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Hillsborough County approves Rays stadium MOU

Tampa could follow tomorrow, bringing this side of the Bay closer than ever to a stadium deal.

News

The Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners voted 5-2 on Wednesday to enter into a non-binding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="memorandum of understanding" 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="264232da-d3ef-4269-ac44-eba647818300" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough County approves Rays stadium MOU" 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">memorandum of understanding</a> with the Rays to build a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new 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="264232da-d3ef-4269-ac44-eba647818300" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough County approves Rays stadium MOU" 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">new stadium</a> for the team at Hillsborough College.Why it matters: The Tampa City Council could follow tomorrow, bringing this side of the Bay <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closer than ever" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/20/tampas-40-year-quest-for-baseball-comes-to-a-vote" data-vars-content-id="264232da-d3ef-4269-ac44-eba647818300" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough County approves Rays stadium MOU" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/20/tampas-40-year-quest-for-baseball-comes-to-a-vote" target="_self">closer than ever</a> before to a stadium deal with the Rays.

City to discuss Scientology's role in Clearwater's "urban renaissance"

It's hard to keep up with all the development activity in downtown Clearwater.

For the first time in recent memory, it&#x27;s hard to keep up with all the development activity in downtown Clearwater. Why it matters: City officials have dubbed this moment an &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="urban renaissance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox13news.com/news/clearwater-leaders-say-city-is-urban-renaissance-downtown-construction-projects-starting" data-vars-content-id="7aa4d34c-d600-4190-862c-c67f2d0a9b8a" data-vars-headline="City to discuss Scientology&#x27;s role in Clearwater&#x27;s &quot;urban renaissance&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox13news.com/news/clearwater-leaders-say-city-is-urban-renaissance-downtown-construction-projects-starting" target="_blank">urban renaissance</a>,&quot; but questions about the Church of Scientology&#x27;s role in the momentum prompted City Council members to schedule a special meeting next week, according to recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="news" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2026/05/05/scientology-clearwater-downtown-development/" data-vars-content-id="7aa4d34c-d600-4190-862c-c67f2d0a9b8a" data-vars-headline="City to discuss Scientology&#x27;s role in Clearwater&#x27;s &quot;urban renaissance&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2026/05/05/scientology-clearwater-downtown-development/" target="_blank">news</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay28.com/news/local-news/clearwater-north-pinellas-county/public-meeting-set-to-discuss-downtown-clearwater-cleveland-street-development" data-vars-content-id="7aa4d34c-d600-4190-862c-c67f2d0a9b8a" data-vars-headline="City to discuss Scientology&#x27;s role in Clearwater&#x27;s &quot;urban renaissance&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/news/local-news/clearwater-north-pinellas-county/public-meeting-set-to-discuss-downtown-clearwater-cleveland-street-development" target="_blank">reports</a>.

Tampa Bay's worst Memorial Day Weekend travel times

AAA predicts this will be the busiest Memorial Day ever for travel.

Travel

Stay off the road Thursday and Friday afternoons if you want to avoid the worst <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Memorial Day weekend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/memorial-day-weekend-2025-federal-holiday-meaning" data-vars-content-id="f5728fc4-e0e8-4c6d-815c-4eee66bbc0ce" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay&#x27;s worst Memorial Day Weekend travel times" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/memorial-day-weekend-2025-federal-holiday-meaning" target="_self">Memorial Day weekend</a> traffic, according to INRIX forecasts.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA predicts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/advocacy/memorial-day-travel-forecast-safety-tips.html" data-vars-content-id="f5728fc4-e0e8-4c6d-815c-4eee66bbc0ce" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay&#x27;s worst Memorial Day Weekend travel times" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/advocacy/memorial-day-travel-forecast-safety-tips.html" target="_blank">AAA predicts</a> this will be the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="busiest Memorial Day ever" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/12/memorial-day-travel-forecast-record-aaa" data-vars-content-id="f5728fc4-e0e8-4c6d-815c-4eee66bbc0ce" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay&#x27;s worst Memorial Day Weekend travel times" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/12/memorial-day-travel-forecast-record-aaa" target="_self">busiest Memorial Day ever</a> for travel — meaning your departure time could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="make or break" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" data-vars-content-id="f5728fc4-e0e8-4c6d-815c-4eee66bbc0ce" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay&#x27;s worst Memorial Day Weekend travel times" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" target="_self">make or break</a> your trip.

How "Alligator Alcatraz" fit into DeSantis' political playbook

DeSantis has funneled tens of millions of dollars into high-profile — and often controversial — immigration enforcement efforts before.

Politics

Florida&#x27;s detention camp in the Everglades, dubbed &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alligator Alcatraz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/21/alligator-alcatraz-florida-myth-racist-history" data-vars-content-id="a562206e-0c97-4127-8fe8-63df9da1cdbb" data-vars-headline="How &quot;Alligator Alcatraz&quot; fit into DeSantis&#x27; political playbook" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/21/alligator-alcatraz-florida-myth-racist-history" target="_self">Alligator Alcatraz</a>,&quot; is reportedly winding down operations after costing the state hundreds of millions of dollars to maintain.Why it matters: Gov. Ron DeSantis has, throughout his tenure, transformed Florida into a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="conservative test kitchen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/19/desantis-2024-trump-biden-florida" data-vars-content-id="a562206e-0c97-4127-8fe8-63df9da1cdbb" data-vars-headline="How &quot;Alligator Alcatraz&quot; fit into DeSantis&#x27; political playbook" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/19/desantis-2024-trump-biden-florida" target="_self">conservative test kitchen</a>, and this short-lived — but expensive — facility is the latest reminder of the cost of those experiments.

