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Axios Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay's true blue color analysts weigh in on TikTok fashion trend
Americans are turning to social media and certified color analysts to find out whether they're a muted autumn or more of a cool summer.Why it matters: Having an expert determine which color "season" you are could offer a confidence boost when you shop and get dressed, but color analyses can be pricey and come with limitations.Driving the news: Search interest in "color analysis" and "season color palette" reached a record high this year in March, and "what colors look good on me" was a breakout search over the past month in the U.S., according to Google Trends' Jenny Lee.How it...
New state line sign welcomes drivers to "free state of Florida"
Drivers crossing Florida's state line will now be welcomed to "the free state of Florida."State of play: That's according to state Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, who on Saturday shared a photo of a sign. "No better way to celebrate Independence Day Weekend," Perdue wrote on X, formerly Twitter.Yes, and: Drivers leaving the state will pass a sign that reads, "Hurry back to the free state of Florida," the Tallahassee Democrat reported.Between the lines: The phrasing likely comes from Gov. Ron DeSantis, who once referred to Florida as the "freest state in these United States." The word "freedom" shows up in many of his state initiatives, from last year's "Framework for Freedom" budget proposal to this year's "Freedom Summer" that banned rainbow light displays on state bridges during Pride Month.The other side: Critics argue that DeSantis has made Florida less free for many, by restricting abortion access, LGBTQ+ expression, and more.He has supported limits on transgender medical care, classroom instruction and books on LGBTQ+ issues, courses in African American history and psychology, and lab-grown meat.
PSTA gets $27.8M in federal funds for electric, hybrid buses
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is getting closer its goal of going all-electric thanks to newly announced federal funds.Driving the news: The agency is receiving $27.8 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration to buy new electric buses, hybrid buses and charging equipment, and to initiate a workforce development program.The project aims to improve service and reliability, as well as address air quality and noise pollution.The big picture: The funding was announced on Tuesday as part of the Biden administration's $1.5-billion investment to support 117 public transportation projects in 47 states.By the numbers: PSTA is phasing...
Teach for America coming this fall to Tampa Bay schools
Teachers from the educator-training nonprofit Teach For America will take the reins in Tampa Bay classrooms for the first time this fall.Why it matters: Teach For America (TFA) "corps members," as they're called, will help fill staffing needs in Hillsborough County public schools, which have among the highest teacher vacancy rates in the state, the Tampa Bay Times reported.The district also had more schools with D or F grades last year than anywhere else in the state per the Times.How it works: TFA recruits and trains teaching candidates, often from top colleges and universities, and sends them to communities in need.Corps members have a presence in more than 40 regions, including Miami-Dade and Duval counties.The move into Tampa Bay is the organization's first expansion into a new region since 2016, per the Times.Zoom in: Hillsborough will pay salary and benefits plus a $5,000 fee to TFA for up to 20 corps members, district spokesperson Debra Bellanti told Axios.District officials identified 30 schools — 14 elementary, six middle and 10 high schools — with "hard-to-fill positions" for TFA to focus on, Bellanti said.Most are part of the district's Transformation Network, a group of low-performing schools prioritized for turnaround.
Another human-made lagoon is under construction in Tampa Bay
Another lagoon community is under construction in Tampa Bay, and prospective residents can use augmented reality to see it before it's finished.State of play: The Seaire master-planned community just east of Interstate 75 in Parrish will be home to more than 3,000 houses built around a 4-acre human-made lagoon, Tampa-based developer Metro Development Group said in a news release.Potential buyers can visualize their future home and amenities using new AR technology from New Zealand firm Showhomes.io.💭 Kathryn's thought bubble: Last year, I went to Pasco County to visit the largest human-made lagoon in the country.My main takeaway was how uncanny it felt to hang out in a giant fake beach dropped in the middle of what used to be a cattle ranch. Throwing AR in the mix feels even weirder.Future Seaire residents: There are numerous nature preserves and award-winning beaches within an hour's drive of your new neighborhood. Please, go touch some grass.Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that Showhomes.io's technology uses augmented reality, not virtual reality.
Tampa Bay Sun players hit field together for the first time
Tampa Bay's new women's pro soccer team hit the practice field for the first time on Friday.State of play: The Tampa Bay Sun Football Club held its first practice for the inaugural season that kicks off Aug. 18 against Dallas Trinity. They'll face off at the new Riverfront Stadium at Blake High School.The roster includes Bradenton native Erika Tymrak and University of South Florida record-holder and Orlando Pride alum Jordyn Listro.What they're saying: "This is the dream," head coach Denise Schilte-Brown said, per a team news release.
