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

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

Culture

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.

Pornhub pushes for a return to Florida's web browsers

The adult site says Florida's age checks fail minors while putting users' personal data at risk.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pornhub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/12/18/pornhub-blocked-florida-age-verification-law-2025" data-vars-content-id="81bcde3e-8864-4bff-ab15-478c8b5948a1" data-vars-headline="Pornhub pushes for a return to Florida&#x27;s web browsers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/12/18/pornhub-blocked-florida-age-verification-law-2025" target="_self">Pornhub</a> is hoping to return to Floridians&#x27; web browsers and search histories by challenging the state&#x27;s age verification rules for porn sites.Why it matters: It&#x27;s been two long years since residents could directly access one of the biggest names in online pornography.

What to know about Clearwater's fight over Scientology land deal

Resident group Save the Garden is collecting petition signatures to reverse a recent City Council vote.

A group of residents is trying to reverse a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clearwater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/19/downtown-clearwater-urban-renaissance-scientology" data-vars-content-id="85b662bd-931d-458a-bc71-87627c294645" data-vars-headline="What to know about Clearwater&#x27;s fight over Scientology land deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/19/downtown-clearwater-urban-renaissance-scientology" target="_self">Clearwater</a> City Council vote to give a block of a downtown street to the Church of Scientology to expand its spiritual headquarters. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest flashpoint in a struggle over Clearwater&#x27;s fraught downtown, where the church and companies tied to it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="own around 200 properties" data-vars-click-url="https://projects.tampabay.com/projects/2019/investigations/scientology-clearwater-real-estate/" data-vars-content-id="85b662bd-931d-458a-bc71-87627c294645" data-vars-headline="What to know about Clearwater&#x27;s fight over Scientology land deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://projects.tampabay.com/projects/2019/investigations/scientology-clearwater-real-estate/" target="_blank">own around 200 properties</a>.<ul><li>It&#x27;s also a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major issue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cltampa.com/news/scientologys-role-in-clearwaters-future-shapes-the-race-for-city-councils-seat-5/" data-vars-content-id="85b662bd-931d-458a-bc71-87627c294645" data-vars-headline="What to know about Clearwater&#x27;s fight over Scientology land deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cltampa.com/news/scientologys-role-in-clearwaters-future-shapes-the-race-for-city-councils-seat-5/" target="_blank">major issue</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="driving the city&#x27;s upcoming elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2026/06/25/clearwater-city-council-election-south-garden-avenue-scientology/" data-vars-content-id="85b662bd-931d-458a-bc71-87627c294645" data-vars-headline="What to know about Clearwater&#x27;s fight over Scientology land deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2026/06/25/clearwater-city-council-election-south-garden-avenue-scientology/" target="_blank">driving the city&#x27;s upcoming elections</a>, in which five candidates are competing for two Council seats. </li></ul>

Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge

Early voting starts next week, and 37,000 voters have already cast ballots by mail.

