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Hillsborough County approves Rays stadium MOU

Tampa could follow tomorrow, bringing this side of the Bay closer than ever to a stadium deal.

News

The Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners voted 5-2 on Wednesday to enter into a non-binding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="memorandum of understanding" 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="264232da-d3ef-4269-ac44-eba647818300" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough County approves Rays stadium MOU" 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">memorandum of understanding</a> with the Rays to build a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/05/rays-new-stadium-renderings-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="264232da-d3ef-4269-ac44-eba647818300" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough County approves Rays stadium MOU" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/05/rays-new-stadium-renderings-hillsborough-college" target="_self">new stadium</a> for the team at Hillsborough College.Why it matters: The Tampa City Council could follow tomorrow, bringing this side of the Bay <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closer than ever" 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="264232da-d3ef-4269-ac44-eba647818300" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough County approves Rays stadium MOU" 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">closer than ever</a> before to a stadium deal with the Rays.

NOAA forecasts quieter hurricane season but warns: Prepare now

Officials expect fewer Atlantic storms in 2026 but stress even one hurricane can be devastating.

Energy & Climate

This year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlantic hurricane season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/20/national-hurricane-center-updates-cone-of-uncertainty" data-vars-content-id="4e960f27-3540-4289-86b1-f9c435955f39" data-vars-headline="NOAA forecasts quieter hurricane season but warns: Prepare now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/20/national-hurricane-center-updates-cone-of-uncertainty" target="_self">Atlantic hurricane season</a> is expected to be below average in storm activity for the first time in more than a decade, NOAA meteorologists said Thursday in their annual forecast.Why it matters: Residents should still take the season seriously and prepare now, officials stressed.<ul><li>&quot;It&#x27;s very important to understand that it only takes one,&quot; NOAA administrator Neil Jacobs told reporters.</li></ul>

Tampa narrowly approves non-binding Rays stadium agreement

It's the Rays' second sweep this week — and a close one, at that.

The Tampa City Council voted 4-3 Thursday to enter into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Hillsborough County and the Rays to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="build a $2.3 billion stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/rays-plan-build-stadium-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="ebe9bf82-6eae-43cd-a024-91386d01965e" data-vars-headline="Tampa narrowly approves non-binding Rays stadium agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/rays-plan-build-stadium-hillsborough-college" target="_self">build a $2.3 billion stadium</a> at Hillsborough College. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the Rays&#x27; second sweep this week — and a close one, at that. <ul><li>The first came <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="against the Orioles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/news/rays-rally-with-four-run-eighth-to-sweep-orioles" data-vars-content-id="ebe9bf82-6eae-43cd-a024-91386d01965e" data-vars-headline="Tampa narrowly approves non-binding Rays stadium agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/news/rays-rally-with-four-run-eighth-to-sweep-orioles" target="_blank">against the Orioles</a> on Wednesday. The second came off the field, winning approvals from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two local governments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/20/rays-stadium-mou-hillsborough-vote" data-vars-content-id="ebe9bf82-6eae-43cd-a024-91386d01965e" data-vars-headline="Tampa narrowly approves non-binding Rays stadium agreement" 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/rays-stadium-mou-hillsborough-vote" target="_self">two local governments</a> and a ground lease from Hillsborough College.</li></ul>

Howard Frankland Bridge trail to open Wednesday

The new express lanes are also set to open this week, weather permitting.

The walking and biking trail along the new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Howard Frankland Bridge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/03/24/new-howard-frankland-bridge-traffic-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="5c95eac6-30b0-4a98-8527-9be69a9f94e4" data-vars-headline="Howard Frankland Bridge trail to open Wednesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/03/24/new-howard-frankland-bridge-traffic-what-to-know" target="_self">Howard Frankland Bridge</a> is set to open Wednesday, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.<ul><li>The bridge&#x27;s express lanes will also likely open this week, weather permitting, department spokesperson Kris Carson told Axios.</li></ul>

American oystercatcher chicks survive Madeira Beach roof collapse

It's a dramatic example of the perils sea and shorebirds face when nesting on developed, crowded coastlines.

Last Friday, a gaping chunk of a former Winn-Dixie&#x27;s roof collapsed in Madeira Beach during construction to convert it into an Aldi. No one was hurt. <ul><li>But that night, after seeing the news, Audubon Florida biologist Abby McKay called the city, the fire department — anyone who could pass on the message that threatened shorebirds were nesting up there.</li></ul>Why it matters: It&#x27;s a dramatic example of the many perils sea and shorebirds encounter when nesting on developed, crowded coastlines — and the challenges faced by scientists and volunteers who monitor them.

Sea turtle nesting season returns to Tampa Bay beaches

Each nest can produce 100 hatchlings, but few survive, making protections critical.

