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What Florida's property tax overhaul could cost local governments

The state House has added three property tax amendments to its calendar for floor votes.

News

Tampa Bay governments stand to lose hundreds of millions in tax collections if property tax changes advancing in the Legislature become law, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/bill-summary-hjr-201-203-205-207-209-211-and-213?mc_cid=c9718583ff&amp;mc_eid=81b69123db" data-vars-content-id="575fd09a-059e-4ac7-ae22-d5afea179106" data-vars-headline="What Florida&#x27;s property tax overhaul could cost local governments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/bill-summary-hjr-201-203-205-207-209-211-and-213?mc_cid=c9718583ff&amp;mc_eid=81b69123db" target="_blank">report</a> by the Florida Policy Institute (FPI).Why it matters: The House has added <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three of those amendments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/11/where-property-tax-cuts-other-bills-stand-in-the-florida-legislature" data-vars-content-id="575fd09a-059e-4ac7-ae22-d5afea179106" data-vars-headline="What Florida&#x27;s property tax overhaul could cost local governments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/11/where-property-tax-cuts-other-bills-stand-in-the-florida-legislature" target="_self">three of those amendments</a> to its calendar for floor votes, with HJR 203 up first, on Thursday.

Florida senator's proposal could hinder Manatee cruise port

The proposal would restrict dredging in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

A Florida lawmaker filed legislation to bolster environmental protections of the waters around the site of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed cruise port" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/28/skyway-cruise-port-rattlesnake-key-manatee-county" data-vars-content-id="d0c025ad-33a6-4f97-b27c-8fceff608b91" data-vars-headline="Florida senator&#x27;s proposal could hinder Manatee cruise port" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/28/skyway-cruise-port-rattlesnake-key-manatee-county" target="_self">proposed cruise port</a> in Manatee County.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/302/Amendment/117522/PDF" data-vars-content-id="d0c025ad-33a6-4f97-b27c-8fceff608b91" data-vars-headline="Florida senator&#x27;s proposal could hinder Manatee cruise port" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/302/Amendment/117522/PDF" target="_blank">proposal</a>, filed Wednesday afternoon by Bradenton Sen. Jim Boyd, could derail plans for the contentious port project, which is planned for a tract of land near the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

Florida homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high

Still-high mortgage rates and home prices have sidelined many shoppers. But those who remain in the market are scoring the biggest deals in years.

The average discount for Tampa metro area <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="3cc27a5a-d5e1-492e-af79-93885e72426a" data-vars-headline="Florida homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">homes</a> that sold below their original asking price last year was nearly 10%.<ul><li>That&#x27;s one of the largest discounts among major U.S. cities analyzed in a recent Redfin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-discounts-below-list-price-2025/" data-vars-content-id="3cc27a5a-d5e1-492e-af79-93885e72426a" data-vars-headline="Florida homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-discounts-below-list-price-2025/" target="_blank">report</a>.</li></ul>

St. Pete, Clearwater Duke fight looms over Florida elections

A new report flags Florida as a 2026 energy battleground.

Energy affordability will likely be a top issue among Florida voters in this year&#x27;s midterm elections, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://echocomms.com/the-10-energy-affordability-battlegrounds/" data-vars-content-id="f5d04439-6e8a-4ae5-b488-772dcb5cced2" data-vars-headline="St. Pete, Clearwater Duke fight looms over Florida elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://echocomms.com/the-10-energy-affordability-battlegrounds/" target="_blank">new report</a>. Why it matters: Nowhere is that more apparent than in Tampa Bay, where two cities are considering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dropping their contracts with corporate utility Duke Energy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/09/25/clearwater-utility-study-duke-energy" data-vars-content-id="f5d04439-6e8a-4ae5-b488-772dcb5cced2" data-vars-headline="St. Pete, Clearwater Duke fight looms over Florida elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/09/25/clearwater-utility-study-duke-energy" target="_self">dropping their contracts with corporate utility Duke Energy</a> over mounting frustration with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sky-high power bills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/2025/11/13/duke-energy-tampa-electric-florida-energy-bill-increase-why/" data-vars-content-id="f5d04439-6e8a-4ae5-b488-772dcb5cced2" data-vars-headline="St. Pete, Clearwater Duke fight looms over Florida elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/2025/11/13/duke-energy-tampa-electric-florida-energy-bill-increase-why/" target="_blank">sky-high power bills</a>.

The best and worst new foods at the 2026 Florida State Fair

We made it through 14 of the 32 items highlighted in this year's visitor's guide.

Culture

Axios Tampa Bay set out to try all of the strange, new food and drink choices at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/06/florida-state-fair-foods-2025" data-vars-content-id="bdc00e1b-68f4-4e4e-81fa-b4041acce643" data-vars-headline="The best and worst new foods at the 2026 Florida State Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/06/florida-state-fair-foods-2025" target="_self">Florida State Fair</a>.State of play: Kathryn had to sit this one out, so she left my wife, Maya, and me to brave the fair food alone. <ul><li>Our stomachs haven&#x27;t forgiven her.</li></ul>

Super Bowl, Bad Bunny parties take over Tampa Bay

Bad Bunny or football? We're celebrating both.

