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

5-minute voting guide: Hillsborough's primary election

Here's a look at the candidates and races on the ballot.

News

Hillsborough County has already begun sending vote-by-mail ballots for the Aug. 18 primary election.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s a look at the candidates and races on the ballot.</li></ul>

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>

We waited nearly an hour to try Tampa Bay's first Cook Out

Cook Out is the latest in a string of popular eateries to hit town, joining recent arrivals Dutch Bros and Whataburger.

Culture

I made the pilgrimage this week to Tampa Bay&#x27;s first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cook Out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/08/03/cook-outs-mysterious-taco-restaurant-concept-is-coming-to-university-city-335963" data-vars-content-id="03023e71-8453-4750-a9de-379f218966c0" data-vars-headline="We waited nearly an hour to try Tampa Bay&#x27;s first Cook Out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/08/03/cook-outs-mysterious-taco-restaurant-concept-is-coming-to-university-city-335963" target="_self">Cook Out</a>. Why it matters: The North Carolina-based chain is a cult classic, serving up chargrilled burgers, crinkle fries, milkshakes and walking tacos to boot.

Tampa International to privatize TSA

TPA is among the first airports in the country to opt in to the TSA's new Gold+ program.

Travelers flying through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/06/tpa-could-see-disruptions-as-faa-cuts-flights" data-vars-content-id="95a5c5db-cfb6-4cb9-bb63-61cdbbf2e7ed" data-vars-headline="Tampa International to privatize TSA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/06/tpa-could-see-disruptions-as-faa-cuts-flights" target="_self">Tampa International Airport</a> next year will pass through security checkpoints staffed by a private contractor. Why it matters: The change comes after a government shutdown snarled airports nationwide earlier this year and is part of President Trump&#x27;s broader push to privatize airport security screening and shrink the Transportation Security Administration.Driving the news: Tampa International is among the first airports in the country to opt in to the TSA&#x27;s new Gold+ program.<ul><li>Under the program, a private contractor manages passenger screening under TSA oversight.</li><li>Tampa International hopes to complete the transition by May 2027, a timeline that depends on the federal government identifying eligible private contractors.</li></ul>Friction point: The change affects hundreds of TSA employees at the airport, giving them the option to work with the private company, relocate to another airport or, if eligible, retire.<ul><li>Chris Finlay, president of the local TSA union, told <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="WFLA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/tampa-international-airport-opts-into-tsa-gold-will-transition-to-private-workforce/amp/" data-vars-content-id="95a5c5db-cfb6-4cb9-bb63-61cdbbf2e7ed" data-vars-headline="Tampa International to privatize TSA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/tampa-international-airport-opts-into-tsa-gold-will-transition-to-private-workforce/amp/" target="_blank">WFLA</a> that moving into the private sector could result in the loss of benefits and lower salaries. &quot;The morale is in the trashcan,&quot; he said. </li><li>The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents TSA employees nationwide, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.afge.org/publication/tsa-union-vows-to-fight-new-privatization-push-in-tampa-charleston-and-des-moines-says-flying-public-should-be-concerned" data-vars-content-id="95a5c5db-cfb6-4cb9-bb63-61cdbbf2e7ed" data-vars-headline="Tampa International to privatize TSA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.afge.org/publication/tsa-union-vows-to-fight-new-privatization-push-in-tampa-charleston-and-des-moines-says-flying-public-should-be-concerned" target="_blank">says</a> expanding the privatization of airport security screening ignores lessons learned after the Sept. 11 attacks.</li></ul>The other side: Tampa International said in a statement that the Gold+ program reflects its commitment to &quot;modernization,&quot; giving the airport more latitude to explore &quot;new screening checkpoint infrastructure and technology.&quot;Between the lines: Private airport screening isn&#x27;t new. The Gold+ program builds upon TSA&#x27;s existing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Screening Partnership Program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tsa.gov/goldplus" data-vars-content-id="95a5c5db-cfb6-4cb9-bb63-61cdbbf2e7ed" data-vars-headline="Tampa International to privatize TSA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tsa.gov/goldplus" target="_blank">Screening Partnership Program</a>, which operates at 20 airports across the U.S.<ul><li>Sarasota Bradenton International Airport has operated under that program for more than a decade, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa Bay Business Journal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2026/07/22/tpa-joins-tsa-gold.html" data-vars-content-id="95a5c5db-cfb6-4cb9-bb63-61cdbbf2e7ed" data-vars-headline="Tampa International to privatize TSA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2026/07/22/tpa-joins-tsa-gold.html" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Business Journal</a>. Orlando Sanford International is also in the program.</li><li>Neither airport encountered security screening delays during this year&#x27;s government shutdown.</li></ul>

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.

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>

Exclusive: Bradley's on 7th owner talks Ybor City crash, safety

Bar owner Bradley Nelson spoke with Axios over email.

If you hadn&#x27;t heard of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bradley&#x27;s on 7th" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/12/08/ybor-bradleys-crash-lgbtq-community" data-vars-content-id="5417038d-491d-4c89-8cf3-91959706f38c" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Bradley&#x27;s on 7th owner talks Ybor City crash, safety" 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">Bradley&#x27;s on 7th</a>, you probably have now. <ul><li>The Ybor City gay bar was the site of a car crash that killed four people and injured 13 others.</li></ul>

Florida leads nation in executing military veterans

A new report from the Death Penalty Information Center highlights the troubling trend.

A third of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/28/desantis-florida-execution-record-death-penalty" data-vars-content-id="b587361e-31d9-41f9-a3b0-365ace6e08d1" data-vars-headline="Florida leads nation in executing military veterans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/28/desantis-florida-execution-record-death-penalty" target="_self">record</a> 15 people put to death this year by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were military veterans, according to a new report. Why it matters: Veterans are overrepresented on death rows across the country, with their military service and psychological and physical trauma often minimized or not mentioned at all to jurors.

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

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

Florida AG probes ChatGPT's role in USF student killings

Florida investigating St. Pete Beach mothball mystery