Axios Tampa Bay pet of the week: Meet Cinnamon the basset hound-shepherd mix
It's Friday, and that means we're featuring another adorable Tampa Bay pet up for adoption.Why it matters: Animal shelters across the area — and the country — are filling as more pet owners, facing economic challenges like inflation and housing costs, are surrendering their pets.Meet Cinnamon, an 8-year-old basset hound-shepherd mix. This always-smiling boy is sweet with a hint of playful spice and is easy on a leash, his caretakers say.He's vision-impaired but can make out shadows to get around. He's also housebroken, neutered and vaccinated.Does Cinnamon sound like your good boy? Contact Pinellas County Animal Services at (727) 582-2600 or visit the adoption center (hours here) at 12450 Ulmerton Road in Largo.Of note: As we reported, several local shelters are grappling with outbreaks of dog flu.Pinellas Animal Services, where Cinnamon lives, has not had any cases.The agency has also waived all adoption fees while the shelter undergoes renovations.Sign up for Axios Tampa Bay for free.
Bobby Finke's best day ever in Tampa Bay
Bobby Finke has Paris on the brain, but his heart will always be in Tampa Bay.State of splash: Before he became a star Olympian, Finke grew up in Clearwater, swimming for St. Petersburg Aquatics.He's primed to defend his two gold medals after finishing first in the men's 800-meter freestyle at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials last week.We asked the 24-year-old what his best day ever would look like:🍳 Breakfast: Wake up the family and his girlfriend to head to Metro Diner in St. Pete for The Bissell Breakfast (two eggs, bacon, toast, hashbrowns or grits, and a short stack of pancakes).🎢 Morning activity: Hitting the rides at Busch Gardens. "If it's the best day, there would be no lines and we would ride the rollercoasters for hours."🌭 Lunch: Hot dogs at the theme park.📺 Afternoon: Laying in bed, watching "Brooklyn Nine-Nine."🍔 🏇 Dinner: Making burgers while watching a big Triple Crown race.🍕🎞️ Nightcap: Sneaking Papa John's pizza into a movie theater to catch a new flick.Sign up for Axios Tampa Bay for free.
Tampa Bay's housing market cools
The housing market in Tampa Bay is cooling faster than in most metros nationwide.Why it matters: Supply issues continue to put pressure on home prices across the U.S. — despite mortgage rates dampening demand.This is particularly true in parts of California and the Northeast. Homes are selling quickly and for over asking, according to Redfin data.In the South, however, supply is picking up, and markets are cooling.Zoom in: Tampa Bay ranked second nationwide for decreasing homebuying demand and competition between April 2023 and April 2024, per Redfin.Data: Redfin; Chart: Axios VisualsThe big picture: Florida may be hotter than ever, but its housing market is cooling quicker than most other states, according to Redfin.Home construction, unaffordable home insurance and intense natural disaster threats contribute to increased supply and lower demand.Homes aren't moving off the market as quickly, and a growing share of sellers are bringing their asking prices down — all signs that these markets are cooling.Yes, but: Florida and Texas were the poster children for the pandemic price boom, so home prices are much higher than five years ago.What's next: Some relief could be coming for buyers on the mortgage rate front.Sign up for Axios Tampa Bay for free.
Oat your heart out at Ben and Jerry's Tampa non-dairy scoop shop takeover
Ben and Jerry's is coming to Tampa on Tuesday to celebrate the revamp of its non-dairy flavors.State of scoop: Midtown Scoop Shop will turn into a non-dairy dreamland as one of seven stops on the brand's Creamy, Dreamy Non-Dairy Summer Tour.Grab free samples of the new oat-based ice cream from a moving carousel, take home swag and snap a photo with an oversized pint.Between the pints: The oat base is replacing all existing sunflower butter and almond milk variations in Ben and Jerry's' 19 non-dairy flavors.The company says the alternative "creates a smoother texture, allowing base flavors like chocolate, decadent caramel, mint and rich vanilla to shine as intended," and reduces nut allergens.If you go: The event runs 2-10pm Tuesday and Wednesday at Midtown Scoop Shop. Free!Sign up for Axios Tampa Bay for free.
