Tampa Bay

Picture of the Tampa Bay skyline with TPA written across it.

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Tampa Bay with Kathryn Varn and Yacob Reyes.

Axios Tampa Bay

Standard

Axios Tampa Bay Partners

Axios Tampa Bay Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

A guide to fun things to do in Tampa Bay this weekend.

Axios Tampa Bay Weekender

Weekender

Tampa Members

Membership

Axios Tampa Bay Deep Dive

Deep Dive

St. Pete's luxury-fueled identity crisis

From a $30K lounge to a possible Four Seasons, wealth is transforming the city.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Petersburg" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/04/21/wayward-goose-st-petersburg-closing" data-vars-content-id="4e33dd72-a0e2-4e5e-98e6-c9ad996b8f6c" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s luxury-fueled identity crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/04/21/wayward-goose-st-petersburg-closing" target="_self">St. Petersburg</a> City Council member Richie Floyd&#x27;s jaw hit the floor when he <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="read" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/food/2026/02/21/st-pete-food-hall-kojo-bar-hanna-central-park/" data-vars-content-id="4e33dd72-a0e2-4e5e-98e6-c9ad996b8f6c" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s luxury-fueled identity crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/food/2026/02/21/st-pete-food-hall-kojo-bar-hanna-central-park/" target="_blank">read</a> how much it&#x27;ll cost to join a members-only lounge coming soon to downtown&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Central Park food hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/06/new-restaurants-2026-tampa-st-pete" data-vars-content-id="4e33dd72-a0e2-4e5e-98e6-c9ad996b8f6c" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s luxury-fueled identity crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/06/new-restaurants-2026-tampa-st-pete" target="_self">Central Park food hall</a>.<ul><li>For Tampa Bay&#x27;s once-gritty <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city of the arts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/viewpoints/2026/02/24/is-st-pete-still-city-arts-column/" data-vars-content-id="4e33dd72-a0e2-4e5e-98e6-c9ad996b8f6c" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s luxury-fueled identity crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/viewpoints/2026/02/24/is-st-pete-still-city-arts-column/" target="_blank">city of the arts</a>, where many residents are struggling with rising costs, $30,000 is a jarring figure. Yet, the co-owner told Axios he&#x27;s been flooded with interest.</li><li>&quot;We actually can&#x27;t keep up,&quot; said Mark Levey, who recently moved from Tampa to a condo on the 28th floor of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Residences at 400 Central" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/12/03/inside-400-central-st-petersburg" data-vars-content-id="4e33dd72-a0e2-4e5e-98e6-c9ad996b8f6c" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s luxury-fueled identity crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/12/03/inside-400-central-st-petersburg" target="_self">The Residences at 400 Central</a>, St. Pete&#x27;s newest luxury high-rise.</li></ul>Why it matters: The project is one of several that signal a burgeoning movement toward luxury and exclusivity intensified by a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pandemic-induced influx of new residents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/09/19/florida-population-income-moving-migration" data-vars-content-id="4e33dd72-a0e2-4e5e-98e6-c9ad996b8f6c" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s luxury-fueled identity crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/09/19/florida-population-income-moving-migration" target="_self">pandemic-induced influx of new residents</a> — and wealth.

Bucs lose franchise legend Mike Evans to 49ers in free agency

Evans has been a mainstay for Tampa Bay since he was drafted in 2014.

Sports

After 12 seasons in pewter and red, Bucs legend Mike Evans is moving on to the San Francisco 49ers, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multiple" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/adamschefter/status/2031075093103698080?s=42" data-vars-content-id="d73d7eef-e05d-49c7-a5f0-ab2b54c5aa46" data-vars-headline="Bucs lose franchise legend Mike Evans to 49ers in free agency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/adamschefter/status/2031075093103698080?s=42" target="_blank">multiple</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2031075124846162381" data-vars-content-id="d73d7eef-e05d-49c7-a5f0-ab2b54c5aa46" data-vars-headline="Bucs lose franchise legend Mike Evans to 49ers in free agency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2031075124846162381" target="_blank">reports</a>.Why it matters: Evans has been a mainstay for Tampa Bay since he was drafted in 2014 — a two-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler who helped the Bucs win <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="their last championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/02/08/tampa-bay-buccaneers-beat-chiefs-win-super-bowl-lv" data-vars-content-id="d73d7eef-e05d-49c7-a5f0-ab2b54c5aa46" data-vars-headline="Bucs lose franchise legend Mike Evans to 49ers in free agency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/02/08/tampa-bay-buccaneers-beat-chiefs-win-super-bowl-lv" target="_self">their last championship</a>.

