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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.

NOAA forecasts quieter hurricane season but warns: Prepare now

Officials expect fewer Atlantic storms in 2026 but stress even one hurricane can be devastating.

Energy & Climate

This year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlantic hurricane season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/20/national-hurricane-center-updates-cone-of-uncertainty" data-vars-content-id="4e960f27-3540-4289-86b1-f9c435955f39" data-vars-headline="NOAA forecasts quieter hurricane season but warns: Prepare now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/20/national-hurricane-center-updates-cone-of-uncertainty" target="_self">Atlantic hurricane season</a> is expected to be below average in storm activity for the first time in more than a decade, NOAA meteorologists said Thursday in their annual forecast.Why it matters: Residents should still take the season seriously and prepare now, officials stressed.<ul><li>&quot;It&#x27;s very important to understand that it only takes one,&quot; NOAA administrator Neil Jacobs told reporters.</li></ul>

Tampa narrowly approves non-binding Rays stadium agreement

It's the Rays' second sweep this week — and a close one, at that.

The Tampa City Council voted 4-3 Thursday to enter into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Hillsborough County and the Rays to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="build a $2.3 billion stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/rays-plan-build-stadium-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="ebe9bf82-6eae-43cd-a024-91386d01965e" data-vars-headline="Tampa narrowly approves non-binding Rays stadium agreement" 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">build a $2.3 billion stadium</a> at Hillsborough College. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the Rays&#x27; second sweep this week — and a close one, at that. <ul><li>The first came <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="against the Orioles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/news/rays-rally-with-four-run-eighth-to-sweep-orioles" data-vars-content-id="ebe9bf82-6eae-43cd-a024-91386d01965e" data-vars-headline="Tampa narrowly approves non-binding Rays stadium agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/news/rays-rally-with-four-run-eighth-to-sweep-orioles" target="_blank">against the Orioles</a> on Wednesday. The second came off the field, winning approvals from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two local governments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/20/rays-stadium-mou-hillsborough-vote" data-vars-content-id="ebe9bf82-6eae-43cd-a024-91386d01965e" data-vars-headline="Tampa narrowly approves non-binding Rays stadium agreement" 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/rays-stadium-mou-hillsborough-vote" target="_self">two local governments</a> and a ground lease from Hillsborough College.</li></ul>

Howard Frankland Bridge trail to open Wednesday

The new express lanes are also set to open this week, weather permitting.

The walking and biking trail along the new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Howard Frankland Bridge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/03/24/new-howard-frankland-bridge-traffic-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="5c95eac6-30b0-4a98-8527-9be69a9f94e4" data-vars-headline="Howard Frankland Bridge trail to open Wednesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/03/24/new-howard-frankland-bridge-traffic-what-to-know" target="_self">Howard Frankland Bridge</a> is set to open Wednesday, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.<ul><li>The bridge&#x27;s express lanes will also likely open this week, weather permitting, department spokesperson Kris Carson told Axios.</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>

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.

What to know about the cheating scandal at the Hillsborough Sheriff's Office

An internal investigation spurred the departures of six top brass.

A months-long academic cheating investigation has roiled the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hillsborough County Sheriff&#x27;s Office" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/12/09/chad-chronister-dea-trump-covid" data-vars-content-id="01d3826b-552e-4819-988c-e63011a66379" data-vars-headline="What to know about the cheating scandal at the Hillsborough Sheriff&#x27;s Office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/12/09/chad-chronister-dea-trump-covid" target="_self">Hillsborough County Sheriff&#x27;s Office</a>, prompting the departures of six top brass.Why it matters: &quot;The public&#x27;s trust depends on the confidence that we are honest, transparent and willing to hold ourselves accountable when we fall short,&quot; Sheriff Chad Chronister <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said Monday during a news conference" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/live/4jVxmZ0qqtU" data-vars-content-id="01d3826b-552e-4819-988c-e63011a66379" data-vars-headline="What to know about the cheating scandal at the Hillsborough Sheriff&#x27;s Office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/live/4jVxmZ0qqtU" target="_blank">said Monday during a news conference</a>.

Prosecutors decline to pursue charges against pastors who protested mural removal

They each still owe $62.50 for the civil violation of obstructing a roadway.

Prosecutors declined to pursue charges against two pastors who were arrested protesting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="removal of the former &quot;Black History Matters&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/30/st-pete-street-mural-removal-pastors-arrested" data-vars-content-id="63a9b85b-fae8-4cca-ac16-ff6bfdf9335f" data-vars-headline="Prosecutors decline to pursue charges against pastors who protested mural removal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/30/st-pete-street-mural-removal-pastors-arrested" target="_self">removal of the former &quot;Black History Matters&quot;</a> street mural.State of play: The Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney&#x27;s Office last week filed notice it would not bring charges in the cases of Rev. Andy Oliver and Rev. Benedict Atherton-Zeman, court records show.

Public Safety

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

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

Ybor City will narrow street and add bollards after deadly crash