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National

Midterm ratings up 23% from 2022

Business

Democratic wave has robotaxi industry sweating

Tech stocks tumble as election rattles AI trade

House GOP campaign chair loses his own race

Politics & Policy

Who is Scott Colom, the underdog Democrat stunning Mississippi

Here's who won Tampa Bay's key midterm races

Tampa Bay voters made their voices heard on Tuesday.

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa Bay voters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/election" data-vars-content-id="4c3e06fd-fbfe-4b1f-9e9e-3d31f8629c61" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s who won Tampa Bay&#x27;s key midterm races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/election" target="_self">Tampa Bay voters</a> made their voices heard as voting concluded Tuesday. Here&#x27;s where the region&#x27;s key races stand.<ul><li>The Associated Press has called the U.S. House races in Districts 13, 14 and 16.</li><li>Other races show who was leading in unofficial results as of Tuesday night, according to state and local election officials.</li></ul>

St. Pete mayor: Former Gov. Charlie Crist defeats incumbent Ken Welch

Voters also picked two new City Council members.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlie Crist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/10/14/st-petersburg-mayor-debate-bay-news-9-welch-crist" data-vars-content-id="de5648da-4272-493b-b8c6-3f577240c9fd" data-vars-headline="St. Pete mayor: Former Gov. Charlie Crist defeats incumbent Ken Welch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/10/14/st-petersburg-mayor-debate-bay-news-9-welch-crist" target="_self">Charlie Crist</a> defeated incumbent Ken Welch on Tuesday to become St. Petersburg&#x27;s next mayor, according to the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections&#x27; unofficial results.Why it matters: The former governor and member of Congress&#x27; 62% lead signals a new direction for a city grappling with Tropicana Field&#x27;s future, cost-of-living challenges, and drainage and sewer system vulnerabilities laid bare by the 2024 hurricanes.

Take the Axios Tampa Bay news quiz!

How well did you follow this week's news?

Try your hand at our news quiz!Why it matters: Email us a screenshot of your perfect score to tampa@axios.com, and you could get a shout-out in a future newsletter.

Despite top-of-ticket defeats, a blue wave hit Florida, too, Dems say

Down-ballot victories and strong turnout suggest the Sunshine State is still in play.

Florida may not have seen the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blue tsunami" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/midterm-takeaways-blue-wave-trump-democrats" data-vars-content-id="d4c84bd1-7b07-4be4-a079-f57c3ee8ad71" data-vars-headline="Despite top-of-ticket defeats, a blue wave hit Florida, too, Dems say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/midterm-takeaways-blue-wave-trump-democrats" target="_self">blue tsunami</a> that crashed over the rest of the country, but there was a wave. Why it matters: Down-ballot victories and strong turnout are evidence the Sunshine State is still very much in play, the state&#x27;s top Democrats say.

Bite Club: We tried the revamped Predalina

Predalina closed in late October for a makeover and reopened earlier this month.

Food and Drink

We made our way through Downtown Tampa — during a Lightning game, no less — to visit Water Street&#x27;s Mediterranean restaurant, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Predalina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/08/16/bite-club-water-street-predalina" data-vars-content-id="b363fd3c-331d-4f42-8a50-d403b88801ef" data-vars-headline="Bite Club: We tried the revamped Predalina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/08/16/bite-club-water-street-predalina" target="_self">Predalina</a>, last week.Why it matters: Predalina earned a nod from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin Guide" data-vars-click-url="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/florida/tampa/restaurant/predalina" data-vars-content-id="b363fd3c-331d-4f42-8a50-d403b88801ef" data-vars-headline="Bite Club: We tried the revamped Predalina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/florida/tampa/restaurant/predalina" target="_blank">Michelin Guide</a> in 2024, but it closed in October for a makeover after the restaurant group behind it, which also runs Oxford Exchange, said the space &quot;didn&#x27;t feel like us.&quot;

The best Tampa Bay restaurants I tried in 2024

We uncovered the good, the great and, occasionally, the meh in Tampa Bay's dining scene.

