/news/clearwater-leaders-say-city-is-urban-renaissance-downtown-construction-projects-starting" data-vars-content-id="7aa4d34c-d600-4190-862c-c67f2d0a9b8a" data-vars-headline="City to discuss Scientology&#x27;s role in Clearwater&#x27;s &quot;urban renaissance&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox13news.com/news/clearwater-leaders-say-city-is-urban-renaissance-downtown-construction-projects-starting" target="_blank">urban renaissance</a>,&quot; but questions about the Church of Scientology&#x27;s role in the momentum prompted City Council members to schedule a special meeting next week, according to recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="news" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2026/05/05/scientology-clearwater-downtown-development/" data-vars-content-id="7aa4d34c-d600-4190-862c-c67f2d0a9b8a" data-vars-headline="City to discuss Scientology&#x27;s role in Clearwater&#x27;s &quot;urban renaissance&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2026/05/05/scientology-clearwater-downtown-development/" target="_blank">news</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay28.com/news/local-news/clearwater-north-pinellas-county/public-meeting-set-to-discuss-downtown-clearwater-cleveland-street-development" data-vars-content-id="7aa4d34c-d600-4190-862c-c67f2d0a9b8a" data-vars-headline="City to discuss Scientology&#x27;s role in Clearwater&#x27;s &quot;urban renaissance&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/news/local-news/clearwater-north-pinellas-county/public-meeting-set-to-discuss-downtown-clearwater-cleveland-street-development" target="_blank">reports</a>.

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>

Tampa's 40-year quest for baseball comes to a vote

The city's quest for a professional baseball team looked all but dead 28 years ago.

Sports

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Rays&#x27; search" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/05/rays-new-stadium-renderings-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="e0d24758-6c34-4201-80fe-a57af5f99a4b" data-vars-headline="Tampa&#x27;s 40-year quest for baseball comes to a vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/05/rays-new-stadium-renderings-hillsborough-college" target="_self">The Rays&#x27; search</a> for a new home may end where Tampa leaders first tried to bring Major League Baseball four decades ago. Why it matters: The city&#x27;s quest for a professional baseball team looked all but dead 28 years ago, when the Rays debuted in St. Petersburg. This week, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two votes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/14/hillsborough-county-unveils-proposed-stadium-deal-with-rays" data-vars-content-id="e0d24758-6c34-4201-80fe-a57af5f99a4b" data-vars-headline="Tampa&#x27;s 40-year quest for baseball comes to a vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/14/hillsborough-county-unveils-proposed-stadium-deal-with-rays" target="_self">two votes</a> could bring this side of the Bay closer than ever to that goal.

Inside Tampa Theatre's $30 million restoration

The storied Duncan Auditorium has been closed for construction since March.

On a reporting trip this week, we got to touch the sky.<ul><li>Well, sort of. </li></ul>Why it matters: We experienced the closest thing to it here in Tampa during a tour of the century-old <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa Theatre" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/03/13/tampa-theatre-oscar-nominated-nickel-boys-qa" data-vars-content-id="df9fb74c-4f86-494e-9661-0d45bf2de704" data-vars-headline="Inside Tampa Theatre&#x27;s $30 million restoration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/03/13/tampa-theatre-oscar-nominated-nickel-boys-qa" target="_self">Tampa Theatre</a> about two months into a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$30 million renovation project" data-vars-click-url="https://tampatheatre.org/join-give/second-century/" data-vars-content-id="df9fb74c-4f86-494e-9661-0d45bf2de704" data-vars-headline="Inside Tampa Theatre&#x27;s $30 million restoration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tampatheatre.org/join-give/second-century/" target="_blank">$30 million renovation project</a>.

Axios readers pick Cocoon as best film shot in Tampa Bay

Only one  film can wear the crown as the best shot in Tampa Bay, and we want your help picking it.

Culture

You&#x27;ve been voting for your favorite film shot in Tampa Bay, and we can finally crown a champion: Cocoon!<ul><li>The 1985 comedic sci-fi drama bested mobster classic Goodfellas in the final round of our bracket, with 65% of the vote. </li></ul>

IKEA to open store in Sarasota

The store is slated to open late this summer.

A new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="IKEA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/best-buy-ikea-opening-shops-furniture-kitchen" data-vars-content-id="6eed033c-7f84-4928-b31c-d98f5b7acc97" data-vars-headline="IKEA to open store in Sarasota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/best-buy-ikea-opening-shops-furniture-kitchen" target="_self">IKEA</a> store will soon land in Sarasota. Why it matters: Right now, Sarasota residents who want to indulge in the Swedish retailer&#x27;s meatballs and maze-style showrooms have to commit to an hour&#x27;s drive to Tampa.

Rays return to Tropicana Field: What to know

For the first time since 2024, the Rays will play at Tropicana Field.

For the first time since 2024, the Rays <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="will play at Tropicana Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/13/tampa-bay-rays-st-petersburg-2026-tickets" data-vars-content-id="1dede3a4-5331-4221-8cd6-b753220c8fc2" data-vars-headline="Rays return to Tropicana Field: What to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/13/tampa-bay-rays-st-petersburg-2026-tickets" target="_self">will play at Tropicana Field</a> on Monday night. Why it matters: It&#x27;s been a long time coming (one year and six months to be exact), but the team is finally back home in St. Petersburg.

Inside St. Pete Beach's Hollywood takeover for new Paul Rudd movie

"The Statement" is set to film next week at the Don CeSar.

