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"Explosive" diarrhea virus reaches Tampa Bay: What to know

At least 50 cases have been reported in Florida between May 1 and July 4.

News

An outbreak of a gut-wrecking parasite is plaguing the U.S. as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health" data-vars-content-id="43b52ffa-8f08-440b-8d9f-dd71568cb1c4" data-vars-headline="&quot;Explosive&quot; diarrhea virus reaches Tampa Bay: What to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health" target="_self">health</a> officials investigate the rise in cases.Why it matters: At least 50 cases <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have been reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flhealthcharts.gov/ChartsReports/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=FrequencyMerlin.Frequency&amp;FirstTime=True" data-vars-content-id="43b52ffa-8f08-440b-8d9f-dd71568cb1c4" data-vars-headline="&quot;Explosive&quot; diarrhea virus reaches Tampa Bay: What to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flhealthcharts.gov/ChartsReports/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=FrequencyMerlin.Frequency&amp;FirstTime=True" target="_blank">have been reported</a> in Florida between May 1 and July 4, including six in the Tampa Bay area, according to data from the state Department of Health.

Florida sees 440,000 drop in ACA enrollees after subsidies expire

Many residents who would qualify for Medicaid in other states remain ineligible in Florida.

Health

Florida saw the nation&#x27;s largest drop in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Affordable Care Act" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/obamacare-trump-coverage-rules" data-vars-content-id="05cdd676-cb5e-4e9a-b38d-3e9c46b5a0c4" data-vars-headline="Florida sees 440,000 drop in ACA enrollees after subsidies expire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/obamacare-trump-coverage-rules" target="_self">Affordable Care Act</a> (ACA) enrollment this year after enhanced subsidies expired, according to new data from the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services.Why it matters: Without the subsidies, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="premiums soared" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/08/obamacare-aca-premiums-price-jump" data-vars-content-id="05cdd676-cb5e-4e9a-b38d-3e9c46b5a0c4" data-vars-headline="Florida sees 440,000 drop in ACA enrollees after subsidies expire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/08/obamacare-aca-premiums-price-jump" target="_self">premiums soared</a>. Floridians who could afford it settled for less coverage at a higher cost; more than 440,000 left the ACA marketplace altogether.

What to know about Trump's student loan overhaul

More than 2.7 million Floridians owe a combined $108 billion in federal student loans.

A sweeping overhaul of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal student loan system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/25/trump-big-beautiful-bill-ibr-plans" data-vars-content-id="62f9107b-538a-43ab-844b-32ff941be854" data-vars-headline="What to know about Trump&#x27;s student loan overhaul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/25/trump-big-beautiful-bill-ibr-plans" target="_self">federal student loan system</a> took effect this month, thrusting millions of borrowers into new repayment plans that could leave some with higher monthly payments.Why it matters: More than 2.7 million Floridians owe a combined $108 billion in federal student loans, one of the largest debt totals of any state.

727 Day is back with tons of St. Pete, Pinellas specials

Get 727-themed discounts from July 25-27.

Things to Do

Pinellas County&#x27;s unofficial holiday is coming up.Why it matters: Visit St. Pete-Clearwater&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="727 Day celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/celebrate-home-its-727-day" data-vars-content-id="c4eb7ad0-83c4-4ec6-ad30-500a925bcfde" data-vars-headline="727 Day is back with tons of St. Pete, Pinellas specials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/celebrate-home-its-727-day" target="_blank">727 Day celebration</a> will feature three days of local deals and giveaways, the tourism bureau announced this week.<ul><li>Don&#x27;t worry, Tampeños. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Your day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/13/how-where-celebrate-tampa-813-day-2025" data-vars-content-id="c4eb7ad0-83c4-4ec6-ad30-500a925bcfde" data-vars-headline="727 Day is back with tons of St. Pete, Pinellas 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/2025/08/13/how-where-celebrate-tampa-813-day-2025" target="_self">Your day</a> is coming.</li></ul>

How to celebrate Juneteenth 2026 in Tampa and St. Pete

From a cookout to a 5K, here's how our region is celebrating.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Juneteenth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/02/juneteenth-celebration-civil-rights-backlash" data-vars-content-id="73d06e32-96a5-4240-a394-22dcb50e5afd" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate Juneteenth 2026 in Tampa and St. Pete" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/02/juneteenth-celebration-civil-rights-backlash" target="_self">Juneteenth</a> is coming up, and Tampa Bay has several ways to celebrate.The big picture: The annual holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Texas learned of their emancipation.

