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National

"National security" becomes Trump's executive sledgehammer

Press bans. AI. Greenland. Trump is invoking the same rationale for all three.

Politics & Policy

What do a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="White House ban" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/trump-ban-cnn-ms-now-politico-white-house" data-vars-content-id="2e43e9f0-60ce-4e0c-8005-6d87872bf4fe" data-vars-headline="&quot;National security&quot; becomes Trump&#x27;s executive sledgehammer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/trump-ban-cnn-ms-now-politico-white-house" target="_self">White House ban</a> on journalists, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250-foot arch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/15/trump-arlington-arch-comment-deadline" data-vars-content-id="2e43e9f0-60ce-4e0c-8005-6d87872bf4fe" data-vars-headline="&quot;National security&quot; becomes Trump&#x27;s executive sledgehammer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/15/trump-arlington-arch-comment-deadline" target="_self">250-foot arch</a> near the nation&#x27;s capital and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greenland" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/22/trump-greenland-nato-europe-winners" data-vars-content-id="2e43e9f0-60ce-4e0c-8005-6d87872bf4fe" data-vars-headline="&quot;National security&quot; becomes Trump&#x27;s executive sledgehammer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/22/trump-greenland-nato-europe-winners" target="_self">Greenland</a> have in common?<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="2e43e9f0-60ce-4e0c-8005-6d87872bf4fe" data-vars-headline="&quot;National security&quot; becomes Trump&#x27;s executive sledgehammer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President Trump</a> needs all of them for national security purposes, he and his administration have argued.</li></ul>Why it matters: As he&#x27;s unilaterally shattered presidential norms, Trump has justified his sweeping policy priorities with a familiar two-word rationale: national security.

Paramount reaches historic settlement with states, clearing way for WBD deal

The settlement ends what has been one of the most expensive, drawn-out and dramatic merger fights in U.S. history.

Business

Paramount Skydance agreed to a highly anticipated settlement with 12 state attorneys general that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sued to block" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/13/paramount-warner-bros-discovery-state-antitrust" data-vars-content-id="16e8c9de-f4de-4dfd-b69a-d97f333fa873" data-vars-headline="Paramount reaches historic settlement with states, clearing way for WBD deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/13/paramount-warner-bros-discovery-state-antitrust" target="_self">sued to block</a> its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, the company <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="confirmed" data-vars-click-url="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.474157/gov.uscourts.cand.474157.244.0.pdf" data-vars-content-id="16e8c9de-f4de-4dfd-b69a-d97f333fa873" data-vars-headline="Paramount reaches historic settlement with states, clearing way for WBD deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.474157/gov.uscourts.cand.474157.244.0.pdf" target="_blank">confirmed</a> in a filing Monday. Why it matters: The settlement clears the path for the creation of one of the biggest TV and movie behemoths in the world and ends what has been one of the most expensive, drawn-out and dramatic merger fights in U.S. history.

Trump inaudible during TV blackout: What the press pool does

The fallout from Trump's media ban was visible — and audible — Monday.

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="f30bb9b7-0011-4da7-8aca-a7a0488b6aab" data-vars-headline="Trump inaudible during TV blackout: What the press pool does" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> was inaudible during a press conference Monday after the TV pool suspended coverage, with White House-provided video carrying no usable audio of his remarks.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a remarkable and immediate ramification of Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attempt to limit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/trump-ban-cnn-ms-now-politico-white-house" data-vars-content-id="f30bb9b7-0011-4da7-8aca-a7a0488b6aab" data-vars-headline="Trump inaudible during TV blackout: What the press pool does" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/trump-ban-cnn-ms-now-politico-white-house" target="_self">attempt to limit</a> pool access.

OpenAI proposes AI standards after U.S., China talks

Sam Altman readies a global AI safety pitch for the UN.

OpenAI on Monday released international <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="e7e14a7f-a629-44e6-80d5-8a03e884f60d" data-vars-headline="OpenAI proposes AI standards after U.S., China talks" 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> safety standards as world leaders, namely the U.S. and China, weigh how to mitigate risk.Why it matters: The U.S. approach to coordinating on AI risk with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="China " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/china" data-vars-content-id="e7e14a7f-a629-44e6-80d5-8a03e884f60d" data-vars-headline="OpenAI proposes AI standards after U.S., China talks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/china" target="_self">China </a>will be heavily informed by industry recommendations.