In the shell of a former Dollar Tree in St. Pete Beach, a slice of Hollywood hummed to life.<ul><li>Locals arrived in T-shirts and jeans and emerged from makeshift dressing rooms in vintage color-block rompers and A-line skirts. A table of seamstresses pinned and tucked, altering garments in real time. </li></ul>

All of the events at Pride of Tampa this weekend

It's Pride weekend in Tampa, and tons of events are on the lineup.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s Pride weekend in Tampa, and tons of events are on the lineup. Why it matters: While this year won&#x27;t include the usual parade due to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa Pride&#x27;s hiatus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/17/tampa-pride-hiatus-future" data-vars-content-id="ad25c91c-59a8-4590-97de-5240a58e2069" data-vars-headline="All of the events at Pride of Tampa this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/17/tampa-pride-hiatus-future" target="_self">Tampa Pride&#x27;s hiatus</a>, another organization stepped up to keep the LGBTQ+ celebration going.

St. Pete casting call: Extras needed for Paul Rudd film

"The Statement" is filming April 6-8 right here in the Sunshine City.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Pete" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/09/st-petersburg-luxury-roche-bobois-private-clubs-art" data-vars-content-id="1cba9173-5a73-4be0-86b1-87f3c04da041" data-vars-headline="St. Pete casting call: Extras needed for Paul Rudd film" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/09/st-petersburg-luxury-roche-bobois-private-clubs-art" target="_self">St. Pete</a> locals, it&#x27;s our time to shine.State of play: FrontRunner Casting Agency is seeking extras for &quot;The Statement,&quot; a new movie starring Paul Rudd, Paul Giamatti and John Turturro that&#x27;s filming April 6-8 here in the Sunshine City.

Tampa Bay's most Irish county, based on census data

About 1 in 10 Tampa Bay residents claim Irish ancestry.

We might all be Irish on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Patrick&#x27;s Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/03/15/st-patricks-day-new-orleans-parade-parties-events" data-vars-content-id="1bd007d2-7f8e-4c66-a70e-c5f7213f0ed3" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay&#x27;s most Irish county, based on census data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/03/15/st-patricks-day-new-orleans-parade-parties-events" target="_self">St. Patrick&#x27;s Day</a>, but the reality is that only 10% of Tampa Bay residents have Irish ancestry, according to the U.S. Census.The big picture: The United States had an average Irish ancestry of 9.4% in 2022.

Tampa insurance agent cast in Netflix's "Age of Attraction"

He is Tampa Bay's latest reality TV star.

The cast of Netflix&#x27;s new unscripted series &quot;Age of Attraction&quot; includes an insurance agent from Tampa.Why it matters: The dating experiment, a spiritual spinoff of &quot;Love is Blind,&quot; follows 40 singles who will discover whether love is ageless.

St. Pete's luxury-fueled identity crisis

From a $30K lounge to a possible Four Seasons, wealth is transforming the city.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Petersburg" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/04/21/wayward-goose-st-petersburg-closing" data-vars-content-id="4e33dd72-a0e2-4e5e-98e6-c9ad996b8f6c" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s luxury-fueled identity crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/04/21/wayward-goose-st-petersburg-closing" target="_self">St. Petersburg</a> City Council member Richie Floyd&#x27;s jaw hit the floor when he <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="read" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/food/2026/02/21/st-pete-food-hall-kojo-bar-hanna-central-park/" data-vars-content-id="4e33dd72-a0e2-4e5e-98e6-c9ad996b8f6c" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s luxury-fueled identity crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/food/2026/02/21/st-pete-food-hall-kojo-bar-hanna-central-park/" target="_blank">read</a> how much it&#x27;ll cost to join a members-only lounge coming soon to downtown&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Central Park food hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/06/new-restaurants-2026-tampa-st-pete" data-vars-content-id="4e33dd72-a0e2-4e5e-98e6-c9ad996b8f6c" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s luxury-fueled identity crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/06/new-restaurants-2026-tampa-st-pete" target="_self">Central Park food hall</a>.<ul><li>For Tampa Bay&#x27;s once-gritty <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city of the arts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/viewpoints/2026/02/24/is-st-pete-still-city-arts-column/" data-vars-content-id="4e33dd72-a0e2-4e5e-98e6-c9ad996b8f6c" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s luxury-fueled identity crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/viewpoints/2026/02/24/is-st-pete-still-city-arts-column/" target="_blank">city of the arts</a>, where many residents are struggling with rising costs, $30,000 is a jarring figure. Yet, the co-owner told Axios he&#x27;s been flooded with interest.</li><li>&quot;We actually can&#x27;t keep up,&quot; said Mark Levey, who recently moved from Tampa to a condo on the 28th floor of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Residences at 400 Central" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/12/03/inside-400-central-st-petersburg" data-vars-content-id="4e33dd72-a0e2-4e5e-98e6-c9ad996b8f6c" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s luxury-fueled identity crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/12/03/inside-400-central-st-petersburg" target="_self">The Residences at 400 Central</a>, St. Pete&#x27;s newest luxury high-rise.</li></ul>Why it matters: The project is one of several that signal a burgeoning movement toward luxury and exclusivity intensified by a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pandemic-induced influx of new residents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/09/19/florida-population-income-moving-migration" data-vars-content-id="4e33dd72-a0e2-4e5e-98e6-c9ad996b8f6c" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s luxury-fueled identity crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/09/19/florida-population-income-moving-migration" target="_self">pandemic-induced influx of new residents</a> — and wealth.

📅 In and around Tampa

Tampa weekend events: Ballet, dance parties and chicken yoga

🎉 In and around Tampa

Tampa weekend events: Riverfest, Plant Bingo and more

A bracket that tracks Axios readersâ April 20-24, 2026, vote for the best film shot in Tampa Bay. Cocoon won the title, beating Goodfellas 65% in Round 4. The closest matchup was 51% for Cop and a Half in Round 1; the widest was Oceanâs 11 at 99%.