This year, I made it a mission to uncover the good, the great and, occasionally, the meh in Tampa Bay&#x27;s dining scene — from new, upscale eateries to more affordable gems.<ul><li>With the holidays around the corner and friends and relatives not too far behind, I rounded up the best restaurants I tried this year.</li></ul>

Pendry Tampa luxury high-rise wraps vertical construction

Real Estate

Tampa&#x27;s skyline has a luxe new addition.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pendry Tampa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/03/25/pendry-tampa-construction-hotel-apartments" data-vars-content-id="b42993cd-eb68-4f05-968b-acb120b12c0c" data-vars-headline="Pendry Tampa luxury high-rise wraps vertical construction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/03/25/pendry-tampa-construction-hotel-apartments" target="_self">Pendry Tampa</a> wrapped vertical construction last week, marking a major milestone for yet another luxury high-rise in Tampa Bay.

Historic Mirror Lake home hits the market in St. Petersburg

The $3.5 million home was built by architect Cade Allen, who helped design the Allendale neighborhood.

The last single-family home on St. Pete&#x27;s Mirror Lake is for sale after an extensive renovation. Why it matters: It&#x27;s an example of preservation in a city that has experienced rapid new development, sometimes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="at the expense of historic buildings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/09/st-petersburg-luxury-roche-bobois-private-clubs-art" data-vars-content-id="ddae35d4-2a1d-4b70-acc2-1c7d2cb51911" data-vars-headline="Historic Mirror Lake home hits the market in St. Petersburg" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/09/st-petersburg-luxury-roche-bobois-private-clubs-art" target="_self">at the expense of historic buildings</a>.

We asked Tampa Bay officials if they'd cut their pay if Amendment 3 passes

Most wouldn't reveal how they're voting on Amendment 3. Two Republicans said they'd cut their pay.

If Florida voters approve a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="constitutional amendment to cut property taxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/14/inside-the-florida-property-tax-amendments-court-ordered-rewrite" data-vars-content-id="8e569024-4c21-4445-87f8-d63f65bbf407" data-vars-headline="We asked Tampa Bay officials if they&#x27;d cut their pay if Amendment 3 passes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/14/inside-the-florida-property-tax-amendments-court-ordered-rewrite" target="_self">constitutional amendment to cut property taxes</a> Nov. 3, Tampa Bay&#x27;s elected officials will decide what to cut and what to keep with limited funds — including their own salaries.Why it matters: Axios asked county commissioners and city council members in Tampa and St. Petersburg and Hillsborough and Pinellas counties how they were voting on Amendment 3 and whether they&#x27;d be willing to take a pay cut if it passed.<ul><li>More than half either didn&#x27;t respond or declined to say how they&#x27;d vote.</li><li>Of those who answered, just two elected officials — both of them Republican — said they were voting yes. Both also said they&#x27;d be willing to cut their salaries if the measure passes.</li></ul>

Tampa voters could give City Hall a new watchdog

The city's existing Internal Audit Department reports to the mayor.

Tampa voters <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="could decide" data-vars-click-url="https://tampagov.hylandcloud.com/251agendaonline/Documents/DownloadFileBytes/1.%20SECTION%2012.01..PDF.pdf?documentType=1&amp;meetingId=2936&amp;itemId=27741&amp;publishId=215874&amp;isSection=False&amp;isAttachment=True" data-vars-content-id="5f45bd7d-ca8c-40ba-82a9-37131f7eb8a1" data-vars-headline="Tampa voters could give City Hall a new watchdog" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tampagov.hylandcloud.com/251agendaonline/Documents/DownloadFileBytes/1.%20SECTION%2012.01..PDF.pdf?documentType=1&amp;meetingId=2936&amp;itemId=27741&amp;publishId=215874&amp;isSection=False&amp;isAttachment=True" target="_blank">could decide</a> in March whether to create an inspector general with the power to investigate misconduct at City Hall.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s existing Internal Audit Department reports to the mayor.

Florida asks for order to halt ChatGPT development

Florida's attorney general says the company doesn't have the ability to properly regulate its own technology.

