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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.

Rays return to Tropicana Field: Where to eat

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

Food and Drink

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;

Inside Green Turtle, the English pub that replaced Cycle Brewing

The loss of Cycle was rough, but sometimes embracing change is the only way to cope with it.

The pain of losing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cycle Brewing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/06/cycle-brewing-st-petersburg-taproom-closing" data-vars-content-id="23f89923-37bc-4c65-80b2-c364fd0722f9" data-vars-headline="Inside Green Turtle, the English pub that replaced Cycle Brewing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/06/cycle-brewing-st-petersburg-taproom-closing" target="_self">Cycle Brewing</a> earlier this year was still raw when a friend asked me to meet him at the spot that took its place. Yes, but: After much hand-wringing, I decided it was time to swallow my sentimental impulses and give <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Green Turtle Brewing and Public House" data-vars-click-url="https://greenturtlebrewing.com/" data-vars-content-id="23f89923-37bc-4c65-80b2-c364fd0722f9" data-vars-headline="Inside Green Turtle, the English pub that replaced Cycle Brewing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://greenturtlebrewing.com/" target="_blank">Green Turtle Brewing and Public House</a> a shot.

Bern's Steak House a top 100 restaurant in U.S., per OpenTable

If you, too, have struggled to snag a reservation at Bern's (before 9pm, at least), this accolade tracks.

Tampa&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bern&#x27;s Steak House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/04/11/berns-steakhouse-wine-art-la-rioja-alta" data-vars-content-id="88d949ff-223f-4162-aeee-189c2262062e" data-vars-headline="Bern&#x27;s Steak House a top 100 restaurant in U.S., per OpenTable" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/04/11/berns-steakhouse-wine-art-la-rioja-alta" target="_self">Bern&#x27;s Steak House</a> is one of the top 100 restaurants in America, according to a new ranking from reservation platform OpenTable. Why it matters: If you, too, have struggled to snag a reservation at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bern&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://bernssteakhouse.com/" data-vars-content-id="88d949ff-223f-4162-aeee-189c2262062e" data-vars-headline="Bern&#x27;s Steak House a top 100 restaurant in U.S., per OpenTable" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bernssteakhouse.com/" target="_blank">Bern&#x27;s</a> (before 9pm, at least), this accolade tracks.

Food and Drink 🍽

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

Tampa's Greenlane opens in Wesley Chapel

Why Tampa Bay is coming to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival