Real estate prices are all about "location, location, location," and right now that's particularly true — in half the country home prices are falling, including in Tampa Bay.

• In the other half, they're still going up.

Why it matters: The price data shows that the housing story is more complicated than affordability and still-high mortgage rates, which have cratered demand nationwide.

• Ultimately, this tale of two housing markets is all about supply. In the places facing shortages of available homes, and less newly constructed housing, prices are holding up.

Zoom in: The price of the typical home in Tampa Bay fell to $362,150 this June — a nearly 6% drop year-over-year.

• Our vulnerability to hurricanes, coupled with steep insurance costs, has dragged down the housing market, with demand plummeting, houses staying on the market longer and fewer people moving here.
• Prices have also dropped in Jacksonville and Miami.

The big picture: Areas in the South, particularly Texas and Florida, that had lots of new construction over the past few years, are seeing prices fall.

• And it's not just new homes; existing homeowners in these regions are also looking to sell and leave behind higher insurance costs and climate risks.
• "In places like Florida and Texas, they're kind of tired of hurricanes," says Chen Zhao, head of economic research at Redfin. These folks are putting their homes on the market.

"It's almost as if America is two countries right now from a housing perspective," said Atlantic writer Derek Thompson, who drew attention to the dichotomy in a recent episode of his podcast.

Reality check: Even if prices are down near you, they're still probably higher than they were in 2019, before a homebuying frenzy sent prices soaring.

• Typical home values in Tampa Bay sit roughly 52% above pre-pandemic levels, per Zillow.

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The Trump administration revoked $156 million in grant money that would have helped low-income residents in Florida afford solar panels, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Why it matters: Hundreds of people had already applied for these funds, and many were eligible for grants or subsidies to install solar panels, which would have helped them offset rising electricity costs.

Catch up quick: The Trump administration pulled the funds amid efforts to roll back the Solar For All program, according to the Times.

• Three nonprofits — Solar and Energy Loan Fund, Solar United Neighbors, and The Nature Conservancy in Florida — had put in for the grant.
• The termination letter sent to these nonprofits references the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which also advanced the sunset of the 30% tax credit for residential solar installations to year's end.

The big picture: Florida's average retail residential price for 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity increased from 13.62 cents to 14.98 cents between May 2024 and May 2025.

• That's an increase of about 10%, according to the latest available data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

What they're saying: "Now more than ever, Floridians need clean, affordable solar power and the added resiliency it provides during storms," Bill Johnson, who runs solar company Brilliant Harvest in Sarasota, told the Times.

• "Withdrawing this funding is a setback for our economy, our workforce, and our state's ability to strengthen its energy security," he added.

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Undocumented immigrants are cycled through Florida jails to bypass a federal rule limiting how long they can be detained before ICE must take custody, giving the agency more time to pick them up. (Orlando Sentinel)

🚸 Pinellas, Hillsborough and Manatee Counties are facing a shortage of crossing guards as the school year begins. (Bay News 9)

⚾ The St. Pete City Council will discuss new revenue sources to offset the potential financial losses if the Tampa Bay Rays relocate. (St. Pete Catalyst)

The Tampa Bay History Center will open a traveling exhibit on Aug. 23 that explores over 100 years of Florida's fishing heritage.

Why it matters: The exhibit traces Florida's rise as the top fishing destination in the U.S. and examines how the industry helped shaped the state's tourism and outdoor recreation.

Zoom in: The "Lure of Florida Fishing" showcases more than 50 locally made lures, vintage photographs, rare artifacts and stories from around the state, with a special focus on Tampa Bay.

• Visitors can peruse dozens of historical maps, several of which pinpoint long-hidden fishing spots.
• The exhibit also covers the evolution of sport fishing in the 20th century, featuring well-known enthusiasts like Ernest Hemingway and President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

What's next: The "Lure of Florida Fishing" opens later this month and continues through Jan. 11, 2026.

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Hats off to reader W.P. Garrett for this photo of the sun clocking in over Clinch Lake in Polk County.

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