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Rays want $1 billion from Hillsborough, Tampa for new ballpark

That's $400 million more than what the team sought from Pinellas County and St. Petersburg.

News

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/05/rays-new-stadium-renderings-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="fbcba576-c5ee-47fa-9718-6cf0977755c7" data-vars-headline="Rays want $1 billion from Hillsborough, Tampa for new ballpark" 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">Rays</a> are looking for about $1 billion from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hillsborough County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/01/rays-loom-over-hillsborough-commission-meeting" data-vars-content-id="fbcba576-c5ee-47fa-9718-6cf0977755c7" data-vars-headline="Rays want $1 billion from Hillsborough, Tampa for new ballpark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/01/rays-loom-over-hillsborough-commission-meeting" target="_self">Hillsborough County</a> and the City of Tampa to build a new ballpark, according to a working draft of the memorandum of understanding obtained by Axios.Why it matters: That&#x27;s $400 million more than what the team <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sought from Pinellas County and St. Petersburg" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/09/20/mlb-rays-new-stadium-deal-st-petersburg" data-vars-content-id="fbcba576-c5ee-47fa-9718-6cf0977755c7" data-vars-headline="Rays want $1 billion from Hillsborough, Tampa for new ballpark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/09/20/mlb-rays-new-stadium-deal-st-petersburg" target="_self">sought from Pinellas County and St. Petersburg</a> — and would be the largest commitment of taxpayer dollars to a sports stadium in the region&#x27;s history.

Country Thunder Florida sells tickets as permits remain unapproved

The December announcement sounded like a dream: Music festival <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Country Thunder Florida" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/12/10/country-thunder-florida-2026-lineup" data-vars-content-id="abc24741-7c62-4500-bf2b-c397615b4ee4" data-vars-headline="Country Thunder Florida sells tickets as permits remain unapproved" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/12/10/country-thunder-florida-2026-lineup" target="_self">Country Thunder Florida</a> would take place in May &quot;on the iconic sugar-white sands of St. Pete Beach&quot; at the TradeWinds Resort, the news release read.Why it matters: Less than a month out, organizers haven&#x27;t secured the local and state permits needed to hold the festival on the beach, raising questions about whether it will happen as advertised — or at all.

Inside ZooTampa's multimillion-dollar expansion

The nonprofit zoo draws more than a million visitors each year.

ZooTampa&#x27;s expansion may receive a $75 million boost from Hillsborough County&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="half-cent sales tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/09/19/what-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-could-fund" data-vars-content-id="97dfc1d4-5348-4dff-b18f-fd1ac18b782f" data-vars-headline="Inside ZooTampa&#x27;s multimillion-dollar expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/09/19/what-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-could-fund" target="_self">half-cent sales tax</a> — the same pot of money the Rays are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hoping to draw from" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" data-vars-content-id="97dfc1d4-5348-4dff-b18f-fd1ac18b782f" data-vars-headline="Inside ZooTampa&#x27;s multimillion-dollar expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" target="_self">hoping to draw from</a> to finance a new ballpark. Why it matters: The nonprofit zoo is an anchor institution in Hillsborough County and draws more than a million visitors each year, but it can&#x27;t enhance and expand its facilities without outside investment.

Events to bring heavy traffic to downtown Tampa this weekend

Concertgoers, soccer fans and wine enthusiasts are all headed downtown this weekend.

No one who has had the misfortune of driving through downtown Tampa needs a reminder that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traffic is bad" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/26/report-tampa-drivers-lose-57-hours-per-year-in-rush-hour-traffic" data-vars-content-id="13c565f4-be74-4808-bf0c-bcf97f5a61a1" data-vars-headline="Events to bring heavy traffic to downtown Tampa this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/26/report-tampa-drivers-lose-57-hours-per-year-in-rush-hour-traffic" target="_self">traffic is bad</a>. <ul><li>And yet, it keeps finding ways to get worse. This weekend, expect more than a dozen of them. </li></ul>The big picture: Concertgoers, soccer fans and wine enthusiasts are all headed downtown this weekend. So, plan (or suffer) accordingly.

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 hundreds of 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>

Who owns the beach? St. Pete Beach signs spark backlash

The Undertow Beach Bar's signs have reignited an age-old debate over beach access.

The signs went up at the water&#x27;s edge Friday evening with a foreboding message for beachgoers.<ul><li>&quot;PRIVATE BEACH,&quot; read the top marker, followed by the name of a longtime St. Pete Beach establishment, Undertow Beach Bar, and its cheeky kissing lips logo. </li></ul>

How St. Pete residents can score a free tree this weekend

Head to the Autumn Harvest Festival at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.

St. Petersburg is giving out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free trees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/04/14/how-st-petersburg-residents-can-get-a-free-tree" data-vars-content-id="4f6e5afa-1c48-4ec6-8b46-edaff891008c" data-vars-headline="How St. Pete residents can score a free tree this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/04/14/how-st-petersburg-residents-can-get-a-free-tree" target="_self">free trees</a> to residents this weekend.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="giveaway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.stpete.org/news_detail_T30_R1489.php" data-vars-content-id="4f6e5afa-1c48-4ec6-8b46-edaff891008c" data-vars-headline="How St. Pete residents can score a free tree this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.stpete.org/news_detail_T30_R1489.php" target="_blank">giveaway</a> is part of the city&#x27;s Community Canopy Initiative, an effort to plant 1,000 trees across the city within a year.

Pinellas beach renourishment underway

Workers began piping sand onto the shoreline last week.

A $126 million project to restore <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pinellas County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/14/beaches-erosion-indian-rocks-beach-pinellas" data-vars-content-id="3cfdebea-a101-4996-aacb-404ce89fc88b" data-vars-headline="Pinellas beach renourishment underway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/14/beaches-erosion-indian-rocks-beach-pinellas" target="_self">Pinellas County</a>&#x27;s storm-battered beaches is underway. Why it matters: A wide, elevated beach helps protect coastal homes, businesses and wildlife from storm surge like what Tampa Bay experienced during last year&#x27;s Hurricane Helene.