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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>.

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's 40-year quest for baseball comes to a vote

The city's quest for a professional baseball team looked all but dead 28 years ago.

Sports

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Rays&#x27; search" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/05/rays-new-stadium-renderings-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="e0d24758-6c34-4201-80fe-a57af5f99a4b" data-vars-headline="Tampa&#x27;s 40-year quest for baseball comes to a vote" 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">The Rays&#x27; search</a> for a new home may end where Tampa leaders first tried to bring Major League Baseball four decades ago. Why it matters: The city&#x27;s quest for a professional baseball team looked all but dead 28 years ago, when the Rays debuted in St. Petersburg. This week, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two votes" 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="e0d24758-6c34-4201-80fe-a57af5f99a4b" data-vars-headline="Tampa&#x27;s 40-year quest for baseball comes to a vote" 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">two votes</a> could bring this side of the Bay closer than ever to that goal.

What to know about the Rays' hot start to the 2026 season

As the fate of their planned future home is being decided, the team is on a well-timed tear.

In Tampa Bay&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="commission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/16/takeaways-hillsborough-rays-workshop" data-vars-content-id="b3ec5dc5-310d-4c68-8221-a35c83f631fc" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Rays&#x27; hot start to the 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/16/takeaways-hillsborough-rays-workshop" target="_self">commission</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/06/tampa-rays-stadium-workshop" data-vars-content-id="b3ec5dc5-310d-4c68-8221-a35c83f631fc" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Rays&#x27; hot start to the 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/06/tampa-rays-stadium-workshop" target="_self">council</a> chambers, the Rays have recently been a source of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/26/parking-already-plagues-new-rays-stadium-report-says" data-vars-content-id="b3ec5dc5-310d-4c68-8221-a35c83f631fc" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Rays&#x27; hot start to the 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/26/parking-already-plagues-new-rays-stadium-report-says" target="_self">concern</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uncertainty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" data-vars-content-id="b3ec5dc5-310d-4c68-8221-a35c83f631fc" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Rays&#x27; hot start to the 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" target="_self">uncertainty</a> as they <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seek $1 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/09/rays-want-1-billion-from-hillsborough-tampa-for-new-ballpark" data-vars-content-id="b3ec5dc5-310d-4c68-8221-a35c83f631fc" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Rays&#x27; hot start to the 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/09/rays-want-1-billion-from-hillsborough-tampa-for-new-ballpark" target="_self">seek $1 billion</a> in public stadium funding.<ul><li>But all is well inside the Trop.</li></ul>Why it matters: It&#x27;s never a bad time to win. But as the fate of their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="planned future home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/05/rays-new-stadium-renderings-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="b3ec5dc5-310d-4c68-8221-a35c83f631fc" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Rays&#x27; hot start to the 2026 season" 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">planned future home</a> is being decided, the team is on a well-timed tear.

Tropicana Field nostalgia hits fever pitch

Saturday night's Rays game giveaway illustrated that Trop nostalgia is at an all-time high.

We were so cocky, strolling into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tropicana Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/03/rays-tropicana-field-return-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="7d7206cf-3355-4fe2-a2b7-8fdd2ccd157b" data-vars-headline="Tropicana Field nostalgia hits fever pitch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/03/rays-tropicana-field-return-what-to-know" target="_self">Tropicana Field</a> 10 minutes before Saturday night&#x27;s first pitch, spoiled by our easily obtained player bobbleheads and specialty jerseys at past <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rays promotional games" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/10/rays-promo-games-2026-tropicana-field-flappy-boi" data-vars-content-id="7d7206cf-3355-4fe2-a2b7-8fdd2ccd157b" data-vars-headline="Tropicana Field nostalgia hits fever pitch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/10/rays-promo-games-2026-tropicana-field-flappy-boi" target="_self">Rays promotional games</a>.<ul><li>Not only were the light-up Trop replicas already gone — we&#x27;d missed the wave of giveaways by 40 minutes, a staffer told us.</li><li>Later that night, I checked eBay and saw that one had already sold for $75. More were up for bid, starting at $50. </li></ul>Why it matters: In this season that&#x27;s both a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homecoming" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/07/rays-tropicana-field-return-home-opener" data-vars-content-id="7d7206cf-3355-4fe2-a2b7-8fdd2ccd157b" data-vars-headline="Tropicana Field nostalgia hits fever pitch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/07/rays-tropicana-field-return-home-opener" target="_self">homecoming</a> and the start of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long goodbye" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/rays-plan-build-stadium-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="7d7206cf-3355-4fe2-a2b7-8fdd2ccd157b" data-vars-headline="Tropicana Field nostalgia hits fever pitch" 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">long goodbye</a>, Trop nostalgia is at an all-time high.

Tampa Bay joins Florida padel boom with new courts, clubs

The sport is growing across the U.S., with the Sunshine State as the epicenter.

