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Axios Tampa Bay
Florida's 988 crisis centers pick up fewer calls than other states
Data: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; Map: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosAlmost two years after the debut of a revamped national suicide hotline, its promise of a quicker, more seamless crisis response is still a work in progress.Why it matters: Congress gave states $1 billion to build out the 988 hotline, with the expectation that states would establish their own long-term funding to operate crisis services.But those efforts have been slow in Florida — and its in-state response rate lags behind other states that have secured funds for 988.State of play: Though Florida uses surcharges on cellphone bills to fund 911 services, it...
Florida's 988 crisis centers pick up fewer calls than other states
Data: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; Map: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosAlmost two years after the debut of a revamped national suicide hotline, its promise of a quicker, more seamless crisis response is still a work in progress.Why it matters: Congress gave states $1 billion to build out the 988 hotline, with the expectation that states would establish their own long-term funding to operate crisis services.But those efforts have been slow in Florida — and its in-state response rate lags behind other states that have secured funds for 988.State of play: Though Florida uses surcharges on cellphone bills to fund 911 services, it...
These Tampa Bay projects were just vetoed from Florida's budget
Gov. Ron DeSantis' veto pen crossed out millions of dollars earmarked for Tampa Bay from the state budget.Why it matters: The region lost money for programs that aim to tackle road repairs, environmental issues, affordable housing and more as DeSantis slashed almost $1 billion from next year's budget.Zoom in: Bradenton had Tampa Bay's largest cut, with $5 million vetoed for transportation safety improvements. The city planned to use the funds to construct roundabouts at three intersections where there have been dozens of crashes.Tampa's Palmetto Beach saw a $1 million cut for shoreline revitalization, while St. Pete's North Shore Park lost...
Here's how to celebrate Juneteenth in Tampa Bay
America's second independence day is coming up next week, but related events in Tampa Bay begin this weekend.Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been freed.Here's a round-up of some of the biggest events leading up to Emancipation Day.You can find even more at WUSF.🗣️ Juneteenth Celebration — A free, daytime celebration at USF's Gibbons Alumni Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Hosted by the USF Black Alumni Society.Food vendors, jazz music, panels and dancers.Saturday, 11am-6pm.🥳 Juneteenth Festival — The city of Tampa is hosting the fourth edition of this free annual event...
Florida frequently targeted by dark money news outlets, report finds
Florida is one of the states most frequently targeted by dark money news sites — partisan-backed outlets made to look like impartial news sources.Why it matters: The sites are designed to influence politics and deceive readers, and there are now more of them than real, local daily newspapers in the country.That's according to a new report from NewsGuard, a misinformation tracking company.How it works: These websites are often referred to as "pink slime," a term that originated in the ground beef industry.In media, it describes politically motivated websites masquerading as independent local news outlets.Zoom in: An investigation by the Orlando...
Florida has most expensive coffee in the South
Data: Toast; Map: Axios VisualsThe average cup of joe will run you $3.38 in Florida, per a new analysis by restaurant tech company Toast.The big picture: That's 30 cents higher than the national average and more expensive than any other state in the South. On the East Coast, only Massachusetts' coffee is more expensive than Florida's.Why it matters: Inflation can seem most frustrating when it hits our everyday staples.Between the lines: Prices get crazier if you want a fancier drink.The average Florida latte is $5.67 and a cold brew clocks in at $5.56.Our reader-favorite Blind Tiger charges $3.25 for a cup of coffee, $5.00 for a latte and $4.75 for a cold brew.Zoom out: You'll find the cheapest coffee in Nebraska, at $2.12.Sign up for Axios Tampa Bay for free.
