Tampa Bay

Picture of the Tampa Bay skyline with TPA written across it.

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Tampa Bay with Kathryn Varn and Yacob Reyes.

Axios Tampa Bay

Standard

Axios Tampa Bay Partners

Axios Tampa Bay Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

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

Axios Tampa Bay Weekender

Weekender

Tampa Members

Membership

Axios Tampa Bay Deep Dive

Deep Dive

topics

politics-policy

epstein-files

donald-trump

2026-midterm-elections

immigration

behind-the-curtain

race-and-equity

technology

privacy-tech-regulation

automation-and-ai

tiktok-news

big-tech

social-media

cybersecurity

economy

social-security

inflation

tariffs

federal-reserve

jobs

transportation

business

stock-market-news

retail-news

crypto

media

elon-musk

dealmaking

health

rfk-jr

drug-prices

axios-explains-abortion

public-health

world

israel

axios-explains-ukraine

iran

russia

china

energy-climate

nuclear-energy

climate-energy-policy

climate-change

extreme-weather

alternative-energy

electric-vehicles

science

emerging-tech

biomedicine

newsletters

pittsburgh

atlanta

san-diego

charlotte

boulder

washington-dc

kansas-city

dallas

denver

detroit

des-moines

austin

boston

chicago

cleveland

columbus

houston

indianapolis

miami

nashville

new-orleans

nw-arkansas

philadelphia

phoenix

portland

richmond

salt-lake-city

san-antonio

san-francisco

seattle

tampa-bay

twin-cities

raleigh

huntsville

colorado-springs

axios-local

axios-pro

axios-live

the-axios-show

St. Pete's luxury-fueled identity crisis

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

News

<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.

Hillsborough County sues state over Live Local Act

Local governments have long been on the losing end of a tug-of-war with Tallahassee over home rule.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hillsborough County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/02/07/hillsborough-county-affordable-housing-program-ended" data-vars-content-id="d04717b1-9dbc-40e9-b8c4-c6906b322d0d" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough County sues state over Live Local Act" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/02/07/hillsborough-county-affordable-housing-program-ended" target="_self">Hillsborough County</a> sued the state over the constitutionality of a 2023 law that preempted local governments&#x27; authority over development in an effort to expand the supply of affordable housing.Why it matters: Local governments have long been on the losing end of a tug-of-war with Tallahassee over home rule, with the state having wrested control of everything from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="guns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/10/18/gun-related-homicides-rise" data-vars-content-id="d04717b1-9dbc-40e9-b8c4-c6906b322d0d" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough County sues state over Live Local Act" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/10/18/gun-related-homicides-rise" target="_self">guns</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/12/desantis-undocumented-immigration-trump" data-vars-content-id="d04717b1-9dbc-40e9-b8c4-c6906b322d0d" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough County sues state over Live Local Act" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/12/desantis-undocumented-immigration-trump" target="_self">immigration</a>. <ul><li>Land use is the latest front. </li></ul>

Bucs lose franchise legend Mike Evans to 49ers in free agency

Evans has been a mainstay for Tampa Bay since he was drafted in 2014.

Sports

After 12 seasons in pewter and red, Bucs legend Mike Evans is moving on to the San Francisco 49ers, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multiple" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/adamschefter/status/2031075093103698080?s=42" data-vars-content-id="d73d7eef-e05d-49c7-a5f0-ab2b54c5aa46" data-vars-headline="Bucs lose franchise legend Mike Evans to 49ers in free agency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/adamschefter/status/2031075093103698080?s=42" target="_blank">multiple</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2031075124846162381" data-vars-content-id="d73d7eef-e05d-49c7-a5f0-ab2b54c5aa46" data-vars-headline="Bucs lose franchise legend Mike Evans to 49ers in free agency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2031075124846162381" target="_blank">reports</a>.Why it matters: Evans has been a mainstay for Tampa Bay since he was drafted in 2014 — a two-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler who helped the Bucs win <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="their last championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/02/08/tampa-bay-buccaneers-beat-chiefs-win-super-bowl-lv" data-vars-content-id="d73d7eef-e05d-49c7-a5f0-ab2b54c5aa46" data-vars-headline="Bucs lose franchise legend Mike Evans to 49ers in free agency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/02/08/tampa-bay-buccaneers-beat-chiefs-win-super-bowl-lv" target="_self">their last championship</a>.

HOA fees climb in Florida as more homes list with dues

Roughly 64% of Florida homes listed for sale on Realtor.com in 2025 had HOA dues.

