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What Florida's property tax overhaul could cost local governments

The state House has added three property tax amendments to its calendar for floor votes.

News

Tampa Bay governments stand to lose hundreds of millions in tax collections if property tax changes advancing in the Legislature become law, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/bill-summary-hjr-201-203-205-207-209-211-and-213?mc_cid=c9718583ff&amp;mc_eid=81b69123db" data-vars-content-id="575fd09a-059e-4ac7-ae22-d5afea179106" data-vars-headline="What Florida&#x27;s property tax overhaul could cost local governments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/bill-summary-hjr-201-203-205-207-209-211-and-213?mc_cid=c9718583ff&amp;mc_eid=81b69123db" target="_blank">report</a> by the Florida Policy Institute (FPI).Why it matters: The House has added <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three of those amendments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/11/where-property-tax-cuts-other-bills-stand-in-the-florida-legislature" data-vars-content-id="575fd09a-059e-4ac7-ae22-d5afea179106" data-vars-headline="What Florida&#x27;s property tax overhaul could cost local governments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/11/where-property-tax-cuts-other-bills-stand-in-the-florida-legislature" target="_self">three of those amendments</a> to its calendar for floor votes, with HJR 203 up first, on Thursday.

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.

Florida homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high

Still-high mortgage rates and home prices have sidelined many shoppers. But those who remain in the market are scoring the biggest deals in years.

The average discount for Tampa metro area <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="3cc27a5a-d5e1-492e-af79-93885e72426a" data-vars-headline="Florida homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">homes</a> that sold below their original asking price last year was nearly 10%.<ul><li>That&#x27;s one of the largest discounts among major U.S. cities analyzed in a recent Redfin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-discounts-below-list-price-2025/" data-vars-content-id="3cc27a5a-d5e1-492e-af79-93885e72426a" data-vars-headline="Florida homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-discounts-below-list-price-2025/" target="_blank">report</a>.</li></ul>

St. Pete, Clearwater Duke fight looms over Florida elections

A new report flags Florida as a 2026 energy battleground.

Energy affordability will likely be a top issue among Florida voters in this year&#x27;s midterm elections, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://echocomms.com/the-10-energy-affordability-battlegrounds/" data-vars-content-id="f5d04439-6e8a-4ae5-b488-772dcb5cced2" data-vars-headline="St. Pete, Clearwater Duke fight looms over Florida elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://echocomms.com/the-10-energy-affordability-battlegrounds/" target="_blank">new report</a>. Why it matters: Nowhere is that more apparent than in Tampa Bay, where two cities are considering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dropping their contracts with corporate utility Duke Energy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/09/25/clearwater-utility-study-duke-energy" data-vars-content-id="f5d04439-6e8a-4ae5-b488-772dcb5cced2" data-vars-headline="St. Pete, Clearwater Duke fight looms over Florida elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/09/25/clearwater-utility-study-duke-energy" target="_self">dropping their contracts with corporate utility Duke Energy</a> over mounting frustration with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sky-high power bills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/2025/11/13/duke-energy-tampa-electric-florida-energy-bill-increase-why/" data-vars-content-id="f5d04439-6e8a-4ae5-b488-772dcb5cced2" data-vars-headline="St. Pete, Clearwater Duke fight looms over Florida elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/2025/11/13/duke-energy-tampa-electric-florida-energy-bill-increase-why/" target="_blank">sky-high power bills</a>.

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

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

Food and Drink

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.

5 Tampa Bay Thanksgiving specials under $50

Head to one of these open restaurants to feast on a budget.

Take off the apron, put down the potato masher and head to one of these open restaurants on Thanksgiving to feast on a budget.

Tampa Bay restaurants still passing off imported shrimp as wild‑caught

The shrimp-vestigators returned to Tampa Bay.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shrimp" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/01/30/tampa-bay-restaurants-imported-shrimp " data-vars-content-id="23876db8-0e66-4358-aca8-b2048a1734b0" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay restaurants still passing off imported shrimp as wild‑caught" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/01/30/tampa-bay-restaurants-imported-shrimp " target="_self">shrimp</a>-vestigators returned to Tampa Bay, and the results of their latest probe were mixed.Why it matters: While there was some improvement from an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="initial inquiry in January" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/01/30/tampa-bay-restaurants-imported-shrimp " data-vars-content-id="23876db8-0e66-4358-aca8-b2048a1734b0" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay restaurants still passing off imported shrimp as wild‑caught" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/01/30/tampa-bay-restaurants-imported-shrimp " target="_self">initial inquiry in January</a>, numerous local restaurants are still serving up imported shrimp despite suggesting otherwise, according to testing by SeaD Consulting.

Everglazed brings gourmet donuts to Carrollwood

Everglazed offers an assortment of classic and "funky" donuts, hand-battered chicken tenders and coffee to wash it all down.

👋 Hey, Yacob here. Over the past few weeks, I&#x27;ve watched Everglazed Donuts amble into Carrollwood, even making the mistake (more than once) of trying to pull into their not-yet-open drive-thru.Why it matters: It&#x27;s open now.

At St. Pete's BarBouni, try the cod liver

Love it or hate it, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tinned fish" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/01/03/eating-healthy-2024-sardine-awakening" data-vars-content-id="95b47c8b-0a8d-4e2c-bb39-a99d7c402f24" data-vars-headline="At St. Pete&#x27;s BarBouni, try the cod liver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/01/03/eating-healthy-2024-sardine-awakening" target="_self">tinned fish</a> is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trendy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/21/dining/canned-fish-sardines-tiktok.html" data-vars-content-id="95b47c8b-0a8d-4e2c-bb39-a99d7c402f24" data-vars-headline="At St. Pete&#x27;s BarBouni, try the cod liver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/21/dining/canned-fish-sardines-tiktok.html" target="_blank">trendy</a>. Why it matters: St. Pete&#x27;s answer to the craze is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BarBouni" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eatatbaba.com/barbouni/" data-vars-content-id="95b47c8b-0a8d-4e2c-bb39-a99d7c402f24" data-vars-headline="At St. Pete&#x27;s BarBouni, try the cod liver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eatatbaba.com/barbouni/" target="_blank">BarBouni</a>, a seafood and raw bar attached to Mediterranean restaurant Baba with an extensive tinned fish menu.

Food and Drink 🍽

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

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

Florida State Fair 2026: Wackiest new food specials

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

Bite Club: We tried the revamped Predalina