Technology

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has asked for a temporary injunction against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="OpenAI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/openai-pause-astra-preparedness-framework" data-vars-content-id="7f74bcd9-a50d-4e53-b301-d54ce479f1f5" data-vars-headline="Florida asks for order to halt ChatGPT development" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/openai-pause-astra-preparedness-framework" target="_self">OpenAI</a> and ChatGPT, claiming the company doesn&#x27;t have the ability to properly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="regulate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/28/ai-industry-unions-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="7f74bcd9-a50d-4e53-b301-d54ce479f1f5" data-vars-headline="Florida asks for order to halt ChatGPT development" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/28/ai-industry-unions-data-centers" target="_self">regulate</a> its own technology.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/sites/default/files/plaintiffs_motion_for_temporary_injunction.pdf" data-vars-content-id="7f74bcd9-a50d-4e53-b301-d54ce479f1f5" data-vars-headline="Florida asks for order to halt ChatGPT development" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/sites/default/files/plaintiffs_motion_for_temporary_injunction.pdf" target="_blank">legal</a> fight could further test how far states can go to restrict <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="7f74bcd9-a50d-4e53-b301-d54ce479f1f5" data-vars-headline="Florida asks for order to halt ChatGPT development" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" target="_self">AI</a> companies despite the federal government declining to enact guardrails.

Miami

Mapped: Florida's next data centers — and the power they'll need

Today's data centers can consume double the power of their predecessors, and more powerful ones are planned within the next few years.

Florida is expected to have about a dozen large data centers by the end of 2026.<ul><li>The eight planned in future years would increase today&#x27;s 51.2 MW capacity by more than 100 times, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="records" data-vars-click-url="https://cleanview.co/data-centers/us" data-vars-content-id="7d9bf278-4237-4619-bb83-78ea4b620cf9" data-vars-headline="Mapped: Florida&#x27;s next data centers — and the power they&#x27;ll need" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cleanview.co/data-centers/us" target="_blank">records</a> analyzed by market intelligence company Cleanview.</li></ul>

What Democrats' takeover of Hillsborough commission means

The new majority takes charge just as a sweeping property tax overhaul threatens Hillsborough County.

Democrats <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ended four years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/11/04/who-won-tampa-bay-key-midterm-races" data-vars-content-id="4dd45391-6950-4e41-81c1-3ba8d3d6ce60" data-vars-headline="What Democrats&#x27; takeover of Hillsborough commission means" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/11/04/who-won-tampa-bay-key-midterm-races" target="_self">ended four years</a> of Republican control of the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, reelecting their two incumbents and flipping two countywide seats.Why it matters: The new majority takes charge just as a sweeping property tax overhaul threatens Hillsborough County with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="what staff warn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/15/how-nixing-property-taxes-could-affect-hillsborough-county" data-vars-content-id="4dd45391-6950-4e41-81c1-3ba8d3d6ce60" data-vars-headline="What Democrats&#x27; takeover of Hillsborough commission means" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/15/how-nixing-property-taxes-could-affect-hillsborough-county" target="_self">what staff warn</a> could be its worst budget crunch since the Great Recession.

Fort Lauderdale

DeSantis, GOP celebrate as Amendment 3 on track to pass

Local governments now have big decisions to make to close their funding gaps.

