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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 lawmakers give no new money to home-hardening grant fund

But homeowners can still apply for the remaining available money.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida lawmakers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/24/legislature-funds-popular-home-hardening-program" data-vars-content-id="cb019494-8841-4231-b7a6-a87fc0ecd3ef" data-vars-headline="Florida lawmakers give no new money to home-hardening grant fund" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/24/legislature-funds-popular-home-hardening-program" target="_self">Florida lawmakers</a> will allocate no additional money toward a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grant program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/07/03/florida-reopens-hurricane-hardening-grant-how-to-apply" data-vars-content-id="cb019494-8841-4231-b7a6-a87fc0ecd3ef" data-vars-headline="Florida lawmakers give no new money to home-hardening grant fund" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/07/03/florida-reopens-hurricane-hardening-grant-how-to-apply" target="_self">grant program</a> that funds up to $10,000 worth of upgrades to strengthen your home against hurricanes, the Tampa Bay Times <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/02/19/my-safe-florida-home-grant-money-hurricane-windows-doors/" data-vars-content-id="cb019494-8841-4231-b7a6-a87fc0ecd3ef" data-vars-headline="Florida lawmakers give no new money to home-hardening grant fund" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/02/19/my-safe-florida-home-grant-money-hurricane-windows-doors/" target="_blank">reported</a>.Why it matters: Gov. Ron DeSantis asked the Legislature to direct another $100 million to the program, which has seen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high demand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2024/07/17/officials-no-longer-accepting-my-safe-florida-home-hardening-applications/" data-vars-content-id="cb019494-8841-4231-b7a6-a87fc0ecd3ef" data-vars-headline="Florida lawmakers give no new money to home-hardening grant fund" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2024/07/17/officials-no-longer-accepting-my-safe-florida-home-hardening-applications/" target="_blank">high demand</a>.

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>

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.

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.

Music

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.

Photos: Chappell Roan sells out St. Pete mermaid-themed show

Mermaids took over St. Pete on Sunday night to see "your favorite artist's favorite artist."

If you saw mermaids wandering downtown St. Pete on Sunday night, they were seeing &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="your favorite artist&#x27;s favorite artist" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/35434428.24270/aHR0cHM6Ly9tYXNoYWJsZS5jb20vYXJ0aWNsZS9jaGFwcGVsbC1yb2FuLXBvcC1zdGFyLXRpa3Rvay12aXJhbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3RhbXBhJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/5fda30cbbcc69a2d8d61adaeB6cfdf06d" data-vars-content-id="0db42bff-6f9d-49c8-8089-c5d7f3d5f7ec" data-vars-headline="Photos: Chappell Roan sells out St. Pete mermaid-themed show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/35434428.24270/aHR0cHM6Ly9tYXNoYWJsZS5jb20vYXJ0aWNsZS9jaGFwcGVsbC1yb2FuLXBvcC1zdGFyLXRpa3Rvay12aXJhbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3RhbXBhJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/5fda30cbbcc69a2d8d61adaeB6cfdf06d" target="_self">your favorite artist&#x27;s favorite artist</a>,&quot; Chappell Roan.

Taylor Swift's "Florida!!!" is a gothy ode to Sunshine State escapism

The song is on much-anticipated new album, "The Tortured Poets Department,"

Taylor and Florence, you did us right.State of slay: Taylor Swift&#x27;s much-anticipated new album, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Tortured Poets Department" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/04/16/taylor-swift-qr-code-error-321-tortured-poets-department" data-vars-content-id="f272f4d1-34e8-46a7-b4ea-7bd0aef4a26a" data-vars-headline="Taylor Swift&#x27;s &quot;Florida!!!&quot; is a gothy ode to Sunshine State escapism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/04/16/taylor-swift-qr-code-error-321-tortured-poets-department" target="_self">The Tortured Poets Department</a>,&quot; dropped at midnight.<ul><li>Among its 17 angsty tracks is &quot;Florida!!!&quot; featuring the ethereal Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine.</li></ul>

Tampa Bay's Afrobeat scene grows

Burna Boy's recent stop at Amalie Arena solidified the growth of afro-fusion and afrobeats cultures here.

Burna Boy&#x27;s recent stop at Amalie Arena solidified the growth of Afro-fusion and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Afrobeats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/afrobeats-global-rise-1282575/" data-vars-content-id="831a3b14-8f57-4f6f-ae8e-b075dc594121" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay&#x27;s Afrobeat scene grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/afrobeats-global-rise-1282575/" target="_blank">Afrobeats</a> cultures in Tampa Bay.Why it matters: Afro-fusion, the genre that Burna Boy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pioneered" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa6DweKPf1A" data-vars-content-id="831a3b14-8f57-4f6f-ae8e-b075dc594121" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay&#x27;s Afrobeat scene grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa6DweKPf1A" target="_blank">pioneered</a>, is a blend of Afrobeat, hip hop, and various West African genres.