WMNF News, Author at Creative Loafing Tampa

A bright, daytime outdoor photograph of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a press conference. Standing behind a podium and a white railing, they are wearing a dark blue suit, a light blue shirt, and a dark red tie. They are gesturing with their raised left hand while speaking. The background features a softly blurred marina with several white boats docked on the water.

DeSantis signs bill banning local climate change efforts, putting Tampa’s plan in limbo

The law takes effect July 1st.

by Chris Young and WMNF News May 13, 2026May 13, 2026

On Earth Day, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill stopping local governments’ climate change efforts. But now, the future of Tampa’s extensive Climate Action and Equity Plan is up in the air. In 2023, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor joined others to present the city’s Climate Action and Equity Plan. “Today, we’re proud to release […]

A bright, daytime outdoor photograph of a ribbon-cutting ceremony. A large, diverse group of city officials and community members stand smiling together behind a long yellow ribbon. In the center, an older individual wearing a dark suit and yellow tie is cutting the ribbon with scissors. To their left, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is visible wearing a dark blue jacket over a white top. The group is gathered beneath a large, decorative black metal archway that reads 'WEST TAMPA' across the top and 'SALCINES PARK' just below it. To the left of the group is a brick pillar featuring a bronze dedication plaque. The ground is paved with distinct gray hexagonal stones, and palm trees are visible against a clear, cloudless blue sky in the background.

West Tampa’s Salcines Park officially reopens

It was named after Emiliano Salcines, a civic leader who community members called the mayor of West Tampa.

by Zoe Sax and WMNF News May 13, 2026May 13, 2026

A wide, street-level photograph of the Chillum Mushroom & Hemp Dispensary storefront in St. Petersburg, Florida. The building features a blue upper facade with large white block lettering that reads 'MUSHROOMS & HEMP.' The lower half of the storefront is composed of textured tan stone pillars and large glass windows. Signs in the windows advertise 'GLASS GALLERY' and list products like 'CBD/CBG,' 'NOOTROPICS,' and 'HEMP.' A potted plant sits on the sidewalk in front of the entrance under a bright, clear sky.

‘Legal mushroom dispensary’ in St. Pete closed last weekend

Chillum Mushroom & Hemp Dispensary offers hemp-derived cannabinoids, functional mushrooms, legal psychedelic-adjacent products, and harm-reduction education.

by Chris Young and WMNF News April 24, 2026April 27, 2026

A medium shot of Attorney General Pam Bondi speaking at a dark grey presidential podium inside the Oval Office. Bondi has long blonde hair and is wearing a dark, pinstriped blazer over a grey top. She is gesturing with her right hand while speaking into a dual-microphone setup. The podium features the gold-and-blue circular Seal of the President of the United States.

Tampa Bay lawyers raise ethical concerns over Pam Bondi’s conduct as Attorney General

Johnny Bardine, a Stetson Law graduate, stressed that attorneys in positions of authority must uphold the highest ethical standards.

by Daria Mironova and WMNF News April 24, 2026April 24, 2026

A wide-angle, slightly hazy daytime photograph looking across Old Tampa Bay toward the distant Downtown Tampa skyline. In the foreground, a multi-lane highway bridge is visible with several cars and a large truck traveling toward the city. Two tall, modern streetlights curve over the road from the left. The skyline is a soft grey silhouette against a pale, overcast sky, reflecting a typical humid afternoon in the Tampa Bay area.

Tampa Bay area ranks No. 100 out of 226 for ground-level ozone pollution, new report says

In Florida, a bill passed this legislative session that prohibits local governments from issuing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

by Chris Young and WMNF News April 24, 2026April 24, 2026

A wide-shot photograph of the Tampa Bay Lightning bench during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Head coach Jon Cooper, in a dark suit and tie, stands on the left gesturing with his hand toward the players. On the bench, several players in blue home jerseys are visible, including Anthony Cirelli (#71) with his back to the camera, Erik Cernak (#81), Janis Moser (#90), and Darren Raddysh (#43) seated. In the background, fans in the stands wear blue Lightning apparel behind the glass at Benchmark International Arena."

Arts & Entertainment

‘There’s no excuses’: Penalties doom Tampa Bay Lightning in opening playoff loss to Canadiens

Game two is Tuesday night in Tampa.

by Seán Kinane and WMNF News April 20, 2026April 20, 2026

A wide-angle aerial panoramic view of Fort De Soto Park and its surrounding islands. The image shows a winding white sand beach bordering crystal-clear, light-green and turquoise waters. Lush green mangroves and coastal vegetation cover the interior islands, which are separated by shallow sandbars and deep blue channels. The perspective looks out toward the horizon under a soft, hazy sky, emphasizing the vast, untouched coastal landscape.

After environmentalists push back, ‘A Land Remembered’ will no longer be filmed at Ft. DeSoto Park

St. Petersburg Audubon expressed concern about filming on fragile dunes and beaches, beach driving, and the use of cattle, pigs, and horses in the sensitive lands.

by Chris Young and WMNF News April 20, 2026April 20, 2026

Protesters at the "No Kings" rally in Clymer Park, Gulfport, Florida, on March 28, 2026. Demonstrators hold handmade cardboard signs with slogans like "No One is Illegal on Stole Peace is Cheaper" and a caricature of Donald Trump with "Laws Off Bodies."

