How bad is Tampa Bay traffic? Pretty soon, we may be flying around town like George Jetson.

Why it matters: A new federal pilot program will speed up the integration of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft across 26 states, including Florida, with testing expected to begin this summer.

How it works: eVTOL aircraft are a cross between a helicopter and an airplane, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

• Like a helicopter, they can take off and land vertically, and they fly at low speeds. But they are much quieter, more suitable for urban travel.
• Air taxis typically fly between 120 and 200 miles per hour and reach altitudes of between 1,000 and 3,000 feet, per the Florida Department of Transportation.

State of play: The FAA's eVTOL pilot program selected eight projects, including one led by FDOT, to "create one of the largest real-world testing environments for next-generation aircraft in the world."

• The FDOT piece will include phases of operations focused on cargo delivery, passenger transportation, automation and medical response.

Zoom in: In a 2025 memo, FDOT envisioned a system of "highways in the sky with dedicated travel lanes and strategically placed aerial on-ramps and off-ramps located at key destinations."

• The SunTrax campus in Polk County's Auburndale will serve as Florida's headquarters for eVTOL testing.
• State officials are eyeing the Interstate 4 corridor for the first phase of deployment. Planned routes include Orlando to Tampa and Tampa to the SunTrax HQ.

Zoom out: St. Petersburg leaders hope to make the city a hub for the technology, with Albert Whitted Airport set to play a key role.

• The city's Advanced Air Mobility Task Force published a report this month recommending that it build infrastructure like parking areas and charging ports over the next three years.

What they're saying: "We want to do everything, whether it's education, the certification of pilots and operators of AAM aircraft, and we also would like to get into the manufacturing," task force chair Ed Montanari said, per the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

• "We'd like to do it all, not just in St. Petersburg, but Pinellas County and throughout the whole Tampa Bay region."

Go deeper: What rides could cost

Residents across Lutz, Carrollwood and South Tampa will head to the polls Tuesday to choose their next state senator.

Why it matters: Nearly 300,000 residents in state Senate District 14 have been without representation for seven months, including this year's entire legislative session.

• Lt. Gov. Jay Collins (R) vacated the seat in August.

Driving the news: State Rep. Josie Tomkow (R-Polk County) and Tampa Democrat Brian Nathan are vying for the seat.

• Nathan, a Navy veteran and union leader, entered the race in August and has raised more than $100,000. He's drawn support from labor unions and Tampa City Council members Guido Maniscalco and Bill Carson.
• Tomkow left her term-limited House seat to run for the state Senate and has nearly $150,000 in cash on hand. She's received endorsements from Sheriff Chad Chronister, U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee and Tampa firefighters.

How it works: Only residents of the district can vote in the special election. You can check whether you're eligible by entering your address here.

• To vote on Election Day, you must go to the polling place assigned to your precinct, which you can find here.

Zoom in: Both candidates have positioned themselves as champions of working families.

• Tomkow, however, describes herself as a "conservative Republican" who supports local law enforcement and federal deportation efforts. She cited her legislative record of voting for tax relief.
• Nathan has used his experience as an electrician to set himself apart from those in Tallahassee who, in his words, "haven't gotten their hands dirty." He has advocated for higher wages and more affordable housing.

Between the lines: Gov. Ron DeSantis may have held back from calling the special election because the district has a history of changing hands. Before Collins won the seat in 2022, former state Sen. Janet Cruz (D) held it.

• Still, Republicans have a voter registration advantage of about 23,000 in the district, and have outpaced Democrats in early voting turnout.

Spread the word

🏟️ Rays infielders will practice under Tropicana Field's thinner, brighter roof today to get themselves reacclimated before heading on the road for the team's season opener. (Tampa Bay Times)

🛒 St. Pete's largest 55-and-older community is losing its closest Publix, the latest in a string of business closures that have made it harder for elderly residents with limited transportation to run errands. (Times)

The city of Tampa renamed a playground after Harrison Boonstoppel, a victim of the October 2023 mass shooting in Ybor City. (Fox News 13)

🏗️ ICYMI: The state Legislature passed an expansion of the Live Local Act, which aims to boost the supply of Affordable Housing by preempting local zoning rules and offering tax incentives. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

• Hillsborough County filed a lawsuit earlier this month, arguing that the 2023 law is unconstitutional.

👋 Kathryn here. Some of you may recall I signed up for a free tree last spring through Duke Energy's partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation.

• I'm happy to report that it bloomed! The bottlebrush flowers are now ready to accept bees, butterflies and, hopefully, some hummingbirds passing through.

State of play: The window to sign up for a tree from Duke has passed, but local governments often hold tree giveaways on or around Arbor Day, which is April 24 this year.

• There's also a Florida Arbor Day that falls on the third Friday in January.

What's next: Pinellas County will host a giveaway for county residents on April 18. Find more info here.

Reese's Peanut Butter Bunnies reign supreme in Florida and, well, almost everywhere around Easter.

Why it matters: DoorDash analyzed which Easter basket treats over-index by state, and Peanut Butter Bunnies are uniquely popular across the country.

• Let this serve as a reminder to stock up before April 5.