Inside Disney World's newest ride, Tiana's Bayou Adventure
As my raft wound through the Louisiana bayou, the jazzy serenade of animatronic musical critters almost lulled me into forgetting where this ride was headed.But soon, there it was: That familiar 50-foot drop — and the splash.The big picture: This week, I got a sneak peek at Disney World's latest attraction, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, based on the 2009 film "The Princess and the Frog."The New Orleans-themed log flume ride replaces Splash Mountain, though the bones of the Magic Kingdom mainstay remain. What's old is new again.The vibe: Imagineers conferred with New Orleans-based artists and the family of famed NOLA chef Leah...
Review: Yuengling's better bar food
Maya and I returned to our old stomping ground near the University of South Florida to give Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen a try. Dig in: Tampa Magazine listed the pub as a runner-up for the city's "best new restaurants." The place is massive, with five bars and a gift shop. Best bites: We began with the nosh plate for two, the pub's take on a charcuterie board. It features a soft pretzel, pimento cheese, beef-based bologna and more. The assortment is pungent and downright delicious. I went for the "chicken fried" cauliflower steak as my entrée, while Maya chose the Gulf snapper. The plant-based steak is crusted over with buffalo-drenched bread crumbs and sits on top of mashed red potatoes and mustard butter. The snapper is well-seasoned, smokey and paired with buttery potatoes. The "chicken Fried" cauliflower steak. Photo: Yacob Reyes/AxiosThe verdict: There are more than a few reasons to be skeptical about the food at what, for all intents and purposes, is a bar. But Yuengling Draft Haus & kitchen doesn't disappoint — and its prices won't break the bank. Sign up for Axios Tampa Bay for free.
Hot Publix summer: Grocer rolls out 8 limited-edition ice cream flavors
Reader Deborah Green sent in a sweet tip for how to make the summer heat a little more bearable.The scoop: "Try every one of the eight new limited-time flavors Publix is rolling out for summer!" Green wrote in."I'm starting with Cold Brew Cookies and Crème," she added.Intrigued? Here are all eight flavors, per a Publix news release:Chocolate Cookie QuarryCold Brew Cookies and CrèmeLemon Berry BlissMarry Me StrawberryCoffee Almond FudgeCaramel Turtle CheesecakeHula Hula MacadamiaBuckeyes & FudgeSign up for Axios Tampa Bay for free.
New Florida law reins in HOAs, limits fines
Florida has a new law that limits the reasons homeowners' associations (HOAs) can fine you.Why it matters: Around 45% of homes in Florida are part of an HOA, which oversees property appearance, parking, noise and more in a neighborhood. Membership is often a condition of home ownership.Between the lines: The law sets new limits on what an association can demand of its members, curbs excessive fines and makes records more accessible to the public.It's one of several laws passed this year to ease the burden these associations place on homeowners and eliminate some HOA restrictions on things like hurricane protection...
How to celebrate Pride in St. Pete, Tampa
Tampa Bay is a great place to be in June.The big picture: Along with St. Pete Pride, Florida's largest Pride celebration, we're home to gay bars, LGBTQ-owned businesses and a thriving drag scene.That means there are tons of ways to celebrate Pride Month.🏅 Shuffleboard for a cause at Shuffle with Pride, benefiting PFLAG Safety Harbor. 7-10pm June 7, St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, $10 for non-members🪩 Tip a local drag queen at Water Street Tampa's National Pride Celebration. Pre-party and drag shows 5:30-7:30pm and silent disco 7-10pm June 7, Water Street Tampa💃 Catch performances, vendors and family-focused activities at St. Pete...
Florida's best public park system is in this Tampa Bay city
Fellow St. Pete residents: It's finally our turn to brag.State of play: The Sunshine City has the best public park system among large cities in Florida, per a new report from the pro-park nonprofit Trust for Public Land.And it's not close. St. Pete ranked 11th nationwide, up from 15th last year.The next Florida city on the parks list is Miami at 36. Tampa fell three spots from last year to land at 49.Why it matters: Residents in high-scoring cities are more socially connected with their neighbors, per the report — including those from other socioeconomic groups, with whom they might...
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