Friday marks the first day of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="turtle nesting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2022/09/26/florida-sea-turtles-nesting-season" data-vars-content-id="a72c2556-d211-4879-b6dd-d221bae67e84" data-vars-headline="Sea turtle nesting season returns to Tampa Bay beaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2022/09/26/florida-sea-turtles-nesting-season" target="_self">turtle nesting</a> season in Tampa Bay — that time of year when our beaches become runways for newborn hatchlings making their daring escapes into the sea.Why it matters: Local governments are enforcing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rules" data-vars-click-url="https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/lighting/ordinances/" data-vars-content-id="a72c2556-d211-4879-b6dd-d221bae67e84" data-vars-headline="Sea turtle nesting season returns to Tampa Bay beaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/lighting/ordinances/" target="_blank">rules</a> against bright lights near the beach and protecting nests, and turtle lovers are watching.<ul><li>Concerns over sea turtle welfare were among those raised by environmentalists about a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="country music festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/09/country-thunder-florida-st-pete-beach-permits-sea-turtles" data-vars-content-id="a72c2556-d211-4879-b6dd-d221bae67e84" data-vars-headline="Sea turtle nesting season returns to Tampa Bay beaches" 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/country-thunder-florida-st-pete-beach-permits-sea-turtles" target="_self">country music festival</a> planned for St. Pete Beach and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed film shoot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/10/fort-de-soto-a-land-remembered-tv-series" data-vars-content-id="a72c2556-d211-4879-b6dd-d221bae67e84" data-vars-headline="Sea turtle nesting season returns to Tampa Bay beaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/10/fort-de-soto-a-land-remembered-tv-series" target="_self">proposed film shoot</a> at Fort De Soto Park. </li><li>Country Thunder Florida <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="relocated off the beach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/14/country-thunder-moves-to-clearwaters-coachman-park" data-vars-content-id="a72c2556-d211-4879-b6dd-d221bae67e84" data-vars-headline="Sea turtle nesting season returns to Tampa Bay beaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/14/country-thunder-moves-to-clearwaters-coachman-park" target="_self">relocated off the beach</a>, and producers of the TV Adaptation of &quot;A Land Remembered&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="backed out of the shoot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/15/a-land-remembered-fort-de-soto-fiming-canceled" data-vars-content-id="a72c2556-d211-4879-b6dd-d221bae67e84" data-vars-headline="Sea turtle nesting season returns to Tampa Bay beaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/15/a-land-remembered-fort-de-soto-fiming-canceled" target="_self">backed out of the shoot</a>.</li></ul>How it works: Hundreds of nests are laid each year on Pinellas County beaches. They&#x27;re marked off with stakes, neon tape and a sign advising the public to stay away.<ul><li>The area&#x27;s most common nester is the loggerhead sea turtle, but occasionally <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="green" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2020/11/16/green-sea-turtle-nests-found-in-pinellas-county-for-first-time-in-years/" data-vars-content-id="a72c2556-d211-4879-b6dd-d221bae67e84" data-vars-headline="Sea turtle nesting season returns to Tampa Bay beaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2020/11/16/green-sea-turtle-nests-found-in-pinellas-county-for-first-time-in-years/" target="_blank">green</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kemp&#x27;s ridley" data-vars-click-url="https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/sea-turtles/kemps-ridley/" data-vars-content-id="a72c2556-d211-4879-b6dd-d221bae67e84" data-vars-headline="Sea turtle nesting season returns to Tampa Bay beaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/sea-turtles/kemps-ridley/" target="_blank">Kemp&#x27;s ridley</a> — the smallest and most endangered sea turtle species in the world — make appearances.</li><li>And last year, Clearwater Marine Aquarium patrollers documented the county&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first leatherback nest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=887221826794178" data-vars-content-id="a72c2556-d211-4879-b6dd-d221bae67e84" data-vars-headline="Sea turtle nesting season returns to Tampa Bay beaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=887221826794178" target="_blank">first leatherback nest</a>. </li><li>During the season, biologists with the aquarium check for turtle nests every day across 21 miles from Caladesi Island to Treasure Island. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sea Turtle Trackers" data-vars-click-url="https://seaturtletrackers.org/learn/what-we-are-doing/" data-vars-content-id="a72c2556-d211-4879-b6dd-d221bae67e84" data-vars-headline="Sea turtle nesting season returns to Tampa Bay beaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://seaturtletrackers.org/learn/what-we-are-doing/" target="_blank">Sea Turtle Trackers</a> monitors St. Pete Beach, Shell Key Preserve and Outback Key off Fort De Soto. </li></ul>Stunning stat: Each nest will have about 100 hatchlings that make their way to the ocean.<ul><li>One out of 1,000 hatchlings survives to adulthood, underscoring the need for conservation efforts.</li></ul><figure><img alt="A small sea turtle with a brown, patterned shell swims in blue ocean water, surrounded by white foamy waves and bubbles." height="1869" id="82ef6ae9-9b77-4603-90b6-96e682c22232" src="https://images.axios.com/qafNyuj_o4xZYTcQXJo6PwPF1s8=/2026/04/29/1777492932452.jpeg" width="3000"/><figcaption>A loggerhead hatchling. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Threat level: Artificial light can disorient nesting adults and hatchlings, who may mistake it for the moon&#x27;s reflection on the ocean.<ul><li>The FWC encourages those living along or visiting the beach to turn off porch, parking or deck lights when not in use and close curtains after dark.</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Holes in the sand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/seaturtletrackers/posts/pfbid0879rmUwFJ7ipJaWGfugW5yqtToNBWDMtLqCuxLCZaBEvYGBz191S1WkdqwpKe4bal" data-vars-content-id="a72c2556-d211-4879-b6dd-d221bae67e84" data-vars-headline="Sea turtle nesting season returns to Tampa Bay beaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/seaturtletrackers/posts/pfbid0879rmUwFJ7ipJaWGfugW5yqtToNBWDMtLqCuxLCZaBEvYGBz191S1WkdqwpKe4bal" target="_blank">Holes in the sand</a>, such as those made while building sandcastles, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="furniture left on the beach overnight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/ClearwaterMarineAquarium/posts/pfbid02iUthnAUgBLWyu5E2uXF6i8qzmMekyf9k94bvD44dH7mG4aH9uGEPCseyKVn43jwPl" data-vars-content-id="a72c2556-d211-4879-b6dd-d221bae67e84" data-vars-headline="Sea turtle nesting season returns to Tampa Bay beaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/ClearwaterMarineAquarium/posts/pfbid02iUthnAUgBLWyu5E2uXF6i8qzmMekyf9k94bvD44dH7mG4aH9uGEPCseyKVn43jwPl" target="_blank">furniture left on the beach overnight</a> can also act as obstacles for hatchlings trying to make it to the water.</li><li>If you see a nesting sea turtle or hatchling, keep your distance, keep all lights off and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report any emergencies to FWC" data-vars-click-url="https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/sea-turtles/mortality/contact/" data-vars-content-id="a72c2556-d211-4879-b6dd-d221bae67e84" data-vars-headline="Sea turtle nesting season returns to Tampa Bay beaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/sea-turtles/mortality/contact/" target="_blank">report any emergencies to FWC</a>. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium also has a rescue hotline at 727-441-1790 ext. 1.</li></ul>How to watch: The Clearwater Marine Aquarium will offer ridealongs with turtle patrollers starting May 4 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://visit.cmaquarium.org/#/Admissionlist/SeaTurtleVIPRA" data-vars-content-id="a72c2556-d211-4879-b6dd-d221bae67e84" data-vars-headline="Sea turtle nesting season returns to Tampa Bay beaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://visit.cmaquarium.org/#/Admissionlist/SeaTurtleVIPRA" target="_blank">Tickets</a> are $99.95 per person.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: The season runs through Oct. 31.

