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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.

City to discuss Scientology's role in Clearwater's "urban renaissance"

It's hard to keep up with all the development activity in downtown Clearwater.

For the first time in recent memory, it&#x27;s hard to keep up with all the development activity in downtown Clearwater. Why it matters: City officials have dubbed this moment an &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="urban renaissance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox13news.com/news/clearwater-leaders-say-city-is-urban-renaissance-downtown-construction-projects-starting" data-vars-content-id="7aa4d34c-d600-4190-862c-c67f2d0a9b8a" data-vars-headline="City to discuss Scientology&#x27;s role in Clearwater&#x27;s &quot;urban renaissance&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox13news.com/news/clearwater-leaders-say-city-is-urban-renaissance-downtown-construction-projects-starting" target="_blank">urban renaissance</a>,&quot; but questions about the Church of Scientology&#x27;s role in the momentum prompted City Council members to schedule a special meeting next week, according to recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="news" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2026/05/05/scientology-clearwater-downtown-development/" data-vars-content-id="7aa4d34c-d600-4190-862c-c67f2d0a9b8a" data-vars-headline="City to discuss Scientology&#x27;s role in Clearwater&#x27;s &quot;urban renaissance&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2026/05/05/scientology-clearwater-downtown-development/" target="_blank">news</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay28.com/news/local-news/clearwater-north-pinellas-county/public-meeting-set-to-discuss-downtown-clearwater-cleveland-street-development" data-vars-content-id="7aa4d34c-d600-4190-862c-c67f2d0a9b8a" data-vars-headline="City to discuss Scientology&#x27;s role in Clearwater&#x27;s &quot;urban renaissance&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/news/local-news/clearwater-north-pinellas-county/public-meeting-set-to-discuss-downtown-clearwater-cleveland-street-development" target="_blank">reports</a>.

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's 40-year quest for baseball comes to a vote

The city's quest for a professional baseball team looked all but dead 28 years ago.

Sports

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Rays&#x27; search" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/05/rays-new-stadium-renderings-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="e0d24758-6c34-4201-80fe-a57af5f99a4b" data-vars-headline="Tampa&#x27;s 40-year quest for baseball comes to a vote" 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">The Rays&#x27; search</a> for a new home may end where Tampa leaders first tried to bring Major League Baseball four decades ago. Why it matters: The city&#x27;s quest for a professional baseball team looked all but dead 28 years ago, when the Rays debuted in St. Petersburg. This week, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two votes" 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="e0d24758-6c34-4201-80fe-a57af5f99a4b" data-vars-headline="Tampa&#x27;s 40-year quest for baseball comes to a vote" 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">two votes</a> could bring this side of the Bay closer than ever to that goal.

St. Pete's best to-go lunch: Lilya's Cafe salads

The salads are fresh and filling, and the shop offers a killer deal.

Food and Drink

Confession: I&#x27;m terrible at eating lunch. <ul><li>As much as I try to have my proper three meals a day, sometimes the only sustenance I make time for is a handful of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="peanut-butter pretzels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Kirkland-Signature-Peanut-Butter-Filled-Pretzel-Nuggets-55-Ounce/582418096" data-vars-content-id="6ac2a47d-3b67-4988-8353-e3e3e8175565" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s best to-go lunch: Lilya&#x27;s Cafe salads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Kirkland-Signature-Peanut-Butter-Filled-Pretzel-Nuggets-55-Ounce/582418096" target="_blank">peanut-butter pretzels</a>. </li></ul>

A long-overdue dinner at Tampa's award-winning Rocca

We went to see what all the hype was about.

We were already feeling sheepish about not having tried Rocca when it was awarded a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin star" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/05/12/michelin-restaurants-florida-tampa-bay" data-vars-content-id="17d56f80-7650-4f3f-aa89-f5c6a1722a81" data-vars-headline="A long-overdue dinner at Tampa&#x27;s award-winning Rocca" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/05/12/michelin-restaurants-florida-tampa-bay" target="_self">Michelin star</a> in 2023.<ul><li>Then, in March, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Awards named" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/31/bryce-bonsack-rocca-named-james-beard-finalist" data-vars-content-id="17d56f80-7650-4f3f-aa89-f5c6a1722a81" data-vars-headline="A long-overdue dinner at Tampa&#x27;s award-winning Rocca" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/31/bryce-bonsack-rocca-named-james-beard-finalist" target="_self">James Beard Awards named</a> owner Bryce Bonsack a finalist in the Best Chef: South category. We made a reservation that day.</li></ul>

Rays return to Tropicana Field: Where to eat

There are tons of food and drink options within walking distance of the ballpark.

