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Dunedin home to Tampa Bay's best suburban downtown, according to Axios readers

The city's bustling, waterfront downtown defeated Lakeland in a landslide.

Culture

We have a winner: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dunedin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/10/01/dunedin-things-to-do-eat-drink-bars" data-vars-content-id="649775cc-07b6-4322-a73c-9ba506eab967" data-vars-headline="Dunedin home to Tampa Bay&#x27;s best suburban downtown, according to Axios readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/10/01/dunedin-things-to-do-eat-drink-bars" target="_self">Dunedin</a> defeated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lakeland" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/04/18/lakeland-florida-fastest-growing-metro" data-vars-content-id="649775cc-07b6-4322-a73c-9ba506eab967" data-vars-headline="Dunedin home to Tampa Bay&#x27;s best suburban downtown, according to Axios readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/04/18/lakeland-florida-fastest-growing-metro" target="_self">Lakeland</a> in an absolute landslide to be crowned Tampa Bay&#x27;s best downtown that isn&#x27;t St. Pete, Tampa or Clearwater.Why it tracks: Dunedin (pronounced duh-NEE-din for any newbies out there) is known for its vibrant arts scene, lively Main Street and unique Scottish heritage.

Pornhub pushes for a return to Florida's web browsers

The adult site says Florida's age checks fail minors while putting users' personal data at risk.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pornhub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/12/18/pornhub-blocked-florida-age-verification-law-2025" data-vars-content-id="81bcde3e-8864-4bff-ab15-478c8b5948a1" data-vars-headline="Pornhub pushes for a return to Florida&#x27;s web browsers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/12/18/pornhub-blocked-florida-age-verification-law-2025" target="_self">Pornhub</a> is hoping to return to Floridians&#x27; web browsers and search histories by challenging the state&#x27;s age verification rules for porn sites.Why it matters: It&#x27;s been two long years since residents could directly access one of the biggest names in online pornography.

Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge

Early voting starts next week, and 37,000 voters have already cast ballots by mail.

