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

What Florida's property tax overhaul could cost local governments

The state House has added three property tax amendments to its calendar for floor votes.

News

Tampa Bay governments stand to lose hundreds of millions in tax collections if property tax changes advancing in the Legislature become law, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/bill-summary-hjr-201-203-205-207-209-211-and-213?mc_cid=c9718583ff&amp;mc_eid=81b69123db" data-vars-content-id="575fd09a-059e-4ac7-ae22-d5afea179106" data-vars-headline="What Florida&#x27;s property tax overhaul could cost local governments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/bill-summary-hjr-201-203-205-207-209-211-and-213?mc_cid=c9718583ff&amp;mc_eid=81b69123db" target="_blank">report</a> by the Florida Policy Institute (FPI).Why it matters: The House has added <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three of those amendments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/11/where-property-tax-cuts-other-bills-stand-in-the-florida-legislature" data-vars-content-id="575fd09a-059e-4ac7-ae22-d5afea179106" data-vars-headline="What Florida&#x27;s property tax overhaul could cost local governments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/11/where-property-tax-cuts-other-bills-stand-in-the-florida-legislature" target="_self">three of those amendments</a> to its calendar for floor votes, with HJR 203 up first, on Thursday.

Florida lawmakers give no new money to home-hardening grant fund

But homeowners can still apply for the remaining available money.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida lawmakers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/24/legislature-funds-popular-home-hardening-program" data-vars-content-id="cb019494-8841-4231-b7a6-a87fc0ecd3ef" data-vars-headline="Florida lawmakers give no new money to home-hardening grant fund" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/24/legislature-funds-popular-home-hardening-program" target="_self">Florida lawmakers</a> will allocate no additional money toward a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grant program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/07/03/florida-reopens-hurricane-hardening-grant-how-to-apply" data-vars-content-id="cb019494-8841-4231-b7a6-a87fc0ecd3ef" data-vars-headline="Florida lawmakers give no new money to home-hardening grant fund" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/07/03/florida-reopens-hurricane-hardening-grant-how-to-apply" target="_self">grant program</a> that funds up to $10,000 worth of upgrades to strengthen your home against hurricanes, the Tampa Bay Times <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/02/19/my-safe-florida-home-grant-money-hurricane-windows-doors/" data-vars-content-id="cb019494-8841-4231-b7a6-a87fc0ecd3ef" data-vars-headline="Florida lawmakers give no new money to home-hardening grant fund" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/02/19/my-safe-florida-home-grant-money-hurricane-windows-doors/" target="_blank">reported</a>.Why it matters: Gov. Ron DeSantis asked the Legislature to direct another $100 million to the program, which has seen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high demand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2024/07/17/officials-no-longer-accepting-my-safe-florida-home-hardening-applications/" data-vars-content-id="cb019494-8841-4231-b7a6-a87fc0ecd3ef" data-vars-headline="Florida lawmakers give no new money to home-hardening grant fund" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2024/07/17/officials-no-longer-accepting-my-safe-florida-home-hardening-applications/" target="_blank">high demand</a>.

Florida homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high

Still-high mortgage rates and home prices have sidelined many shoppers. But those who remain in the market are scoring the biggest deals in years.

The average discount for Tampa metro area <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="3cc27a5a-d5e1-492e-af79-93885e72426a" data-vars-headline="Florida homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">homes</a> that sold below their original asking price last year was nearly 10%.<ul><li>That&#x27;s one of the largest discounts among major U.S. cities analyzed in a recent Redfin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-discounts-below-list-price-2025/" data-vars-content-id="3cc27a5a-d5e1-492e-af79-93885e72426a" data-vars-headline="Florida homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-discounts-below-list-price-2025/" target="_blank">report</a>.</li></ul>

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. 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.

Andrew Warren, Tampa prosecutor ousted by DeSantis, will not run again

Warren said DeSantis "could suspend me again for whatever reason he wanted."

Andrew Warren, the Tampa prosecutor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ousted by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/08/04/ron-desantis-hillsborough-county-state-attorney" data-vars-content-id="fd80e50b-b855-4340-abb9-1285f380a87d" data-vars-headline="Andrew Warren, Tampa prosecutor ousted by DeSantis, will not run again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/08/04/ron-desantis-hillsborough-county-state-attorney" target="_self">ousted by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022</a>, will not seek reelection.Driving the news: Warren, a Democrat elected in 2016 and 2020 by Hillsborough County voters, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced Monday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=363056529766335" data-vars-content-id="fd80e50b-b855-4340-abb9-1285f380a87d" data-vars-headline="Andrew Warren, Tampa prosecutor ousted by DeSantis, will not run again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=363056529766335" target="_blank">announced Monday</a> that he decided to bow out of the November election because DeSantis &quot;could suspend me again for whatever reason he wanted.&quot;<ul><li>&quot;The governor has made clear that he does not care about the will of the voters or our democracy and that he is willing to break state and federal law to keep me from serving as state attorney,&quot; Warren said.</li></ul>

Election 🗳️

St. Petersburg City Council urges pause on Gas Plant redevelopment

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

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

Why Florida requires 60% approval for constitutional amendments

Florida voters reject recreational marijuana