Gulfport sees 2,000 demonstrators at ‘No Kings’ protest [PHOTOS]

Other local No Kings demonstrations drew large crowds in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Sarasota and elsewhere.

by Seán Kinane and WMNF News March 30, 2026March 30, 2026

Some candidates for Hillsborough School Board agree superintendent should not be an elected position

District 2 candidate Brittany Lyssy was not in attendance at Tampa Tiger Bay last Friday.

by Chris Young and WMNF News March 23, 2026March 23, 2026

A production still from 'First They Came For Our College' featuring a young woman with dark curly hair and white-rimmed sunglasses speaking at a wooden podium labeled 'SAVE NEW'. She holds a speech in her hand and smiles toward the audience. Behind her, a crowd of protesters holds diverse signs with slogans such as 'No Fascist Curriculum', 'Since when is science woke?', and 'Hey Bauerlein, the Pope called, he wants your confession'.

Arts & Entertainment

Film about New College’s conservative takeover screens at SXSW, and will show in Florida next month

An interview with filmmakers, who’ll bring ‘First They Came For My College’ to Florida Film Festival in April.

by Chris Young and WMNF News March 19, 2026March 19, 2026

Aileen Henderson, founder of The Cemetery Society, sitting on the porch of a historic white wooden building. The person has long grey hair and wears large wire-frame glasses and a black and white patterned sleeveless top. In the background, a table with a white lace tablecloth holds tea and flowers, and a heavy metal chain hangs from a white railing.

Construction is underway on West Tampa land that might be home to more than a dozen graves

by Juanita Hurtado Huérfano and WMNF News March 18, 2026March 18, 2026

A winding white crushed-shell multipurpose trail curving alongside a rustic wooden rail fence and a lush green windbreak at The Celery Fields in Sarasota, Florida. This regional stormwater facility and conservation area is a key stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail

Despite ‘escape clause’ concerns, lawmakers’ budgets defund ‘Florida Forever’ in favor of rural lands program

Florida Tax Watch says an ‘escape clause’ allows landowners to develop protected land.

by Chris Young and WMNF News March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch speaking at a podium during the Renter Utility Relief Program press conference in March 2024. The background features a "We Are St. Pete" branded backdrop.

St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch comes out against anti-DEI bills

House Bill 1001 and Senate Bill 1134 ban counties and municipalities from funding and promoting anything relating to DEI.

by Chris Young and WMNF News March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

Citing concerns over Black voting power, West Tampa leaders share redistricting preference

Michael Randolph with the West Tampa CDC said residents should support alternative two, which he said best protects the community.

By Leah Burdick/WMNF NewsMarch 4, 2026March 4, 2026

A silver car rests heavily damaged after crashing into the storefront of a business named 'Bradley's' in Ybor City. Police and State Troopers are gathered at the scene, with a patrol car visible in the foreground.

Following fatal Ybor City police chase, Tampa proposes lowering speed limit on 7th Avenue

City officials plan to reduce the speed limit from 30 to 25 mph, install traffic barriers, and introduce additional street parking and bus stop lanes to narrow the street approaching Ybor.

by Chris Young and WMNF News February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

Florida State Representative Michael Owen speaking during a legislative committee meeting at the Florida House of Representatives.

Hillsborough Republican sponsors bill critics call a ‘death knell’ for rural lands

‘This needs to be brought to the public, to the surrounding community, down in the little Manatee area, Wimauma, the Sundance area.’

by Chris Young and WMNF News February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

Two people in professional attire stand in conversation indoors. The individual on the left is wearing a grey textured blazer, a silver pendant necklace, and long earrings while holding a plastic water bottle and gesturing with their hand. The individual on the right is wearing a dark olive suit jacket and a blue patterned tie, standing with their arms crossed. In the background, a large landscape painting of a sunset over a body of water is partially visible.

Gulfport hears from Jennifer Webb, others running for city council

Two seats are up for grabs, with the election set for March 10.

By Leah Budrick / WMNF NewsFebruary 2, 2026February 2, 2026

A legislator stands and smiles while speaking at a desk in a state House chamber, with colleagues seated nearby, microphones and small U.S. flags on desks, and a large mural visible in the background.

Florida Democrat files bill that could make speech therapy for stuttering a guaranteed benefit

HB 785 would require coverage for speech therapy for children and adults who stutter, whether treatment is delivered in person or via telehealth, and would prohibit arbitrary limits on visits, annual caps, or restrictive utilization requirements such as prior authorization.

by Chris Young and WMNF News January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Exterior of Tampa Union Station, a historic red-brick building with tall white columns, arched windows, and a blue entrance door under a clear blue sky.

Tampa Union Station’s $6 million renovation should be mostly done by this time in 2027

Jerel McCants, author of ‘The Architecture of Segregation’ is overseeing the effort.

by Chris Young and WMNF News January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

A sunny beach scene with tropical greenery bordering the shore. The sand is bordered by a massive, deep brown layer of Sargassum seaweed, contrasting sharply with the clear turquoise water and bright blue sky.

USF researchers discover steep decline in some sargassum seaweed populations

Researchers say high temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico may be to blame.

by Chris Young and WMNF News December 9, 2025December 9, 2025