Pinellas County voters can cast ballots in the Aug. 18 primary for county commission, school board and judge, regardless of party affiliation.State of play: Early <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/14/florida-primary-voter-registration-party-change-mail-ballot-deadlines" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/14/florida-primary-voter-registration-party-change-mail-ballot-deadlines" target="_self">voting</a> starts next week, and 37,000 voters have already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cast ballots by mail" data-vars-click-url="https://countyfilesvbm-ev.floridados.gov/VoteByMailEarlyVotingReports/PublicStats" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://countyfilesvbm-ev.floridados.gov/VoteByMailEarlyVotingReports/PublicStats" target="_blank">cast ballots by mail</a>.<ul><li>You can check your registration status, polling location and sample ballot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.votepinellas.gov/213/Check-Registration-Status" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.votepinellas.gov/213/Check-Registration-Status" target="_blank">here</a>.</li><li>Races for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Petersburg mayor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/23/st-petersburg-mayor-election-forum-takeaways" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" 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">St. Petersburg mayor</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/08/st-pete-city-council-elections-candidates-2026" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/08/st-pete-city-council-elections-candidates-2026" target="_self">City Council</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clearwater City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.myclearwater.com/My-Government/0-City-Departments/City-Clerk/Election-Day-Aug.-18-2026" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.myclearwater.com/My-Government/0-City-Departments/City-Clerk/Election-Day-Aug.-18-2026" target="_blank">Clearwater City Council</a>, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oldsmar City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.myoldsmar.com/1298/Upcoming-Elections" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.myoldsmar.com/1298/Upcoming-Elections" target="_blank">Oldsmar City Council</a> are also nonpartisan for residents of those cities. </li></ul>Worthy of your time: The Tampa Bay Times published a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="comprehensive candidate guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/07/16/florida-election-candidates-primary-2026/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/07/16/florida-election-candidates-primary-2026/" target="_blank">comprehensive candidate guide</a> where you can find more in-depth answers and info. <h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">County Commission District 4</h2>The race <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drew only Republicans" data-vars-click-url="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/774855-have-democrats-given-up-on-the-pinellas-county-commission/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/774855-have-democrats-given-up-on-the-pinellas-county-commission/" target="_blank">drew only Republicans</a>, so all district voters can participate. The district covers Tarpon Springs and East Lake south to Dunedin and Safety Harbor.Zoom in: Incumbent commissioner and current chair Dave Eggers drew one challenger: retired business owner Anthony Ringelspaugh. <ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eggers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.votedaveeggers.com/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.votedaveeggers.com/" target="_blank">Eggers</a> told the Times he wants to keep investing in county infrastructure and public safety while recruiting tech companies that create high-paying jobs.</li><li>Ringelspaugh didn&#x27;t respond to the Times, but he says on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his campaign website" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tonyringelspaughforpinellas.com/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tonyringelspaughforpinellas.com/" target="_blank">his campaign website</a> he&#x27;d prioritize drainage and sewage improvements while taking a tougher look at new development.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">School Board </h2>Districts 2 and 3 are at-large, meaning that all county voters can cast ballots. <ul><li>District 6 is for voters in Seminole, Pinellas Park, St. Pete&#x27;s Gandy area, and the beaches from Redington Shores south.</li></ul>District 2: Incumbent Lisa Cane, who runs the nonprofit Tampa Bay Performing Arts Academy, drew last-minute challenger Nancy Velardi, a retired teacher and former teachers union president.<ul><li>Cane <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told WUSF" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wusf.org/local-state/2026-07-27/meet-the-candidates-pinellas-county-school-board" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wusf.org/local-state/2026-07-27/meet-the-candidates-pinellas-county-school-board" target="_blank">told WUSF</a> her biggest challenge has been navigating federal and state mandates, although she signed a pledge in 2022 to carry out Gov. Ron DeSantis&#x27; education priorities.</li><li>Velardi <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told the Times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2026/06/12/pinellas-school-board-election-edmond-candidates/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2026/06/12/pinellas-school-board-election-edmond-candidates/" target="_blank">told the Times</a> she didn&#x27;t want to see Cane go unchallenged and noted that she opposes DeSantis&#x27; education agenda. </li></ul>District 3: Consultant and speaker Curtis Campogni, a first-time candidate, and veteran teacher Dawn Douglas, who has unsuccessfully run for state House four times as a Democrat, are challenging incumbent Dawn Peters.<ul><li>Peters was first elected in 2022 on a campaign that prioritized the GOP-backed parental rights movement, although the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Times noted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/07/16/florida-election-candidates-primary-2026/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/07/16/florida-election-candidates-primary-2026/" target="_blank">Times noted</a> she&#x27;s since moderated her approach. </li></ul>District 6: Project manager Amanda Lord faces former School Board member and county commissioner Nancy Bostock for the open seat being vacated by incumbent Stephanie Meyer. <ul><li>Bostock lost her commission seat in 2012 after supporting the removal of fluoride from drinking water, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the Times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2026/06/12/pinellas-school-board-election-edmond-candidates/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2026/06/12/pinellas-school-board-election-edmond-candidates/" target="_blank">per the Times</a>. Lord, a former St. Petersburg College professor and PTA president, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bills herself" data-vars-click-url="https://amandalordforschoolboard.com/about" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://amandalordforschoolboard.com/about" target="_blank">bills herself</a> as a &quot;fresh voice.&quot; </li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Judge</h2>All Pinellas voters can participate. Pasco County residents can also vote in the circuit judge contests because both counties are part of the same judicial circuit.<ul><li>Circuit judges oversee felony, big-money civil lawsuits and other types of cases, including divorce, guardianship and juvenile delinquency. </li><li>County judges handle misdemeanors and small-claims civil cases.</li></ul>Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Group 39: With Judge Daniel Diskey not seeking reelection, his son, Stefen Diskey, is running against Elizabeth Constantine to fill the seat. <ul><li>Both candidates are prosecutors. Diskey is based in Pasco while Constantine is in Pinellas, although they both <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told St. Pete Catalyst" data-vars-click-url="https://stpetecatalyst.com/meet-the-candidates-in-pinellas-countys-judicial-races/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stpetecatalyst.com/meet-the-candidates-in-pinellas-countys-judicial-races/" target="_blank">told St. Pete Catalyst</a> it shouldn&#x27;t be seen as a Pinellas vs. Pasco competition.</li></ul>Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Group 44: In one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more buzzy judge races of late" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/07/13/judge-elizabeth-jack-oxalis-garcia-6th-judicial-circuit-election/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/07/13/judge-elizabeth-jack-oxalis-garcia-6th-judicial-circuit-election/" target="_blank">more buzzy judge races of late</a>, private attorney Oxalis Garcia is opposing incumbent family law Judge Elizabeth &quot;Liz&quot; Jack.<ul><li>Among Garcia&#x27;s supporters are critics of Jack&#x27;s decisions in their cases, the Times reported. Garcia has drawn her own critics for signing on to represent some of her supporters after she entered the race. </li></ul>Pinellas County Judge Group 10: Nick Fiorentino is seeking the judiciary for a third time after barely losing to a competitor in 2024. Running against him is first-time candidate Zachariah Wade.<ul><li>Fiorentino runs a family law practice and works as an attorney for the local police union, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per St. Pete Catalyst" data-vars-click-url="https://stpetecatalyst.com/meet-the-candidates-in-pinellas-countys-judicial-races/" data-vars-content-id="5c863901-72c2-4ffd-98e7-8c963585bd8d" data-vars-headline="Meet candidates for Pinellas Commission, School Board and judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stpetecatalyst.com/meet-the-candidates-in-pinellas-countys-judicial-races/" target="_blank">per St. Pete Catalyst</a>. Wade is a criminal defense attorney and ex-prosecutor. </li></ul>

