Columbus
Axios Tampa Bay
Florida gas prices climb ahead of Fourth of July travel
This Independence Day, Floridians will set new travel records — and gas prices rose to the occasion.Why it matters: If you're among the 4.5 million expected to hit the road, brace yourself (and your wallet) for higher gas prices.Zoom in: The average price for regular gas in Florida is $3.46, per AAA. That's almost 20 cents more expensive than last year's average. Local averages aren't much better. Tampa Bay sits at $3.49, while South Florida ranges from $3.40 to $3.50.What they're saying: "Gas prices remain pretty volatile," says Mark Jenkins, an AAA spokesman. "Although we have seen some price swings in recent weeks, it's not likely significant enough to impact people's travel plans."
Lightning lose longtime captain Steven Stamkos
Steven Stamkos, who captained the Lightning to back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, is leaving Tampa Bay after 16 seasons.Why it matters: "Stammer" is one of the most productive and popular players to ever suit up for the Lightning. His departure marks the end of an era.Stamkos was Axios readers' pick for Tampa Bay's greatest-ever professional athlete in our recently completed bracket.The latest: Stamkos, 34, is expected to sign a four-year contract with the Nashville Predators, per Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic.What he's saying: Stamkos confirmed his departure in a post on X."Thank you Tampa ❤️❤️," his post said. "I...
Tampa Bay shelters hit hard by dog flu
Three Tampa Bay animal shelters are experiencing dog flu outbreaks exacerbated by overcrowded conditions. Why it matters: Spiking infections forced Hillsborough Pet Resources and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay this week to halt canine intakes and adoptions. Pasco County Animal Services took the same drastic steps early this month...
Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Tampa Bay
Looking for Fourth of July celebrations?Here's a round-up of events in Tampa Bay.Boom by the Bay — The City of Tampa hosts its free, annual celebration at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, featuring fireworks, live entertainment, an "Apple Pie Throwdown" and a pickleball tournament.Thursday, 4pm.Independence Day Brunch — St. Pete Beach's Don CeSar Hotel offers an "Instagram-worthy" buffet that includes BBQ ribs, loaded baked potato salads and apple pie cream puffs — complete with a view of the beach.Thursday, 10am-1:30pm.4th of July Celebration — Busch Gardens lights up the sky with an extended fireworks show at Festival Field through July...
Axios Tampa Bay pet of the week: Meet Earl the terrier mix
Pawsome news: We're starting a new feature, Pet of the Week!. Why it matters: Animal shelters across the area — and across the country — are filling up as more and more pet owners, facing economic challenges like inflation and housing costs, are surrendering their pets. Plus: We're...
Your Fourth of July guide to Florida's firework rules
Firecrackers, skyrockets, roman candles and other popular fireworks are illegal in Florida — except for the few times a year when residents are likeliest to use them. Why it matters: The Fourth of July is one of three dates when Floridians are permitted to set off explosives, under a carve-out the Legislature passed in 2020.
Tampa Bay sees first sawfish death amid mysterious South Florida die-off
A mysterious die-off of sawfish in the Florida Keys hit home this week, according to the Tampa Bay Times.Why it matters: Smalltooth sawfish, known for their long snouts lined with teeth, have been endangered since 2003. They were the first marine fish to receive federal protection, per NOAA.At least 53 sawfish have died so far this year, the Times reported. More are believed to be sick, and other species including stingrays, sharks and groupers have also been affected.Catch up quick: Observers in November began reporting abnormal fish behavior. Smaller species like pinfish, a popular bait fish, were spinning and swirling...
Safer, greener streets are coming to Tampa Bay thanks to Biden grants
Tampa Bay is getting millions of dollars from the Biden administration for safer streets.Why it matters: The grants will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, while reducing pollution in local waterways and urban heat impacts.The big picture: The funds are part of $1.8 billion in nationwide infrastructure grants announced Wednesday by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.Our local projects are among 148 across the country.Zoom in: Tampa is getting more than $24 million to improve 22nd Street, Bermuda Boulevard and 26th Street.These projects — which start in January — include a shared-use trail connecting to the 22-mile Green Artery Trail, new pavement, landscaping, sidewalks, and traffic calming measures.Bioswales will capture stormwater, reducing pollution and improving water quality in McKay Bay.City of Lake Wales is getting $22.93 million to redevelop 1st Street, Central Avenue, A Street, and Lincoln Avenue, beginning in November.There'll be more space for cyclists and pedestrians as well as new rain gardens, shade trees, lighting and fiber optics that will connect downtown and the commercial Northwest Neighborhood.Flashback: Tampa also received a $1.75 million federal grant for public transportation last October.