Inside Dalí Museum's $65m expansion

The museum will remain open during construction, which is expected to conclude in 2028.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dalí Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/29/dali-museum-unveils-new-murals-exhibit" data-vars-content-id="bff1aadf-0466-4bbc-855e-309e351dd1d4" data-vars-headline="Inside Dalí Museum&#x27;s $65m expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/29/dali-museum-unveils-new-murals-exhibit" target="_self">Dalí Museum</a> unveiled its plans to break ground on a $65 million expansion this fall. The big picture: The 35,000-square-foot expansion, designed by the same firm that built the existing building in 2011, will include a new exterior, a dedicated learning center and expanded event space.

Tech giants eye Florida amid data center boom

Industry leaders see growth potential, but hurricanes and utility costs loom large.

Tech giants are eyeing Florida for expansion of large-scale <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/16/midwest-data-center-growth-energy-usage" data-vars-content-id="fba58de6-8ac7-40c2-a71c-1f5751a7e9f6" data-vars-headline="Tech giants eye Florida amid data center boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/16/midwest-data-center-growth-energy-usage" target="_self">data centers</a>, the Tampa Bay Times <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2026/02/26/florida-data-center-desantis-amazon-meta-ai-chatgpt-citrus-polk/" data-vars-content-id="fba58de6-8ac7-40c2-a71c-1f5751a7e9f6" data-vars-headline="Tech giants eye Florida amid data center boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2026/02/26/florida-data-center-desantis-amazon-meta-ai-chatgpt-citrus-polk/" target="_blank">reported</a>.Why it matters: A ramp-up of the industry would thrust the Sunshine State into a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national battle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/24/ai-data-center-boom-projects-numbers" data-vars-content-id="fba58de6-8ac7-40c2-a71c-1f5751a7e9f6" data-vars-headline="Tech giants eye Florida amid data center boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/24/ai-data-center-boom-projects-numbers" target="_self">national battle</a> between rapidly expanding AI use and concerns over affordability and the environment.

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.

Best, worst July 4 weekend travel times around Tampa Bay

Forecasters say that a tropical disturbance could bring heavy rainfall to Tampa Bay over Fourth of July weekend.

Record-breaking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="July 4 travel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/06/28/july-fourth-travel-best-times" data-vars-content-id="b6a898be-3bb9-4066-a2b7-20a0c1765976" data-vars-headline="Best, worst July 4 weekend travel times around Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/06/28/july-fourth-travel-best-times" target="_self">July 4 travel</a> is expected to jam roadways and runways, according to AAA — so plan ahead.By the numbers: Over 72 million people are expected to travel 50+ miles over the long Independence Day holiday (June 28–July 6), per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/06/july4forecast/" data-vars-content-id="b6a898be-3bb9-4066-a2b7-20a0c1765976" data-vars-headline="Best, worst July 4 weekend travel times around Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/06/july4forecast/" target="_blank">AAA</a>.

Canadians' demand for U.S., Florida travel is cratering

Seat capacity for flights between Florida airports and Canadian cities has plummeted.

Canadians&#x27; desire to visit the U.S. is absolutely tanking, new data suggests.Why it matters: President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tariffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/23/canada-carney-slams-trump-tariffs-snap-elections" data-vars-content-id="c54f5b0e-aa30-4157-9aef-d2df96855473" data-vars-headline="Canadians&#x27; demand for U.S., Florida travel is cratering" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/23/canada-carney-slams-trump-tariffs-snap-elections" target="_self">tariffs</a> and insistence that Canada should become the 51st American state is fueling a remarkable rally-round-the-flag effect.

Tampa's airport is among the cheapest to fly from

The average domestic airfare at TPA is $326.

Travel

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/03/28/airport-complaints-tpa-pie-srq" data-vars-content-id="6e18b1fa-5062-4e01-af51-661d59d46a19" data-vars-headline="Tampa&#x27;s airport is among the cheapest to fly from" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/03/28/airport-complaints-tpa-pie-srq" target="_self">Tampa International Airport</a>&#x27;s average domestic airfare is $326 — cheaper than many other airports in the U.S. The big picture: Of the country&#x27;s busiest airports, Orlando is the other Florida airport with a great average fare price, according to the latest Transportation Department data.

Tampa airport defies U.S. air traffic controller shortage

There's been a heightened focus on tower staffing after back-to-back plane crashes in recent weeks.

