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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.

Politics

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.

Pinellas commissioner proposes ending nonprofit grants

Funds supporting children and families, vulnerable adults and veterans are at risk.

News

Seeking to further reduce next year&#x27;s budget, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pinellas County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/09/02/pinellas-ups-mosquito-control-as-dengue-cases-rise" data-vars-content-id="1b188892-f12a-459a-9ed1-557c665f5fca" data-vars-headline="Pinellas commissioner proposes ending nonprofit grants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/09/02/pinellas-ups-mosquito-control-as-dengue-cases-rise" target="_self">Pinellas County</a> commissioner proposed slashing grant funding to nonprofits.Why it matters: That threatens programs that nonprofit leaders say are critical to help children and families, vulnerable adults and veterans.<ul><li>&quot;I know that we&#x27;re competing for resources, but at the same time, everybody needs help,&quot; said Robin Ingles, CEO of potential grant recipient <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seniors in Service" data-vars-click-url="https://seniorsinservice.org/" data-vars-content-id="1b188892-f12a-459a-9ed1-557c665f5fca" data-vars-headline="Pinellas commissioner proposes ending nonprofit grants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://seniorsinservice.org/" target="_blank">Seniors in Service</a>.</li></ul>

College football fandom could hit milestone

Total attendance at Football Bowl Subdivision games last season was just a few big games short of California's population.

Sports

College football&#x27;s top tier is on track to set an attendance record of 39 million this season.Why it matters: Total attendance at Football Bowl Subdivision games last season was just a few big games short of California&#x27;s population.

How Tampa Bay is commemorating 9/11, 25 years later

Community organizations are marking the anniversary with walks, stair climbs and performances.

A quarter-century after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Tampa Bay is marking the anniversary with community walks, stair climbs and performances.<ul><li>All events are scheduled for Friday morning unless otherwise noted.</li></ul>

After DeSantis order, Florida police drop Flock cameras — but not in Tampa Bay

It's the latest flashpoint in a debate over the AI-driven technology.

Within hours of the DeSantis administration&#x27;s order to remove <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock cameras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/26/st-pete-flock-ai-license-plate-readers-privacy-police-surveillance" data-vars-content-id="b7c5333f-f54f-4e74-a57a-1429276bfb9d" data-vars-headline="After DeSantis order, Florida police drop Flock cameras — but not in Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/26/st-pete-flock-ai-license-plate-readers-privacy-police-surveillance" target="_self">Flock cameras</a> from state roads, some Florida law enforcement leaders went even further, opting to stop using the devices altogether.Why it matters: That hasn&#x27;t been the case so far for Tampa Bay&#x27;s largest police agencies.

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.

Pinellas prosecutors enabled con artist to win cases, new book says

"Catch the Devil" chronicles jailhouse informant Paul Skalnik's manipulation of the criminal justice system.

One of this summer&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="buzziest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/hardcover-nonfiction/" data-vars-content-id="9168b948-3800-4708-bb10-7385a72c1671" data-vars-headline="Pinellas prosecutors enabled con artist to win cases, new book says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/hardcover-nonfiction/" target="_blank">buzziest</a> true-crime reads follows a serial con artist&#x27;s manipulation of the criminal justice system and the Pinellas County prosecutors who enabled him.Why it matters: In &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Catch the Devil: A True Story of Murder, Deception, and Injustice on the Gulf Coast" data-vars-click-url="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/665293/catch-the-devil-by-pamela-colloff/" data-vars-content-id="9168b948-3800-4708-bb10-7385a72c1671" data-vars-headline="Pinellas prosecutors enabled con artist to win cases, new book says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/665293/catch-the-devil-by-pamela-colloff/" target="_blank">Catch the Devil: A True Story of Murder, Deception, and Injustice on the Gulf Coast</a>,&quot; investigative reporter Pamela Colloff uncovers just how many convictions leaned on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paul Skalnik" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/04/magazine/jailhouse-informant.html" data-vars-content-id="9168b948-3800-4708-bb10-7385a72c1671" data-vars-headline="Pinellas prosecutors enabled con artist to win cases, new book says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/04/magazine/jailhouse-informant.html" target="_blank">Paul Skalnik</a>&#x27;s dubious accounts of supposed confessions by his fellow inmates at the Pinellas County Jail.

E-bike injuries surge among kids in Tampa Bay and nationwide

"What concerns us most is the severity of these injuries," a Tampa General Hospital pediatric surgeon said.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="E-bike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/ebike-injuries-surge-among-teens-young-riders" data-vars-content-id="8005dc2b-a6ec-4c74-a983-b2fab3e61972" data-vars-headline="E-bike injuries surge among kids in Tampa Bay and nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/ebike-injuries-surge-among-teens-young-riders" target="_self">E-bike</a> sales in the U.S. have more than quadrupled over the past five years, but a spike in ownership has meant a spike in injuries, too.Why it matters: The result has been evident in emergency departments in Tampa Bay and beyond, particularly among teens and younger riders.<ul><li>About 41% of all emergency visits for e-bike injuries in 2024 and 2025 involved patients ages 10 to 19, according to National Electronic Injury Surveillance System estimates.</li></ul>

Slain USF students given commencement memorial and posthumous degrees

Two empty chairs with green, black and gold regalia represented Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon.

Two empty chairs with green, black and gold regalia represented <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two slain University of South Florida students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/27/florida-ag-openai-chatgpt-usf-murders-ai-accountability-debate" data-vars-content-id="d64c7589-e709-4733-b0cc-df3d1a71252c" data-vars-headline="Slain USF students given commencement memorial and posthumous degrees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/27/florida-ag-openai-chatgpt-usf-murders-ai-accountability-debate" target="_self">two slain University of South Florida students</a> at Friday&#x27;s doctoral degree commencement ceremony.<ul><li>Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon, both 27 and from Bangladesh, will also receive posthumous doctoral degrees, the university said. </li><li>Bristy was studying chemical engineering, while Limon was working toward a degree in geography, environmental science and policy. </li></ul>

Florida AG probes ChatGPT's role in USF student killings

The man accused in the case allegedly consulted the chatbot in the days before the students went missing, court records show.

