The hottest housing markets of 2025 are leaving Tampa Bay behind.

Why it matters: Our hot housing market is cooling off, according to Zillow's annual market ranking. Ranked in the top 10 just last year, it dropped 19 spots to No. 29.

How it works: Zillow's annual ranking forecasts the most competitive housing markets for buyers. Markets at the top of the list are largely "starved for housing inventory," the real estate platform tells Axios.

• These regions tend to be relatively affordable with strong job and wage growth.

Zoom in: Places like the Tampa Bay area that fell in the ranking are markets that are expected to see relatively larger declines in demand relative to supply, per Zillow senior economist Orphe Divounguy.

• Last year's devastating back-to-back hurricanes likely played a part, Tampa real estate agent Chandler Thompson told ABC Action News.

What he's saying: "I think a lot of people are starting to reconsider moving here," Thompson said.

• "Insurance is getting higher, taxes are getting higher, and the market's definitely cooling down a little bit. … Houses are starting to sit a little bit longer."

Zoom out: Rankings plummeted in other Florida metros, too. Orlando — which Divounguy said has seen a 30% increase in for-sale inventory — fell 14 places to No. 23. Jacksonville dropped nine spots to rank 40th.

• The lone Sunshine State outlier: Miami, which jumped 10 spots to No. 15.
• Hartford, Connecticut, and Richmond, Virginia, are the rising stars to watch in 2025. Sellers there have the upper hand as homes fly off the market at record speed.

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As the bird flu outbreak grows, egg prices soar and food recalls mount, consumers may be left wondering whether it's safe to have that morning omelet.

The big picture: Yes, eggs sold at grocery stores remain safe for human consumption, according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

• "The likelihood that eggs from infected poultry are found in the retail market is low and proper storage and preparation further reduce the risk," an FDA spokesperson said in an email Friday.

Driving the news: The first bird flu-related human death in the U.S. was reported last week in Louisiana.

• The person was exposed to sick and dead birds in a non-commercial backyard flock and to wild birds, state health officials said.

Yes, but: The risk of people becoming infected with bird flu through the consumption of contaminated shell eggs is low, the FDA and the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service found in a 2010 risk assessment.

• University of Delaware animal and food sciences professor Kalmia Kniel told Axios the poultry industry "has excellent biosecurity which is critical to reducing the risk of avian influenza and the spread of the virus to flocks."
• There is a routine testing program for chickens in commercial production, she added, and the industry monitors the birds carefully for signs of infection or illness.

Go deeper: Tips for safe buying, storage

🏨 FEMA is extending hotel stays for residents displaced by last year's hurricanes, which were set to expire tomorrow. But not everyone who may be eligible has been contacted, prompting confusion. (Tampa Bay Times)

🎓 Scott Yenor, who Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed to the board of the University of West Florida, has argued in the past that women should become mothers rather than pursue higher education. (AP via WFLA)

• In a 2021 speech, he referred to "independent women" as "medicated, meddlesome and quarrelsome" and universities as "indoctrination camps."

💰 DeSantis plans to ask President-elect Trump to give Florida authority over federal funds for Everglades restoration plans. (WLRN)

• The governor said the move would expedite projects, but some environmentalists are questioning his motives.

Ah, Florida. Home to delightful wildlife like manatees, sea turtles and … invasive Asian swamp eels?!

Why it matters: Concerned about potential population growth, several agencies are asking Floridians to report sightings of these slimy, air-breathing fish that thrive in muddy, stagnant water, per a University of Florida news release.

State of play: The eels, native to Southeast Asia, were first spotted in Florida almost 30 years ago and have spread to other states like Georgia and Hawaii.

• And these suckers are seemingly indestructible. They thrive in many aquatic environments, reproduce like crazy and have a wide-ranging appetite.

Threat level: Scientists are worried they'll invade more waterways and wreak havoc on biodiversity and the fishing industry.

How to help: Report your sightings using one of these methods:

• The U.S. Geological Survey Nonindigenous Aquatic Species website.
• The University of Georgia invasive species mapping website.
• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's 888-Ive-Got-1 hotline.

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The Bucs fought hard but came up short last night against the Washington Commanders, losing 23-20 on a last-second field goal.

• A fourth-quarter fumble by quarterback Baker Mayfield led to a Commanders touchdown that gave the D.C. the lead.
• The Bucs tied the game, but their defense couldn't stop Washington rookie QB Jayden Daniels on the game's final drive.

What's next: The loss ends Tampa Bay's season.

• With key players entering free agency — including receiver Chris Godwin and linebacker Lavonte David — the Bucs have big decisions ahead.