What to know about Tampa Bay's new districts

Florida's new congressional map scrambled Tampa Bay.

Florida&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new congressional map" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/07/tampa-bay-new-congressional-districts" data-vars-content-id="05fe87e7-7e87-4e4d-a55e-c40f6aebcbf4" data-vars-headline="What to know about Tampa Bay&#x27;s new districts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/07/tampa-bay-new-congressional-districts" target="_self">new congressional map</a> scrambled Tampa Bay, leaving voters unsure of what district they&#x27;re in and who&#x27;s running to represent them. Why it matters: The districts drawn in 2022 were supposed to last a decade. Now, voters have five months to learn new ones before November&#x27;s election.

How Florida's new congressional districts sliced up Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay's congressional districts are getting a sweeping makeover under a newly signed map.

Tampa Bay&#x27;s congressional districts are getting a sweeping makeover under a newly signed map.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New congressional lines" data-vars-click-url="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/69a85aceed7847d295f78f1c44baff64" data-vars-content-id="380a7387-f65d-46d7-89cc-7681dc79e893" data-vars-headline="How Florida&#x27;s new congressional districts sliced up Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/69a85aceed7847d295f78f1c44baff64" target="_blank">New congressional lines</a> splinter Tampa&#x27;s Democratic voters and stitch together far-flung communities with little in common, an overhaul that could cost the region&#x27;s taxpayers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more than $1 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/05/05/florida-congressional-map-voting-midterms/" data-vars-content-id="380a7387-f65d-46d7-89cc-7681dc79e893" data-vars-headline="How Florida&#x27;s new congressional districts sliced up Tampa Bay" 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/2026/05/05/florida-congressional-map-voting-midterms/" target="_blank">more than $1 million</a>.

What a Democrat's Tampa win means for November

Brian Nathan's win has raised questions and, for Florida Democrats, hope about the general election in November.

The state Division of Elections has certified Democrat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brian Nathan" data-vars-click-url="https://flsenate.gov/Senators/S14" data-vars-content-id="5ce4ea02-e1e4-4463-b6b7-1e538a67d59f" data-vars-headline="What a Democrat&#x27;s Tampa win means for November" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://flsenate.gov/Senators/S14" target="_blank">Brian Nathan</a>&#x27;s narrow victory in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="special election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/25/democrat-leads-in-tampas-state-senate-election" data-vars-content-id="5ce4ea02-e1e4-4463-b6b7-1e538a67d59f" data-vars-headline="What a Democrat&#x27;s Tampa win means for November" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/25/democrat-leads-in-tampas-state-senate-election" target="_self">special election</a> for Tampa&#x27;s Senate District 14.Why it matters: His win has raised questions and, for Florida Democrats, hope about the general election in November.

Democrat leads in Tampa state senate race to replace Lt. Gov. Collins

The race was close enough to trigger an automatic recount under state law.

Democratic union leader Brian Nathan holds a narrow lead over former GOP State House Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Josie Tomkow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/20/tampa-state-senate-district-14-2026" data-vars-content-id="d97998b1-a762-4b6f-8707-d49834c15b44" data-vars-headline="Democrat leads in Tampa state senate race to replace Lt. Gov. Collins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/20/tampa-state-senate-district-14-2026" target="_self">Josie Tomkow</a> in the race for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State Senate District 14" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/18/heres-whos-running-for-tampas-state-senate-seat" data-vars-content-id="d97998b1-a762-4b6f-8707-d49834c15b44" data-vars-headline="Democrat leads in Tampa state senate race to replace Lt. Gov. Collins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/18/heres-whos-running-for-tampas-state-senate-seat" target="_self">State Senate District 14</a>, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unofficial results" data-vars-click-url="https://enr.electionsfl.org/HIL/3921/Summary/" data-vars-content-id="d97998b1-a762-4b6f-8707-d49834c15b44" data-vars-headline="Democrat leads in Tampa state senate race to replace Lt. Gov. Collins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://enr.electionsfl.org/HIL/3921/Summary/" target="_blank">unofficial results</a>.<ul><li>As of Tuesday night, Nathan led Tomkow by 0.5% of roughly 80,000 ballots cast, which is the margin that triggers an automatic recount under state law.</li></ul>Why it matters: A win by Nathan would reclaim a seat that Republicans flipped in 2022 and end a seven-month stretch in which the district&#x27;s nearly 300,000 residents had no representation in Tallahassee.

1-minute voting guide: Tampa's SD 14 special election

Nearly 300,000 residents in District 14 have been without representation for seven months.

