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Donalds towers over a sleepy Florida governor's race

Florida's race for governor has plenty of candidates but little competition.

Politics

Almost a month before the Aug. 18 primary, the race to be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida&#x27;s next governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/byron-donalds-florida-governor-fundraising" data-vars-content-id="a18d9567-a82b-4e5c-85de-95dc801a1035" data-vars-headline="Donalds towers over a sleepy Florida governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/byron-donalds-florida-governor-fundraising" target="_self">Florida&#x27;s next governor</a> is shaping up to be a dud.Why it matters: The contest to lead the nation&#x27;s third-most populous state is bloated with candidates who lack name recognition and front-runners whose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sizable polling leads" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/governor/republican-primary/2026/florida?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="a18d9567-a82b-4e5c-85de-95dc801a1035" data-vars-headline="Donalds towers over a sleepy Florida governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/governor/republican-primary/2026/florida?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">sizable polling leads</a> have sapped much of its drama.

Inside St. Pete mayor's reported Tropicana Field redevelopment picks

An announcement is scheduled for Thursday morning.

News

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch selected Blake Investment Partners to redevelop <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tropicana Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/01/st-petersburg-historic-gas-plant-whats-next-ken-welch" data-vars-content-id="dc06d623-97dd-4031-876a-2ecc59e1c24d" data-vars-headline="Inside St. Pete mayor&#x27;s reported Tropicana Field redevelopment picks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/01/st-petersburg-historic-gas-plant-whats-next-ken-welch" target="_self">Tropicana Field</a>, several news outlets reported.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a major step forward for the city&#x27;s most consequential piece of land and for Welch&#x27;s campaign promise to remake the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Historic Gas Plant District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/10/razed-documentary-gas-plant-st-petersburg" data-vars-content-id="dc06d623-97dd-4031-876a-2ecc59e1c24d" data-vars-headline="Inside St. Pete mayor&#x27;s reported Tropicana Field redevelopment picks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/10/razed-documentary-gas-plant-st-petersburg" target="_self">Historic Gas Plant District</a>.<ul><li>But the issue is far from settled. Any plans are subject to City Council approval, and the results of the upcoming mayoral election could upend the process. </li></ul>

St. Pete City Council elections: Who's running and what's at stake

Seven candidates are vying for two seats representing districts 2 and 6.

Along with a crowded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mayor&#x27;s race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/23/st-petersburg-mayor-election-forum-takeaways" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" 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">mayor&#x27;s race</a>, St. Petersburg voters will have the chance to send new representatives to City Council this election season. Why it matters: City Council members approve budgets and set policy on issues ranging from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cltampa.com/news/st-pete-city-council-moves-to-help-strengthen-tenant-rights-for-renters-in-affordable-housing-developments-18403989/" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cltampa.com/news/st-pete-city-council-moves-to-help-strengthen-tenant-rights-for-renters-in-affordable-housing-developments-18403989/" target="_blank">housing</a> to climate resiliency. Among the major issues that will carry over to the next slate of Council members: <ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="future of Tropicana Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/01/st-pete-trop-redevelopment-gas-plant-ken-welch" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/01/st-pete-trop-redevelopment-gas-plant-ken-welch" target="_self">future of Tropicana Field</a>.</li><li>Whether to continue exploring a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city-run alternative to Duke Energy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/st-pete-duke-energy-city-council-feasibility-study" data-vars-content-id="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" 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/st-pete-duke-energy-city-council-feasibility-study" target="_self">city-run alternative to Duke Energy</a>. </li><li>How to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="make up funding shortfalls" 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="1e8c77d3-cd80-49f0-9512-4f146fb4fa03" data-vars-headline="St. Pete City Council elections: Who&#x27;s running and what&#x27;s at stake" 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">make up funding shortfalls</a> should voters approve a constitutional amendment overhauling property taxes.</li></ul>

St. Pete's newest coffee shop is a mid-century dream

At Atomic Cat, coffee, pastries and vintage furniture are on the menu.

Food and Drink

It would be easy to miss St. Pete&#x27;s newest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/04/15/vote-best-coffee-shop-bracket" data-vars-content-id="24fca61f-f022-40af-911e-0ff57cd3078b" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s newest coffee shop is a mid-century dream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/04/15/vote-best-coffee-shop-bracket" target="_self">coffee</a> shop, nestled in a nondescript plaza off Gandy Boulevard. <ul><li>But step inside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atomic Cat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/atomiccatstpete/" data-vars-content-id="24fca61f-f022-40af-911e-0ff57cd3078b" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s newest coffee shop is a mid-century dream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/atomiccatstpete/" target="_blank">Atomic Cat</a>, and you&#x27;ll feel like you&#x27;ve stumbled onto the set of &quot;Mad Men.&quot;</li></ul>

Florida's property tax amendment lacks champions

Don't expect Gov. Ron DeSantis to become its marquee messenger.

