Tampa Bay

Picture of the Tampa Bay skyline with TPA written across it.

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Tampa Bay with Kathryn Varn and Yacob Reyes.

Axios Tampa Bay

Standard

Axios Tampa Bay Deep Dive

Deep Dive

A guide to fun things to do in Tampa Bay this weekend.

Axios Tampa Bay Weekender

Weekender

Axios Tampa Bay Partners

Axios Tampa Bay Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Tampa Members

Membership

Carlson's new financing plan could unlock Rays stadium deal

The Rays say shovels need to be in the ground next month.

News

The Tampa City Council is playing hardball with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Rays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/14/hillsborough-county-unveils-proposed-stadium-deal-with-rays" data-vars-content-id="9b61e431-21c5-4408-a45b-5492654faf2c" data-vars-headline="Carlson&#x27;s new financing plan could unlock Rays stadium 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/2026/05/14/hillsborough-county-unveils-proposed-stadium-deal-with-rays" target="_self">the Rays</a>, but a new financing plan pitched by council member Bill Carlson could give the team the vote it needs to keep the dream of its &quot;Forever Home&quot; alive.Why it matters: The Rays say shovels need to be in the ground next month to have a new stadium ready for Opening Day 2029, leaving the team with little time or leverage to win over a so-far resistant City Council.

Take the Axios Tampa Bay news quiz!

Test your knowledge of stories from Axios Tampa Bay newsletters.

Things to Do

Try your hand at our news quiz!Why it matters: Email us a screenshot of your perfect score to tampa@axios.com, and you could get a shout-out in a future newsletter.<div><iframe name="opinionstage-widget" alt="Opinion Stage Embed" src="https://www.opinionstage.com/api/v2/widgets/fa86e6bc-e639-4014-8afd-210f347b754e/iframe" data-opinionstage-iframe="fa86e6bc-e639-4014-8afd-210f347b754e" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="embed-poll" data-vars-asset-id="fa86e6bc-e639-4014-8afd-210f347b754e" data-vars-content-id="b45e1264-e649-421b-8577-b8f682b0bf45" width="100%" height="800" allow="fullscreen" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" class="gtmView" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><div style="display:none"></div></div>

TSA union sues over privatization program TPA opted into

The agency's effort to privatize airport security screening could affect more than 700 employees at Tampa International.

A union representing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Transportation Security Administration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/tsa-airport-security-quit-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="c9fa32d7-fcfc-47db-815f-290dc46f59ce" data-vars-headline="TSA union sues over privatization program TPA opted into" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/tsa-airport-security-quit-shutdown" target="_self">Transportation Security Administration</a> employees is suing the agency over documents related to its new Gold+ program, which Tampa International Airport has opted into. Why it matters: The TSA&#x27;s effort to privatize airport security screening could affect more than 700 employees at Tampa International, resulting in the loss of benefits and lower salaries.

Waymo could bring self-driving taxis to Pinellas

Waymo met with St. Pete's transportation department about expanding into Pinellas County.

Waymo may bring its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="self-driving cars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/23/waymo-robotaxis-av-crash-study" data-vars-content-id="7006d72e-f189-4bf7-8a55-7f3542161b88" data-vars-headline="Waymo could bring self-driving taxis to Pinellas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/23/waymo-robotaxis-av-crash-study" target="_self">self-driving cars</a> to Pinellas County, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa Bay Times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2026/08/12/waymo-pinellas-county-service-st-petersburg/" data-vars-content-id="7006d72e-f189-4bf7-8a55-7f3542161b88" data-vars-headline="Waymo could bring self-driving taxis to Pinellas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2026/08/12/waymo-pinellas-county-service-st-petersburg/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Times</a> reported. Why it matters: The company has already laid the groundwork for the autonomous ride-hailing service to start operating in Tampa this year, and before long its driverless fleet could be crossing the Bay.

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>

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.

<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>

St. Pete Beach business owners arrested in mothball mystery

They were trying to deter state-threatened beach birds from nesting there, investigators said.

