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

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Pinellas weekend events: Taste of the Beaches, Largo Vibe Fest, Spookyzarre

Things to Do

Celebrate the start of a new month with these events in and around St. Pete.🧘 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Yoga on the Pitch: Rowdies Recharge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gofevo.com/event/26Yoga" data-vars-content-id="fb98ca07-6e3f-418b-a7db-fd08a08b0d57" data-vars-headline="Pinellas weekend events: Taste of the Beaches, Largo Vibe Fest, Spookyzarre" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/26Yoga" target="_blank">Yoga on the Pitch: Rowdies Recharge</a>, St. Pete: Start your Saturday with a yoga session on the field at Al Lang Stadium, followed by a social with mimosas, snacks and more<ul><li>Saturday, 8:30-10am at Al Lang Stadium. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gofevo.com/event/26Yoga" data-vars-content-id="fb98ca07-6e3f-418b-a7db-fd08a08b0d57" data-vars-headline="Pinellas weekend events: Taste of the Beaches, Largo Vibe Fest, Spookyzarre" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/26Yoga" target="_blank">Tickets</a> start at $36.94 and include admission to Saturday night&#x27;s Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Miami FC match.</li></ul>

What to know about the Rays' playoff series against the Yankees

New York is a tough draw, even with Tampa Bay hosting at the Trop.

Sports

The Rays face their AL East rivals, the New York Yankees, in a divisional round playoff series that kicks off Saturday.Why it matters: The Rays entered the postseason with the American League&#x27;s best record, but New York is a tough draw, even with Tampa Bay hosting at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Trop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/04/tropicana-field-nostalgia-rays-stadium-giveaway" data-vars-content-id="05a899b3-f8b4-4c34-ac07-50aab7768ee8" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Rays&#x27; playoff series against the Yankees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/04/tropicana-field-nostalgia-rays-stadium-giveaway" target="_self">the Trop</a>.<ul><li>The Yankees have a star-studded roster and, as always, a lot of hype. Tampa Bay (also as always) is the small-market team that punches well above its weight.</li></ul>

Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay more

All eyes are on local coffers and the elected officials who control them.

Politics

Tampa Bay&#x27;s largest cities and counties either lowered or maintained property tax rates, but homeowners could still see higher tax bills due to rising property values.Why it matters: Between Florida&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising cost of living" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/10/florida-pinellas-cost-of-living-alice-2024" data-vars-content-id="73186661-89ff-4450-af0d-d6dda882700e" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/10/florida-pinellas-cost-of-living-alice-2024" target="_self">rising cost of living</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/07/desantis-doge-property-taxes" data-vars-content-id="73186661-89ff-4450-af0d-d6dda882700e" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/07/desantis-doge-property-taxes" target="_self">state</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/23/hillsborough-doge-targets-county-health-care-plan" data-vars-content-id="73186661-89ff-4450-af0d-d6dda882700e" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay more" 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/hillsborough-doge-targets-county-health-care-plan" target="_self">local</a> inquiries into city and county spending, and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="potential 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="73186661-89ff-4450-af0d-d6dda882700e" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay more" 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">potential property tax overhaul</a> on the horizon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="due to Amendment 3" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/14/inside-the-florida-property-tax-amendments-court-ordered-rewrite" data-vars-content-id="73186661-89ff-4450-af0d-d6dda882700e" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/14/inside-the-florida-property-tax-amendments-court-ordered-rewrite" target="_self">due to Amendment 3</a>, all eyes are on local coffers and the elected officials who control them.

Visit St. Pete-Clearwater is hiring a "Chief Vibes Officer." We have a few more ideas

Living where you vacation isn't all sunsets and Michelin stars.

Culture

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Visit St. Pete-Clearwater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/13/727-day-is-back-with-tons-of-st-pete-pinellas-specials" data-vars-content-id="3351f766-fb7d-4b1b-abf2-c337f31ab30c" data-vars-headline="Visit St. Pete-Clearwater is hiring a &quot;Chief Vibes Officer.&quot; We have a few more ideas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/13/727-day-is-back-with-tons-of-st-pete-pinellas-specials" target="_self">Visit St. Pete-Clearwater</a> leaders announced last week they were recruiting three positions with dream-job titles.State of play: The Chief Vibes Officer, Chief Flavor Explorer and Chief Sunset Curator will help draw attention to Pinellas&#x27; assets beyond the world-famous beaches, per a news release.