What to know about Clearwater's fight over Scientology land deal

Resident group Save the Garden is collecting petition signatures to reverse a recent City Council vote.

A group of residents is trying to reverse a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clearwater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/19/downtown-clearwater-urban-renaissance-scientology" data-vars-content-id="85b662bd-931d-458a-bc71-87627c294645" data-vars-headline="What to know about Clearwater&#x27;s fight over Scientology land deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/19/downtown-clearwater-urban-renaissance-scientology" target="_self">Clearwater</a> City Council vote to give a block of a downtown street to the Church of Scientology to expand its spiritual headquarters. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest flashpoint in a struggle over Clearwater&#x27;s fraught downtown, where the church and companies tied to it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="own around 200 properties" data-vars-click-url="https://projects.tampabay.com/projects/2019/investigations/scientology-clearwater-real-estate/" data-vars-content-id="85b662bd-931d-458a-bc71-87627c294645" data-vars-headline="What to know about Clearwater&#x27;s fight over Scientology land deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://projects.tampabay.com/projects/2019/investigations/scientology-clearwater-real-estate/" target="_blank">own around 200 properties</a>.<ul><li>It&#x27;s also a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major issue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cltampa.com/news/scientologys-role-in-clearwaters-future-shapes-the-race-for-city-councils-seat-5/" data-vars-content-id="85b662bd-931d-458a-bc71-87627c294645" data-vars-headline="What to know about Clearwater&#x27;s fight over Scientology land deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cltampa.com/news/scientologys-role-in-clearwaters-future-shapes-the-race-for-city-councils-seat-5/" target="_blank">major issue</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="driving the city&#x27;s upcoming elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2026/06/25/clearwater-city-council-election-south-garden-avenue-scientology/" data-vars-content-id="85b662bd-931d-458a-bc71-87627c294645" data-vars-headline="What to know about Clearwater&#x27;s fight over Scientology land deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2026/06/25/clearwater-city-council-election-south-garden-avenue-scientology/" target="_blank">driving the city&#x27;s upcoming elections</a>, in which five candidates are competing for two Council seats. </li></ul>

Crowbar owner launches campaign for Tampa's next indie venue

Days after his venue's final shows, Tom DeGeorge is asking the community for help.