Election

Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida GOP declared victory for Amendment 3 on Tuesday night, as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/10/06/broward-renters-amendment-3-property-tax-increase" data-vars-content-id="80b5569b-eaff-405b-990b-cd9ee973272f" data-vars-headline="DeSantis, GOP celebrate as Amendment 3 on track to pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/10/06/broward-renters-amendment-3-property-tax-increase" target="_self">measure</a> that lowers homeowners&#x27; property taxes statewide appeared to clear the threshold for passage.Why it matters: Homeowners get much-needed relief, but local governments will now need to fill the funding gap and address the billions in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="projected revenue loss" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/06/24/property-tax-cut-fort-lauderdale" data-vars-content-id="80b5569b-eaff-405b-990b-cd9ee973272f" data-vars-headline="DeSantis, GOP celebrate as Amendment 3 on track to pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/06/24/property-tax-cut-fort-lauderdale" target="_self">projected revenue loss</a>.Driving the news: The measure sat at 62% support with more than 95% of votes in, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a New York Times tracker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/11/03/us/elections/results-florida-constitutional-amendment-3-homestead-tax-exemption.html" data-vars-content-id="80b5569b-eaff-405b-990b-cd9ee973272f" data-vars-headline="DeSantis, GOP celebrate as Amendment 3 on track to pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/11/03/us/elections/results-florida-constitutional-amendment-3-homestead-tax-exemption.html" target="_blank">a New York Times tracker</a> based on Associated Press data. It needed 60% support to pass.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Multiple" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/11/03/florida-amendment-3-results-pass-fail-property-tax-desantis/?utm_source=NewsAlerts&amp;utm_medium=Sailthru&amp;utm_campaign=110326_NewsAlerts_amend3" data-vars-content-id="80b5569b-eaff-405b-990b-cd9ee973272f" data-vars-headline="DeSantis, GOP celebrate as Amendment 3 on track to pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/11/03/florida-amendment-3-results-pass-fail-property-tax-desantis/?utm_source=NewsAlerts&amp;utm_medium=Sailthru&amp;utm_campaign=110326_NewsAlerts_amend3" target="_blank">Multiple</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="news" data-vars-click-url="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/827229-the-polls-were-wrong-florida-on-track-to-approve-property-tax-reform-validating-ron-desantis-vision/" data-vars-content-id="80b5569b-eaff-405b-990b-cd9ee973272f" data-vars-headline="DeSantis, GOP celebrate as Amendment 3 on track to pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/827229-the-polls-were-wrong-florida-on-track-to-approve-property-tax-reform-validating-ron-desantis-vision/" target="_blank">news</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outlets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/politics/elections/2026/11/03/florida-amendment-3-property-tax-cut-results--live/92217474007/" data-vars-content-id="80b5569b-eaff-405b-990b-cd9ee973272f" data-vars-headline="DeSantis, GOP celebrate as Amendment 3 on track to pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/politics/elections/2026/11/03/florida-amendment-3-property-tax-cut-results--live/92217474007/" target="_blank">outlets</a> also reported that it was on track to pass.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: DeSantis <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in a post on X" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/RonDeSantis/status/2117808395663392925" data-vars-content-id="80b5569b-eaff-405b-990b-cd9ee973272f" data-vars-headline="DeSantis, GOP celebrate as Amendment 3 on track to pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/RonDeSantis/status/2117808395663392925" target="_blank">in a post on X</a> called the outcome a &quot;Big win… for Florida homeowners&quot; while the state GOP<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" called it" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/FloridaGOP/status/2117794543273955623" data-vars-content-id="80b5569b-eaff-405b-990b-cd9ee973272f" data-vars-headline="DeSantis, GOP celebrate as Amendment 3 on track to pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/FloridaGOP/status/2117794543273955623" target="_blank"> called it</a> an &quot;incredible VICTORY.&quot;

Mac Stone's new book is a love letter to ancient swamps in Florida and the Southeast

The conservation photographer is set to speak Wednesday at the Tampa Bay History Center.

Environment

As a child of Gainesville, Mac Stone grew up in The Swamp of all swamps, one could say.<ul><li>But the award-winning conservation photographer and National Geographic explorer knows now that the cypress and oak canopies that fascinated him as a child &quot;were as adolescent in their lifespan as I was in mine.&quot;</li></ul>

Tampa City Council approves Rays community benefits deal

The agreement lays out the Rays' obligations to the communities helping pay for their new stadium.

The Tampa City Council signed off Thursday on an agreement with the Rays, laying out the team&#x27;s obligations to the communities helping pay for its new ballpark. Why it matters: Tampa and Hillsborough County agreed to spend nearly $1 billion on the team, the largest commitment of taxpayer dollars toward a sports stadium in the region&#x27;s history.

Pinellas shelves ban on Flock cameras

Residents have complained that the cameras amount to mass surveillance and invite abuse.