Tampa City Council considers new checks on mayor's power

Tampa's long-running City Hall power struggle may spill onto the March 2 ballot.

Tampa&#x27;s long-running City Hall power struggle may spill onto the March 2 ballot.Why it matters: Voters could soon decide whether to give the City Council more power to rein in the mayor, including the ability to override executive orders and oust mayoral appointees.

St. Pete mayor race: Welch, Crist sharpen contrasts at forum

St. Petersburg voters have just over a month left to decide who they want to lead the city for the next four years.

News

Tensions deepened between Mayor Ken Welch and former Gov. Charlie Crist in the first public forum attended by both candidates since the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/19/welch-crist-appear-headed-to-runoff-for-st-pete-mayor" data-vars-content-id="db048086-50c3-4f16-ae9c-a44eedbfaec6" data-vars-headline="St. Pete mayor race: Welch, Crist sharpen contrasts at 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/2026/08/19/welch-crist-appear-headed-to-runoff-for-st-pete-mayor" target="_self">primary</a>. Why it matters: With mail ballots set to go out this week, St. Petersburg voters have just over a month left to decide who they want to lead the city for the next four years.<ul><li>They&#x27;ll <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="square off again Oct. 13" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/09/23/st-petersburg-mayor-debate-welch-crist-bay-news-9/" data-vars-content-id="db048086-50c3-4f16-ae9c-a44eedbfaec6" data-vars-headline="St. Pete mayor race: Welch, Crist sharpen contrasts at forum" 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/2026/09/23/st-petersburg-mayor-debate-welch-crist-bay-news-9/" target="_blank">square off again Oct. 13</a> in a televised debate hosted by Bay News 9. Unlike Friday&#x27;s forum, questions won&#x27;t be shared with the candidates in advance.</li></ul>

5 laws going into effect in Florida on Oct. 1

October is just around the corner, bringing with it several new laws passed during this year's legislative session.

October is just around the corner, bringing with it several new laws passed during this year&#x27;s legislative session.Why it matters: These laws change how the state identifies criminal gang members, expand registration requirements for career offenders and increase penalties for animal cruelty.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s what to know.</li></ul>

Council backs controversial South Tampa flood project 

The South Howard Flood Relief Project has drawn fierce opposition from local businesses.

The Tampa City Council voted 4-3 to deliver a long-awaited fix for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Tampa&#x27;s flooding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/05/flooding-alarms-south-tampa-after-quick-storm" data-vars-content-id="c09ac534-3d99-4642-822a-21bb2e101cc7" data-vars-headline="Council backs controversial South Tampa flood project " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/05/flooding-alarms-south-tampa-after-quick-storm" target="_self">South Tampa&#x27;s flooding</a>.Why it matters: The South Howard Flood Relief Project has drawn fierce opposition from local businesses, some of which warn they cannot survive the years of construction needed to complete it.

All the ways the Rays stadium deal can still fail

If St. Petersburg is any indication, Tampa's far from done.

The clerk tallied the vote. The yeses carried it. And against all odds, after years of disagreements and near-misses, a deal to build a new ballpark for the Rays and keep baseball in the region for years to come was, at last, reached.<ul><li>The council was St. Petersburg&#x27;s, the year was 2024, and the deal fell apart by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the following spring" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/03/13/rays-back-out-stadium-deal-historic-gas-plant-district" data-vars-content-id="7fcbb636-8473-45ad-9f91-f5b37c3cd7ab" data-vars-headline="All the ways the Rays stadium deal can still fail" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/03/13/rays-back-out-stadium-deal-historic-gas-plant-district" target="_self">the following spring</a>.</li></ul>Why it matters: The Tampa City Council and Hillsborough County Commission last month <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="signed off" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/28/hillsborough-approves-stadium-deal-rays-tampa-future" data-vars-content-id="7fcbb636-8473-45ad-9f91-f5b37c3cd7ab" data-vars-headline="All the ways the Rays stadium deal can still fail" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/28/hillsborough-approves-stadium-deal-rays-tampa-future" target="_self">signed off</a> on the region&#x27;s largest commitment to a sports stadium, a feat that seemed impossible only weeks ago.