Pinellas County voters can cast ballots in the Aug. 18 primary for county commission, school board and judge, regardless of party affiliation.State of play: Early <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/14/florida-primary-voter-registration-party-change-mail-ballot-deadlines" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/14/florida-primary-voter-registration-party-change-mail-ballot-deadlines" target="_self">voting</a> starts next week, and 37,000 voters have already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cast ballots by mail" data-vars-click-url="https://countyfilesvbm-ev.floridados.gov/VoteByMailEarlyVotingReports/PublicStats" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://countyfilesvbm-ev.floridados.gov/VoteByMailEarlyVotingReports/PublicStats" target="_blank">cast ballots by mail</a>.<ul><li>You can check your registration status, polling location and sample ballot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.votepinellas.gov/213/Check-Registration-Status" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.votepinellas.gov/213/Check-Registration-Status" target="_blank">here</a>.</li><li>Races for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Petersburg mayor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/23/st-petersburg-mayor-election-forum-takeaways" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" 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">St. Petersburg mayor</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/08/st-pete-city-council-elections-candidates-2026" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/08/st-pete-city-council-elections-candidates-2026" target="_self">City Council</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clearwater City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.myclearwater.com/My-Government/0-City-Departments/City-Clerk/Election-Day-Aug.-18-2026" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.myclearwater.com/My-Government/0-City-Departments/City-Clerk/Election-Day-Aug.-18-2026" target="_blank">Clearwater City Council</a>, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oldsmar City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.myoldsmar.com/1298/Upcoming-Elections" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.myoldsmar.com/1298/Upcoming-Elections" target="_blank">Oldsmar City Council</a> are also nonpartisan for residents of those cities. </li></ul>Worthy of your time: The Tampa Bay Times published a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="comprehensive candidate guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/07/16/florida-election-candidates-primary-2026/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/07/16/florida-election-candidates-primary-2026/" target="_blank">comprehensive candidate guide</a> where you can find more in-depth answers and info. <h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">County Commission District 4</h2>The race <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drew only Republicans" data-vars-click-url="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/774855-have-democrats-given-up-on-the-pinellas-county-commission/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/774855-have-democrats-given-up-on-the-pinellas-county-commission/" target="_blank">drew only Republicans</a>, so all district voters can participate. The district covers Tarpon Springs and East Lake south to Dunedin and Safety Harbor.Zoom in: Incumbent commissioner and current chair Dave Eggers drew one challenger: retired business owner Anthony Ringelspaugh. <ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eggers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.votedaveeggers.com/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.votedaveeggers.com/" target="_blank">Eggers</a> told the Times he wants to keep investing in county infrastructure and public safety while recruiting tech companies that create high-paying jobs.</li><li>Ringelspaugh didn&#x27;t respond to the Times, but he says on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his campaign website" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tonyringelspaughforpinellas.com/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tonyringelspaughforpinellas.com/" target="_blank">his campaign website</a> he&#x27;d prioritize drainage and sewage improvements while taking a tougher look at new development.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">School Board </h2>Districts 2 and 3 are at-large, meaning that all county voters can cast ballots. <ul><li>District 6 is for voters in Seminole, Pinellas Park, St. Pete&#x27;s Gandy area, and the beaches from Redington Shores south.</li></ul>District 2: Incumbent Lisa Cane, who runs the nonprofit Tampa Bay Performing Arts Academy, drew last-minute challenger Nancy Velardi, a retired teacher and former teachers union president.<ul><li>Cane <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told WUSF" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wusf.org/local-state/2026-07-27/meet-the-candidates-pinellas-county-school-board" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wusf.org/local-state/2026-07-27/meet-the-candidates-pinellas-county-school-board" target="_blank">told WUSF</a> her biggest challenge has been navigating federal and state mandates, although she signed a pledge in 2022 to carry out Gov. Ron DeSantis&#x27; education priorities.</li><li>Velardi <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told the Times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2026/06/12/pinellas-school-board-election-edmond-candidates/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2026/06/12/pinellas-school-board-election-edmond-candidates/" target="_blank">told the Times</a> she didn&#x27;t want to see Cane go unchallenged and noted that she opposes DeSantis&#x27; education agenda. </li></ul>District 3: Consultant and speaker Curtis Campogni, a first-time candidate, and veteran teacher Dawn Douglas, who has unsuccessfully run for state House four times as a Democrat, are challenging incumbent Dawn Peters.<ul><li>Peters was first elected in 2022 on a campaign that prioritized the GOP-backed parental rights movement, although the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Times noted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/07/16/florida-election-candidates-primary-2026/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/07/16/florida-election-candidates-primary-2026/" target="_blank">Times noted</a> she&#x27;s since moderated her approach. </li></ul>District 6: Project manager Amanda Lord faces former School Board member and county commissioner Nancy Bostock for the open seat being vacated by incumbent Stephanie Meyer. <ul><li>Bostock lost her commission seat in 2012 after supporting the removal of fluoride from drinking water, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the Times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2026/06/12/pinellas-school-board-election-edmond-candidates/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2026/06/12/pinellas-school-board-election-edmond-candidates/" target="_blank">per the Times</a>. Lord, a former St. Petersburg College professor and PTA president, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bills herself" data-vars-click-url="https://amandalordforschoolboard.com/about" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://amandalordforschoolboard.com/about" target="_blank">bills herself</a> as a &quot;fresh voice.&quot; </li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Judge</h2>All Pinellas voters can participate. Pasco County residents can also vote in the circuit judge contests because both counties are part of the same judicial circuit.<ul><li>Circuit judges oversee felony, big-money civil lawsuits and other types of cases, including divorce, guardianship and juvenile delinquency. </li><li>County judges handle misdemeanors and small-claims civil cases.</li></ul>Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Group 39: With Judge Daniel Diskey not seeking reelection, his son, Stefen Diskey, is running against Elizabeth Constantine to fill the seat. <ul><li>Both candidates are prosecutors. Diskey is based in Pasco while Constantine is in Pinellas, although they both <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told St. Pete Catalyst" data-vars-click-url="https://stpetecatalyst.com/meet-the-candidates-in-pinellas-countys-judicial-races/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stpetecatalyst.com/meet-the-candidates-in-pinellas-countys-judicial-races/" target="_blank">told St. Pete Catalyst</a> it shouldn&#x27;t be seen as a Pinellas vs. Pasco competition.</li></ul>Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Group 44: In one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more buzzy judge races of late" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/07/13/judge-elizabeth-jack-oxalis-garcia-6th-judicial-circuit-election/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/07/13/judge-elizabeth-jack-oxalis-garcia-6th-judicial-circuit-election/" target="_blank">more buzzy judge races of late</a>, private attorney Oxalis Garcia is opposing incumbent family law Judge Elizabeth &quot;Liz&quot; Jack.<ul><li>Among Garcia&#x27;s supporters are critics of Jack&#x27;s decisions in their cases, the Times reported. Garcia has drawn her own critics for signing on to represent some of her supporters after she entered the race. </li></ul>Pinellas County Judge Group 10: Nick Fiorentino is seeking the judiciary for a third time after barely losing to a competitor in 2024. Running against him is first-time candidate Zachariah Wade.<ul><li>Fiorentino runs a family law practice and works as an attorney for the local police union, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per St. Pete Catalyst" data-vars-click-url="https://stpetecatalyst.com/meet-the-candidates-in-pinellas-countys-judicial-races/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stpetecatalyst.com/meet-the-candidates-in-pinellas-countys-judicial-races/" target="_blank">per St. Pete Catalyst</a>. Wade is a criminal defense attorney and ex-prosecutor. </li></ul>