Investigators arrested two beachfront business owners who they say scattered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mothballs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/21/st-pete-beach-mothballs-florida-fish-and-wildlife-black-skimmers" data-vars-content-id="e341d227-9cad-46cd-a031-14a8fca619d8" data-vars-headline="St. Pete Beach business owners arrested in mothball mystery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/21/st-pete-beach-mothballs-florida-fish-and-wildlife-black-skimmers" target="_self">mothballs</a> on St. Pete Beach in an effort to deter state-threatened beach birds from nesting there.State of play: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on Wednesday arrested Robert Czyszczon, 47, and Christopher Monroe, 52, in connection with the incident.

Charlie Crist's no-show looms over St. Petersburg mayor forum

The event underscored just how messy the mayor's race has become.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Petersburg mayoral" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/23/st-petersburg-mayor-election-forum-takeaways" data-vars-content-id="112d1803-c31f-48f8-b608-25519c4f322b" data-vars-headline="Charlie Crist&#x27;s no-show looms over St. Petersburg mayor forum" 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 mayoral</a> hopefuls found some common ground during a candidate forum this week when they seized on their opponent Charlie Crist&#x27;s absence to criticize him.Why it matters: The event underscored <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="just how messy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/16/st-petersburg-mayor-race-charlie-crist-ken-welch-ad" data-vars-content-id="112d1803-c31f-48f8-b608-25519c4f322b" data-vars-headline="Charlie Crist&#x27;s no-show looms over St. Petersburg mayor forum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/16/st-petersburg-mayor-race-charlie-crist-ken-welch-ad" target="_self">just how messy</a> the mayor&#x27;s race has become with three weeks still left to go until the Aug. 18 primary election.<ul><li>And that will likely only intensify in the lead-up to the Nov. 3 runoff that will pit the top two vote-getters against each other. </li></ul>

St. Pete voters to decide on property tax to speed infrastructure upgrades

The 2024 hurricane season served as a wake-up call to speed up the projects.

St. Petersburg voters are set to decide this November whether the city can levy an additional tax to help strengthen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="infrastructure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/29/desantis-nixes-tampa-bays-storm-hardening-funds" data-vars-content-id="74aba255-8fb6-4ae6-a504-3463b35de2ba" data-vars-headline="St. Pete voters to decide on property tax to speed infrastructure upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/29/desantis-nixes-tampa-bays-storm-hardening-funds" target="_self">infrastructure</a> against storms.Why it matters: Revenue from the proposed tax would pay back up to $600 million in bonds to finance accelerated improvements to the city&#x27;s drainage, sewer and water systems.<ul><li>The 2024 hurricane season — during which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flooding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/10/tampa-bay-flooding-recovery-hurricane-milton" data-vars-content-id="74aba255-8fb6-4ae6-a504-3463b35de2ba" data-vars-headline="St. Pete voters to decide on property tax to speed infrastructure upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/10/tampa-bay-flooding-recovery-hurricane-milton" target="_self">flooding</a> inundated thousands of homes and prompted city leaders to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shut down two of three sewage plants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/09/st-petersburg-sewage-plants-hurricane-milton" data-vars-content-id="74aba255-8fb6-4ae6-a504-3463b35de2ba" data-vars-headline="St. Pete voters to decide on property tax to speed infrastructure upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/09/st-petersburg-sewage-plants-hurricane-milton" target="_self">shut down two of three sewage plants</a> — served as a wake-up call to prioritize the upgrades, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Ken Welch has said" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/17/hurricane-season-preparations-helene-milton" data-vars-content-id="74aba255-8fb6-4ae6-a504-3463b35de2ba" data-vars-headline="St. Pete voters to decide on property tax to speed infrastructure upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/17/hurricane-season-preparations-helene-milton" target="_self">Mayor Ken Welch has said</a>.</li></ul>

News 🗞

Waymo could bring self-driving taxis to Pinellas

TSA union sues over privatization program TPA opted into

Carlson's new financing plan could unlock Rays stadium deal

Tampa Bay weekend picks: American Idiot, FSU party, LEGO expo

Crowbar owner launches campaign for Tampa's next indie venue