Move over, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pickleball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/27/pickleball-clubs-st-pete-tampa-largo" data-vars-content-id="bbfe4db6-dfa3-4ac2-82aa-97802c4c09f4" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay joins Florida padel boom with new courts, clubs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/27/pickleball-clubs-st-pete-tampa-largo" target="_self">pickleball</a>. A hot new racquet sport is on the rise in Tampa Bay.Why it matters: Padel, often described as a mix of squash and tennis, is growing in the U.S., with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida as the epicenter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.padelfip.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FIP-WPR-2025_DIGITAL.pdf" data-vars-content-id="bbfe4db6-dfa3-4ac2-82aa-97802c4c09f4" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay joins Florida padel boom with new courts, clubs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.padelfip.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FIP-WPR-2025_DIGITAL.pdf" target="_blank">Florida as the epicenter</a>, according to the International Padel Federation.

Hillsborough says it can't meet Rays' stadium deadline

Missing the deadline, the Rays have warned, could put state funding at risk and force them to look elsewhere.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hillsborough County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/16/takeaways-hillsborough-rays-workshop" data-vars-content-id="fe2fa8fb-34c3-44af-a158-62ed0c3a3cc8" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough says it can&#x27;t meet Rays&#x27; stadium deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/16/takeaways-hillsborough-rays-workshop" target="_self">Hillsborough County</a> says the June 1 deadline the Rays set for a stadium deal is unlikely to be met, according to a memorandum. Why it matters: The Rays are working against a tight window to build a new ballpark by Opening Day 2029. Missing the deadline, the team has warned, could put state funding at risk and force them to look elsewhere.

A casual Bucs fan's guide to the 2026 NFL draft

The departures of receiver Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David leave massive shoes to fill.

Next week&#x27;s NFL Draft will offer the Bucs a chance to replenish their roster amid an offseason in which two franchise legends left the team.Why it matters: The departures of receiver <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mike Evans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/09/bucs-lose-franchise-legend-mike-evans-to-49ers-in-free-agency" data-vars-content-id="28b6e8f8-8c3d-42f6-b38f-98ee5d7aa1ea" data-vars-headline="A casual Bucs fan&#x27;s guide to the 2026 NFL draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/09/bucs-lose-franchise-legend-mike-evans-to-49ers-in-free-agency" target="_self">Mike Evans</a> and linebacker Lavonte David leave massive shoes to fill on both sides of the ball.<ul><li>While last year&#x27;s first-round pick, receiver Emeka Egbuka, is ready for a bigger role on offense, the team is thin in its defensive front.</li></ul>

Rays return to Tropicana Field: What to know

For the first time since 2024, the Rays will play at Tropicana Field.

For the first time since 2024, the Rays <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="will play at Tropicana Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/13/tampa-bay-rays-st-petersburg-2026-tickets" data-vars-content-id="1dede3a4-5331-4221-8cd6-b753220c8fc2" data-vars-headline="Rays return to Tropicana Field: What to 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/2025/11/13/tampa-bay-rays-st-petersburg-2026-tickets" target="_self">will play at Tropicana Field</a> on Monday night. Why it matters: It&#x27;s been a long time coming (one year and six months to be exact), but the team is finally back home in St. Petersburg.

Parking already plagues new Rays stadium, report says

This snag won't surprise anyone who has attended a game or concert in Tampa Bay.

Business

Negotiations for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Rays stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" data-vars-content-id="6d43969f-6218-42b6-afff-e7c109286066" data-vars-headline="Parking already plagues new Rays stadium, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" target="_self">new Rays stadium</a> at Hillsborough College have hit a snag that won&#x27;t surprise anyone who has attended a game or concert in Tampa Bay: parking.Why it matters: The Tampa Sports Authority, which relies on the college&#x27;s lots for Buccaneers games, concerts and events, hasn&#x27;t received clarity from the Rays about how a new ballpark would disrupt that arrangement.

A casual fan's guide to the 2026 Rays season

The Rays are coming off two straight losing seasons and 4th-place finishes in the AL East.

As the Rays return to Tropicana Field, fans hope they&#x27;ll also return to form as the small-market team that punches above its weight.Why it matters: When you&#x27;re seeking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a huge haul of local tax dollars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" data-vars-content-id="8518f4e6-bb69-4b0d-807d-e6da7ead5a8e" data-vars-headline="A casual fan&#x27;s guide to the 2026 Rays season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" target="_self">a huge haul of local tax dollars</a> to build <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new 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="8518f4e6-bb69-4b0d-807d-e6da7ead5a8e" data-vars-headline="A casual fan&#x27;s guide to the 2026 Rays season" 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">a new stadium</a>, it doesn&#x27;t hurt to have the fans fired up.<ul><li>But the Rays are coming off two straight losing seasons and fourth-place finishes in the AL East.</li></ul>

Sports 🏅

Hillsborough County approves Rays stadium MOU

Tampa's 40-year quest for baseball comes to a vote

What to know about the Rays' hot start to the 2026 season

Tropicana Field nostalgia hits fever pitch

Tampa Bay joins Florida padel boom with new courts, clubs