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Donalds towers over a sleepy Florida governor's race

Florida's race for governor has plenty of candidates but little competition.

Politics

Almost a month before the Aug. 18 primary, the race to be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida&#x27;s next governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/byron-donalds-florida-governor-fundraising" data-vars-content-id="a18d9567-a82b-4e5c-85de-95dc801a1035" data-vars-headline="Donalds towers over a sleepy Florida governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/byron-donalds-florida-governor-fundraising" target="_self">Florida&#x27;s next governor</a> is shaping up to be a dud.Why it matters: The contest to lead the nation&#x27;s third-most populous state is bloated with candidates who lack name recognition and front-runners whose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sizable polling leads" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/governor/republican-primary/2026/florida?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="a18d9567-a82b-4e5c-85de-95dc801a1035" data-vars-headline="Donalds towers over a sleepy Florida governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/governor/republican-primary/2026/florida?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">sizable polling leads</a> have sapped much of its drama.

St. Pete City Council elections: Who's running and what's at stake

Seven candidates are vying for two seats representing districts 2 and 6.

News

Along with a crowded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mayor&#x27;s race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/23/st-petersburg-mayor-election-forum-takeaways" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/23/st-petersburg-mayor-election-forum-takeaways" target="_self">mayor&#x27;s race</a>, St. Petersburg voters will have the chance to send new representatives to City Council this election season. Why it matters: City Council members approve budgets and set policy on issues ranging from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cltampa.com/news/st-pete-city-council-moves-to-help-strengthen-tenant-rights-for-renters-in-affordable-housing-developments-18403989/" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cltampa.com/news/st-pete-city-council-moves-to-help-strengthen-tenant-rights-for-renters-in-affordable-housing-developments-18403989/" target="_blank">housing</a> to climate resiliency. Among the major issues that will carry over to the next slate of Council members: <ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="future of Tropicana Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/01/st-pete-trop-redevelopment-gas-plant-ken-welch" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/01/st-pete-trop-redevelopment-gas-plant-ken-welch" target="_self">future of Tropicana Field</a>.</li><li>Whether to continue exploring a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city-run alternative to Duke Energy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/st-pete-duke-energy-city-council-feasibility-study" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/st-pete-duke-energy-city-council-feasibility-study" target="_self">city-run alternative to Duke Energy</a>. </li><li>How to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="make up funding shortfalls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/florida-puts-property-tax-overhaul-on-ballot-as-local-officials-sound-alarm" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/florida-puts-property-tax-overhaul-on-ballot-as-local-officials-sound-alarm" target="_self">make up funding shortfalls</a> should voters approve a constitutional amendment overhauling property taxes.</li></ul>

Florida's property tax amendment lacks champions

Don't expect Gov. Ron DeSantis to become its marquee messenger.

Opposition is mounting to the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sweeping property tax overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/florida-puts-property-tax-overhaul-on-ballot-as-local-officials-sound-alarm" data-vars-content-id="9b71826c-7e25-4cc2-b445-8cff8268f988" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s property tax amendment lacks champions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/florida-puts-property-tax-overhaul-on-ballot-as-local-officials-sound-alarm" target="_self">sweeping property tax overhaul</a> — and its once-biggest champion is nowhere to be found.Why it matters: The constitutional amendment, if passed by 60% of voters, would leave some local governments <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="starved for revenue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/06/25/property-tax-cut-could-cost-hollywood-services" data-vars-content-id="9b71826c-7e25-4cc2-b445-8cff8268f988" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s property tax amendment lacks champions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/06/25/property-tax-cut-could-cost-hollywood-services" target="_self">starved for revenue</a> as they scramble to maintain services and offset billions of dollars in losses.

Florida citrus exhibit opens at St. Pete-Clearwater International

"Juicy: A Slice of Florida Life" features vintage citrus crate labels from local growers.

A taste of Florida history awaits locals and tourists in a new exhibit at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. State of play: &quot;Juicy: A Slice of Florida Life,&quot; presented by Creative Pinellas, features vintage citrus crate labels from local growers, a nod to Pinellas County living history museum Heritage Village&#x27;s 50th anniversary.

St. Pete's newest coffee shop is a mid-century dream

At Atomic Cat, coffee, pastries and vintage furniture are on the menu.

Food and Drink

It would be easy to miss St. Pete&#x27;s newest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/04/15/vote-best-coffee-shop-bracket" data-vars-content-id="24fca61f-f022-40af-911e-0ff57cd3078b" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s newest coffee shop is a mid-century dream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/04/15/vote-best-coffee-shop-bracket" target="_self">coffee</a> shop, nestled in a nondescript plaza off Gandy Boulevard. <ul><li>But step inside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atomic Cat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/atomiccatstpete/" data-vars-content-id="24fca61f-f022-40af-911e-0ff57cd3078b" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s newest coffee shop is a mid-century dream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/atomiccatstpete/" target="_blank">Atomic Cat</a>, and you&#x27;ll feel like you&#x27;ve stumbled onto the set of &quot;Mad Men.&quot;</li></ul>

Tampa Bay restaurants face a brutal stretch of closures

But owners are also finding ways to adapt.

Tampa Bay has experienced some tough local restaurant and bar closures over the last month.Why it matters: With summer typically a slow food scene and added stressors, including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inflation, tariffs and high gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/food/2026/06/29/tampa-bay-restaurant-venue-fee-closings/" data-vars-content-id="7e60a79f-9871-41e2-90fa-96b334d9a386" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay restaurants face a brutal stretch of closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/food/2026/06/29/tampa-bay-restaurant-venue-fee-closings/" target="_blank">inflation, tariffs and high gas prices</a>, squeezing businesses and consumers, more shifts in the dining scene could be on the way.

Don't skip brunch at Tampa's Con Amor

The menu had my mouth watering, and the food delivered.

While looking for a Seminole Heights brunch spot to kick off wedding-dress shopping with family, I came across new-ish modern Mexican restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Con Amor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.conamorfl.com/" data-vars-content-id="e1c96517-ba27-4f3b-be92-2af372879924" data-vars-headline="Don&#x27;t skip brunch at Tampa&#x27;s Con Amor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.conamorfl.com/" target="_blank">Con Amor</a>.The intrigue: The menu had my mouth watering — chilaquiles and huevos rancheros are some of my favorite breakfast dishes. <ul><li>Plus, the restaurant makes tortillas from scratch by soaking corn using an ancient process called nixtamalization, then grinding it into a dough called masa.</li></ul>

5 Tampa, St. Pete bars hosting Love Island watch parties

Watching with a bar full of reality TV heads feels like cheering on a sports team that always wins.

Love Island USA is back, and watching with a bar full of fellow reality TV heads feels like cheering on a sports team that always wins. <ul><li>Here are five bars in Tampa and St. Pete throwing watch parties:</li></ul>

Sweet Tomatoes' return is luring diehards from across Florida — including us

When it comes to Sweet Tomatoes, love literally knows no bounds.

Driving several hours to visit a chain restaurant is, by most standards, deranged.Why it matters: When it comes to Sweet Tomatoes, love literally knows no bounds.

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

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

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.

Food and Drink 🍽

St. Pete's newest coffee shop is a mid-century dream

Tampa Bay restaurants face a brutal stretch of closures

Don't skip brunch at Tampa's Con Amor

5 Tampa, St. Pete bars hosting Love Island watch parties

Sweet Tomatoes' return is luring diehards from across Florida — including us