St. Pete voters to decide on property tax to speed infrastructure upgrades

The 2024 hurricane season served as a wake-up call to speed up the projects.

St. Petersburg voters are set to decide this November whether the city can levy an additional tax to help strengthen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="infrastructure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/29/desantis-nixes-tampa-bays-storm-hardening-funds" data-vars-content-id="74aba255-8fb6-4ae6-a504-3463b35de2ba" data-vars-headline="St. Pete voters to decide on property tax to speed infrastructure upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/29/desantis-nixes-tampa-bays-storm-hardening-funds" target="_self">infrastructure</a> against storms.Why it matters: Revenue from the proposed tax would pay back up to $600 million in bonds to finance accelerated improvements to the city&#x27;s drainage, sewer and water systems.<ul><li>The 2024 hurricane season — during which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flooding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/10/tampa-bay-flooding-recovery-hurricane-milton" data-vars-content-id="74aba255-8fb6-4ae6-a504-3463b35de2ba" data-vars-headline="St. Pete voters to decide on property tax to speed infrastructure upgrades" 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/tampa-bay-flooding-recovery-hurricane-milton" target="_self">flooding</a> inundated thousands of homes and prompted city leaders to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shut down two of three sewage plants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/09/st-petersburg-sewage-plants-hurricane-milton" data-vars-content-id="74aba255-8fb6-4ae6-a504-3463b35de2ba" data-vars-headline="St. Pete voters to decide on property tax to speed infrastructure upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/09/st-petersburg-sewage-plants-hurricane-milton" target="_self">shut down two of three sewage plants</a> — served as a wake-up call to prioritize the upgrades, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Ken Welch has said" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/17/hurricane-season-preparations-helene-milton" data-vars-content-id="74aba255-8fb6-4ae6-a504-3463b35de2ba" data-vars-headline="St. Pete voters to decide on property tax to speed infrastructure upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/17/hurricane-season-preparations-helene-milton" target="_self">Mayor Ken Welch has said</a>.</li></ul>

Rays unveil more stadium district renderings as funding questions loom

It's the latest push by team leaders to hype up the plan as Tampa officials waver.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa Bay Rays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/05/rays-new-stadium-renderings-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="a73e38e6-1ff6-4998-a5ba-adfaed4137c7" data-vars-headline="Rays unveil more stadium district renderings as funding questions loom" 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">Tampa Bay Rays</a> released renderings showing what office space could like in the team&#x27;s proposed stadium district in Tampa.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest push by team leaders to hype up the plan as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa officials waver on their support" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/10/rays-advance-stadium-plans-public-approvals-stall" data-vars-content-id="a73e38e6-1ff6-4998-a5ba-adfaed4137c7" data-vars-headline="Rays unveil more stadium district renderings as funding questions loom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/10/rays-advance-stadium-plans-public-approvals-stall" target="_self">Tampa officials waver on their support</a> to help fund the project.<ul><li>The team is working with Hillsborough County officials on ways to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="finance the project without city funding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/2026/07/15/tampa-bay-rays-stadium-ken-hagan-tampa-hillsborough/" data-vars-content-id="a73e38e6-1ff6-4998-a5ba-adfaed4137c7" data-vars-headline="Rays unveil more stadium district renderings as funding questions loom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/2026/07/15/tampa-bay-rays-stadium-ken-hagan-tampa-hillsborough/" target="_blank">finance the project without city funding</a>. </li></ul>

Downtown Largo's hottest destination is ... City Hall?