Air-conditioning has to be the biggest perk of returning to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tropicana Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/01/st-petersburg-historic-gas-plant-whats-next-ken-welch" data-vars-content-id="e40fadb6-bc9c-4154-8f04-b00c331f99ca" data-vars-headline="Rays return to Tropicana Field: Where to eat" 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/st-petersburg-historic-gas-plant-whats-next-ken-welch" target="_self">Tropicana Field</a>.<ul><li>But a close second is all of the food and drink options within walking distance of the ballpark.</li></ul>

Rocca's Bryce Bonsack named James Beard finalist

That makes Bonsack eligible to win the entire Best Chef: South category during the awards ceremony in June.

Chef <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bryce Bonsack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/21/james-beard-awards-chef-bryce-bonsack-rocca" data-vars-content-id="14a87bb9-280a-4e8c-9ace-09880694c4ce" data-vars-headline="Rocca&#x27;s Bryce Bonsack named James Beard finalist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/21/james-beard-awards-chef-bryce-bonsack-rocca" target="_self">Bryce Bonsack</a> broke Tampa Bay&#x27;s years-long drought of James Beard Awards recognition when he was named a semifinalist in January.Why it matters: On Tuesday, he took the Oscars for the American hospitality industry to the next level:

Bite Club: Jimmy's Tacos in St. Pete's Grand Central

The taco spot opened its second location in January.

Jimmy&#x27;s Tacos had me at &quot;birria grilled cheese,&quot; so I was excited to try it recently with my fiancé, Winston. Dig in: The taco spot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opened its second location" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/food/food-news/2026/01/21/jimmy-tacos-grand-central-district-st-petersburg-birria/" data-vars-content-id="89c7a7f5-8529-4c91-abdc-1f08c71cd7e4" data-vars-headline="Bite Club: Jimmy&#x27;s Tacos in St. Pete&#x27;s Grand Central" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/food/food-news/2026/01/21/jimmy-tacos-grand-central-district-st-petersburg-birria/" target="_blank">opened its second location</a> in January in St. Petersburg&#x27;s Grand Central District.

Tampa's Greenlane opens in Wesley Chapel

It's the fifth location for the Tampa chain that launched in 2023, and more are on the way.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gronk-famous" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/09/05/rob-gronkowski-greenlane-drive-thru" data-vars-content-id="e6a52ec6-bdd2-4d22-8809-eef3cf68d7ee" data-vars-headline="Tampa&#x27;s Greenlane opens in Wesley Chapel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/09/05/rob-gronkowski-greenlane-drive-thru" target="_self">Gronk-famous</a> drive-thru salad restaurant Greenlane opens today in Wesley Chapel. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the fifth location for the Tampa chain that launched in 2023, and more are on the way.

Tampa chef's James Beard nod breaks drought for local food scene

The Beards are like the Oscars for the American hospitality industry.

A Tampa chef was among the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/02/24/james-beard-awards-snub-tampa-bay" data-vars-content-id="5192617e-f7e0-45e4-b595-e2fafa30d330" data-vars-headline="Tampa chef&#x27;s James Beard nod breaks drought for local food scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/02/24/james-beard-awards-snub-tampa-bay" target="_self">James Beard Awards</a> semifinalists announced Wednesday.Why it matters: The nod to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin-starred Rocca" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/05/12/michelin-restaurants-florida-tampa-bay" data-vars-content-id="5192617e-f7e0-45e4-b595-e2fafa30d330" data-vars-headline="Tampa chef&#x27;s James Beard nod breaks drought for local food scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/05/12/michelin-restaurants-florida-tampa-bay" target="_self">Michelin-starred Rocca</a> owner and executive chef <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bryce Bonsack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/07/25/last-meal-tampa-height-rocca-chef-bryce-bonsack" data-vars-content-id="5192617e-f7e0-45e4-b595-e2fafa30d330" data-vars-headline="Tampa chef&#x27;s James Beard nod breaks drought for local food scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/07/25/last-meal-tampa-height-rocca-chef-bryce-bonsack" target="_self">Bryce Bonsack</a> in the Best Chef: South category ends a five-year drought of Beard Awards recognition of Tampa Bay&#x27;s food scene.