Oat your heart out at Ben and Jerry's Tampa non-dairy scoop shop takeover
Ben and Jerry's is coming to Tampa on Tuesday to celebrate the revamp of its non-dairy flavors.State of scoop: Midtown Scoop Shop will turn into a non-dairy dreamland as one of seven stops on the brand's Creamy, Dreamy Non-Dairy Summer Tour.Grab free samples of the new oat-based ice cream from a moving carousel, take home swag and snap a photo with an oversized pint.Between the pints: The oat base is replacing all existing sunflower butter and almond milk variations in Ben and Jerry's' 19 non-dairy flavors.The company says the alternative "creates a smoother texture, allowing base flavors like chocolate, decadent caramel, mint and rich vanilla to shine as intended," and reduces nut allergens.If you go: The event runs 2-10pm Tuesday and Wednesday at Midtown Scoop Shop. Free!Sign up for Axios Tampa Bay for free.
Santa's Drill Team honors veterans and first responders in Safety Harbor for July 4th
Despite being born in Turkey and living in the North Pole, Saint Nick is super patriotic about July Fourth.Why it matters: To help honor veterans and first responders, he calls on Santa's Drill Team and Palm Tree Santas.Santa and his helpers — also dressed in red and white — will be out in Safety Harbor on Thursday during the town's Independence Day festivities.What they're saying: "Santa is the star and he cannot go without being mobbed, so helpers and stunt doubles deflect some of the people away from him so he can enjoy his day," Santa Jim Beam, AKA Plant City...
Learning to swim in Florida is crucial. Here's how these adults did it
In the shallow end of the recreation center pool, Felicia Singleton tried again.State of splash: After learning a few basic water skills at camp growing up in New York, she'd spent most of her life reading books from the safe and dry pool deck.But on a recent afternoon at a St. Petersburg YMCA, Singleton, now in her 50s, was starting to get the hang of a body rotation drill to fine-tune her freestyle."That's it? I did something?" she said after another attempt. Her swim instructor nodded, beaming.Why it matters: About 15% of American adults — nearly 40 million people —...
How to apply for Florida's hurricane hardening grant
You can once again apply for a grant program that funds up to $10,000 worth of upgrades that strengthen your home against hurricanes.Why it matters: Hurricanes are nature's largest and costliest storms.The My Safe Florida Home program offers residents the means to safeguard their homes — which can, in turn, lower their insurance bills.How it works: The program staggers its application process to prioritize those who need it most.Low-income seniors (aged 60 and older) can apply through July 15. All other low-income homeowners can apply July 16 to July 30.Those with what the state deems as "moderate-income" can put in for the program afterward, with seniors up first from July 31 to Aug. 14. The portal closes after all funds are exhausted.Owners of site-built, single-family homes or townhouses can request a free inspection to identify areas of their homes (like windows, doors and roofs) that could use improvement.They can submit a grant application once the inspection is reviewed and processed. If approved, the program offers $2 in grant funds for every $1 the homeowner spends on construction.You can apply here.Sign up for Axios Tampa Bay for free.
Florida gas prices climb ahead of Fourth of July travel
This Independence Day, Floridians will set new travel records — and gas prices have risen to the occasion.Why it matters: If you're among the 4.5 million expected to hit the road, brace yourself (and your wallet).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." Sign up for Axios Tampa Bay for free.
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...
Three 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 after confirming the virus among its dog population.What they're saying: "I wouldn't wish this on anybody," Humane Society of Tampa Bay CEO Sherry Silk said.The big picture: Further complicating the issue is that each shelter was over capacity, a problem that has plagued animal rescues across the state and country.Adoptions set records...
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...
Our 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 pet lovers here at Axios Tampa Bay and can confirm having a pet is one of the most fulfilling experiences you can have as a human.First up: Earl, a 2-year-old terrier mix who has lived at Pinellas County Animal Services since April."This friendly boy is the perfect cuddle buddy, melting hearts with his affectionate nature," his caretakers say. He's "a smart pup who is eager to please."He's still learning his leash manners "but picks up on cues quickly. He happily sits for treats and is learning other fun tricks, too!"Does Earl sound like your good boy? Contact Pinellas County Animal Services at (727) 582-2600 or visit the adoption center (hours here) at 12450 Ulmerton Road in Largo.Sign up for Axios Tampa Bay for free.
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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.
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