Donalds won't say if he stands by his record in Legislature

The portrait his campaign paints is sometimes at odds with the Donalds who left Tallahassee for Washington, D.C.

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is the only candidate in the governor&#x27;s race with a record in state government. But if you&#x27;re looking to it for a preview of how he&#x27;d govern Florida today, you&#x27;ll come up short.Why it matters: Donalds hasn&#x27;t changed his political affiliation like his opponent, Democratic nominee <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="David Jolly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/12/david-jolly-florida-culture-wars-governor" data-vars-content-id="8a2d06f5-030e-4d40-b074-c80c5ededba9" data-vars-headline="Donalds won&#x27;t say if he stands by his record in Legislature" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/12/david-jolly-florida-culture-wars-governor" target="_self">David Jolly</a>, but that doesn&#x27;t mean he hasn&#x27;t changed positions.

Scoop: Rays owners put $411K behind Buckhorn

In a crowded race for Tampa mayor, Buckhorn is drawing major financial support from the team's ownership.

Members of the Rays&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new ownership group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/07/rays-new-owners-stadium-search" data-vars-content-id="85dbbd2d-1c2c-4be7-8c60-860b80b1db47" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Rays owners put $411K behind Buckhorn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/07/rays-new-owners-stadium-search" target="_self">new ownership group</a> and businesses associated with them have donated at least $411,000 to Bob Buckhorn&#x27;s political committee, campaign finance and corporate records show.Why it matters: In a crowded race for Tampa mayor, Buckhorn is drawing major financial support from the team&#x27;s ownership, whose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ballpark plans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/28/hillsborough-approves-stadium-deal-rays-tampa-future" data-vars-content-id="85dbbd2d-1c2c-4be7-8c60-860b80b1db47" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Rays owners put $411K behind Buckhorn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/28/hillsborough-approves-stadium-deal-rays-tampa-future" target="_self">ballpark plans</a> will depend, in part, on the city&#x27;s next administration.

Tampa narrowly approves Rays stadium deal

The Tampa City Council gave the Rays its stamp of approval for a $2.3 billion stadium.

Development

The Tampa City Council gave the Rays its stamp of approval Thursday for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$2.3 billion stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/05/rays-new-stadium-renderings-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="c9a0bc22-a111-42b6-b9e0-dc7e79e497cc" data-vars-headline="Tampa narrowly approves 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/2026/02/05/rays-new-stadium-renderings-hillsborough-college" target="_self">$2.3 billion stadium</a> at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hillsborough College" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/rays-plan-build-stadium-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="c9a0bc22-a111-42b6-b9e0-dc7e79e497cc" data-vars-headline="Tampa narrowly approves 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/2026/01/20/rays-plan-build-stadium-hillsborough-college" target="_self">Hillsborough College</a>. Why it matters: It&#x27;s an outcome that seemed unlikely just weeks ago, when council members twice <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="swatted down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/10/rays-advance-stadium-plans-public-approvals-stall" data-vars-content-id="c9a0bc22-a111-42b6-b9e0-dc7e79e497cc" data-vars-headline="Tampa narrowly approves 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/2026/07/10/rays-advance-stadium-plans-public-approvals-stall" target="_self">swatted down</a> votes on the ballpark.

Council to decide fate of South Howard flood project

Undersized storm drains have left the area vulnerable to flooding for decades, damaging homes and swamping streets.

A long-awaited fix for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Tampa&#x27;s flooding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/05/flooding-alarms-south-tampa-after-quick-storm" data-vars-content-id="dd3f0c71-7d06-4fec-bcd8-b73ac2540697" data-vars-headline="Council to decide fate of South Howard flood project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/05/flooding-alarms-south-tampa-after-quick-storm" target="_self">South Tampa&#x27;s flooding</a> is nearing a make-or-break City Council vote.Why it matters: Undersized storm drains have left the area vulnerable to flooding for decades, damaging homes and swamping streets.

Politics 🇺🇸

Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay more

Tampa City Council considers new checks on mayor's power

St. Pete mayor race: Welch, Crist sharpen contrasts at forum

5 laws going into effect in Florida on Oct. 1

Council backs controversial South Tampa flood project