5 unique ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Tampa, St. Pete

Forget the green beer and bar crawls.<ul><li>Here are some creative ways to celebrate St. Patrick&#x27;s Day in Tampa Bay. </li></ul>

How to throw out your Christmas tree in Tampa Bay

When in doubt, check with your city or county.

We hate to break it to you, but the holidays are over.Why it matters: It&#x27;s time to start thinking about what to do with that crunchy Christmas tree.

Shop local at these Tampa Bay holiday markets

They're the antithesis of the headache-inducing scroll that is online shopping.

This gift-shopping season, here&#x27;s a pro tip: Visit a holiday market. Why it matters: Markets offer a chance to shop local, find unique gifts, and revel in the holiday spirit with neighbors.<ul><li>They&#x27;re the antithesis of the headache-inducing scroll that is online shopping. </li></ul>

The best and worst times for Tampa Bay Thanksgiving 2025 travel

There will be a record-breaking 4.65 million Floridians leaving town for Thanksgiving this year, AAA predicts.

It&#x27;s time for Tampa Bay road and sky warriors to start thinking about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thanksgiving" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/18/thanksgiving-specials-under-50-dollars" data-vars-content-id="195df6e4-6494-4195-8623-e7c904af3bcb" data-vars-headline="The best and worst times for Tampa Bay Thanksgiving 2025 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/18/thanksgiving-specials-under-50-dollars" target="_self">Thanksgiving</a> travel.Why it matters: There will be a record-breaking 4.65 million Floridians leaving town for Thanksgiving this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.acg.aaa.com/nearly-465-million-floridians-expected-to-travel-for-thanksgiving/" data-vars-content-id="195df6e4-6494-4195-8623-e7c904af3bcb" data-vars-headline="The best and worst times for Tampa Bay Thanksgiving 2025 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.acg.aaa.com/nearly-465-million-floridians-expected-to-travel-for-thanksgiving/" target="_blank">AAA</a> predicts.

5 Tampa Bay Thanksgiving specials under $50

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

Food and Drink

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

How to honor Juneteenth in Tampa Bay

Despite recent backlash against civil rights and discussions of racism, celebrations of the holiday are growing.

Holidays

Juneteenth is on Thursday, and there are numerous ways to celebrate the holiday across Tampa Bay.Why it matters: Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Texas learned of their emancipation.

Weekend events: Tampa Fringe Fest, Polk Pride and a Father's Day market

The weekend is nigh. We've got you covered.

The weekend is nigh. We&#x27;ve got you covered on Tampa Bay&#x27;s hottest events.🤣 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa International Fringe Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://festival.tampafringe.org/" data-vars-content-id="a738d2f9-870b-433a-92fc-69147d535e27" data-vars-headline="Weekend events: Tampa Fringe Fest, Polk Pride and a Father&#x27;s Day market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://festival.tampafringe.org/" target="_blank">Tampa International Fringe Festival</a>: Laugh until your tummy hurts at one (or a few!) of the many shows scheduled during the ninth-annual comedy festival in Ybor City.

Memorial Day Weekend events: Parades, festivals and more

Hooray for the long weekend!Here are some local events to commemorate Memorial Day:

"Neuter Your Ex" this Valentine's Day with Tampa Bay animal rescue

"Because some exes are worth forgetting ... but animals always deserve love."

Sure, a romantic beach sunset is nice, but how about some good old-fashioned revenge?State of play: A Tampa Bay animal rescue is running a &quot;Neuter Your Ex&quot; fundraiser just in time for Valentine&#x27;s Day.

Holidays

In and around St. Pete: How to celebrate the Fourth — and clean up after

How to celebrate Juneteenth 2026 in Tampa and St. Pete

5 unique ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Tampa, St. Pete

How to throw out your Christmas tree in Tampa Bay

Shop local at these Tampa Bay holiday markets