Pinellas County commissioners shelved a proposal this week to remove <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="automated license plate readers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/26/st-pete-flock-ai-license-plate-readers-privacy-police-surveillance" data-vars-content-id="dbf72fb3-85b6-4f5e-817d-0fe7b02d604b" data-vars-headline="Pinellas shelves ban on Flock cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/26/st-pete-flock-ai-license-plate-readers-privacy-police-surveillance" target="_self">automated license plate readers</a> (ALPR) from county roads, leaving the controversial surveillance technology in place.Why it matters: Residents have complained that the cameras amount to mass surveillance and invite abuse, pointing to a<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" former deputy " data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/crime/2026/09/30/pinellas-deputy-arrests-flock-license-plate-cameras-gualtieri/" data-vars-content-id="dbf72fb3-85b6-4f5e-817d-0fe7b02d604b" data-vars-headline="Pinellas shelves ban on Flock cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/crime/2026/09/30/pinellas-deputy-arrests-flock-license-plate-cameras-gualtieri/" target="_blank"> former deputy </a>charged with searching for one woman&#x27;s license plate 300 times.

How Tampa stands to benefit from a new Rays stadium

The Tampa City Council on Thursday will consider a community benefits agreement tied to the Rays' new stadium.

The Tampa City Council on Thursday will consider a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="community benefits agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://tampagov.hylandcloud.com/251agendaonline/Documents/DownloadFile/MEMO%20RE%20RAYS%20COMMUNITY%20BENEFITS%20AGREEMENT%20(CBA)%20-%20COUNCIL%20SPECIAL%20CALL%2010-29-2.pdf" data-vars-content-id="ac462803-8378-4556-a190-0d742b121840" data-vars-headline="How Tampa stands to benefit from a new Rays stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tampagov.hylandcloud.com/251agendaonline/Documents/DownloadFile/MEMO%20RE%20RAYS%20COMMUNITY%20BENEFITS%20AGREEMENT%20(CBA)%20-%20COUNCIL%20SPECIAL%20CALL%2010-29-2.pdf" target="_blank">community benefits agreement</a> tied to the Rays&#x27; new stadium that, if approved, would deliver $4.2 million to the city over five years.Why it matters: The deal spells out what Tampa gets in return for its stake in the stadium and exempts the Rays from rules that bind other developers the city subsidizes.

St. Pete dad launches website mapping Halloween-decorated houses

Frightthisway.com had nearly 300 listings on Thursday, two days before Halloween.

Things to Do

If you&#x27;ve been in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Petersburg" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/10/28/st-pete-halloween-weekend-events" data-vars-content-id="8dcb6410-55f3-43c3-8f64-352ece33f977" data-vars-headline="St. Pete dad launches website mapping Halloween-decorated houses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/10/28/st-pete-halloween-weekend-events" target="_self">St. Petersburg</a> for a while, you know we go hard for Halloween.<ul><li>Rows of homes transform into elaborate haunted houses and ghostly scenes perfect for getting into the spooky season spirit — if you know where to find them.</li></ul>Why it matters: Local dad Spencer Caton made a map for that.

Halloween weekend events in and around St. Pete

Fall festivals, trick-or-treating and witches round out this Halloweekend.

The spookiest weekend of the year is almost here. <ul><li>If you don&#x27;t already have Halloween plans, here are some suggestions in and around St. Pete.</li></ul>

World Series watch parties: Rays to host fans at Tropicana Field

It's about to be one big baseball party in Tampa Bay.

Sports

It&#x27;s about to be one big baseball party in Tampa Bay.The big picture: The first two games of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/20/world-series-mlb-lockout-labor" data-vars-content-id="942342b6-bcec-4506-8dd7-1a3a12c7c2ef" data-vars-headline="World Series watch parties: Rays to host fans at Tropicana Field" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/20/world-series-mlb-lockout-labor" target="_self">World Series</a> may be in Milwaukee, but watch parties from the Trop to bars and breweries around town will have no shortage of fanfare.

Tampa weekend events: Pet parade, trick-or-treating and more

Here are a few ways to spend the weekend, in and around Tampa.