Behind the Curtain: Trump's future foretold

President Trump feels and acts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="invincible" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/18/trump-iran-war-power-no-limits" data-vars-content-id="90a1f2f9-435b-4ebd-9a23-71108e8ae1f0" data-vars-headline="Behind the Curtain: Trump&#x27;s future foretold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/18/trump-iran-war-power-no-limits" target="_self">invincible</a>: He acts on whims, however he pleases, precedent and restraints be damned.<ul><li>But Trump&#x27;s vincibility is being exposed. Courts restrain him more. GOP candidates criticize him more. The public turns on him more.</li></ul>Why it matters: Time, power and support wane for all lame-duck presidents. But it&#x27;s new for Trump and will only grow more true and more torturous, assuming Democrats win Capitol power in the midterms, 43 days from now.

All the ways the Rays stadium deal can still fail

If St. Petersburg is any indication, Tampa's far from done.

Sports

The clerk tallied the vote. The yeses carried it. And against all odds, after years of disagreements and near-misses, a deal to build a new ballpark for the Rays and keep baseball in the region for years to come was, at last, reached.<ul><li>The council was St. Petersburg&#x27;s, the year was 2024, and the deal fell apart by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the following spring" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/03/13/rays-back-out-stadium-deal-historic-gas-plant-district" data-vars-content-id="7fcbb636-8473-45ad-9f91-f5b37c3cd7ab" data-vars-headline="All the ways the Rays stadium deal can still fail" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/03/13/rays-back-out-stadium-deal-historic-gas-plant-district" target="_self">the following spring</a>.</li></ul>Why it matters: The Tampa City Council and Hillsborough County Commission last month <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="signed off" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/28/hillsborough-approves-stadium-deal-rays-tampa-future" data-vars-content-id="7fcbb636-8473-45ad-9f91-f5b37c3cd7ab" data-vars-headline="All the ways the Rays stadium deal can still fail" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/28/hillsborough-approves-stadium-deal-rays-tampa-future" target="_self">signed off</a> on the region&#x27;s largest commitment to a sports stadium, a feat that seemed impossible only weeks ago.

St. Pete's Historic Manhattan Casino to reopen after renovations

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will kick off its new life as a city-owned and operated event venue.

News

A century-old <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Petersburg" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/09/15/st-pete-free-museum-day-weekend-events" data-vars-content-id="8e5f2b93-4aaa-4eec-bf83-b4886ba27073" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s Historic Manhattan Casino to reopen after renovations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/09/15/st-pete-free-museum-day-weekend-events" target="_self">St. Petersburg</a> landmark is set to reopen this weekend.Why it matters: After four years of renovations, a public ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow will kick off a new life for the Historic Manhattan Casino as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city-owned and operated event venue" data-vars-click-url="https://historicmanhattancasino.com/" data-vars-content-id="8e5f2b93-4aaa-4eec-bf83-b4886ba27073" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s Historic Manhattan Casino to reopen after renovations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://historicmanhattancasino.com/" target="_blank">city-owned and operated event venue</a>.

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.

Tampa Bay businesses are getting called out for "AI slop"

Small businesses say AI saves time and money. Critics say the generic images come at a cost.

It&#x27;s a debate so prolific that even our unusually vocal airport <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weighed in" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/FlyTPA/posts/pfbid02ueoedz83x5jVKmKZeQ32vBTMgHzAep1AgcNiAkDLQHUQmo71eWrE7BLbirE6pFRdl" data-vars-content-id="1aea7e87-8bd7-4518-8260-a6410bae4b15" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay businesses are getting called out for &quot;AI slop&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/FlyTPA/posts/pfbid02ueoedz83x5jVKmKZeQ32vBTMgHzAep1AgcNiAkDLQHUQmo71eWrE7BLbirE6pFRdl" target="_blank">weighed in</a>: What do we do about the AI flyers?Why it matters: From local breweries and markets to your friendly neighborhood landscaper, posters made with generative AI are clogging up social media.<ul><li>And <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the backlash is real" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/generative-ai-accusations-hank-green-jerry-falade" data-vars-content-id="1aea7e87-8bd7-4518-8260-a6410bae4b15" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay businesses are getting called out for &quot;AI slop&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/generative-ai-accusations-hank-green-jerry-falade" target="_self">the backlash is real</a>: in comment sections, in Reddit threads, and in the feeds of other organizations that broadcast — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="using more primitive methods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdEuXOjFrvE/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="1aea7e87-8bd7-4518-8260-a6410bae4b15" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay businesses are getting called out for &quot;AI slop&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdEuXOjFrvE/?img_index=1" target="_blank">using more primitive methods</a> — that they&#x27;ll never resort to AI images.</li></ul>

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>

More Tampa Bay home sellers turn into "accidental landlords"

A growing share of homeowners are renting their properties instead of selling.