Florida State Fair 2026: Wackiest new food specials

Babe, wake up. The new food menu is here.

Babe, wake up. The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/06/florida-state-fair-foods-2025" data-vars-content-id="c18d06e2-50d8-4fe8-abda-343f52943463" data-vars-headline="Florida State Fair 2026: Wackiest new food specials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/06/florida-state-fair-foods-2025" target="_self">Florida State Fair</a>&#x27;s new food menu just dropped. State of play: Cookie butter, street corn and last year&#x27;s trendiest dessert — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dubai chocolate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/27/dip-and-happy-review-dubai-chocolate-waffles-macchiato" data-vars-content-id="c18d06e2-50d8-4fe8-abda-343f52943463" data-vars-headline="Florida State Fair 2026: Wackiest new food specials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/27/dip-and-happy-review-dubai-chocolate-waffles-macchiato" target="_self">Dubai chocolate</a> — are frequent flyers on this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="list of new items" data-vars-click-url="https://floridastatefair.com/visit/fair/food/" data-vars-content-id="c18d06e2-50d8-4fe8-abda-343f52943463" data-vars-headline="Florida State Fair 2026: Wackiest new food specials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://floridastatefair.com/visit/fair/food/" target="_blank">list of new items</a>.

Tampa, St. Pete restaurants we can't wait to try in 2026

Tampa Bay's food scene just keeps getting hotter.

A food hall, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/05/12/michelin-restaurants-florida-tampa-bay" data-vars-content-id="d76711d6-354a-4101-9acb-0376d291cdf3" data-vars-headline="Tampa, St. Pete restaurants we can&#x27;t wait to try in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/05/12/michelin-restaurants-florida-tampa-bay" target="_self">Michelin</a>-chef-backed meat counter and a beloved burger chain are just some of the restaurants slated to open this year.Why it matters: Tampa Bay&#x27;s food scene just keeps <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="getting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/04/michelin-guide-st-petersburg-pinellas-florida-expansion" data-vars-content-id="d76711d6-354a-4101-9acb-0376d291cdf3" data-vars-headline="Tampa, St. Pete restaurants we can&#x27;t wait to try in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/04/michelin-guide-st-petersburg-pinellas-florida-expansion" target="_self">getting</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hotter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/28/st-petersburg-michelin-james-beard-food-scene" data-vars-content-id="d76711d6-354a-4101-9acb-0376d291cdf3" data-vars-headline="Tampa, St. Pete restaurants we can&#x27;t wait to try in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/28/st-petersburg-michelin-james-beard-food-scene" target="_self">hotter</a>.

Bite Club: We tried the revamped Predalina

Predalina closed in late October for a makeover and reopened earlier this month.

We made our way through Downtown Tampa — during a Lightning game, no less — to visit Water Street&#x27;s Mediterranean restaurant, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Predalina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/08/16/bite-club-water-street-predalina" data-vars-content-id="b363fd3c-331d-4f42-8a50-d403b88801ef" data-vars-headline="Bite Club: We tried the revamped Predalina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/08/16/bite-club-water-street-predalina" target="_self">Predalina</a>, last week.Why it matters: Predalina earned a nod from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin Guide" data-vars-click-url="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/florida/tampa/restaurant/predalina" data-vars-content-id="b363fd3c-331d-4f42-8a50-d403b88801ef" data-vars-headline="Bite Club: We tried the revamped Predalina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/florida/tampa/restaurant/predalina" target="_blank">Michelin Guide</a> in 2024, but it closed in October for a makeover after the restaurant group behind it, which also runs Oxford Exchange, said the space &quot;didn&#x27;t feel like us.&quot;

Food and Drink 🍽

St. Pete's best to-go lunch: Lilya's Cafe salads

A long-overdue dinner at Tampa's award-winning Rocca

Rays return to Tropicana Field: Where to eat

Rocca's Bryce Bonsack named James Beard finalist

Bite Club: Jimmy's Tacos in St. Pete's Grand Central