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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.

St. Pete could end parking minimums to boost development near SunRunner

Supporters see more housing and walkability ahead, while critics fear neighborhood spillover.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Petersburg" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/01/st-pete-mahaffey-theater-bid-rejected-new-rfp" data-vars-content-id="8e318817-9a3f-40df-8ae9-35bc3784cad6" data-vars-headline="St. Pete could end parking minimums to boost development near SunRunner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/01/st-pete-mahaffey-theater-bid-rejected-new-rfp" target="_self">St. Petersburg</a> City Council members are set to decide Thursday whether to remove minimum parking requirements for new residences and businesses near SunRunner stations and along much of Central Avenue.Why it matters: Proponents and transit advocates say the changes will encourage use of the bus-rapid transit system and spark denser development, creating more walkable communities and driving down housing prices.<ul><li>Opponents worry that parking will spill into neighborhoods like Historic Kenwood and that more density could change the character of the Grand Central District and its historic buildings.</li></ul>

Sunshine Skyway tolls to go cashless, freeing up traffic

The change will help alleviate a traffic bottleneck issue, officials said.

Toll booths at both ends of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge will soon go fully electronic, according to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).Why it matters: The plazas currently accept cash, which can cause <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traffic to bottleneck" data-vars-click-url="https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/05/19/why-does-the-skyway-bridge-still-have-toll-booths--" data-vars-content-id="d5017892-fe9c-43a6-b86d-0b8ff86e4a24" data-vars-headline="Sunshine Skyway tolls to go cashless, freeing up traffic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/05/19/why-does-the-skyway-bridge-still-have-toll-booths--" target="_blank">traffic to bottleneck</a> during peak travel times.

Tampa-St. Pete ferry comeback set for approval

Transit officials will also vote on whether to buy a used 250-passenger boat for the service.

Pinellas County transit officials are expected on Wednesday to approve a year-round <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ferry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/02/hillsborough-oks-pinellas-funds-cross-bay-ferry-service" data-vars-content-id="a544f61a-c13b-440e-9e9d-775e3e90c2da" data-vars-headline="Tampa-St. Pete ferry comeback set for approval" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/02/hillsborough-oks-pinellas-funds-cross-bay-ferry-service" target="_self">ferry</a> service connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the final vote before local officials can start building out the service, called the Tampa Bay Ferry.

Waymo's self-driving taxis are coming to Tampa

Humans will be behind the wheel — for now.

Waymo&#x27;s self-driving cars will soon hit Tampa streets, the company announced Thursday.<ul><li>Yes, but: Humans will be behind the wheel for now. </li></ul>Why it matters: The rollout lays the groundwork for the autonomous ride-hailing service to start operating in Tampa.

The best and worst times for Tampa Bay Thanksgiving 2025 travel

There will be a record-breaking 4.65 million Floridians leaving town for Thanksgiving this year, AAA predicts.

It&#x27;s time for Tampa Bay road and sky warriors to start thinking about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thanksgiving" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/18/thanksgiving-specials-under-50-dollars" data-vars-content-id="195df6e4-6494-4195-8623-e7c904af3bcb" data-vars-headline="The best and worst times for Tampa Bay Thanksgiving 2025 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/18/thanksgiving-specials-under-50-dollars" target="_self">Thanksgiving</a> travel.Why it matters: There will be a record-breaking 4.65 million Floridians leaving town for Thanksgiving this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.acg.aaa.com/nearly-465-million-floridians-expected-to-travel-for-thanksgiving/" data-vars-content-id="195df6e4-6494-4195-8623-e7c904af3bcb" data-vars-headline="The best and worst times for Tampa Bay Thanksgiving 2025 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.acg.aaa.com/nearly-465-million-floridians-expected-to-travel-for-thanksgiving/" target="_blank">AAA</a> predicts.

Tampa Bay spending more time stuck in traffic

The average Tampa Bay car commuter spent 64 hours in traffic delays last year.