Music

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Crowbar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/17/ybor-city-live-nation-venue-opposition-crowbar-gasworx-petition" data-vars-content-id="5e371fab-c455-411e-95c1-0eed21672999" data-vars-headline="Crowbar owner launches campaign for Tampa&#x27;s next indie venue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/17/ybor-city-live-nation-venue-opposition-crowbar-gasworx-petition" target="_self">Crowbar</a> held its final shows on Friday, ending its run as Ybor City&#x27;s last independent concert room. <ul><li>But owner Tom DeGeorge is starting to plan his next venue — and he wants Tampa&#x27;s help.</li></ul>

"Corporate" Live Nation venue would mar Ybor's indie identity, residents say

The backlash comes as Crowbar, Ybor's last full-time independent music venue, prepares to close.

Crowbar owner Tom DeGeorge has raged against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Live Nation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/09/live-nation-ticketmaster-doj-settlement" data-vars-content-id="9b59b0a7-23a9-46ed-ac9a-c7c9f191b6be" data-vars-headline="&quot;Corporate&quot; Live Nation venue would mar Ybor&#x27;s indie identity, residents say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/09/live-nation-ticketmaster-doj-settlement" target="_self">Live Nation</a> all the way to Washington, where he testified last month before Congress about how its growth has strained independent venues like his.<ul><li>So he was blindsided, but not surprised, when he learned the entertainment giant was planning a move into his backyard.</li></ul>Why it matters: DeGeorge is among a growing contingent of Ybor residents protesting the proposed Live Nation venue — and what it represents about the historic neighborhood&#x27;s changing identity.

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.

2026 concert guide: BTS, Post Malone, Peso Pluma, Soulja Boy

With shows scheduled through November, there's a little something for everyone.

Things to Do

Tampa Bay&#x27;s 2026 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/12/12/2025-concert-guide-avril-lavigne-my-chemical-romance" data-vars-content-id="ccde258c-2fb7-4e21-b0f5-94a13c44cbd1" data-vars-headline="2026 concert guide: BTS, Post Malone, Peso Pluma, Soulja Boy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/12/12/2025-concert-guide-avril-lavigne-my-chemical-romance" target="_self">concert</a> lineup is heating up.State of play: With shows scheduled through November, there&#x27;s a little something for everyone.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s a (not exhaustive) roundup of concerts coming our way next year:</li></ul>

Water Street to expand with concert venue, hotel

The new district will feature a 3,500-seat performance venue.

Water Street Tampa is growing its footprint with plans for a new performance venue, hotel and retail space along its western edge.Why it matters: Tampa is known for its empty parking lots — which, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="by some estimates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cltampa.com/news/a-third-of-downtown-tampa-is-parking-lots-city-planners-say-they-are-actively-trying-to-fix-that-16187293/" data-vars-content-id="e896be67-7fe3-4a85-9bd4-f05a0e6ddf66" data-vars-headline="Water Street to expand with concert venue, hotel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cltampa.com/news/a-third-of-downtown-tampa-is-parking-lots-city-planners-say-they-are-actively-trying-to-fix-that-16187293/" target="_blank">by some estimates</a>, make up about a third of the city — and this development would transform one of them into a flashy entertainment destination.

