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Make-or-break votes loom for Rays stadium deal

This could be Tampa's last shot at landing the Rays and, potentially, keeping the franchise in the region.

News

The future of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Forever Home&quot; ballpark" 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="5f962ef8-3015-4980-9623-2796307415bd" data-vars-headline="Make-or-break votes loom for Rays stadium 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/2026/05/14/hillsborough-county-unveils-proposed-stadium-deal-with-rays" target="_self">&quot;Forever Home&quot; ballpark</a> for the Rays in Tampa hinges on a pair of votes this week.Why it matters: This could be the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last shot" 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="5f962ef8-3015-4980-9623-2796307415bd" data-vars-headline="Make-or-break votes loom for Rays stadium 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/2026/05/20/tampas-40-year-quest-for-baseball-comes-to-a-vote" target="_self">last shot</a> at landing the Rays and, potentially, keeping the franchise in Tampa Bay.

Tampa airport drops plan to privatize TSA security

Airport leaders reversed course after months of review, handing a victory to the workers' union.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/22/tampa-international-to-privatize-tsa" data-vars-content-id="17bc9d0e-57af-4c58-a85a-f5c0b301096e" data-vars-headline="Tampa airport drops plan to privatize TSA security" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/22/tampa-international-to-privatize-tsa" target="_self">Tampa International Airport</a> leaders announced Monday that they&#x27;ve ditched a plan to privatize airport security.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a victory for the union representing Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees, which criticized and sued over the proposed Gold+ program.

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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.

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

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

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>

Where St. Pete mayor candidates stand on DEI

The next mayor will govern a welcoming city while facing restrictions from Tallahassee.

A question posed to candidates for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Pete 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="694b0652-c8f7-480f-ad4e-e778d621929d" data-vars-headline="Where St. Pete mayor candidates stand on DEI" 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. Pete mayor</a> at a forum last week took on extra importance, considering this month&#x27;s recognition of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Juneteenth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/15/juneteenth-2026-events-tampa-st-pete" data-vars-content-id="694b0652-c8f7-480f-ad4e-e778d621929d" data-vars-headline="Where St. Pete mayor candidates stand on DEI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/15/juneteenth-2026-events-tampa-st-pete" target="_self">Juneteenth</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pride" 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="694b0652-c8f7-480f-ad4e-e778d621929d" data-vars-headline="Where St. Pete mayor candidates stand on DEI" 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</a>.<ul><li>&quot;How will you reassure voters that you will represent all communities across our city?&quot; moderator Trevor Pettiford asked.</li></ul>

4 takeaways from St. Petersburg mayoral forum

Property taxes, Dump Duke and the future of Tropicana Field were among the issues that differentiated the six candidates.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Property taxes" 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="158c7de2-b3e1-48d4-a4c7-10dd1302ea97" data-vars-headline="4 takeaways from St. Petersburg mayoral forum" 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">Property taxes</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dump Duke" 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="158c7de2-b3e1-48d4-a4c7-10dd1302ea97" data-vars-headline="4 takeaways from St. Petersburg mayoral forum" 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">Dump Duke</a> and the future of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tropicana Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/22/st-pete-gas-plant-district-redevelopment-tropicana-field-open-house" data-vars-content-id="158c7de2-b3e1-48d4-a4c7-10dd1302ea97" data-vars-headline="4 takeaways from St. Petersburg mayoral forum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/22/st-pete-gas-plant-district-redevelopment-tropicana-field-open-house" target="_self">Tropicana Field</a> were among the issues that set St. Petersburg&#x27;s mayoral hopefuls apart at a candidate forum last week.Why it matters: It&#x27;s one of just a few opportunities to hear from the slate of candidates before the Aug. 18 primary.<ul><li>You can watch a recording of the forum <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DI7NCZls20E" data-vars-content-id="158c7de2-b3e1-48d4-a4c7-10dd1302ea97" data-vars-headline="4 takeaways from St. Petersburg mayoral forum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DI7NCZls20E" target="_blank">here</a>.</li></ul>

St. Petersburg City Council urges pause on Gas Plant redevelopment

A resolution urging more planning sets up a clash with Mayor Ken Welch as his reelection bid begins.

Election

St. Petersburg City Council members on Thursday sent a strong message to Mayor Ken Welch when it comes to developing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Historic Gas Plant District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/03/st-petersburg-gas-plant-proposals" data-vars-content-id="96106428-c6e6-4909-94d6-0a74ecf8f1f0" data-vars-headline="St. Petersburg City Council urges pause on Gas Plant redevelopment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/03/st-petersburg-gas-plant-proposals" target="_self">Historic Gas Plant District</a>: Pump the brakes. Why it matters: The message dampens momentum on a project the mayor was eager to launch as his reelection campaign gets underway.

DeSantis' "kiss of death" for Florida's citizen-led ballot measures

Floridians would effectively lose access to a policy-making avenue they've used to increase the state minimum wage, legalize medical marijuana and more.

Politics

Gov. Ron DeSantis&#x27; proposed changes to Florida&#x27;s ballot initiative laws would likely kill the process citizens have long used to amend the state&#x27;s constitution, according to direct democracy experts.Why it matters: If lawmakers enact the governor&#x27;s wish list, Floridians will effectively lose access to a policy-making avenue they&#x27;ve used to increase the state minimum wage, legalize medical marijuana, restore the voting rights of people with past felony convictions, and more.

What school board election results say about DeSantis-era education politics

Voters sent mixed messages Tuesday about whether they want partisan influence in school board races. Why it matters: The results from this election cycle show the uncertain future of education politics in a state that&#x27;s been defined by them under Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Why Florida requires 60% approval for constitutional amendments

The failure of Tuesday's weed and abortion ballot initiatives despite majority support has raised the question.

The failure of Tuesday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/11/06/florida-amendment-3-recreational-marijuana-fails" data-vars-content-id="78d8c51a-e1e6-4b32-8056-7dfd88049d53" data-vars-headline="Why Florida requires 60% approval for constitutional amendments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/11/06/florida-amendment-3-recreational-marijuana-fails" target="_self">weed</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abortion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/11/06/florida-abortion-amendment-4-fails-ron-desantis" data-vars-content-id="78d8c51a-e1e6-4b32-8056-7dfd88049d53" data-vars-headline="Why Florida requires 60% approval for constitutional amendments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/11/06/florida-abortion-amendment-4-fails-ron-desantis" target="_self">abortion</a> ballot initiatives despite majority support has once again raised the question:<ul><li>What the heck, Florida?</li></ul>

Live election results for Tampa Bay

All the races the region cares about, in one dashboard.

Tampa Bay voters head to the polls Tuesday for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2024 general election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/09/23/pinellas-hillsborough-voter-guide-2024-general-election" data-vars-content-id="91e3fc27-e7fa-454d-bbb1-f223c40d4e8a" data-vars-headline="Live election results for Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/09/23/pinellas-hillsborough-voter-guide-2024-general-election" target="_self">2024 general election</a>.Why it matters: Along with races that could shift power on Capitol Hill, in Tallahassee and on local boards and councils, voters will decide whether to enshrine abortion rights in Florida&#x27;s Constitution.

Early voting starts Monday in Tampa Bay

Voters can cast their ballots in person without having to wade through Election Day lines.

Early voting is election season&#x27;s best-kept secret.Why it matters: Starting Monday, voters in Tampa Bay can cast their ballots in person without having to wade through Election Day lines on Nov. 5.

Election 🗳️

Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge

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

Where St. Pete mayor candidates stand on DEI

4 takeaways from St. Petersburg mayoral forum

St. Petersburg City Council urges pause on Gas Plant redevelopment