News & Views Archives - Page 4 of 2064 - Creative Loafing Tampa

Close-up of a person's hand holding a yellow fuel nozzle while refueling a car at a gas station

Florida Democrats call for state to suspend gas tax as war in Iran causes pump prices to spike

The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Florida rose 47.7 cents in the last week according to AAA.

by News Service of Florida March 12, 2026March 12, 2026

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a Speech and Debate event podium flanked by American and Florida flags, with a seated man in a blue suit and red tie in the background.

Florida bill authored by DeSantis allowing state to label groups as ‘domestic terrorist organizations’ now heads to DeSantis

by Liv Caputo and Florida Phoenix March 12, 2026March 12, 2026

Aerial panorama of Caladesi Island State Park in Florida featuring white sand beaches, turquoise Gulf of Mexico waters, and coastal mangroves under a blue sky.

Florida bill banning local governments from ‘net-zero’ policies heads to DeSantis

If signed into law by DeSantis, it would go into effect on July 1.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix March 12, 2026March 12, 2026

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor speaking at a podium during a press conference, flanked by five Tampa Police Department officers in uniform in front of the City of Tampa Florida seal.

DeSantis Administration threatens to remove Tampa mayor from office over alleged ‘sanctuary’ policies at TPD

If Castor is removed before her term is up in May of next year, then the Tampa City Council Chair would become acting mayor, which is currently District 1’s Alan Clendenin.

by Valerie Smith March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

Community organizer Robin Lockett wearing glasses and a light-colored blazer, speaking into a microphone at the WMNF 88.5 FM radio studio in Tampa. A black backdrop with colorful WMNF logos is visible behind the person.

Robin Lockett, Tampa organizer and director at Florida Rising, announces run for state house

She’ll officially launch her campaign at the end of the month.

by Ray Roa March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

Florida bill banning local governments from enacting DEI initiatives heads to DeSantis

The Senate approved the bill last week, and it will now be sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis for consideration.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

Interior view of the Florida State Capitol 4th floor rotunda in Tallahassee, featuring the Great Seal of Florida, state and U.S. flags, and a commemorative Florida 250 banner hanging from the circular balcony.

Florida Senate clears bill allowing ‘gang-related language’ in social media posts as evidence

The bill passed, 29 to 9 — largely along party lines — and now heads to DeSantis.

by Liv Caputo and Florida Phoenix March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis sitting at a panel for Hope Florida's "Help Finding Help" initiative, joined by community leaders in front of U.S. and Florida flags.

DeSantis officials linked to Hope Florida scandal confirmed by Senate

House Republicans investigated the matter last year and found the Hope Florida Foundation had no bylaws and didn’t submit its federal tax returns on time.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

The historic Gulfport Casino Ballroom in St. Petersburg, Florida; a lime-green Art Deco style building with palm trees and a sign board, situated on the waterfront of Boca Ciega Bay.

Pinellas County’s municipal elections are today—here’s who’s running for council in Gulfport

Ward I candidates are Jennifer Daunch and Joe Guenther. Ward III sees a race between Jennifer Webb and Keri Nelson.

By Trei Johnson/The Gulfport GabberMarch 10, 2026March 10, 2026

Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez wearing a blue suit and tie, speaking to reporters after a legislative floor session on January 15, 2026. He stands in front of a dark wood door and a wall-mounted light fixture.

Florida’s 2026 legislative session ends Friday—and lawmakers don’t have the budget ready

The budget is the one bill lawmakers must pass each year.

by Christine Sexton and Florida Phoenix March 10, 2026March 10, 2026

A horizontal collage of 2026 Democratic candidates for Florida's 13th Congressional District: Earle Ford in a blue suit, Leela Gray in a red blazer, and Brandt Robinson in a light blue button-down shirt.

Meet three Pinellas Democrats hoping to unseat Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

Earle Ford, Leela Gray, and Brandt Robinson will be joined on Tuesday by more candidates in the primary.

by Jasmin Parrado March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

Leela Gray, retired U.S. Army Brigadier General and 2026 Democratic candidate for Florida’s 13th Congressional District, posing for a portrait in a red blazer against a blue sky background.

Army vet and Pinellas congressional candidate Leela Gray says she’s driven by the notion of ‘service over self’

by Jasmin Parrado March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

This campaign portrait of Brandt Robinson captures a professional yet relaxed "Florida" tone. Since this is for a congressional campaign feature, the alt-text should emphasize his approachability and his connection to the local landscape. Optimized Alt-Text "Congressional candidate Brandt Robinson stands outdoors in front of a wide body of water under an overcast sky. The person has long grey hair and a smile, wearing a dark brown blazer over a patterned button-down shirt and tan trousers.

Pinellas congressional candidate Brandt Robinson says he’ll use ICE funds to hire and train more teachers

Robinson also believes the U.S. needs a new Voting Rights Act.

by Jasmin Parrado March 9, 2026March 16, 2026

Earle Ford, a U.S. Army veteran and 2026 Democratic candidate for Florida's 13th Congressional District, posing for a portrait in a blue plaid suit.

Army vet and Pinellas Congressional candidate Earle Forde says trickle-down economics is a ‘hoax’

But he’s not thinking about Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, and instead ‘laser-focused’ on voters.

by Jasmin Parrado March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

Florida Senate approves antisemitism task force that ‘does not include criticism of Israel’

The amendment drew plaudits from Senate Democrats.

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

Coalition calls on Florida lawmakers to address $759 million backlog of state park repairs

Florida now has 176 state parks.

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

A person wearing purple horns with a purple dyed long mohawk and piercings at a Pride celebration.

Ask a Dyke: How do I stop ghosting and keep connections?

You can’t navigate romance without platonic interactions.

by Jane Dyke and The Sapphic Sun March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

A Creative Loafing Tampa Bay box in Ybor City.

Creative Loafing readers respond to Dump Duke, Ybor City pedestrian safety measures, city council tea, and more

“Jane clearly doesn’t want Lynn to become more qualified to be the next mayor than her pal Bob (too bad, she already is).”

by Ray Roa March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

A smiling educator in a red 'Education Unionist' t-shirt holding up a red button that says 'I am THE UNION' at a Florida Education Association (FEA) event.

Florida Senate passes bill targeting public sector unions

The bill “is intended to be the kill shot to finish the job,” said Florida. Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida March 9, 2026March 9, 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