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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.

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.

News

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>

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.

Florida citrus exhibit opens at St. Pete-Clearwater International

"Juicy: A Slice of Florida Life" features vintage citrus crate labels from local growers.

A taste of Florida history awaits locals and tourists in a new exhibit at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. State of play: &quot;Juicy: A Slice of Florida Life,&quot; presented by Creative Pinellas, features vintage citrus crate labels from local growers, a nod to Pinellas County living history museum Heritage Village&#x27;s 50th anniversary.

Rays near All-Star break looking like a contender

This season has been a huge — and unexpected —turnaround.

Sports

The American League-leading Rays look like a contender built around a full-fledged superstar as they roll toward next week&#x27;s All-Star break.Why it matters: This season has been a huge — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and unexpected" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/24/rays-season-preview-mlb-opening-day" data-vars-content-id="3f0ec82b-9bb8-4d1d-84b0-86afb77a4a42" data-vars-headline="Rays near All-Star break looking like a contender" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/24/rays-season-preview-mlb-opening-day" target="_self">and unexpected</a> —turnaround following two straight losing seasons.<ul><li>That it comes as the team is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="jockeying for $1 billion in public funding" 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="3f0ec82b-9bb8-4d1d-84b0-86afb77a4a42" data-vars-headline="Rays near All-Star break looking like a contender" 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">jockeying for $1 billion in public funding</a> is fortuitous timing for the team&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new ownership group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/07/rays-new-owners-stadium-search" data-vars-content-id="3f0ec82b-9bb8-4d1d-84b0-86afb77a4a42" data-vars-headline="Rays near All-Star break looking like a contender" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/07/rays-new-owners-stadium-search" target="_self">new ownership group</a>.</li></ul>The latest: The Rays lost to the Yankees on Thursday afternoon, completing a 2-2 home series against their chief division rivals.<ul><li>They host the AL West-leading Seattle Mariners for three games starting Friday, then cruise into the break.</li></ul>What&#x27;s working: First and foremost, Junior Caminero.<ul><li>The somehow-just-23-year-old third baseman has 26 home runs (a top-five figure across MLB) and at one point hit 11 in 11 games.</li><li>Joining Caminero on the AL All-Star team are designated hitter Yandy Diaz, starter Drew Rasmussen and reliever Bryan Baker.</li></ul>Causes for concern: The offense is very stars-and-scrubs, relying heavily on Caminero, Diaz and Jonathan Aranda for runs.<ul><li>Slumps or injuries for any of that trio could leave the Rays vulnerable. </li><li>The Rays also lack depth at starting pitcher, but...</li></ul>The intrigue: ... <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rumor has it" data-vars-click-url="https://fansided.com/mlb/realistic-tarik-skubal-trade-packages-for-the-phillies-dodgers-and-rays-01kwyhty1z05" data-vars-content-id="3f0ec82b-9bb8-4d1d-84b0-86afb77a4a42" data-vars-headline="Rays near All-Star break looking like a contender" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fansided.com/mlb/realistic-tarik-skubal-trade-packages-for-the-phillies-dodgers-and-rays-01kwyhty1z05" target="_blank">rumor has it</a> they&#x27;re among the teams that could trade for Detroit ace Tarik Skubal, who&#x27;s widely expected to be dealt soon.<ul><li>Skubal, the best pitcher on the market, would come at a high price but solidify the Rays as a World Series contender.</li><li>Other potential trade targets <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="include" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49306462/2026-mlb-trade-deadline-addition-top-contender-moves-dodgers-brewers-braves-yankees-phillies" data-vars-content-id="3f0ec82b-9bb8-4d1d-84b0-86afb77a4a42" data-vars-headline="Rays near All-Star break looking like a contender" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49306462/2026-mlb-trade-deadline-addition-top-contender-moves-dodgers-brewers-braves-yankees-phillies" target="_blank">include</a> Giants second baseman Luis Arráez and Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: After the Seattle series, watch Caminero and his teammates in the All-Star Game, 8pm Tuesday on Fox.

Tampa Bay Sun announce fall schedule

If you're having live soccer FOMO, you're in luck.

In case you&#x27;re feeling any live soccer FOMO, the Tampa Bay Sun just announced the football club&#x27;s fall schedule.State of play: The fall sprint marks Gainbridge Super League&#x27;s transition to a spring-to-fall calendar starting in 2027.<ul><li>The top four teams to emerge from the 14-game season will head to the playoffs. </li></ul>

Where to watch World Cup games

Several venues and bars are planning watch parties.

Things to Do

The World Cup kicks off this Thursday, and what better way to get in the spirit than watching with your neighbors at a local haunt? <ul><li>Here are some spots to catch the games:</li></ul>

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.

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.

<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>

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