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Donalds towers over a sleepy Florida governor's race

Florida's race for governor has plenty of candidates but little competition.

Politics

Almost a month before the Aug. 18 primary, the race to be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida&#x27;s next governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/byron-donalds-florida-governor-fundraising" data-vars-content-id="a18d9567-a82b-4e5c-85de-95dc801a1035" data-vars-headline="Donalds towers over a sleepy Florida governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/byron-donalds-florida-governor-fundraising" target="_self">Florida&#x27;s next governor</a> is shaping up to be a dud.Why it matters: The contest to lead the nation&#x27;s third-most populous state is bloated with candidates who lack name recognition and front-runners whose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sizable polling leads" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/governor/republican-primary/2026/florida?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="a18d9567-a82b-4e5c-85de-95dc801a1035" data-vars-headline="Donalds towers over a sleepy Florida governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/governor/republican-primary/2026/florida?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">sizable polling leads</a> have sapped much of its drama.

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.

News

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>

Rays near All-Star break looking like a contender

This season has been a huge — and unexpected —turnaround.

Sports

The American League-leading Rays look like a contender built around a full-fledged superstar as they roll toward next week&#x27;s All-Star break.Why it matters: This season has been a huge — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and unexpected" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/24/rays-season-preview-mlb-opening-day" data-vars-content-id="3f0ec82b-9bb8-4d1d-84b0-86afb77a4a42" data-vars-headline="Rays near All-Star break looking like a contender" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/24/rays-season-preview-mlb-opening-day" target="_self">and unexpected</a> —turnaround following two straight losing seasons.<ul><li>That it comes as the team is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="jockeying for $1 billion in public funding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/09/rays-want-1-billion-from-hillsborough-tampa-for-new-ballpark" data-vars-content-id="3f0ec82b-9bb8-4d1d-84b0-86afb77a4a42" data-vars-headline="Rays near All-Star break looking like a contender" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/09/rays-want-1-billion-from-hillsborough-tampa-for-new-ballpark" target="_self">jockeying for $1 billion in public funding</a> is fortuitous timing for the team&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new ownership group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/07/rays-new-owners-stadium-search" data-vars-content-id="3f0ec82b-9bb8-4d1d-84b0-86afb77a4a42" data-vars-headline="Rays near All-Star break looking like a contender" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/07/rays-new-owners-stadium-search" target="_self">new ownership group</a>.</li></ul>The latest: The Rays lost to the Yankees on Thursday afternoon, completing a 2-2 home series against their chief division rivals.<ul><li>They host the AL West-leading Seattle Mariners for three games starting Friday, then cruise into the break.</li></ul>What&#x27;s working: First and foremost, Junior Caminero.<ul><li>The somehow-just-23-year-old third baseman has 26 home runs (a top-five figure across MLB) and at one point hit 11 in 11 games.</li><li>Joining Caminero on the AL All-Star team are designated hitter Yandy Diaz, starter Drew Rasmussen and reliever Bryan Baker.</li></ul>Causes for concern: The offense is very stars-and-scrubs, relying heavily on Caminero, Diaz and Jonathan Aranda for runs.<ul><li>Slumps or injuries for any of that trio could leave the Rays vulnerable. </li><li>The Rays also lack depth at starting pitcher, but...</li></ul>The intrigue: ... <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rumor has it" data-vars-click-url="https://fansided.com/mlb/realistic-tarik-skubal-trade-packages-for-the-phillies-dodgers-and-rays-01kwyhty1z05" data-vars-content-id="3f0ec82b-9bb8-4d1d-84b0-86afb77a4a42" data-vars-headline="Rays near All-Star break looking like a contender" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fansided.com/mlb/realistic-tarik-skubal-trade-packages-for-the-phillies-dodgers-and-rays-01kwyhty1z05" target="_blank">rumor has it</a> they&#x27;re among the teams that could trade for Detroit ace Tarik Skubal, who&#x27;s widely expected to be dealt soon.<ul><li>Skubal, the best pitcher on the market, would come at a high price but solidify the Rays as a World Series contender.</li><li>Other potential trade targets <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="include" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49306462/2026-mlb-trade-deadline-addition-top-contender-moves-dodgers-brewers-braves-yankees-phillies" data-vars-content-id="3f0ec82b-9bb8-4d1d-84b0-86afb77a4a42" data-vars-headline="Rays near All-Star break looking like a contender" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49306462/2026-mlb-trade-deadline-addition-top-contender-moves-dodgers-brewers-braves-yankees-phillies" target="_blank">include</a> Giants second baseman Luis Arráez and Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: After the Seattle series, watch Caminero and his teammates in the All-Star Game, 8pm Tuesday on Fox.

Florida's property tax amendment lacks champions

Don't expect Gov. Ron DeSantis to become its marquee messenger.

Opposition is mounting to the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sweeping property tax overhaul" 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="9b71826c-7e25-4cc2-b445-8cff8268f988" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s property tax amendment lacks champions" 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">sweeping property tax overhaul</a> — and its once-biggest champion is nowhere to be found.Why it matters: The constitutional amendment, if passed by 60% of voters, would leave some local governments <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="starved for revenue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/06/25/property-tax-cut-could-cost-hollywood-services" data-vars-content-id="9b71826c-7e25-4cc2-b445-8cff8268f988" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s property tax amendment lacks champions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/06/25/property-tax-cut-could-cost-hollywood-services" target="_self">starved for revenue</a> as they scramble to maintain services and offset billions of dollars in losses.

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.

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. 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

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