"A Land Remembered" no longer seeking to film at Fort De Soto

The film's initial proposal raised alarms with environmental advocates.

The producers behind the TV adaptation of &quot;A Land Remembered&quot; told Axios on Wednesday they will no longer pursue a permit to film at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fort De Soto" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/10/fort-de-soto-a-land-remembered-tv-series" data-vars-content-id="1ec564ce-8c9a-43b0-8cd3-8c7fe0a8a401" data-vars-headline="&quot;A Land Remembered&quot; no longer seeking to film at Fort De Soto" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/10/fort-de-soto-a-land-remembered-tv-series" target="_self">Fort De Soto</a>.Why it matters: The film&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="initial proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/10/fort-de-soto-a-land-remembered-tv-series" data-vars-content-id="1ec564ce-8c9a-43b0-8cd3-8c7fe0a8a401" data-vars-headline="&quot;A Land Remembered&quot; no longer seeking to film at Fort De Soto" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/10/fort-de-soto-a-land-remembered-tv-series" target="_self">initial proposal</a> raised alarms with environmental advocates who said the project could harm the park&#x27;s animal and plant life, including gopher tortoises, birds and sea turtles.

Fort De Soto filming proposal sparks environmental concerns

A proposed TV shoot with livestock could disrupt nesting birds and fragile habitats.

The producers behind the TV series adaptation of Florida history novel &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A Land Remembered" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/30/florida-casting-call-a-land-remembered-tv-series" data-vars-content-id="f762b4a5-56b4-477b-a4d3-881c58a2a39b" data-vars-headline="Fort De Soto filming proposal sparks environmental concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/30/florida-casting-call-a-land-remembered-tv-series" target="_self">A Land Remembered</a>&quot; proposed filming a scene involving cows, pigs and horses at Pinellas County&#x27;s Fort De Soto Park.Why it matters: Environmental advocates are concerned it would wreak havoc on the environmentally sensitive chain of barrier islands.

