Florida News Archives - Creative Loafing Tampa

A Florida ‘Foam Dome Home,’ where ‘not a single straight line exists,’ is for sale

The dwelling consists of three domes connected by spiraling passageways.

by Colin Wolf June 1, 2026June 1, 2026

A home that looks like it was either designed by Yoda or Barney Rubble is now on the market in Florida. Located at 6928 NW 39th Ave, in Gainesville, the unique home was built in 1972 by University of Florida landscape architecture student Mark Cohen, who at the time used a process involving rebar for […]

Tampa downtown city skyline and skyscrapers at sunrise with the cruise port in the foreground.

DeSantis’ property tax plan will hurt small businesses, make Florida ‘more unaffordable,’ says advocates

“We know this is a tax shift,” said Jeff Scala, deputy director with FAC in a webinar with members. “They’re framing this as a tax cut.”

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix June 1, 2026June 1, 2026

People wearing face masks standing in line to vote outside Cooper City Hall in Florida during the 2020 election.

Poll shows 20% of Florida Hispanics who voted for Trump in 2024 say they wouldn’t do it again

The survey indicates Latino voters in Florida skew more conservative than those nationally.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix May 29, 2026May 29, 2026

Governor Ron DeSantis, wearing a dark navy suit and tie, stands with a serious expression at an outdoor or indoor event. The background includes a wood-paneled wall and various items suggesting an outdoor theme, such as a boat seat, what appears to be a gun case or cover, and ammunition boxes.

DeSantis’ plan to eliminate Florida property tax is different than what he pitched

There is no reference to the $500,000 homestead exemption that DeSantis said was the ultimate goal of his proposal.

by Christine Sexton and Florida Phoenix May 29, 2026May 29, 2026

‘Alligator Alcatraz’ could be emitting hundreds of tons of toxic gases, new case claims

“We’re going to hold the state accountable until every dirty diesel generator is removed from the site.”

by Liv Caputo 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 Governor Ron DeSantis seated at a table, smiling as he displays a signed State of Florida legislative document. Four officials stand behind him clapping in approval against a background wall featuring black-and-white portraits.

‘It just matters if he likes you or he doesn’t like you’: Florida lawmakers brace for DeSantis’ veto pen

Democrats called his approach “retribution.”

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida May 28, 2026May 28, 2026

‘Wound down and shut down’: Florida congressman says ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ coming to an end

“They’re not getting any new people. They’re just sending people to other facilities.”

by Liv Caputo and Florida Phoenix May 27, 2026May 27, 2026

Florida Gov. DeSantis unveils plan to eliminate property taxes for 92% of homestead homes

“I want to get something done. I want to make sure people can go and vote for something.”

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida May 27, 2026May 27, 2026

Florida Republicans reject gas tax cut, but lineup breaks on guns, outdoor goods

The Legislature plans to vote on the bill along with the $114.5 billion budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida May 26, 2026May 26, 2026

High-angle aerial view of crowded Clearwater Beach in Florida with white sand, blue ocean, palm trees, and Pier 60 winding path.

Florida saw a dip in tourism last quarter

Florida’s figures remain bolstered by people traveling from other states, which accounted for 36.54 million.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida May 26, 2026May 26, 2026

Aerial view of the modern Florida State Capitol building plaza and grounds in Tallahassee Why it works: It p

Florida lawmakers finally reach budget deal, here’s what’s in it

Legislators plan to approve the budget Friday and send it to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida May 25, 2026May 25, 2026

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a podium with a sign that reads "RESULTS Job Growth Grant" in front of the American and Florida flags during a press conference.

Florida’s jobless rate has grown for 8 months straight

Economists suggested the rise isn’t just about people losing their jobs, but about new entrants to the workforce taking longer to find work.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida May 22, 2026May 22, 2026

‘The Guest House,’ a Winter Haven home designed by famed Florida architect Gene Leedy, is now for sale

The Guest House is one of 25 homes in the area designed by Leedy, who opened his practice in Winter Haven in 1954.

by Colin Wolf May 22, 2026May 22, 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

ntrance Sign at the University of Florida on September 12, 2016 in Gainesville, Florida.

Republicans are once again mad about University of Florida’s president pick because of DEI

Gov. Ron DeSantis, though, was quick to support former University of Alabama President Stuart Bell.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida May 21, 2026May 21, 2026

Aerial view of extensive debris and destroyed buildings on Fort Myers Beach, Florida, one month after Hurricane Ian.

NOAA predicts ‘below-normal’ 2026 Atlantic hurricane season

The federal agency’s outlook anticipates up to 14 named storms for the six-month season that begins June 1.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida May 21, 2026May 21, 2026

Sign for a Bitcoin ATM in a store window next to Visa and ADT security decals.

Florida among nation’s worst for crypto ATM fraud

Nationally, there have been over 13,000 complaints over the last year involving crypto ATMs, with losses reaching $388 million dollars.

by Leif Helland May 20, 2026May 20, 2026

Former Florida Congressman David Jolly speaking into a microphone at a town hall meeting or political event with an attentive audience in the background.

Florida Democrat David Jolly wants an Office of Civil Rights in the Governor’s Office

His comments came as DeSantis has applied a sledgehammer to vestiges of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the state.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix May 20, 2026May 20, 2026

Heavy rush hour traffic congestion on a major highway in Tampa Florida during the evening commute.

Florida expected to have record traffic over Memorial Day weekend

The average price for a gallon of gas in Florida jumped to $4.43 on Tuesday from $4.21 on Monday.

by News Service of Florida May 20, 2026May 20, 2026