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Axios Tampa Bay Deep Dive

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A guide to fun things to do in Tampa Bay this weekend.

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3 races to watch in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties

Local, state and federal offices are on the ballot.

News

Florida&#x27;s primary election day has arrived, with local, state and federal offices on the ballot. Why it matters: Voters in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties will go to the polls today to choose which candidates advance to the general election on Nov. 3 and, in some races, who wins outright.

Take the Axios Tampa Bay news quiz!

How well did you follow this week's news?

Try your hand at our news quiz!Why it matters: Email us a screenshot of your perfect score to tampa@axios.com, and you could get a shout-out in a future newsletter.

Kindergarten vaccine exemptions rose in Florida: CDC

Thousands of children entered kindergarten in Florida without protection from preventable diseases.

Nearly 6% of kindergartners in Florida were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="exempt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/kindergarten-vaccine-rates-fall" data-vars-content-id="5e63f873-151a-48dd-bc04-b9da3acddb56" data-vars-headline="Kindergarten vaccine exemptions rose in Florida: CDC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/kindergarten-vaccine-rates-fall" target="_self">exempt</a> from one or more vaccines during the 2025–2026 school year, well above the national average, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Why it matters: Thousands of children entered elementary school across the Sunshine State without protection from preventable and potentially deadly diseases, including measles and polio.

Tampa among few major cities with rising homicides in 2026

Deadly crime in Tampa is bucking a national trend among the largest cities in the country.

Politics

Tampa saw an uptick in homicides during the first half of the year that was among the highest in the country for major cities, according to preliminary data reviewed by Axios.Why it matters: Deadly crime in Tampa is bucking a national trend among the largest cities in the country, which are mostly recording dips in homicides.

Publix unveils limited-edition fall ice cream 

The grocer has unveiled nine fall-themed half-gallon ice cream flavors and seven pint-sized options.

Culture

It may be a while before we feel the first breath of autumn, but Publix is already bringing a taste of the season to the freezer aisle.<ul><li>The grocer has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unveiled" data-vars-click-url="https://corporate.publix.com/newsroom/news-stories/08142026---fall-into-these-limited-edition-ice-cream-flavors-at-publix" data-vars-content-id="0eeeb8fe-70ab-4505-8da0-3d1e9d82eb39" data-vars-headline="Publix unveils limited-edition fall ice cream " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://corporate.publix.com/newsroom/news-stories/08142026---fall-into-these-limited-edition-ice-cream-flavors-at-publix" target="_blank">unveiled</a> nine fall-themed half-gallon ice cream flavors and seven pint-sized options.</li></ul>

Your guide to 813 Day discounts and events

Whether you're a lifelong local or the newest neighbor on the block, 813 Day is yours to celebrate.

It&#x27;s Tampa&#x27;s hometown holiday! <ul><li>Whether you&#x27;re a lifelong local or the newest neighbor on the block, 813 Day is yours to celebrate.</li></ul>Why it matters: There are plenty of events and deals around the city to enjoy.<ul><li>We&#x27;ve rounded up a few you won&#x27;t want to miss.</li></ul>

Tampa dad chasing Pop-A-Shot glory on ESPN

A South Tampa dad's childhood arcade hobby has turned into a cross-country quest.

Sports

When Nick DeMarinis turned on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ESPN" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/18/espn-sports-leagues" data-vars-content-id="c0b98182-6b60-4ed5-a584-8126fae8c53d" data-vars-headline="Tampa dad chasing Pop-A-Shot glory on ESPN" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/18/espn-sports-leagues" target="_self">ESPN</a> during the 2024 Pop-A-Shot National Championship, his reaction could&#x27;ve been the wistful, career-focused adult&#x27;s, &quot;Ah, maybe in another life.&quot;<ul><li>Instead, the South Tampa dad and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="WeWork" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wework.com/ideas/professional-development/how-small-businesses-can-turn-ai-disruption-into-an-advantage" data-vars-content-id="c0b98182-6b60-4ed5-a584-8126fae8c53d" data-vars-headline="Tampa dad chasing Pop-A-Shot glory on ESPN" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wework.com/ideas/professional-development/how-small-businesses-can-turn-ai-disruption-into-an-advantage" target="_blank">WeWork</a> executive thought to himself, &quot;Why not me?&quot;</li></ul>Why it matters: DeMarinis, 43, has mastered the art of not taking himself too seriously — and that ethos sparked a pretty remarkable journey for a guy who just liked to shoot hoops at arcades for fun.

Dunedin home to Tampa Bay's best suburban downtown, according to Axios readers

The city's bustling, waterfront downtown defeated Lakeland in a landslide.

We have a winner: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dunedin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/10/01/dunedin-things-to-do-eat-drink-bars" data-vars-content-id="649775cc-07b6-4322-a73c-9ba506eab967" data-vars-headline="Dunedin home to Tampa Bay&#x27;s best suburban downtown, according to Axios readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/10/01/dunedin-things-to-do-eat-drink-bars" target="_self">Dunedin</a> defeated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lakeland" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/04/18/lakeland-florida-fastest-growing-metro" data-vars-content-id="649775cc-07b6-4322-a73c-9ba506eab967" data-vars-headline="Dunedin home to Tampa Bay&#x27;s best suburban downtown, according to Axios readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/04/18/lakeland-florida-fastest-growing-metro" target="_self">Lakeland</a> in an absolute landslide to be crowned Tampa Bay&#x27;s best downtown that isn&#x27;t St. Pete, Tampa or Clearwater.Why it tracks: Dunedin (pronounced duh-NEE-din for any newbies out there) is known for its vibrant arts scene, lively Main Street and unique Scottish heritage.