Real Estate

More home sellers in Tampa Bay are becoming what Zillow calls &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accidental landlords" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/research/accidental-landlords-36151/" data-vars-content-id="d180b447-cfdd-43db-adec-b75668ac66ea" data-vars-headline="More Tampa Bay home sellers turn into &quot;accidental landlords&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/research/accidental-landlords-36151/" target="_blank">accidental landlords</a>&quot; — 3.7% of local rental listings on its platform in October were previously for sale, according to the real estate site.Why it matters: As buyers gain <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leverage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/16/home-sale-discount-metro" data-vars-content-id="d180b447-cfdd-43db-adec-b75668ac66ea" data-vars-headline="More Tampa Bay home sellers turn into &quot;accidental landlords&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/16/home-sale-discount-metro" target="_self">leverage</a> and homes take longer to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sell" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/housing-mortgages-march-nar" data-vars-content-id="d180b447-cfdd-43db-adec-b75668ac66ea" data-vars-headline="More Tampa Bay home sellers turn into &quot;accidental landlords&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/housing-mortgages-march-nar" target="_self">sell</a>, a growing share of homeowners are renting their properties out instead.

What Tampa Bay homeowners do for a living

STEM and technical workers are most likely to own homes in Tampa Bay.

Money

STEM and technical workers are most likely to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="own homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="87044b87-f275-4743-ab8b-1d2e7547c462" data-vars-headline="What Tampa Bay homeowners do for a living" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">own homes</a> in Tampa Bay, according to a new National Association of Realtors analysis. The big picture: In Tampa Bay, fields like engineering and computer science have outpaced management and business professionals in the share of workers who own homes over the last decade.

Council backs controversial South Tampa flood project 

The South Howard Flood Relief Project has drawn fierce opposition from local businesses.

Politics

The Tampa City Council voted 4-3 to deliver a long-awaited fix for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Tampa&#x27;s flooding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/05/flooding-alarms-south-tampa-after-quick-storm" data-vars-content-id="c09ac534-3d99-4642-822a-21bb2e101cc7" data-vars-headline="Council backs controversial South Tampa flood project " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/05/flooding-alarms-south-tampa-after-quick-storm" target="_self">South Tampa&#x27;s flooding</a>.Why it matters: The South Howard Flood Relief Project has drawn fierce opposition from local businesses, some of which warn they cannot survive the years of construction needed to complete it.

What's going up in Tampa: 3-D printed homes, mixed-use galore

Here's the latest development news, in and around Tampa.

Here&#x27;s the latest development news, in and around Tampa.

Florida sues OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman over ChatGPT

It's part a string of lawsuits the state has filed against Big Tech companies.

Technology

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Monday sued <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="OpenAI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/29/openai-biodefense-program" data-vars-content-id="61d4f42a-b21a-438a-b1bb-d15451c1964f" data-vars-headline="Florida sues OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman over ChatGPT" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/29/openai-biodefense-program" target="_self">OpenAI</a> and its CEO Sam Altman, alleging that the company marketed ChatGPT to the public without sufficiently warning of its dangers. Why it matters: Florida is the first state to sue OpenAI, part of a growing string of lawsuits the state has filed against Big Tech companies, including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Meta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/attorney-general-moody-takes-legal-action-against-meta-protect-children" data-vars-content-id="61d4f42a-b21a-438a-b1bb-d15451c1964f" data-vars-headline="Florida sues OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman over ChatGPT" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/attorney-general-moody-takes-legal-action-against-meta-protect-children" target="_blank">Meta</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Snapchat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/attorney-general-james-uthmeier-takes-legal-action-against-snapchat" data-vars-content-id="61d4f42a-b21a-438a-b1bb-d15451c1964f" data-vars-headline="Florida sues OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman over ChatGPT" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/attorney-general-james-uthmeier-takes-legal-action-against-snapchat" target="_blank">Snapchat</a>.

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>.

Test drive: We took Waymo for a spin in Tampa

If I had one critique, it was the car's parking. But in fairness, I couldn't have done any better.