The average Tampa Bay car commuter spent 64 hours <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stuck in traffic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/08/slowest-driving-cities-america-list" data-vars-content-id="a1b9375b-f49c-421f-af9e-a123160b6eb6" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay spending more time stuck in traffic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/08/slowest-driving-cities-america-list" target="_self">stuck in traffic</a> last year, a new report finds.<ul><li>That&#x27;s 11 more hours than in 2019.</li></ul>

State to remove part of SunRunner's dedicated lanes

Dedicated lanes are a key feature underpinning the 3-year-old bus rapid-transit service.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SunRunner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/09/29/sunrunner-bus-st-petersburg-free-fares" data-vars-content-id="c3b498c0-257b-4362-9225-c91389fac242" data-vars-headline="State to remove part of SunRunner&#x27;s dedicated lanes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/09/29/sunrunner-bus-st-petersburg-free-fares" target="_self">SunRunner</a> will no longer have dedicated lanes along South Pasadena Avenue after state officials intervened.Why it matters: Dedicated lanes are a key feature underpinning the 3-year-old rapid-transit bus service, which was billed as a high-frequency, limited-congestion way to travel from downtown St. Petersburg to St. Pete Beach.

How to hack lane closures around downtown Tampa this weekend

Brace for detours, and follow these steps.

All but one lane of I-275 through downtown Tampa will close this weekend as crews work on improvements to the I-275/I-4 interchange.Why it matters: If you&#x27;re passing through downtown, brace for detours.

Florida orders removal of Tampa school crosswalks it once awarded

The about-face raises more questions about the reasoning behind the Florida Department of Transportation's directive.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/13/how-where-celebrate-tampa-813-day-2025" data-vars-content-id="d7e99998-3c14-4b52-9755-591ebd0f5a51" data-vars-headline="Florida orders removal of Tampa school crosswalks it once awarded" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/13/how-where-celebrate-tampa-813-day-2025" target="_self">Tampa</a> officials will remove 47 street murals to comply with a state <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crackdown on pavement art" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/22/st-petersburg-to-comply-with-state-order-to-remove-pride-black-history-street-art" data-vars-content-id="d7e99998-3c14-4b52-9755-591ebd0f5a51" data-vars-headline="Florida orders removal of Tampa school crosswalks it once awarded" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/22/st-petersburg-to-comply-with-state-order-to-remove-pride-black-history-street-art" target="_self">crackdown on pavement art</a>, a city spokesperson said Monday.<ul><li>Nearly half are part of a school crosswalk art campaign that the Florida Department of Transportation <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="awarded in 2021" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fdot.gov/planning/TPX/awards" data-vars-content-id="d7e99998-3c14-4b52-9755-591ebd0f5a51" data-vars-headline="Florida orders removal of Tampa school crosswalks it once awarded" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fdot.gov/planning/TPX/awards" target="_blank">awarded in 2021</a> for its innovation and safety.</li></ul>Why it matters: The about-face raises more questions about the reasoning behind the Florida Department of Transportation&#x27;s directive, which state leaders previously said was to bolster driver and pedestrian safety.

St. Pete fears rainbow street art could be next after Pulse removal in Orlando

"Communities across Florida, including ours, should be prepared for similar actions," the mayor said.

In an escalation of Gov. Ron DeSantis&#x27; war on pavement art, state officials quietly removed a rainbow crosswalk outside Pulse, the former LGBTQ+ nightclub in Orlando that&#x27;s now a memorial to the 49 patrons shot and killed there in 2016.Why it matters: &quot;Communities across Florida, including ours, should be prepared for similar actions,&quot; St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch said in a statement Thursday.

Transit 🚗

St. Pete could end parking minimums to boost development near SunRunner

Sunshine Skyway tolls to go cashless, freeing up traffic

Tampa-St. Pete ferry comeback set for approval

Waymo's self-driving taxis are coming to Tampa

The best and worst times for Tampa Bay Thanksgiving 2025 travel