Real Estate

The majority of homes for sale in Florida last year came with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeowners&#x27; association" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/29/condo-hoa-fee-state" data-vars-content-id="9ce57830-8925-45ae-950a-8f380b5715d2" data-vars-headline="HOA fees climb in Florida as more homes list with dues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/29/condo-hoa-fee-state" target="_self">homeowners&#x27; association</a> fees, according to data from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Realtor.com" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/homeowners-associations-2025" data-vars-content-id="9ce57830-8925-45ae-950a-8f380b5715d2" data-vars-headline="HOA fees climb in Florida as more homes list with dues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/homeowners-associations-2025" target="_blank">Realtor.com</a>.Why it matters: The Sunshine State has more homeowner associations than any state except California — and the cost of belonging to one has risen.

St. Petersburg's Williams Park set for revamp

Upgrades to the bandshell, facilities and programming aim to revive the city's oldest park.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Petersburg" 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="19e8cc64-8186-42f9-898b-be348eaa7ba5" data-vars-headline="St. Petersburg&#x27;s Williams Park set for revamp" 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. Petersburg</a>&#x27;s oldest park is on the verge of a revamp.Why it matters: It&#x27;s long overdue for Williams Park, which spans a city block in the heart of downtown and serves as a venue for events like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Localtopia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/20/things-to-do-weekend-tampa-bay-localtopia" data-vars-content-id="19e8cc64-8186-42f9-898b-be348eaa7ba5" data-vars-headline="St. Petersburg&#x27;s Williams Park set for revamp" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/20/things-to-do-weekend-tampa-bay-localtopia" target="_self">Localtopia</a> and, during the summer, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Saturday Morning Market" data-vars-click-url="https://saturdaymorningmarket.com/" data-vars-content-id="19e8cc64-8186-42f9-898b-be348eaa7ba5" data-vars-headline="St. Petersburg&#x27;s Williams Park set for revamp" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://saturdaymorningmarket.com/" target="_blank">Saturday Morning Market</a>.

Florida senator's proposal could hinder Manatee cruise port

The proposal would restrict dredging in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

A Florida lawmaker filed legislation to bolster environmental protections of the waters around the site of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed cruise port" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/28/skyway-cruise-port-rattlesnake-key-manatee-county" data-vars-content-id="d0c025ad-33a6-4f97-b27c-8fceff608b91" data-vars-headline="Florida senator&#x27;s proposal could hinder Manatee cruise port" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/28/skyway-cruise-port-rattlesnake-key-manatee-county" target="_self">proposed cruise port</a> in Manatee County.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/302/Amendment/117522/PDF" data-vars-content-id="d0c025ad-33a6-4f97-b27c-8fceff608b91" data-vars-headline="Florida senator&#x27;s proposal could hinder Manatee cruise port" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/302/Amendment/117522/PDF" target="_blank">proposal</a>, filed Wednesday afternoon by Bradenton Sen. Jim Boyd, could derail plans for the contentious port project, which is planned for a tract of land near the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

St. Pete's pink buildings tease 29-story luxury condo tower

The vacant buildings will be demolished as early as next month for the 164-unit high-rise.

Downtown <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Petersburg" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/05/st-petersburg-gas-plant-district-ken-welch-brandi-gabbard" data-vars-content-id="b17d9b27-3d87-4d13-8215-583ef71aa071" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s pink buildings tease 29-story luxury condo tower" 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/st-petersburg-gas-plant-district-ken-welch-brandi-gabbard" target="_self">St. Petersburg</a> got a big pop of color over the weekend. Why it matters: The pink paint job on several vacant buildings at Fourth Avenue South and Fourth Street South is meant to promote a luxury condo tower planned for the block, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the Tampa Bay Times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/real-estate/2026/02/17/whats-up-with-those-bright-pink-buildings-downtown-st-petersburg/" data-vars-content-id="b17d9b27-3d87-4d13-8215-583ef71aa071" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s pink buildings tease 29-story luxury condo tower" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/real-estate/2026/02/17/whats-up-with-those-bright-pink-buildings-downtown-st-petersburg/" target="_blank">per the Tampa Bay Times</a>.

St. Petersburg draws nine proposals for Historic Gas Plant development

The race to redevelop the land was set in motion last year.

Nine developers are vying for a chance to leave their mark on one of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Petersburg" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/22/st-pete-tropicana-field-gas-plant-proposals" data-vars-content-id="cbbcc06d-cd01-4be3-931a-45c6048ddb3d" data-vars-headline="St. Petersburg draws nine proposals for Historic Gas Plant development" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/22/st-pete-tropicana-field-gas-plant-proposals" target="_self">St. Petersburg</a>&#x27;s most consequential projects.

