Two-way protected bike lane under construction on Jackson Street in downtown Tampa, Florida, featuring painted bicycle symbols, a yellow dividing line, and orange construction signs.

News & Views

Tampa Bay ranked most dangerous region for pedestrians in Florida, and the 8th most dangerous in nation, says study

Nine of the 27 most dangerous metro areas for pedestrians in the U.S. are in Florida.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix June 10, 2026June 10, 2026

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo speaking at a podium with a sign that reads "Supporting Floridians" in front of American and Florida state flags.

News & Views

Tampa Bay Democrat Sen. Darryl Rouson will not run for the Florida House this year

The veteran legislator said he had ‘heard the calls in recent months’ from community members to continue serving in Tallahassee, but ultimately opted not to for the HD 62 seat.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix June 9, 2026June 10, 2026

Trulieve medical and recreational cannabis dispensary storefront sign in Miami, Florida.

News & Views

Florida’s Trulieve set to become first cannabis company listed on the NYSE

Voting shares are expected to begin trading on the NYSE floor under the ticker symbol TRLV on Wednesday morning.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix June 9, 2026June 9, 2026

News & Views

Florida Republican candidates Bryon Donalds, James Fishback and Paul Renner qualify for governor race

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz also qualified.

by News Service of Florida June 9, 2026June 9, 2026

A wide-angle, eye-level photograph of a press conference at Tampa Police Headquarters in Tampa, Florida. From left to right: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Police Chief Lee Bercaw, and Assistant Police Chief Brett Owen. Mayor Castor is wearing a dark blazer over a light-colored top. Chief Bercaw stands at the center podium, wearing a dark police uniform, and is speaking into a microphone. Assistant Chief Owen stands to the right, also in a dark police uniform. Behind the subjects, a large, ornate Tampa Police Department seal is mounted on the wall, flanked by an American flag on the left and the Florida state flag on the right.

News & Views

Tampa Police chief Lee Bercaw to retire, Mayor Jane Castor says her successor will pick his

Asst. Chief Brett Owen will serve as acting chief, and Bercaw’s last day is Aug. 6.

by Ray Roa June 9, 2026June 9, 2026

Colorful outdoor children's plastic playground with a slide and swing set in a sunny Miami Florida neighborhood park.

News & Views

Florida ranks near bottom in nation for child wellbeing, according to recent data

Florida maintained its rank at 43rd for economic wellbeing.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix June 9, 2026June 9, 2026

Protesters carrying American and Trump flags gather outside the US Capitol Building during the January 6 riots in Washington DC.

News & Views

Florida U.S. Senator Ashley Moody votes against Trump’s ‘anti-weaponization’ payments to J6 rioters

Florida’s other senator, Rick Scott, voted no on the amendment.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix June 9, 2026June 9, 2026

Kanye West speaking during a meeting with US President Donald J. Trump and NFL legend Jim Brown in the White House Oval Office on October 11, 2018.

News & Views

Tampa Jewish Federation blasts local leaders over decision to book Kanye West concerts

Today’s statement comes just a few days after U.S. Sen. Rick Scott also called on the TSA to ‘carefully review this decision.’

by Colin Wolf June 8, 2026June 8, 2026

Extreme macro close-up of an oriental latrine fly (Chrysomya megacephala) with metallic blue body and large red compound eyes resting on a weathered piece of wood.

News & Views

Florida officials brace for risk of parasitic screwworm

“We are going to need a unified front from the government, our agricultural community, and the public to respond to this threat.”

by Ana Goñi-Lessan and News Service of Florida June 8, 2026June 8, 2026

Industrial power plant stacks rising above a dense green forest canopy under a clear sky.

News & Views

St. Petersburg agrees to look at benefits of ditching Duke in favor of city-run electric utility

The decision to hire the consulting firm comes as the 30-year franchise agreement with Duke Energy is set to expire on Aug. 1.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix June 5, 2026June 5, 2026

News & Views

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 photo of Brandt Robinson next to a photo of Jeff Kinney with his Wimpy Kid character in the background

News & Views

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ author campaigns for Pinellas Democrat in St. Pete this month

Kinney endorsed Robinson in the congressional primary happening Aug. 18.

by Liam Oliver June 4, 2026June 4, 2026

A medium-shot, outdoor band portrait of American Football during a vibrant sunset. From left to right, the members are Steve Holmes, Mike Kinsella, Steve Lamos, and Nate Kinsella. They are standing in a horizontal line, facing the camera with neutral expressions. They are dressed in casual, dark-toned clothing against the backdrop of an open landscape under a clear, pale-blue to orange-gradient sky. A strong, warm-toned red light source is directed from the side, casting the band members in dramatic, saturated red and orange hues while creating deep shadows.

News & Views

American Football, featuring the hottest dads in emo, brings world tour to Tampa this winter

The Ritz Ybor show is one of four Florida stops for the Chicago band.

by Ray Roa June 4, 2026June 4, 2026

News & Views

White weirdo running for Florida governor refers to recent ‘teen takeovers’ as ‘Black Teen Riots’

The Republican rage baiter says he’ll show up to the next “teen takeover” with an AR-15.

by Colin Wolf June 4, 2026June 4, 2026

Florida State Representative Lindsay Cross smiling in a green blazer, standing in front of a WMNF 88.5 FM radio station backdrop.

News & Views

St. Pete Democratic Rep. Lindsay Cross says she will not run for re-election

Cross’ announcement comes late in the 2026 election cycle. The qualifying deadline for legislative seats is Friday, June 12.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix June 4, 2026June 5, 2026

A close-up of a media event on an airfield. The central figure wears a red hat and a dark suit, flanked by two others. The person on the left is speaking with an open hand gesture, while the person on the right is looking toward the press.

News & Views

DeSantis is ‘very good’ for naming a Florida airport after Trump, says Trump

“Ron’s good. He’s a friend of mine. He just named an airport after me.”

by Liv Caputo and Florida Phoenix June 3, 2026June 3, 2026

Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a podium in Boise, Idaho, advocating for an Article V Constitutional Convention to require a balanced federal budget.

News & Views

Florida lawmakers pass DeSantis property tax plan, but with carveout for public schools

The constitutional amendment (HJR 1F) needs 60 percent support from voters to take effect.

by Jim Turner, Ana Goñi-Lessan and News Service of Florida June 3, 2026June 3, 2026

People holding rainbow Pride fans and flags at the gates of St. Pete Pride

News & Views

St. Pete Pride vows to keep fighting in its hardest year yet

The nonprofit needs to make up $300,000 in lost sponsorships for next year’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

by Selene San Felice June 2, 2026June 2, 2026

News & Views

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

News & Views

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

Meet the Chefs Behind Tampa Bay's Restaurant Month

A portion of proceeds benefits Feeding Tampa Bay