Clearwater Jazz Holiday announces 2025 lineup

Trombone Shorty, Trampled By Turtles and The War and Treaty are among the performers playing this year&#x27;s Clearwater Jazz Holiday.State of play: Organizers on Wednesday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1148178814011605&amp;set=a.570567775106048" data-vars-content-id="90657750-e77f-451a-9ec6-ef553bda07ed" data-vars-headline="Clearwater Jazz Holiday announces 2025 lineup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1148178814011605&amp;set=a.570567775106048" target="_blank">announced</a> the lineup for the annual music festival, scheduled for Oct. 16-19 at Coachman Park.

Tampa Bay 2025 concert guide: Stevie Nicks, Ice Cube and Jin

With shows scheduled through September, there's a little something for everyone.

Tampa Bay&#x27;s 2025 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/12/06/concerts-live-music-shows-to-see-guide" data-vars-content-id="3e824bfd-eb53-448b-a688-0fb5e5627dcd" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay 2025 concert guide: Stevie Nicks, Ice Cube and Jin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/12/06/concerts-live-music-shows-to-see-guide" target="_self">concert</a> lineup is heating up.State of play: With shows scheduled through November, there&#x27;s a little something for everyone.

What to know about Doechii, Tampa's Grammy winner and Swamp Princess

The Tampa-born rapper's rising star went meteoric at the Grammy Awards, and every Tampeño should know her story.

If you hadn&#x27;t heard of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Doechii" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/07/25/doechii-new-album" data-vars-content-id="2ca5c4bb-da45-41e8-b291-e6a8b35a6420" data-vars-headline="What to know about Doechii, Tampa&#x27;s Grammy winner and Swamp Princess" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/07/25/doechii-new-album" target="_self">Doechii</a>, you probably have now.Why it matters: The Tampa-born rapper&#x27;s rising star went meteoric at Sunday&#x27;s Grammy Awards, when she became the third woman ever to win best rap album — and every Tampeño should know her story.

That time Janis Joplin was arrested in Tampa

Her charges? "Vulgar and indecent language."

History

The date was Nov. 16, 1969. The Beatles had just released &quot;Come Together.&quot; Hillsborough County had a million fewer people.<ul><li>And Janis Joplin was set to play Curtis Hixon Hall (yes, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="that was a thing" data-vars-click-url="https://stpetecatalyst.com/tampas-curtis-hixon-hall-made-music-history/" data-vars-content-id="001d5751-e9f7-4e4b-80ee-b3e4d6fb4e9c" data-vars-headline="That time Janis Joplin was arrested in Tampa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stpetecatalyst.com/tampas-curtis-hixon-hall-made-music-history/" target="_blank">that was a thing</a>).</li></ul>

Sabrina Carpenter bringing Short n' Sweet tour to Tampa

The "Espresso" singer has two Florida shows on her 29-stop tour.

Singer-songwriter <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sabrina Carpenter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/02/spotify-testing-like-clips-umg-tiktok" data-vars-content-id="fffe515a-4a49-4c9d-b85d-3b72dfeb36de" data-vars-headline="Sabrina Carpenter bringing Short n&#x27; Sweet tour to Tampa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/02/spotify-testing-like-clips-umg-tiktok" target="_self">Sabrina Carpenter</a> will be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="working late (&#x27;cause she&#x27;s a singer)" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVli-tstM5E" data-vars-content-id="fffe515a-4a49-4c9d-b85d-3b72dfeb36de" data-vars-headline="Sabrina Carpenter bringing Short n&#x27; Sweet tour to Tampa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVli-tstM5E" target="_blank">working late (&#x27;cause she&#x27;s a singer)</a> in Tampa this fall.State of play: The &quot;Espresso&quot; singer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced Thursday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8cKkdqtpFZ/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="fffe515a-4a49-4c9d-b85d-3b72dfeb36de" data-vars-headline="Sabrina Carpenter bringing Short n&#x27; Sweet tour to Tampa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8cKkdqtpFZ/?img_index=1" target="_blank">announced Thursday</a> that Amalie Arena is one of 29 stops on her The Short n&#x27; Sweet tour promoting her upcoming album of the same name.