Technology

Florida&#x27;s top cop said Monday his office will investigate the alleged role of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ChatGPT" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/chatgpt-openai-mental-health-teens" data-vars-content-id="1e09ef60-20e5-4c52-8303-21e4f0bca2bd" data-vars-headline="Florida AG probes ChatGPT&#x27;s role in USF student killings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/chatgpt-openai-mental-health-teens" target="_self">ChatGPT</a> in the slayings of two University of South Florida students.The big picture: The accused killer&#x27;s alleged use of the OpenAI chatbot, outlined in court records, is the latest flashpoint in a debate over to what extent AI companies should be held accountable for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="how their tools are used" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/chatgpt-openai-mental-health-teens" data-vars-content-id="1e09ef60-20e5-4c52-8303-21e4f0bca2bd" data-vars-headline="Florida AG probes ChatGPT&#x27;s role in USF student killings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/chatgpt-openai-mental-health-teens" target="_self">how their tools are used</a>.<ul><li>Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="launched a probe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/09/florida-ag-launches-investigation-openai" data-vars-content-id="1e09ef60-20e5-4c52-8303-21e4f0bca2bd" data-vars-headline="Florida AG probes ChatGPT&#x27;s role in USF student killings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/09/florida-ag-launches-investigation-openai" target="_self">launched a probe</a> into OpenAI this month, citing in part ChatGPT&#x27;s alleged role in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mass shooting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/17/florida-state-university-shooting-tallahassee" data-vars-content-id="1e09ef60-20e5-4c52-8303-21e4f0bca2bd" data-vars-headline="Florida AG probes ChatGPT&#x27;s role in USF student killings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/17/florida-state-university-shooting-tallahassee" target="_self">mass shooting</a> last year at Florida State University.</li></ul>

Florida investigating St. Pete Beach mothball mystery

The culprit may have been trying to deter black skimmers from nesting in the area.

Instead of sunscreen and salt water, the musty stench of mothballs wafted over a section of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Pete Beach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/21/st-pete-beach-parking-rates-increase-pinellas" data-vars-content-id="0be467b0-dafe-4ab0-a1a9-d7a55e6fca42" data-vars-headline="Florida investigating St. Pete Beach 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-parking-rates-increase-pinellas" target="_self">St. Pete Beach</a> this week.Why it matters: State wildlife officials are working to determine who littered the beach just south of the 4700 Gulf Blvd. parking lot with hundreds of the pellets, which are toxic to humans and animals.

Grady Judd doubles down on "path forward" for some undocumented immigrants

Judd said noncriminal immigrants who work and integrate could stay.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Polk County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/04/18/lakeland-florida-fastest-growing-metro" data-vars-content-id="a3980e1d-954f-4578-ac67-64d323149abf" data-vars-headline="Grady Judd doubles down on &quot;path forward&quot; for some undocumented immigrants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/04/18/lakeland-florida-fastest-growing-metro" target="_self">Polk County</a> Sheriff Grady Judd doubled down Tuesday on comments that certain undocumented immigrants who haven&#x27;t committed crimes should be given &quot;a path forward&quot; to staying in the U.S.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a stunning position for the sheriff, a strong ally of President Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis who is typically viewed as a GOP hardliner.

Ybor City will narrow street and add bollards after deadly crash

Changes are focused on "keeping the cars where the cars belong and protecting the pedestrians," a city official said.

Street narrowing and car barriers are among new safety features coming to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ybor City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/12/08/ybor-bradleys-crash-lgbtq-community" data-vars-content-id="e7a104f1-a722-4777-b188-999192178ee4" data-vars-headline="Ybor City will narrow street and add bollards after deadly crash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/12/08/ybor-bradleys-crash-lgbtq-community" target="_self">Ybor City</a>. Why it matters: Tampa city officials are enacting the changes in response to the November <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="police chase and car crash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/10/ybor-city-reels-after-driver-crashes-into-popular-bar" data-vars-content-id="e7a104f1-a722-4777-b188-999192178ee4" data-vars-headline="Ybor City will narrow street and add bollards after deadly crash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/10/ybor-city-reels-after-driver-crashes-into-popular-bar" target="_self">police chase and car crash</a> that killed four people and hurt more than a dozen.

Why Tampa Bay's LGBTQ+ community is reeling from the Ybor crash

"They crashed into an open wound," one patron said.

Groggy and away from Tampa for the weekend, Trevor Rosine didn&#x27;t understand why his friends were blowing up his phone that Saturday morning.<ul><li>Then, he saw the news: A car had rammed into Bradley&#x27;s on 7th, a gay bar in Ybor City where Rosine often rang in the weekend with Friday happy hours on the patio.</li></ul>

A donut chart illustrating the distribution of body regions treated for e-bike injuries in emergency departments from 2024 to 2025. The head, face, and neck account for the largest share at 32.4%, followed by shoulder/arm/elbow (18.8%), leg/knee (18.6%), hand/wrist/finger (11.4%), torso/trunk (10.4%), foot/ankle/toe (6.2%), and other injuries (2.3). 

Public Safety

After DeSantis order, Florida police drop Flock cameras — but not in Tampa Bay

St. Pete Beach business owners arrested in mothball mystery

Pinellas prosecutors enabled con artist to win cases, new book says

E-bike injuries surge among kids in Tampa Bay and nationwide

Slain USF students given commencement memorial and posthumous degrees