Things to Do

Super Bowl weekend is here — or, if you don&#x27;t care about the sports of it all, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bad Bunny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/29/bad-bunny-super-bowl-2026-headline-performer" data-vars-content-id="0bb2560f-723d-4616-a940-51760d255917" data-vars-headline="Super Bowl, Bad Bunny parties take over Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/29/bad-bunny-super-bowl-2026-headline-performer" target="_self">Bad Bunny</a> halftime show weekend is here.<ul><li>Here are some local ways to partake in the Big Game festivities:</li></ul>

2026 concert guide: BTS, Post Malone, Peso Pluma, Soulja Boy

With shows scheduled through November, there's a little something for everyone.

Tampa Bay&#x27;s 2026 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/12/12/2025-concert-guide-avril-lavigne-my-chemical-romance" data-vars-content-id="ccde258c-2fb7-4e21-b0f5-94a13c44cbd1" data-vars-headline="2026 concert guide: BTS, Post Malone, Peso Pluma, Soulja Boy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/12/12/2025-concert-guide-avril-lavigne-my-chemical-romance" target="_self">concert</a> lineup is heating up.State of play: With shows scheduled through November, there&#x27;s a little something for everyone.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s a (not exhaustive) roundup of concerts coming our way next year:</li></ul>

5 ways to celebrate Valentine's Day in Tampa Bay

Love's in the air — and on the calendar.

Love&#x27;s in the air — and on the calendar. <ul><li>We&#x27;re less than two weeks from Valentine&#x27;s Day, and if you haven&#x27;t made plans, don&#x27;t worry. Your pals at Axios Tampa Bay have got you covered. </li></ul>

Gasparilla 2026: Your guide to Tampa's pirate fest

Schedule, road closures and the weather forecast — oh my!

Dig out your woolen stockings and plunder your liquor cabinets: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gasparilla" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/01/25/gasparilla-guide-things-to-do-road-closures-parking" data-vars-content-id="c88d94dd-ce83-4b29-9c00-1ea403121614" data-vars-headline="Gasparilla 2026: Your guide to Tampa&#x27;s pirate fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/01/25/gasparilla-guide-things-to-do-road-closures-parking" target="_self">Gasparilla</a> is upon us.Why it matters: Tampa&#x27;s take on a Mardi Gras-style street festival is expected to draw thousands of pirate-dressed revelers and shut down several roads on Saturday.

Learn stained glass from Tarpon Springs-based Curiosity Garden

It's a chance for locals to learn the craft from one of the best.

I&#x27;ve followed Curiosity Garden on Instagram for a while now, enchanted by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stained glass" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/05/02/glass-of-life-stained-glass-classes-st-petersburg" data-vars-content-id="2f914e3a-7006-46d9-8006-2143c6e6ea65" data-vars-headline="Learn stained glass from Tarpon Springs-based Curiosity Garden" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/05/02/glass-of-life-stained-glass-classes-st-petersburg" target="_self">stained glass</a> pieces depicting Florida flora and fauna.<ul><li>The work is in such high demand that I&#x27;ve learned to set alarms for her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online shop" data-vars-click-url="https://curiositygarden.bigcartel.com/" data-vars-content-id="2f914e3a-7006-46d9-8006-2143c6e6ea65" data-vars-headline="Learn stained glass from Tarpon Springs-based Curiosity Garden" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://curiositygarden.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">online shop</a> restocks to ensure I can snag pieces before they sell out.</li></ul>

Children's Gasparilla: Road closures and schedule

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Children&#x27;s Gasparilla Parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/01/13/getting-the-scoop-on-the-gasparilla-pirate-festival" data-vars-content-id="67abd329-3f3f-46dc-a034-627155b5af90" data-vars-headline="Children&#x27;s Gasparilla: Road closures and schedule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/01/13/getting-the-scoop-on-the-gasparilla-pirate-festival" target="_self">Children&#x27;s Gasparilla Parade</a> is Saturday, which means Tampeños should be aware of a few things:<ul><li>Road closures, loud noises and cute kids in pirate costumes. </li></ul>

St. Petersburg weekend events: Plantapalooza, taco fest, night market

Thaw out from the cold with these outdoor events.

Warmer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="temperatures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/14/freeze-watch-tampa-st-pete-pasco" data-vars-content-id="7b4f8f22-d4d9-495b-b4da-31a5bfb0cbab" data-vars-headline="St. Petersburg weekend events: Plantapalooza, taco fest, night market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/14/freeze-watch-tampa-st-pete-pasco" target="_self">temperatures</a> are on the way this weekend, thank goodness.<ul><li>Thaw out from the recent cold fronts with these outdoor events:</li></ul>

Weekend events: Kite festival, book fair, Civil Rights doc screening

The weekend is nigh! <ul><li>Here are a few ways to spend it:</li></ul>

4 ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. in Tampa Bay

Volunteer, enjoy a meal, or watch a parade or two.

This Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Here are a few ways to celebrate the civil rights icon across the Tampa Bay area.

Things to Do 🗓

Things to do in St. Petersburg: Winter Pride, seafood fest

The best and worst new foods at the 2026 Florida State Fair

Super Bowl, Bad Bunny parties take over Tampa Bay

2026 concert guide: BTS, Post Malone, Peso Pluma, Soulja Boy

5 ways to celebrate Valentine's Day in Tampa Bay