Culture

The weekend is almost here.<ul><li>Here are a few ways to spend it, in and around Tampa.</li></ul>

Build your Florida bucket list with Tampa Bay author's new book

Kristen Hare takes readers through the weird, whimsy and unexpected delights our state holds.

Tampa Bay author <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kristen Hare" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/18/florida-hotel-guidebook-ghost-stories-halloween" data-vars-content-id="4adc065c-b58a-4706-bbf8-1b9a5af813e4" data-vars-headline="Build your Florida bucket list with Tampa Bay author&#x27;s new book" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/18/florida-hotel-guidebook-ghost-stories-halloween" target="_self">Kristen Hare</a> starts off her latest book with a promise: &quot;For everyone who knows there&#x27;s so much more to Florida.&quot; Why it matters: People love to pick on the Sunshine State as a monolithic cultural vacuum, but &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="100 Things to do in Florida Before You Die" data-vars-click-url="https://reedypress.com/shop/100-things-to-do-in-florida-before-you-die/" data-vars-content-id="4adc065c-b58a-4706-bbf8-1b9a5af813e4" data-vars-headline="Build your Florida bucket list with Tampa Bay author&#x27;s new book" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://reedypress.com/shop/100-things-to-do-in-florida-before-you-die/" target="_blank">100 Things to do in Florida Before You Die</a>&quot; takes readers through the weird, whimsy and unexpected delights our state holds.

St. Pete weekend events: Rays watch parties, Halloween celebrations

From Rays watch parties to a Halloween pool party, there's plenty to do this weekend.

The weekend is here! Keep reading for some ways to spend it in and around St. Pete.⚾️ <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rays watch parties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/rays/tickets/postseason#events" data-vars-content-id="c090148c-6c30-4626-b212-5b8f4a1e3c9c" data-vars-headline="St. Pete weekend events: Rays watch parties, Halloween celebrations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/rays/tickets/postseason#events" target="_blank">Rays watch parties</a>, St. Pete: The next two American League Championship Series games may be in Cleveland, but Tampa Bay fans can still cheer on their team at Tropicana Field.

Hurricane center monitors two Atlantic systems

One of the systems could be of concern for Florida.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Hurricane Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/20/national-hurricane-center-updates-cone-of-uncertainty" data-vars-content-id="81dcbc47-5d15-4962-88a2-23e805dc3233" data-vars-headline="Hurricane center monitors two Atlantic systems" 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">National Hurricane Center</a> is monitoring two systems in the Atlantic, either of which could develop into the season&#x27;s next named storm.Why it matters: One of the systems could be of concern for Florida, though no effects are expected in the state over the next week.

Tampa invests $2M in neighborhood flooded by Milton

The upgrades are intended to address some of the vulnerabilities Milton exposed.

Climate

Tampa is investing more than $2 million to overhaul a 64-year-old wastewater pump station in the Forest Hills neighborhood.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hurricane Milton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/10/hurricane-milton-wind-damage-rainfall-flooding" data-vars-content-id="8bce91fe-831d-4892-9ff4-28da3be4d4ea" data-vars-headline="Tampa invests $2M in neighborhood flooded by Milton" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/10/hurricane-milton-wind-damage-rainfall-flooding" target="_self">Hurricane Milton</a> inundated the neighborhood in 2024, displacing some residents for months and leaving others still repairing their homes a year later.

St. Pete Pride hears the heat complaints but isn't moving

History and timing with other local and state Pride events outweigh complaints about heat, organizers say.

June in St. Petersburg comes with a couple of traditions: the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pride parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/24/st-pete-pride-weekend-events-weather-parking" data-vars-content-id="3b22c499-fc81-473e-8044-5720d35d1e68" data-vars-headline="St. Pete Pride hears the heat complaints but isn&#x27;t moving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/24/st-pete-pride-weekend-events-weather-parking" target="_self">Pride parade</a>, and conversations about whether you&#x27;re going because it&#x27;s so dang hot.Why it matters: Another scorching Pride weekend has some locals questioning whether it&#x27;s time for a change.