Opposition is mounting to the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sweeping 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="9b71826c-7e25-4cc2-b445-8cff8268f988" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s property tax amendment lacks champions" 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">sweeping property tax overhaul</a> — and its once-biggest champion is nowhere to be found.Why it matters: The constitutional amendment, if passed by 60% of voters, would leave some local governments <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="starved for revenue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/06/25/property-tax-cut-could-cost-hollywood-services" data-vars-content-id="9b71826c-7e25-4cc2-b445-8cff8268f988" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s property tax amendment lacks champions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/06/25/property-tax-cut-could-cost-hollywood-services" target="_self">starved for revenue</a> as they scramble to maintain services and offset billions of dollars in losses.

Hillsborough DOGE targets county's health care plan

The report says it identified more than $670 million in "potential waste."

Hillsborough County&#x27;s version of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="DOGE" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/16/hillsborough-wants-to-doge-dozens-of-nonprofits" data-vars-content-id="98d953c1-35d4-4179-a6a6-c9a6da604b44" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough DOGE targets county&#x27;s health care plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/16/hillsborough-wants-to-doge-dozens-of-nonprofits" target="_self">DOGE</a> has published findings from its &quot;limited&quot; review of the county&#x27;s finances, identifying more than $670 million in what it deems &quot;potential waste.&quot;Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://hillsboroughdoge.com/" data-vars-content-id="98d953c1-35d4-4179-a6a6-c9a6da604b44" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough DOGE targets county&#x27;s health care plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hillsboroughdoge.com/" target="_blank">report</a>, which isn&#x27;t a forensic or financial audit, arrives a week after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the county discussed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/15/how-nixing-property-taxes-could-affect-hillsborough-county" data-vars-content-id="98d953c1-35d4-4179-a6a6-c9a6da604b44" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough DOGE targets county&#x27;s health care plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/15/how-nixing-property-taxes-could-affect-hillsborough-county" target="_self">the county discussed</a> how to offset the potential revenue loss from a constitutional amendment to overhaul Florida&#x27;s property tax system.

How nixing property taxes could affect Hillsborough County

The county may have to consider layoffs, service cuts and new taxes.

Hillsborough County may have to consider layoffs, service cuts and new taxes if voters approve the state&#x27;s sweeping <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="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="1023ded2-ab09-4ad3-bef7-d5f9c9a7c0ce" data-vars-headline="How nixing property taxes could affect Hillsborough County" 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">property tax overhaul</a>. Why it matters: The county would lose an estimated $367 million in annual property tax revenue, money that had primarily gone toward the sheriff&#x27;s office, fire rescue, transportation, emergency management and parks.

Here's who qualified for Hillsborough and Pinellas races

Qualifying is the first real test of a campaign's viability.

The fields are set for county commission and school board races in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties after qualifying ended Friday.Why it matters: Not everyone who&#x27;s announced a run for office will appear on your ballot. Qualifying is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the first real test" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/27/what-to-know-tampa-bay-election-deadlines" data-vars-content-id="7995f773-eb77-4057-ab5b-dc16c9487b6b" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s who qualified for Hillsborough and Pinellas races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/27/what-to-know-tampa-bay-election-deadlines" target="_self">the first real test</a> of a campaign&#x27;s viability.

Jolly to pick Gwen Graham as running mate, sources say

The announcement is expected on Thursday during a rally at Florida International University's Graham Center Ballroom.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="David Jolly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/05/david-jolly-florida-governor-democrat-republican" data-vars-content-id="dfe42359-e6c7-4631-bf07-6e906be6819a" data-vars-headline="Jolly to pick Gwen Graham as running mate, sources say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/05/david-jolly-florida-governor-democrat-republican" target="_self">David Jolly</a> — the leading Democrat in the race for Florida governor — plans to name former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham as his running mate, Axios has learned. Why it matters: Graham, the daughter of former Florida Gov. and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, could help broaden Jolly&#x27;s appeal to moderate voters in what will be a difficult race for Democrats.

Hillsborough County approves Rays stadium MOU

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

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.

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.

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>.

Politics 🇺🇸

Florida's property tax amendment lacks champions

Donalds towers over a sleepy Florida governor's race

Hillsborough DOGE targets county's health care plan

How nixing property taxes could affect Hillsborough County

Here's who qualified for Hillsborough and Pinellas races