Tampa landowners respond to Skyway cruise port backlash

Opponents say preserving Rattlesnake Key isn't enough to offset the potential environmental destruction.

The developers of a proposed cruise port near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge say they share a goal with those railing against it: preserving Rattlesnake Key.Why it matters: The cruise port proposal has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renewed public concern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox13news.com/news/proposed-cruise-port-near-sunshine-skyway-sparks-environmental-concerns-manatee-county" data-vars-content-id="f2cafd30-1074-4d1c-9b74-6e356c6a1008" data-vars-headline="Tampa landowners respond to Skyway cruise port backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox13news.com/news/proposed-cruise-port-near-sunshine-skyway-sparks-environmental-concerns-manatee-county" target="_blank">renewed public concern</a> about the 700-acre-plus island of mangrove forests and wetlands popular with anglers and boaters.

These projects could transform Ybor City in 2026 and beyond

Plans call for scores of new apartments, hotel rooms, hospital beds, retailers and more.

Development

After a year marred by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tragedy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/12/08/ybor-bradleys-crash-lgbtq-community" data-vars-content-id="17157a06-379f-49e5-838f-c143c675eefe" data-vars-headline="These projects could transform Ybor City in 2026 and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/12/08/ybor-bradleys-crash-lgbtq-community" target="_self">tragedy</a>, Ybor City is set for a major transformation, with a slew of projects in various stages of planning or development.Why it matters: Plans to revamp the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic district" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nps.gov/places/ybor-city-historic-district-tampa-fl.htm" data-vars-content-id="17157a06-379f-49e5-838f-c143c675eefe" data-vars-headline="These projects could transform Ybor City in 2026 and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nps.gov/places/ybor-city-historic-district-tampa-fl.htm" target="_blank">historic district</a>, led by developer Darryl Shaw, call for scores of new apartments, hotel rooms, hospital beds, retailers and more in the coming years.

St. Petersburg eyes Al Lang expansion, spring training potential

A consultant has suggested the stadium as a spring training site "should the Rays depart."

A proposal earlier this year to demolish <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Al Lang Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/05/al-lang-stadium-demolition-st-petersburg" data-vars-content-id="1dc0a4bb-581d-4cb1-9f9d-cb14f51a2b47" data-vars-headline="St. Petersburg eyes Al Lang expansion, spring training potential" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/05/al-lang-stadium-demolition-st-petersburg" target="_self">Al Lang Stadium</a> landed with a thud. Why it matters: City officials are now considering expanding it.

Inside 400 Central, St. Petersburg's tallest building

"Welcome to the top of the world," developer John Catsimatidis said from his penthouse terrace.

Standing on a penthouse terrace of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his city&#x27;s tallest building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/03/20/400-central-st-petersburg-halfway-done" data-vars-content-id="73b50f2e-15ed-4213-93e8-9dbb27f15080" data-vars-headline="Inside 400 Central, St. Petersburg&#x27;s tallest building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/03/20/400-central-st-petersburg-halfway-done" target="_self">his city&#x27;s tallest building</a> Wednesday morning, Mayor Ken Welch took a beat to reflect.<ul><li>&quot;This is not my grandfather&#x27;s St. Petersburg anymore,&quot; he said.</li></ul>Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Residences at 400 Central" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/05/22/400-central-downtown-st-petersburg-architecture-design" data-vars-content-id="73b50f2e-15ed-4213-93e8-9dbb27f15080" data-vars-headline="Inside 400 Central, St. Petersburg&#x27;s tallest building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/05/22/400-central-downtown-st-petersburg-architecture-design" target="_self">The Residences at 400 Central</a> will begin welcoming its first residents in the coming weeks, a major milestone for the tallest residential tower on Florida&#x27;s Gulf Coast.

St. Pete to seek proposals for Tropicana Field redevelopment

The move comes after two developers submitted unsolicited pitches for the land.

After fielding two unsolicited pitches to develop the Historic Gas Plant District, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch announced he&#x27;ll seek competing proposals starting next month.Why it matters: Planning for the 86-acre site of Tropicana Field is chugging along despite the looming question of where the Tampa Bay Rays will play when the team&#x27;s Trop lease ends after the 2028 season.

Development 🏗️

St. Petersburg's Williams Park set for revamp

St. Pete's luxury-fueled identity crisis

Florida senator's proposal could hinder Manatee cruise port

St. Pete's pink buildings tease 29-story luxury condo tower

St. Petersburg draws nine proposals for Historic Gas Plant development