Tampa International Airport has one of the lowest vacancy rates in the country for air traffic controllers, per recent<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Federal Aviation Administration data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/10/air-traffic-controller-shortages" data-vars-content-id="113e7d81-af22-4123-ac7c-0d23da3aff9c" data-vars-headline="Tampa airport defies U.S. air traffic controller shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/10/air-traffic-controller-shortages" target="_self"> Federal Aviation Administration data</a>.Why it matters: There&#x27;s been a heightened focus on tower staffing after back-to-back plane crashes in recent weeks — the latest being a Delta plane<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" flipping upside down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/17/delta-flight-crash-toronto-airport" data-vars-content-id="113e7d81-af22-4123-ac7c-0d23da3aff9c" data-vars-headline="Tampa airport defies U.S. air traffic controller shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/17/delta-flight-crash-toronto-airport" target="_self"> flipping upside down</a> Monday while landing.

Map: Roads closed for Gasparilla 2025

Tampa residents should prepare for heavy traffic and crowds on Saturday.

Tampa residents should prepare for heavy traffic and crowds on Saturday as pirates take over the city for the Gasparilla Pirate Festival.The big picture: There will be many street closures before, during and after the parade.

Misterb&b offers hospitality with Pride

Matthieu Jost started the site in 2014 after he said he and his partner were harassed while traveling abroad.

St. Pete welcomes hundreds of thousands of people to one of the biggest Pride events in the southeast, but finding welcoming accommodations isn&#x27;t always easy.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LGBTQ+ people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/15/lgbt-american-communities-states-data" data-vars-content-id="b38733d1-c86e-452b-b196-bfeba3f62567" data-vars-headline="Misterb&amp;b offers hospitality with Pride" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/15/lgbt-american-communities-states-data" target="_self">LGBTQ+ people</a> don&#x27;t always feel <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="safe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/18/anti-jewish-anti-lgbtq-hate-crimes-2022-fbi" data-vars-content-id="b38733d1-c86e-452b-b196-bfeba3f62567" data-vars-headline="Misterb&amp;b offers hospitality with Pride" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/18/anti-jewish-anti-lgbtq-hate-crimes-2022-fbi" target="_self">safe</a> while traveling, especially with their partners.

Margaritaville-inspired cruise docks in Tampa before maiden voyage

The boat makes its maiden voyage this week.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Margaritaville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/03/05/florida-license-plates-jimmy-buffett-marine-aquarium" data-vars-content-id="e02b054d-88de-46bf-a4fa-cd5e2f419d8a" data-vars-headline="Margaritaville-inspired cruise docks in Tampa before maiden voyage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/03/05/florida-license-plates-jimmy-buffett-marine-aquarium" target="_self">Margaritaville</a> at Sea&#x27;s latest cruise ship docked at Port Tampa Bay Monday as it readies for its maiden voyage.<ul><li>The Jimmy Buffett-inspired boat — The Islander — sails Thursday from its home port in Tampa to Cozumel, Mexico. Prices start at $229. </li></ul>

Gateway Expressway connecting I-275, U.S. 19 set to open Friday

Two new toll roads will better connect Interstate 275, U.S. 19 and the Bayside Bridge.

Transit

The long-awaited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gateway Expressway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/06/13/tampa-bay-gateway-expressway-open-date-interstate-275" data-vars-content-id="f38afbff-5d77-4d43-9c1f-a4ea6a9e309b" data-vars-headline="Gateway Expressway connecting I-275, U.S. 19 set to open Friday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/06/13/tampa-bay-gateway-expressway-open-date-interstate-275" target="_self">Gateway Expressway</a> is set to open to drivers on Friday, the Florida Department of Transportation announced.Why it matters: Two new toll roads will better connect Interstate 275, U.S. 19 and the Bayside Bridge at a common choke point for drivers traveling between Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

St. Pete Airbnb sleuth floods city with complaints

Marley Price has become a thorn in the side of Airbnb owners across the city.

Armed with reverse image search and aggrieved by St. Petersburg&#x27;s unaffordable housing market, Marley Price has become a thorn in the side of Airbnb owners across the city.State of play: Since late February, the 27-year-old resident has flagged more than 100 homes she alleged were illegally operating as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="short-term rentals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/09/01/short-term-rental-arizona-regulatory-power-cities" data-vars-content-id="ad33befd-9b27-433a-8808-c0add49b2d26" data-vars-headline="St. Pete Airbnb sleuth floods city with complaints" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/09/01/short-term-rental-arizona-regulatory-power-cities" target="_self">short-term rentals</a>.