Jay Waagmeester, Author at Creative Loafing Tampa

Rick Scott is pressuring Tampa Sports Authority to cancel Kanye West shows at Raymond James Stadium

“West’s remarks are vile and a slap in the face to our state’s Jewish community.”

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix June 4, 2026June 4, 2026

A public stadium shouldn’t host rapper and producer Kanye West, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott said Thursday. In a letter to the Tampa Sports Authority, the government organization that operates Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Scott urged the authority board to “carefully review this decision” of hosting the rapper, for shows June 26 and 28. “West’s […]

ChatGPT creators knew product would cause harm, Florida argues in lawsuit

The state alleges ChatGPT is a “public nuisance.”

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix June 2, 2026June 4, 2026

Florida lawmakers move to save public schools from DeSantis’ property tax plan

Volusia County Senate Republican Tom Wright said his office received 1,282 emails and calls before the start of a meeting.

by Christine Sexton, Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix June 2, 2026June 2, 2026

Close-up of a speaker at a microphone addressing a crowd during a Florida public education rally. In the background, supporters stand together holding signs that read "I Heart Public Schools" and "Public Schools Strong.

‘The stakes for public education are enormous’: Florida’s largest teachers union on DeSantis property tax plan

“Local funding accounts for roughly 46% of the Florida Education Finance Program statewide, and in some districts the local share approaches 90%.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix May 29, 2026May 29, 2026

Florida schools, healthcare, public safety could lose millions under DeSantis property tax plan

“I think there’s a reason why the governor didn’t want to show his work today.”

by Mitch Perry, Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix May 28, 2026May 28, 2026

Florida agrees to pay $485K to FWC biologist fired over Charlie Kirk post

“All I wanted was my job back,” Brown said in a news release.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix May 21, 2026May 21, 2026

Federal judge sides with Florida state employee fired for Charlie Kirk social media post

“There is a label for what Ms. Tucker did — making false statements.”

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix May 15, 2026May 15, 2026

‘It was always designed to be a temporary facility’: DeSantis addresses rumors ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ may soon close

Florida insists the federal government will reimburse the state hundreds of millions of dollars, although it has not yet.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix May 8, 2026May 8, 2026

Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar speaking at a press conference in front of the Florida Historic Capitol, surrounded by supporters holding "Invest in Our Students" signs during the 2026 school choice lawsuit announcement.

Florida education union claims school choice system is unconstitutional, files suit

The plaintiffs ask the court to declare the scholarship programs and charter schools “as currently administered” unconstitutional.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix May 6, 2026May 6, 2026

Genesis Robinson of Equal Ground speaking at a protest against mid-decade redistricting outside the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee.

‘Rigging a system:’ Florida’s new congressional map expected to draw legal challenges

“House Republicans cheered at the destruction of democracy while Democrats fought to defend it.”

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix April 30, 2026April 30, 2026

Close-up of a yellow school bus side panel with reflections of trees and buildings in the windows.

Florida’s average teacher pay remains among worst in nation, union says

California has the highest average teacher salary, $103,552. New York is second and Washington state is third.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix April 28, 2026April 28, 2026

Music

Florida among states to win in fight against Live Nation-Ticketmaster

A Live Nation rep said, ‘The jury’s verdict is not the last word on this matter.’

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix April 17, 2026April 17, 2026

Governor Ron DeSantis signing legislation to rename Tallahassee International Airport to Bobby Bowden Field at Tallahassee International Airport, joined by Ginger Bowden Madden and FSU representatives.

Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill naming highway after Donald Trump

The bill also designates the Tallahassee airport as Bobby Bowden-Tallahassee International Airport.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix April 15, 2026April 15, 2026

President Donald Trump stands at the White House briefing room podium, gesturing toward Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Both Bondi and Blanche are smiling as they stand behind the blue-and-gold Presidential lectern. The room is brightly lit by overhead studio lights with the White House press briefing backdrop behind them.

Florida Republicans line up to praise fired Attorney General Pam Bondi

Democrats were less impressed.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix April 2, 2026April 2, 2026

James Uthmeier, Chief of Staff to Governor Ron DeSantis, speaking at a microphone during the Annual National Day of Prayer event in front of the Florida State Capitol steps.

Gun lobby praises Florida AG over push for ‘nondangerous’ felon gun ownership

“Attorney General Pam Bondi needs to sit up and take notes! This is what a REAL pro-gun attorney general looks like.”

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix March 20, 2026March 20, 2026

Florida places temporary ban on H-1B visas in university system

The measure prohibits universities from using the H-1B program to hire “new employees” until Jan. 5, 2027.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix March 3, 2026March 3, 2026

Florida weighs state university visa hiring freeze at DeSantis’ request

University of South Florida had 107 H-1B visa recipients in FY2025.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix January 29, 2026January 29, 2026

A child's hand holds a purple marker writing the letter "a" multiple times on a cursive practice sheet.

Proposal to require Florida students pass cursive test swoops to House floor

The bill’s sponsor voted against it in previous legislative sessions.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix January 26, 2026January 26, 2026

Florida’s flamingo population needs intervention for recovery, UCF study says

Florida has only about 100 of its state bird in the wild.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix December 29, 2025December 29, 2025

A person identified as the Florida Senate President sits at a glossy table, gesturing with their hands while speaking to a cluster of professional microphones and recording devices.

Siding with DeSantis, Florida Senate president prefers to wait for SCOTUS before redistricting decision

That puts him at odds with a timetable for congressional redistricting set last week by a select committee in the Florida House.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix December 9, 2025December 11, 2025