A guide to Tampa Bay's nesting beach birds

Nesting season is underway. So is spring break.

On a recent morning at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fort De Soto" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/06/fishing-line-hook-injuries-birds-fort-de-soto" data-vars-content-id="4c5fa97e-5d72-420b-950e-c41fe3daa6dc" data-vars-headline="A guide to Tampa Bay&#x27;s nesting beach birds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/06/fishing-line-hook-injuries-birds-fort-de-soto" target="_self">Fort De Soto</a>&#x27;s North Beach, the parking lot looked like a tourist convention, with license plates from a dozen states.<ul><li>A motorized paraglider hovered over the shoreline, the fan&#x27;s droning buzz a potent reminder of humanity&#x27;s disruptions. </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.

Tampa Bay baby corals join fight to restore Florida's reefs

Thousands of coral babies will be planted on reefs across South Florida and the Keys.

Thousands of baby <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="corals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/07/12/florida-coral-crisis-genetic-rescue-potential-solution" data-vars-content-id="cd02ce0d-2d63-4378-b27a-5e3d4d395ff7" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay baby corals join fight to restore Florida&#x27;s reefs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/07/12/florida-coral-crisis-genetic-rescue-potential-solution" target="_self">corals</a> took a major step this week toward saving Florida&#x27;s struggling reefs.Why it matters: They offer a glimmer of hope for a reef system that&#x27;s shrunk by more than 90% due to disease and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high ocean temperatures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/25/florida-coral-reef-ocean-temperatures" data-vars-content-id="cd02ce0d-2d63-4378-b27a-5e3d4d395ff7" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay baby corals join fight to restore Florida&#x27;s reefs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/25/florida-coral-reef-ocean-temperatures" target="_self">high ocean temperatures</a>, said Keri O&#x27;Neil, Coral Conservation Program director at The Florida Aquarium.

Port Tampa neighbors save bald eagle after fall from cell tower

"It takes good Samaritans to be observant and see that the wildlife is in trouble."

A Tampa bald eagle is on the mend after falling from a cell tower where she&#x27;s nested for years.Why it matters: The female eagle was rescued by her Port Tampa City neighbors, demonstrating how humans can help critters in distress, said <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raptor Center of Tampa Bay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/" data-vars-content-id="d76f6034-9654-4c8a-b498-25cc5ef11437" data-vars-headline="Port Tampa neighbors save bald eagle after fall from cell tower" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/" target="_blank">Raptor Center of Tampa Bay</a> president Nancy Murrah.

"Florida snow" thrives in drought, turning lawns into flower fields

The weed is either a nuisance or a delightful byproduct of dry conditions depending on who you ask.

Environment

Florida doesn&#x27;t (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="typically" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/20/polar-vortex-gulf-coast-snow-texas-louisiana-alabama" data-vars-content-id="d67f4f9f-ef1c-49ec-834e-75c0da02771c" data-vars-headline="&quot;Florida snow&quot; thrives in drought, turning lawns into flower fields" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/20/polar-vortex-gulf-coast-snow-texas-louisiana-alabama" target="_self">typically</a>) get snow, but it does get pusley.Why it matters: The weed with white, light purple or pink flowers is either a nuisance or a delightful byproduct of dry conditions, depending on who you ask.

1 in 4 Florida waterways dangerously polluted, report finds

A Tampa Bay Times investigation put into focus how bad the problem is.

Scrolling through this Tampa Bay Times <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://project.tampabay.com/investigations/wasting-away/2025/10/30/florida-lawmakers-protect-polluters-industry-water-contamination/" data-vars-content-id="63272576-c5f9-4c10-9d5f-8c030c37920b" data-vars-headline="1 in 4 Florida waterways dangerously polluted, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://project.tampabay.com/investigations/wasting-away/2025/10/30/florida-lawmakers-protect-polluters-industry-water-contamination/" target="_blank">report</a> on Florida&#x27;s water quality, photos of algae-choked springs were sadly familiar.<ul><li>As much as I <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="adore our freshwater marvels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/08/02/florida-springs-guide-five-stops-a-dozen-springs" data-vars-content-id="63272576-c5f9-4c10-9d5f-8c030c37920b" data-vars-headline="1 in 4 Florida waterways dangerously polluted, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/08/02/florida-springs-guide-five-stops-a-dozen-springs" target="_self">adore our freshwater marvels</a>, the slime-coated limestone and tree branches are a sobering reminder of the pollution plaguing our waterways.</li></ul>