Residents across Lutz, Carrollwood and South Tampa will head to the polls Tuesday to choose their next state senator. Why it matters: Nearly 300,000 residents in state <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Senate District 14" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/18/heres-whos-running-for-tampas-state-senate-seat" data-vars-content-id="a84576a1-4ad9-481a-b48a-580f2fbff84b" data-vars-headline="1-minute voting guide: Tampa&#x27;s SD 14 special election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/18/heres-whos-running-for-tampas-state-senate-seat" target="_self">Senate District 14</a> have been without representation for seven months, including this year&#x27;s entire legislative session.

Can Hillsborough's half-cent tax fund a new Rays stadium? Here's what we know

Most commissioners have said it shouldn't be used, but whether it can be is another matter.

At the center of a looming <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rays 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="82b2c26c-ed19-447e-9501-673c5f907ac4" data-vars-headline="Can Hillsborough&#x27;s half-cent tax fund a new Rays stadium? Here&#x27;s what we know" 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">Rays stadium</a> vote is a question: Can a half-cent sales tax that Hillsborough County voters approved for infrastructure be used for a new ballpark?<ul><li>Most commissioners have said on the record that it shouldn&#x27;t be, but the tax&#x27;s language and deliberations from before its passage suggest it can be.</li></ul>Why it matters: Commissioner Ken Hagan <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="made clear" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/04/rays-stadium-hillsborough-funding" data-vars-content-id="82b2c26c-ed19-447e-9501-673c5f907ac4" data-vars-headline="Can Hillsborough&#x27;s half-cent tax fund a new Rays stadium? Here&#x27;s what we know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/04/rays-stadium-hillsborough-funding" target="_self">made clear</a> in February that the stadium plan isn&#x27;t possible without revenue from the county&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="half-cent sales tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/09/19/what-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-could-fund" data-vars-content-id="82b2c26c-ed19-447e-9501-673c5f907ac4" data-vars-headline="Can Hillsborough&#x27;s half-cent tax fund a new Rays stadium? Here&#x27;s what we know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/09/19/what-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-could-fund" target="_self">half-cent sales tax</a>.

Florida's legislative session ends with little to show for it

The only obstacle Republicans face in enacting their agenda is themselves.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida Legislature" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/02/florida-legislature-2026-bills-update" data-vars-content-id="51d6e25d-11a0-4b66-a5d0-27bc96251a07" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s legislative session ends with little to show for it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/02/florida-legislature-2026-bills-update" target="_self">Florida Legislature</a> adjourned last week, with hundreds of bills on the cutting floor and plenty of unfinished business ahead.Why it matters: Lawmakers filed 1,896 bills this session. One in eight passed, and none of them <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="did much" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/03/13/desantis-perez-albritton-budget-affordability-session/" data-vars-content-id="51d6e25d-11a0-4b66-a5d0-27bc96251a07" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s legislative session ends with little to show for it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/03/13/desantis-perez-albritton-budget-affordability-session/" target="_blank">did much</a> to make insurance, electricity or health care more affordable — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a chief concern" data-vars-click-url="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6994d571bce3436c60d86870/t/69a83673b961e1161d90f552/1772631667881/PORL+2026+Spring+Statewide+LV+-+EMBARGO+3.4.26.pdf" data-vars-content-id="51d6e25d-11a0-4b66-a5d0-27bc96251a07" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s legislative session ends with little to show for it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6994d571bce3436c60d86870/t/69a83673b961e1161d90f552/1772631667881/PORL+2026+Spring+Statewide+LV+-+EMBARGO+3.4.26.pdf" target="_blank">a chief concern</a> among their constituents.

Florida AG wants TPD to share victims' immigration statuses. Here's what that means

Research has consistently found that fear of immigration consequences can discourage undocumented victims and witnesses from cooperating with police.

At the center of a clash between Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is a question: Should police agencies share the immigration statuses of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crime victims and witnesses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/25/deportation-undocumented-crime-victims-florida-law" data-vars-content-id="93536c0d-037a-4a4c-b90a-64a82fbb4c16" data-vars-headline="Florida AG wants TPD to share victims&#x27; immigration statuses. Here&#x27;s what that means" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/25/deportation-undocumented-crime-victims-florida-law" target="_self">crime victims and witnesses</a> with federal authorities?<ul><li>Uthmeier thinks so — and at least in Tampa, he may get his way. </li></ul>Why it matters: Research <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has consistently found" data-vars-click-url="https://www.legalmomentum.org/sites/default/files/reports/vawa-symposium-local.pdf" data-vars-content-id="93536c0d-037a-4a4c-b90a-64a82fbb4c16" data-vars-headline="Florida AG wants TPD to share victims&#x27; immigration statuses. Here&#x27;s what that means" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.legalmomentum.org/sites/default/files/reports/vawa-symposium-local.pdf" target="_blank">has consistently found</a> that fear of immigration consequences can discourage undocumented victims and witnesses from cooperating with police, which can undermine public safety.

Politics 🇺🇸

Hillsborough County approves Rays stadium MOU

How "Alligator Alcatraz" fit into DeSantis' political playbook

What to know about Tampa Bay's new districts

How Florida's new congressional districts sliced up Tampa Bay

What a Democrat's Tampa win means for November