Florida State Fair food is among America's best, Yelp says

The Tampa-based fair "showcases Southern comfort food and Sunshine State specialties," Yelp said.

Food and Drink

Each February, we carry out the great public service that is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="taste-testing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/13/the-best-and-worst-new-foods-at-the-2026-florida-state-fair" data-vars-content-id="d65fa99a-efe2-48ac-a35a-73421a2b79fb" data-vars-headline="Florida State Fair food is among America&#x27;s best, Yelp says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/13/the-best-and-worst-new-foods-at-the-2026-florida-state-fair" target="_self">taste-testing</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the weirdest food" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/11/florida-state-fair-2025-food-what-to-eat" data-vars-content-id="d65fa99a-efe2-48ac-a35a-73421a2b79fb" data-vars-headline="Florida State Fair food is among America&#x27;s best, Yelp says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/11/florida-state-fair-2025-food-what-to-eat" target="_self">the weirdest food</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="at the Florida State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/02/14/florida-state-fair-2024-food-what-to-eat" data-vars-content-id="d65fa99a-efe2-48ac-a35a-73421a2b79fb" data-vars-headline="Florida State Fair food is among America&#x27;s best, Yelp says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/02/14/florida-state-fair-2024-food-what-to-eat" target="_self">at the Florida State Fair</a>. Why it matters: We can now say we&#x27;ve tried some of best state fair food in the whole country, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Yelp&#x27;s new top-10 ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yelp.com/article/state-fairs-festival-eats-food" data-vars-content-id="d65fa99a-efe2-48ac-a35a-73421a2b79fb" data-vars-headline="Florida State Fair food is among America&#x27;s best, Yelp says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yelp.com/article/state-fairs-festival-eats-food" target="_blank">Yelp&#x27;s new top-10 ranking</a>.

We waited nearly an hour to try Tampa Bay's first Cook Out

Cook Out is the latest in a string of popular eateries to hit town, joining recent arrivals Dutch Bros and Whataburger.

I made the pilgrimage this week to Tampa Bay&#x27;s first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cook Out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/08/03/cook-outs-mysterious-taco-restaurant-concept-is-coming-to-university-city-335963" data-vars-content-id="03023e71-8453-4750-a9de-379f218966c0" data-vars-headline="We waited nearly an hour to try Tampa Bay&#x27;s first Cook Out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/08/03/cook-outs-mysterious-taco-restaurant-concept-is-coming-to-university-city-335963" target="_self">Cook Out</a>. Why it matters: The North Carolina-based chain is a cult classic, serving up chargrilled burgers, crinkle fries, milkshakes and walking tacos to boot.

Bride Pride aims for world's largest women's wedding in St. Pete

Actor and LGBTQ+ advocate Cynthia Nixon is set to officiate.

A big gay wedding is coming to St. Pete next year.State of play: Actor and LGBTQ+ advocate Cynthia Nixon is set to officiate an all-woman wedding and renewal ceremony aiming to be the largest in the world, organizers announced in a news release.

How to celebrate Pride weekend in St. Pete

The festivities draw more than 300,000 people annually.

Things to Do

St. Petersburg&#x27;s gayest weekend in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gayest month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/27/st-pete-pride-kickoff-weekend-events" data-vars-content-id="574d6d2a-3389-4642-a5ba-30557ab03b56" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate Pride weekend in St. Pete" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/27/st-pete-pride-kickoff-weekend-events" target="_self">gayest month</a> of the year kicks off tomorrow.Why it matters: From the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Pete Pride Parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.stpetepride.org/2026-events" data-vars-content-id="574d6d2a-3389-4642-a5ba-30557ab03b56" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate Pride weekend in St. Pete" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.stpetepride.org/2026-events" target="_blank">St. Pete Pride Parade</a> to pop-up events around town, there are tons of ways to celebrate and be in community with LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. <ul><li>The festivities draw more than 300,000 people annually. </li></ul>

"Corporate" Live Nation venue would mar Ybor's indie identity, residents say

The backlash comes as Crowbar, Ybor's last full-time independent music venue, prepares to close.

Crowbar owner Tom DeGeorge has raged against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Live Nation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/09/live-nation-ticketmaster-doj-settlement" data-vars-content-id="9b59b0a7-23a9-46ed-ac9a-c7c9f191b6be" data-vars-headline="&quot;Corporate&quot; Live Nation venue would mar Ybor&#x27;s indie identity, residents say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/09/live-nation-ticketmaster-doj-settlement" target="_self">Live Nation</a> all the way to Washington, where he testified last month before Congress about how its growth has strained independent venues like his.<ul><li>So he was blindsided, but not surprised, when he learned the entertainment giant was planning a move into his backyard.</li></ul>Why it matters: DeGeorge is among a growing contingent of Ybor residents protesting the proposed Live Nation venue — and what it represents about the historic neighborhood&#x27;s changing identity.

Sweet Tomatoes' return is luring diehards from across Florida — including us

When it comes to Sweet Tomatoes, love literally knows no bounds.

Driving several hours to visit a chain restaurant is, by most standards, deranged.Why it matters: When it comes to Sweet Tomatoes, love literally knows no bounds.