Things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay
🥢 Asian Mega Night Market: Try street food and buy art from over 75 vendors, plus live music, dance performances and games.Friday and Saturday, 5-11:30pm, at 855 28th Street South in St. Petersburg. Free entry. $5-20 parking. Accessible from the Pinellas Trail.🍦 Publix ice cream truck: Try limited-edition summer flavors. Plus, a photo booth, games and music.10am– 3pm at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa. The truck will also be at the St. Pete Pier on July 4.🎆 Zephyrhills Summerfest: A day of family-friendly fun including vendors, food trucks, giveaways, games and live music. Kids can participate in contests, explore the play zone with a bounce house and slides, splash in the water play park and jungle gym, get pony rides and meet animals at the petting zoo.Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to Zephyr Lake for the 9pm fireworks show.Saturday, 12-9:30pm, at Zephyr Park. Free!
Dog flu breaks out at Hillsborough shelter
Hillsborough County's animal shelter is closed until next week while officials work to contain a canine influenza outbreak among the shelter's 290 dogs. Why it matters: The illness is extremely contagious among dogs, per a county news release. While symptoms are often mild or nonexistent, the disease can, in rare cases, cause serious health issues or death.
DeSantis signs outdoor balloon release ban in Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Monday that bans outdoor balloon releases, a measure meant to protect wildlife.Why it matters: Balloons can kill wildlife that mistake them for food or get caught in their attached strings.Florida law previously allowed a person to release up to nine balloons over 24 hours.Zoom in: Starting July 1, sending a balloon up into the sky will be considered a noncriminal littering offense, and could get you fined up to $150. Some of the money goes toward the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund's grant program.Between the lines: The law, sponsored by two Pinellas Republicans, was a rare example of the state GOP backing a bill championed by environmentalists.Also rare: the pushback the wildlife-friendly bill got from the left. Several Democrats voted no when the bill passed in March.Tampa Democratic state Rep. Dianne Hart said she was concerned the fines would disproportionately affect Black residents, who often release balloons to honor deceased loved ones.
Artist, pilot conquered fears to create St. Pete's famous flying mural
The kaleidoscopic rainbow taking flight over St. Pete isn't an exotic bird or refraction of light. It's the "Mooney Anomaly," a four-passenger plane turned flying mural.Why it matters: Artist Matt Kress and pilot Liam Hawkins almost didn't get their dreams off the ground. They hope the "Anomaly" inspires others to follow theirs.Flashback: Kress worked a desk job for 15 years after graduating from art school for fear he'd never make a living as a painter.Then he moved to St. Pete and saw a path to success in the mural-covered town.After participating in local shows and selling his work, the Buccaneers...
The state of same-sex marriage in Florida
Data: Census Bureau; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosThere were three times as many married same-sex couples in Florida in 2022 than there were a decade ago, before the Supreme Court's landmark marriage equality decision.Why it matters: Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration has since made Florida one of the least queer-friendly states in the country — although advocates say the tide is starting to turn.5.4% of Floridian adults identify as LGBTQ+.Flashback: Florida began recognizing same-sex marriage in 2015 after federal court rulings struck down a statewide ban.The ban is technically still on the books, and legislative efforts to repeal it have failed.By the numbers:...
GOP loses control of Hillsborough commission after surprise departure
Republicans lost control of Hillsborough's commission after Michael Owen ditched his seat to run for the state Legislature.Why it matters: Owen's move upended a handful of local races and also neutered his fellow Republican commissioners, who held a one-seat edge over Democrats before his departure.The commission represents Hillsborough's 1.4 million residents.Catch up quick: Owen resigned from the commission on June 11 to announce a last-minute bid for a state House seat that covers parts of southern Hillsborough and northern Manatee counties.He had tried (and failed) to make it to the Legislature in 2020.Two Republicans, two Democrats and an independent have...