Heat will hang over Tampa Bay for the Fourth of July

We won't face the worst of the heat dome, but the region is still in for a familiar summer swelter.

Tampa Bay won&#x27;t face the worst of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat dome " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/26/heat-wave-dome-july" data-vars-content-id="6d1792b1-d686-4899-ab6d-ded9177aabf0" data-vars-headline="Heat will hang over Tampa Bay for the Fourth of July" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/26/heat-wave-dome-july" target="_self">heat dome </a>building over the Southeast, but the region is still in for a familiar (and dangerous) summer swelter.Why it matters: The heat could complicate Fourth of July celebrations, with crowds expected to gather outdoors to mark <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s 250th birthday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/america-250-birthday-polling" data-vars-content-id="6d1792b1-d686-4899-ab6d-ded9177aabf0" data-vars-headline="Heat will hang over Tampa Bay for the Fourth of July" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/america-250-birthday-polling" target="_self">America&#x27;s 250th birthday</a>.

Tampa Bay faces major heat risk as "feels like" temps hit 100

If you&#x27;ve spent time outside this week, you&#x27;ve surely felt it: It is hot. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat index" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/22/florida-2025-temperature-outlook-tampa-st-pete" data-vars-content-id="b48208c4-12ec-4b40-8a2e-39c318ac0e88" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay faces major heat risk as &quot;feels like&quot; temps hit 100" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/22/florida-2025-temperature-outlook-tampa-st-pete" target="_self">heat index</a>, or the &quot;feels like&quot; temperature, which accounts for humidity and air temperature, will hit the triple digits Thursday and Friday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

New Orleans

Tropical Storm Arthur forms in Gulf, threatens flooding across Southeast

Energy & Climate

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tropical Storm Arthur" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/16/invest90l-tropical-storm-arthur-louisiana-texas-forecast" data-vars-content-id="2ab6d4c2-c080-4b49-afbd-a514a2f0f543" data-vars-headline="Tropical Storm Arthur forms in Gulf, threatens flooding across Southeast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/16/invest90l-tropical-storm-arthur-louisiana-texas-forecast" target="_self">Tropical Storm Arthur</a> formed Wednesday in the Gulf off the coast of Texas, becoming the first named system of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.Why it matters: The storm is forecast to bring life-threatening flash flooding to portions of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

St. Pete's Marcel is good to the last drop (of sauce)

The service was excellent, the atmosphere was immaculate and the food was superb.

I was bummed when Left Bank Bistro closed in 2024, but we&#x27;ve got a great replacement with Marcel.Dig in: On a recent visit to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="European-inspired" data-vars-click-url="https://dinemarcel.com/st-pete/st-petersburg/" data-vars-content-id="a8bb1bc0-c8c4-44e5-a16a-596148e250e3" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s Marcel is good to the last drop (of sauce)" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dinemarcel.com/st-pete/st-petersburg/" target="_blank">European-inspired</a> restaurant that opened last month in the Left Bank spot, the service was excellent, the atmosphere was immaculate and the food was superb. <ul><li>It was also easy to grab a reasonably timed Friday night reservation with a day&#x27;s notice, which can be tough with St. Pete&#x27;s other elevated concepts.</li></ul>

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to St. Petersburg

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="a76dc104-5dfa-4d22-8223-0196b7694168" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to St. Petersburg" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in St. Pete&#x27;s Grand Central District on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Tampa Bay is having its Detroit-style pizza moment

Tampa Bay now has more places than ever to try the Motor City delicacy.