I drove 9 miles from Carrollwood into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/26/waymo-ai-shortcut-self-driving" data-vars-content-id="ec0284ce-fa97-4837-a68b-5a081e6f30bb" data-vars-headline="Test drive: We took Waymo for a spin in Tampa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/26/waymo-ai-shortcut-self-driving" target="_self">Waymo&#x27;s</a> service area to try the autonomous ride-hailing service.<ul><li>I parked at my old stomping ground, Hillsborough College, and hailed a robotaxi through the Waymo app for a ride to the historic Tampa Theatre.</li></ul>Why it matters: Driverless cars are becoming a common sight in Tampa, and they&#x27;re <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="headed across the bay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/12/waymo-could-bring-self-driving-taxis-to-pinellas" data-vars-content-id="ec0284ce-fa97-4837-a68b-5a081e6f30bb" data-vars-headline="Test drive: We took Waymo for a spin in Tampa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/12/waymo-could-bring-self-driving-taxis-to-pinellas" target="_self">headed across the bay</a> next.

How to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Tampa Bay

Things to Do

Hispanic Heritage Month is underway through Oct. 15, and there are tons of ways to celebrate in Tampa Bay.📆 Go to an event: Here&#x27;s some of the lineup from across the bay.

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>

Report: TPA ranks No. 1 in passenger satisfaction

Passengers found the airport to be "stress-free."

Culture

Have you ever landed at another airport after flying out of Tampa International, navigated a maze of signs and shuttles to find baggage claim, and thought, &quot;Wow, we&#x27;re spoiled?&quot;<ul><li>Well, you&#x27;re not alone, and you&#x27;re not wrong.</li></ul>The big picture: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2026-north-america-airport-satisfaction-study/" data-vars-content-id="ab2860c8-0131-4c23-8860-d7f62d78a05b" data-vars-headline="Report: TPA ranks No. 1 in passenger satisfaction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2026-north-america-airport-satisfaction-study/" target="_blank">new report</a> from J.D. Power, a market research company, ranked TPA highest among large airports in North America for passenger satisfaction.

Pinellas County seeks input on school closure plans

Community meetings begin Tuesday before the School Board votes on the sweeping changes Oct. 13.

Pinellas County Schools leaders will hold public meetings in the coming weeks to seek input on plans to close seven schools and restructure others.The big picture: The potential closures are the latest fallout from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="declining public school enrollment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/01/miami-dade-schools-nine-school-close-enrollment-decline-2026" data-vars-content-id="47034ff9-30e7-47f9-9bf9-1b3f5f46df0e" data-vars-headline="Pinellas County seeks input on school closure plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/01/miami-dade-schools-nine-school-close-enrollment-decline-2026" target="_self">declining public school enrollment</a> that district officials attribute to falling birth rates and affordability challenges for young families.

Dengue cases near 100 in Hillsborough County

About 1 in 4 people infected with the virus will get sick.

Health

Nearly 100 locally acquired <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dengue cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/09/02/pinellas-ups-mosquito-control-as-dengue-cases-rise" data-vars-content-id="99965102-998e-4acb-87fb-73be5f302fe9" data-vars-headline="Dengue cases near 100 in Hillsborough County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/09/02/pinellas-ups-mosquito-control-as-dengue-cases-rise" target="_self">dengue cases</a> have been reported in Hillsborough County, and the state Department of Health is investigating a death possibly linked to the virus.Why it matters: The county is the epicenter of Florida&#x27;s dengue outbreak, accounting for about 86% of locally acquired cases statewide.

St. Pete's Free Museum Day is back, plus more weekend events

It's never too soon to start planning the weekend.

Free Museum Day is back this Saturday in St. Pete, and we&#x27;ve got a few more fun ways to spend your weekend.🖼️ <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Free Museum Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/event/free-museum-day-2026/60031" data-vars-content-id="fc895d9c-6afb-421b-b0ac-d1fcd421d57a" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s Free Museum Day is back, plus more weekend events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/event/free-museum-day-2026/60031" target="_blank">Free Museum Day</a>, St. Pete: Residents can visit cultural institutions including the Museum of Fine Arts, The Dalí Museum, The Woodson African American Museum of Florida, the Queer Asian Museum and more for free.

How Tampa Bay is commemorating 9/11, 25 years later

Community organizations are marking the anniversary with walks, stair climbs and performances.

