Charlie Crist to skip St. Pete mayoral candidate forum known for hardball questions

The former governor cited ‘affordability’ as his reasoning, but is still slated to attend an Aug. 6 forum that costs $40 for non-members.

by Valerie Smith July 28, 2026July 28, 2026

News & Views

Florida is now advising against drugs for depression, anxiety for kids

It’s the latest instance of Florida channeling Kennedy’s MAHA agenda.

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

News & Views

Florida judge refuses to boot Fishback from the ballot, won’t ‘decide the race’

“It’s official. The disgraceful lawfare brought by Jay Collins and fueled by Byron Donalds has failed,” Fishback said in a written statement.

by Liv Caputo and Florida Phoenix July 28, 2026July 28, 2026

News & Views

Former Times columnist says the change to election recommendations isn’t about transparency, but pawning off a civic duty

In a letter, John Hill said CEO Conan Gallaty’s explanation perfumes a surrender that disserves readers and the people of this state.

By John HillJuly 28, 2026July 28, 2026

News & Views

‘Condemn the lie’: Ken Welch slams Charlie Crist after Florida Politics publisher spreads affair rumors

Crist has been widely criticized for his ties to Florida Politics publisher Peter Schorsch, who is married to Crist’s campaign chair.

by Valerie Smith July 27, 2026July 28, 2026

News & Views

Florida Democrats urge Trump administration to rethink Endangered Species Act rollback

“The rule change directly threatens the unique habitats that support the plants and animals for which our state is renowned,” the Democrats wrote.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix July 27, 2026July 27, 2026

News & Views

Measles cases have reached a 35-year high, with Florida among the worst states

There were 2,318 confirmed cases as of July 23, compared with 2,289 in all of 2025.

by Florida Phoenix July 27, 2026July 27, 2026

News & Views

Florida Surgeon General suggests high measles counts could be tied to abortion opposition

Federal data show Florida had 141 confirmed measles cases as of July 23, ranking the state fifth in the nation for most infections.

by Christine Sexton and Florida Phoenix July 27, 2026July 27, 2026

News & Views

Florida police and fire unions oppose property tax amendment

According to state economists, the proposed amendment would reduce local government property tax revenues by an estimated $5 billion in its first year and $11.8 billion per year after five years.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix July 27, 2026July 27, 2026

News & Views

A 77-year-old Republican man is staging a solo protest against St. Pete’s Flock cameras

Flock cameras have been in St. Pete since 2022, and while police say they help solve crimes, civil liberties advocates say they create an unprecedented mass surveillance network.

by Valerie Smith July 25, 2026July 27, 2026

A flat-lay photograph showcasing a spread of classic Rider-Waite tarot cards scattered on a flat surface, with the "Strength" Major Arcana card featured prominently in vertical orientation at the center. The Strength card, labeled with Roman numeral "VIII" at the top and "STRENGTH" at the bottom, depicts a figure in a white robe crowned with a flower wreath and an infinity symbol floating above their head, calmly taming a yellow lion under a yellow sky. Other major and minor arcana cards—including The Devil and The Hanged Man—lie partially overlaid and angled beneath the central card in a collage arrangement.

News & Views

Oracle of Ybor: It’s time to be strong for your friend that seems unhappy with life

And another shitty boss question, too.

by Caroline DeBruhl July 24, 2026July 24, 2026

News & Views

Florida Democrats Annette Taddeo and Earle Ford compete to face CFO Blaise Ingoglia in November

In interviews during the Florida Democratic Party’s Leadership Blue conference last weekend, the two candidates discussed why they’re running.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix July 24, 2026July 24, 2026

Florida News, News & Views

Florida’s deportation orders surged in June

Nationally, Haitians saw one of the largest jumps in removal orders with a 96 percent increase over four months.

by Ana Goñi-Lessan and News Service of Florida July 23, 2026

A photograph by Javi Ortiz showing organist Dr. Steven Ball performing on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ at the historic Tampa Theatre in Tampa, Florida, on March 13, 2021. Captured from behind in a wide-angle shot, Dr. Ball sits centered on the wooden organ bench facing the elaborate, curved horseshoe console of the organ, which features glowing red accent lights and multiple horseshoe ranks of colorful stop tabs and keys. Dr. Ball wears a dark grey suit jacket and glasses while playing, set on a dark stage against a dramatic black curtain backdrop flanked by ornate architectural columns.

News & Views

Tampa Theatre organist will soundtrack a special screening of silent film ‘The Black Pirate’

The August screening happens at University of Tampa, where Plant Museum is exhibiting ‘Gaspar’s Gold.’

by Leif Helland July 23, 2026July 23, 2026

A photograph showing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a podium during the opening of the Florida Pavilion at the Farnborough International Airshow in Farnborough, Hampshire, United Kingdom, on July 20, 2026. Captured in a close-up framing, the governor stands facing forward with a handheld microphone in one hand, wearing a dark blue suit jacket, a white collared shirt, a red tie, and a blue lanyard around the neck. The background features event signage with bold white lettering on a navy blue banner alongside American and Florida state flags.

News & Views

Florida leads the country in death row exonerations—but still kills more prisoners than any other state

Opponents of the state’s death penalty say it’d be harder to execute people if we had to look them in the eye.

by Liam Oliver July 23, 2026July 23, 2026

News & Views

Former Tampa Bay Bucs linebacker Shaquil Barrett puts Beach Park home on the market

Shaq bought the house in May of 2021, just a few months after signing a four-year, $72 million contract extension with the Buccaneers.

by Colin Wolf July 23, 2026July 23, 2026

Sandra Cason inside WeVegan Cafe in Tampa, Florida on June 25, 2026.

News & Views

WeVegan Eats celebrates fifth anniversary of Tampa cafe

WeVegan Eats’ clientele do not follow a plant-based lifestyle, and simply enjoy good food and drink.

by Alisha Durosier July 23, 2026July 24, 2026

News & Views

Here’s who the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida is endorsing for the Aug. 18 primaries

There’s not an incumbent among them.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix July 22, 2026July 22, 2026

Floor-to-ceiling floor flamingo art installation dipping its head in Tampa International Airport terminal

News & Views

Union objects to Trump administration move to privatize security at Tampa International Airport

“Changes of this magnitude should not be made behind closed doors without the input of Congress…”

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix July 22, 2026July 22, 2026

News & Views

In fight to stay on Florida ballot, governor candidate admits to voting in D.C., threatens to imprison opponents

Fishback — in a striking pivot from his past position — acknowledged that he voted in D.C. in 2020 and purchased a home in the nation’s capital the year after.

by Liv Caputo and Florida Phoenix July 22, 2026July 22, 2026

Do you have the best burger in Tampa Bay?