Well, kind of. The ambitions for Horizon West Bay go far beyond government service.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Downtown Largo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/11/05/largo-things-to-do-eat-drink-bars" data-vars-content-id="a0a7c753-354e-4d80-bebb-5912db9efb59" data-vars-headline="Downtown Largo&#x27;s hottest destination is ... City Hall?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/11/05/largo-things-to-do-eat-drink-bars" target="_self">Downtown Largo</a>&#x27;s hot new development isn&#x27;t a buzzy restaurant, nor is it a brewery or concert venue. <ul><li>It&#x27;s Horizon West Bay, a five-story, 87,000-square-foot government complex anchored by City Hall.</li></ul>Why it matters: The $85 million project replaces the city&#x27;s aging, flood-vulnerable headquarters off Highland Avenue — but the ambitions for Horizon West Bay go far beyond government service.<ul><li>Ground-floor retail space and a courtyard with a stage are part of a novel plan to help activate a downtown corridor that&#x27;s never quite taken off.</li></ul>

Inside St. Pete mayor's reported Tropicana Field redevelopment picks

An announcement is scheduled for Thursday morning.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch selected Blake Investment Partners to redevelop <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tropicana Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/01/st-petersburg-historic-gas-plant-whats-next-ken-welch" data-vars-content-id="dc06d623-97dd-4031-876a-2ecc59e1c24d" data-vars-headline="Inside St. Pete mayor&#x27;s reported Tropicana Field redevelopment picks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/01/st-petersburg-historic-gas-plant-whats-next-ken-welch" target="_self">Tropicana Field</a>, several news outlets reported.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a major step forward for the city&#x27;s most consequential piece of land and for Welch&#x27;s campaign promise to remake the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Historic Gas Plant District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/10/razed-documentary-gas-plant-st-petersburg" data-vars-content-id="dc06d623-97dd-4031-876a-2ecc59e1c24d" data-vars-headline="Inside St. Pete mayor&#x27;s reported Tropicana Field redevelopment picks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/10/razed-documentary-gas-plant-st-petersburg" target="_self">Historic Gas Plant District</a>.<ul><li>But the issue is far from settled. Any plans are subject to City Council approval, and the results of the upcoming mayoral election could upend the process. </li></ul>

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>.

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>.

St. Pete could end parking minimums to boost development near SunRunner

Supporters see more housing and walkability ahead, while critics fear neighborhood spillover.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Petersburg" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/01/st-pete-mahaffey-theater-bid-rejected-new-rfp" data-vars-content-id="8e318817-9a3f-40df-8ae9-35bc3784cad6" data-vars-headline="St. Pete could end parking minimums to boost development near SunRunner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/01/st-pete-mahaffey-theater-bid-rejected-new-rfp" target="_self">St. Petersburg</a> City Council members are set to decide Thursday whether to remove minimum parking requirements for new residences and businesses near SunRunner stations and along much of Central Avenue.Why it matters: Proponents and transit advocates say the changes will encourage use of the bus-rapid transit system and spark denser development, creating more walkable communities and driving down housing prices.<ul><li>Opponents worry that parking will spill into neighborhoods like Historic Kenwood and that more density could change the character of the Grand Central District and its historic buildings.</li></ul>

Demolition underway at St. Pete's pink buildings

A 29-story luxury condo tower is set to rise in their place.

Demolition is underway at downtown St. Petersburg&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pink buildings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/17/st-pete-pink-buildings-downtown-roche-bobois-condo-tower" data-vars-content-id="1208534b-19b7-456e-a474-a78fd227e089" data-vars-headline="Demolition underway at St. Pete&#x27;s pink buildings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/17/st-pete-pink-buildings-downtown-roche-bobois-condo-tower" target="_self">pink buildings</a>.Why it matters: A 29-story luxury condo tower is set to rise in their place.

What should replace Tropicana Field? St. Pete wants your input

The meeting gives residents a chance to vet the pitches to redevelop the site of Tropicana Field.

St. Petersburg leaders will host an open house next Thursday on the future of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Historic Gas Plant District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/01/st-petersburg-historic-gas-plant-whats-next-ken-welch" data-vars-content-id="7baf4fd9-781e-4f2a-8eef-c65a3eb9afa9" data-vars-headline="What should replace Tropicana Field? St. Pete wants your input" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/01/st-petersburg-historic-gas-plant-whats-next-ken-welch" target="_self">Historic Gas Plant District</a>.Why it matters: The meeting gives residents a chance to vet the pitches to redevelop the site of Tropicana Field.

Development 🏗️

What to know about Clearwater's fight over Scientology land deal

St. Pete voters to decide on property tax to speed infrastructure upgrades

Rays unveil more stadium district renderings as funding questions loom

Downtown Largo's hottest destination is ... City Hall?

Inside St. Pete mayor's reported Tropicana Field redevelopment picks