Gas stations push for Florida's federal EV charging funds
Gas station chains are demanding Florida catch up in spending federal money for electric vehicle chargers.Why it matters: Florida has stretches nearly 70 miles long — over an hour of driving — without active charging stations, according to ChargePoint.While other states have opened their first chargers built with National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funds, businesses still can't apply to use the Sunshine State's allotted money.State of play: The Charge Ahead Partnership, representing gas chains like Wawa, Buc-ee's and Busy Bee, is pressing the state to open applications.Florida will get $198 million over five years from the NEVI program, created as part...
We tried the first Wawa drive-thru in Florida
I may have a regular Wawa five minutes from my house, but I simply had to drive the half hour to Largo to give the new Wawa drive-thru a try.Why it matters: The twist on the convenience store and gas station* chain with a cult following opened this month at 2530 East Bay Dr., and it's the first one in Florida.*There's no gas at this location.Fun fact: Some fanatics arrived at the June 13 grand opening at 4:30am, per Tampa Bay Newspapers.State of play: The … restaurant? — sure, we'll call it that — offers its fan-favorite hoagies along with...
The story behind The Epoch Times billboards in Tampa, across U.S.
Driving on highways across the country, you've probably seen the billboards: "#1 Trusted News," next to a man's face and the URL for The Epoch Times.Why it matters: The story behind the partisan media outlet is a lot more complicated, especially after the latest development: a criminal money laundering indictment this month against chief financial officer Weidong "Bill" Guan.The company said in a statement it would cooperate with investigators and that Guan was suspended until the case is resolved.The big picture: The nonprofit media company is known for promoting right-wing conspiracy theories and former President Trump, Priyanjana Bengani, a senior...
Where to see the giant inflatable IUD in Tampa
The giant, inflatable IUD that turned heads in D.C. and Miami will make its next stop at Tampa's Lykes Gaslight Park on Friday, Americans for Contraception confirmed.Why it matters: Republicans torpedoed a bill that aimed to protect the right to contraceptives, and advocates say the 20-foot birth control device holds them accountable and promotes access to reproductive health care.Zoom in: Democrats from Tampa Bay are holding an 11am press conference beside the IUD, with U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor and State Reps. Lindsay Cross and Susan Valdés scheduled to speak.You can see the display from 10am to 4pm.The big picture: The two-year anniversary of the fall of Roe v. Wade is Monday.In overturning the landmark abortion ruling, conservative justices signaled that other decisions, including the one that codified access to contraception, could be reconsidered.The intrigue: U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who is up for re-election in November, voted against a bill that would have codified access to birth control earlier this month.Florida Democrats are eager to nail Scott on abortion and label him a "radical," even while he tries to soften his stance on the issue.
Sabrina Carpenter bringing Short n' Sweet tour to Tampa
Singer-songwriter Sabrina Carpenter will be working late ('cause she's a singer) in Tampa this fall.State of play: The "Espresso" singer announced Thursday that Amalie Arena is one of 29 stops on her The Short n' Sweet tour promoting her upcoming album of the same name.She'll stop here Oct. 25 with openers Amaarae, Griff and Declan McKenna. Her other Florida stop will be the night before at the Kia Center in Orlando.How to get tickets: Presales begin at 10am Monday, starting with a round exclusively for Cash App cardholders, followed by the Team Sabrina presale at 10am Tuesday, per an Amalie Arena news release.Regular sale begins 10am June 28 via Ticketmaster. Prices will range from $26.75-$146.75 before service charges.Fun fact: Carpenter also partnered with the nonprofit PLUS1 to launch the Sabrina Carpenter Fund to raise money for local organizations supporting mental health, animal welfare and LGBTQ+ communities.
MrBnB offers hospitality by and for LGBTQ people during Pride
St. Pete welcomes hundreds of thousands of people to one of the biggest Pride events in the southeast, but finding welcoming accommodations isn't always easy.Why it matters: LGBTQ+ people don't always feel safe while traveling, especially with their partners.State of play: Misterb&b is an Airbnb-style short-term rental platform advertised as a safe option for queer travelers.Matthieu Jost started the site in 2014 after he said he and his partner were harassed while traveling abroad.Zoom in: St. Pete still has listings available for those traveling to this weekend's festivities or looking for a stay-cay.Sharing the Sunset: The couple that hosts this...
Axios Tampa Bay
2K+
Posts
17M+
Views
Axios Tampa Bay, anchored by Ben Montgomery and Selene San Felice, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.