A quarter-century after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Tampa Bay is marking the anniversary with community walks, stair climbs and performances.<ul><li>All events are scheduled for Friday morning unless otherwise noted.</li></ul>

St. Pete weekend events: GeckoFest, Creative Pinellas exhibit and more

It's not just the weekend. It's the LONG weekend.

It&#x27;s not just the weekend. It&#x27;s the LONG weekend.<ul><li>Here are a few ways to spend it in and around St. Pete.</li></ul>

"Come From Away" opens in Largo ahead of 9/11 anniversary

Eight O'Clock Theatre's 12 volunteer actors will put on the show about kindness and resilience in the wake of 9/11.

Twenty-five years ago next Friday, 38 transatlantic flights diverted from U.S. airspace in the wake of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="9/11" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/27/911-attacks-khalid-sheikh-mohammed-trial-2028" data-vars-content-id="56a4a9cd-7a70-48d2-b76b-8aeaba0a8fcb" data-vars-headline="&quot;Come From Away&quot; opens in Largo ahead of 9/11 anniversary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/27/911-attacks-khalid-sheikh-mohammed-trial-2028" target="_self">9/11</a> landed in the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland.<ul><li>And so begins the true story behind the Broadway stage musical &quot;Come From Away,&quot; which opens this Friday at Largo&#x27;s Eight O&#x27;Clock Theatre.</li></ul>Why it matters: As the anniversary of the terrorist attacks approaches, the musical offers a story showing &quot;that the best of humanity can overcome the worst,&quot; cast member Rand Smith <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told Fox 13" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox13news.com/news/come-from-away-focuses-community-after-9-11" data-vars-content-id="56a4a9cd-7a70-48d2-b76b-8aeaba0a8fcb" data-vars-headline="&quot;Come From Away&quot; opens in Largo ahead of 9/11 anniversary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox13news.com/news/come-from-away-focuses-community-after-9-11" target="_blank">told Fox 13</a>.

Test your knowledge of stories from Axios Tampa Bay newsletters.

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.<div><iframe name="opinionstage-widget" alt="Opinion Stage Embed" src="https://www.opinionstage.com/api/v2/widgets/269e7580-6676-4117-8f20-c9b78fd37425/iframe" data-opinionstage-iframe="269e7580-6676-4117-8f20-c9b78fd37425" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="embed-poll" data-vars-asset-id="269e7580-6676-4117-8f20-c9b78fd37425" data-vars-content-id="b45e1264-e649-421b-8577-b8f682b0bf45" width="100%" height="800" allow="fullscreen" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" class="gtmView" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><div style="display:none"></div></div>

St. Pete weekend events: Girls Rock, comedy show and romance book fair

Say it with me: Week-end. Week-END! WEEK-END!!!

Say it with me: Week-end. Week-END! WEEK-END!!!<ul><li>Here are some ways to spend it in and around St. Pete.</li></ul>

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.

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>.

St. Pete's newest coffee shop is a mid-century dream

At Atomic Cat, coffee, pastries and vintage furniture are on the menu.

It would be easy to miss St. Pete&#x27;s newest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/04/15/vote-best-coffee-shop-bracket" data-vars-content-id="24fca61f-f022-40af-911e-0ff57cd3078b" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s newest coffee shop is a mid-century dream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/04/15/vote-best-coffee-shop-bracket" target="_self">coffee</a> shop, nestled in a nondescript plaza off Gandy Boulevard. <ul><li>But step inside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atomic Cat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/atomiccatstpete/" data-vars-content-id="24fca61f-f022-40af-911e-0ff57cd3078b" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s newest coffee shop is a mid-century dream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/atomiccatstpete/" target="_blank">Atomic Cat</a>, and you&#x27;ll feel like you&#x27;ve stumbled onto the set of &quot;Mad Men.&quot;</li></ul>

Tampa Bay restaurants face a brutal stretch of closures

But owners are also finding ways to adapt.

Tampa Bay has experienced some tough local restaurant and bar closures over the last month.Why it matters: With summer typically a slow food scene and added stressors, including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inflation, tariffs and high gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/food/2026/06/29/tampa-bay-restaurant-venue-fee-closings/" data-vars-content-id="7e60a79f-9871-41e2-90fa-96b334d9a386" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay restaurants face a brutal stretch of closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/food/2026/06/29/tampa-bay-restaurant-venue-fee-closings/" target="_blank">inflation, tariffs and high gas prices</a>, squeezing businesses and consumers, more shifts in the dining scene could be on the way.

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