A decade ago, an ex introduced me to Detroit-style pizza, and life has never been the same.Flashback: Biting into that first slice from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jet&#x27;s Pizza" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jetspizza.com/" data-vars-content-id="e080b797-a595-46d6-a322-d56a2e77b6d4" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay is having its Detroit-style pizza moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jetspizza.com/" target="_blank">Jet&#x27;s Pizza</a> was heavenly. The thick, fluffy center leading out to the crunchy, crispy, caramelized-cheesy edge.<ul><li>And the corners … the corners.</li></ul>

12 new restaurants open or coming soon to Tampa Bay

From fine dining to cheesesteaks and soul food, the restaurant scene is getting a refresh.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa Bay&#x27;s dining scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/30/tampa-st-pete-restaurant-closures-summer-2026" data-vars-content-id="030ce0b4-feb5-4f13-b740-25a270614d27" data-vars-headline="12 new restaurants open or coming soon to Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/30/tampa-st-pete-restaurant-closures-summer-2026" target="_self">Tampa Bay&#x27;s dining scene</a> is always evolving. Why it matters: As we head into fall, new concepts are entering the market, old favorites are reinventing themselves, and sleepy downtowns are seeing some food-and-bev action.

Tampa Bay gets in on Yemeni cafe trend

Yemeni-American cafe chains have percolated across the country.

Move over, pumpkin spice latte. The hottest new coffee trend comes from Yemen.The buzz: In recent years, Yemeni-American cafe chains — like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Qamaria" data-vars-click-url="https://www.qamariacoffee.com/" data-vars-content-id="7c7e66b3-813f-4e01-ae78-20426e343f6c" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay gets in on Yemeni cafe trend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.qamariacoffee.com/" target="_blank">Qamaria</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arwa" data-vars-click-url="https://arwacoffee.com/" data-vars-content-id="7c7e66b3-813f-4e01-ae78-20426e343f6c" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay gets in on Yemeni cafe trend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arwacoffee.com/" target="_blank">Arwa</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Haraz Coffee House" data-vars-click-url="https://harazcoffeehouse.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorAPHjJ676lGpVjllchwZX3uUiyQQ1lzdtBZEwzF4rjdkF__SEF" data-vars-content-id="7c7e66b3-813f-4e01-ae78-20426e343f6c" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay gets in on Yemeni cafe trend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://harazcoffeehouse.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorAPHjJ676lGpVjllchwZX3uUiyQQ1lzdtBZEwzF4rjdkF__SEF" target="_blank">Haraz Coffee House</a>, which have all opened locations in Tampa Bay over the last year and a half — have percolated across the country.<ul><li>Last year, the number of shops increased by 50%, making them the fastest-growing coffee sector in the nation, according to Technomic, which listed three Yemeni chains in a recent &quot;Future 50 Growth List.&quot;</li></ul>

Florida State Fair food is among America's best, Yelp says

The Tampa-based fair "showcases Southern comfort food and Sunshine State specialties," Yelp said.

Each February, we carry out the great public service that is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="taste-testing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/13/the-best-and-worst-new-foods-at-the-2026-florida-state-fair" data-vars-content-id="d65fa99a-efe2-48ac-a35a-73421a2b79fb" data-vars-headline="Florida State Fair food is among America&#x27;s best, Yelp says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/13/the-best-and-worst-new-foods-at-the-2026-florida-state-fair" target="_self">taste-testing</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the weirdest food" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/11/florida-state-fair-2025-food-what-to-eat" data-vars-content-id="d65fa99a-efe2-48ac-a35a-73421a2b79fb" data-vars-headline="Florida State Fair food is among America&#x27;s best, Yelp says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/11/florida-state-fair-2025-food-what-to-eat" target="_self">the weirdest food</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="at the Florida State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/02/14/florida-state-fair-2024-food-what-to-eat" data-vars-content-id="d65fa99a-efe2-48ac-a35a-73421a2b79fb" data-vars-headline="Florida State Fair food is among America&#x27;s best, Yelp says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/02/14/florida-state-fair-2024-food-what-to-eat" target="_self">at the Florida State Fair</a>. Why it matters: We can now say we&#x27;ve tried some of best state fair food in the whole country, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Yelp&#x27;s new top-10 ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yelp.com/article/state-fairs-festival-eats-food" data-vars-content-id="d65fa99a-efe2-48ac-a35a-73421a2b79fb" data-vars-headline="Florida State Fair food is among America&#x27;s best, Yelp says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yelp.com/article/state-fairs-festival-eats-food" target="_blank">Yelp&#x27;s new top-10 ranking</a>.

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