News & Views Archives - Page 7 of 2076 - Creative Loafing Tampa

Feds will review Rice’s whale endangered species status, as Trump plans for more Gulf drilling

Kristen Monsell, legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity, called the notice “yet another ruthless attack on a species already on the brink of extinction.”

by News Service of Florida May 5, 2026May 5, 2026

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

Florida gas prices spike by 40 cents amid war in Iran

“It’s a combination of global tension and local disruption hitting at the same time — and consumers are feeling it immediately.”

by News Service of Florida May 5, 2026May 5, 2026

A daytime photograph taken through a chain-link fence showing a fire truck with its ladder fully extended over a two-story tan building. The building, identified as the University of South Florida's marine science lab, features multiple large, dark-tinted gridded windows. In the foreground, a bright yellow mooring bollard sits on a concrete ledge just before a body of water. The sky above is overcast, casting a grey, muted light over the emergency scene.

Fire officials say USF St. Pete’s marine science lab is likely a ‘total loss’ after weekend fire

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has taken over the investigation of the fire, but observers claim a lightning strike is to blame.

by Jasmin Parrado May 4, 2026May 5, 2026

lorida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a podium with "The Free State of Florida" sign, flanked by the American and Florida flags

DeSantis signs bill making new gerrymandered congressional map official

House Democratic Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a blistering statement hours after DeSantis signed the map into law, saying “see you in court.”

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

A close-up studio portrait of St. Petersburg community leader Maria Scruggs smiling warmly against a plain, light-grey background. Scruggs, a Black individual with dark, curly shoulder-length hair, is positioned with their arms crossed. They are wearing a bright red top featuring a tied bow at the neckline and floral lace sleeves. The bright, even lighting highlights their joyful expression and the vivid red texture of their clothing.

Maria Scruggs, first to file in St. Pete’s mayoral race, is also the only one to qualify by petition

She says Ken Welch’s leadership ‘doesn’t match St. Pete’s tagline,’ and is saddened by Charlie Crist’s entrance into the race.

by Jasmin Parrado May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

Op-ed: Asked how many felons have had their voting rights restored since he took office, Florida’s Attorney General talked about guns instead

AG Uthmeier didn’t touch my other question about Trump.

By Elizabeth CorwinMay 4, 2026May 4, 2026

New South Tampa seafood concept from Bern’s, Peddler + Potter Oyster House, opening in former Haven spot next year

If you want to say goodbye, Haven will celebrate its final day of service on Thursday, May 21.

by Colin Wolf May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

U.S. Representative Kathy Castor speaking with a constituent in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, during her 2026 re-election campaign

Despite new maps, Florida Democratic Reps. Kathy Castor & Debbie Wasserman Schultz say they’re running again

Their districts have become much more Republican-leaning following passage of a new redistricting map.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

A daytime photograph of an organizer, Will Kilgore from the St. Pete Tenants Union, speaking on the stone steps of the St. Petersburg City Hall during a May Day rally. Will, wearing a backward red baseball cap, glasses, and a grey t-shirt, is captured mid-speech in the foreground. Behind them, demonstrators hold a large white banner with prominent red and black text reading 'MAY DAY,' 'INTERNATIONAL WORKER'S DAY,' 'WORKERS OF THE WORLD FIGHT!' and 'PARTY FOR SOCIALISM AND LIBERATION / @PSLTAMPABAY'. The group is positioned in front of dark entryway doors with the words 'MUNICIPAL BUILDING' inscribed in stone above.

Demonstrators in St. Pete Highlight labor movement during May Day rally [PHOTOS]

Others spoke about rising living costs, gas prices, war in Iran, and immigration enforcement, among other topics.

by Sebastián González de León y León and Dave Decker May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

A bright daytime photograph of Black-eyed Susan flowers blooming in a field. In the sharp foreground, three distinct flowers stand tall on slender green stems, showcasing bright yellow petals surrounding dark brown, cone-shaped centers. The background is softly blurred with a shallow depth of field, revealing more yellow wildflowers, green foliage, and a vibrant blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds.

‘Go native’: FWC scientist has advice for Tampa Bay gardners replacing cold-damaged plants

Native plants in backyards can imitate the wild places we are losing.

by Vicki Parsons and Bay Soundings May 1, 2026May 1, 2026

Governor Ron DeSantis signing education legislation in Fort Myers, Florida, surrounded by state officials in a school gymnasium.

Florida Gov. DeSantis signs law making it easier to decertify teachers unions

“This bill doesn’t end unions. The unions will end themselves when they lose their way.”

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida May 1, 2026May 1, 2026

Tampa MAGA influencer Craig Long arrested in Grady Judd’s prostitution sting

‘Well, I’m going to give him some content for social media today.’

by Colin Wolf May 1, 2026May 1, 2026

Hulk Hogan’s Tampa Bay mansion slashes $2 million from asking price

The home sits directly next door to Hogan’s guest house, which is also currently for sale.

by Colin Wolf May 1, 2026May 1, 2026

A daytime photograph of a group of workers holding a labor rally outside the USF Health campus in Tampa. In the foreground, several individuals wearing matching purple t-shirts are holding a large purple banner that reads '32BJ SEIU Stronger Together.' They are raising various handmade and printed protest signs with messages including 'SSC We deserve affordable Healthcare,' 'Electricians, Maintenance and Custodial workers stand United,' and the Spanish phrase 'SSC! Basta de Promesas incumplidas.'

‘So many broken promises’: Blue-collar workers at USF protest for union contact, higher wages, affordable healthcare

It’s been about a year and a half since the University of South Florida in Tampa unilaterally privatized.

by McKenna Schueler and Dave Decker May 1, 2026May 1, 2026

Exterior view of the Tampa Police Department headquarters building in Tampa, Florida.

‘Boys club’: Fired Tampa assistant chief alleges discrimination and retaliation, records show

The City of Tampa’s embattled human resources department cleared itself of any wrongdoing.

by Valerie Smith April 30, 2026May 1, 2026

A close-up portrait of a light-skinned person with a goatee standing against a bright, textured coral-red wall. They are wearing a bright red t-shirt that closely matches the background, a gold chain with a square pendant, and a dark green baseball cap. The cap features an oval patch with a vintage graphic of a woman's face and text. The person is looking directly at the camera with a calm, serious expression. The overall lighting is bright and even, highlighting the vibrant color coordination of the outfit and the background.

Tampa beat scene OG Sponatola releases new album on Sunday

A stacked bill comes to Ybor City in celebration.

by Ray Roa April 30, 2026April 30, 2026

Genesis Robinson of Equal Ground speaking at a protest against mid-decade redistricting outside the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee.

‘Rigging a system:’ Florida’s new congressional map expected to draw legal challenges

“House Republicans cheered at the destruction of democracy while Democrats fought to defend it.”

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix April 30, 2026April 30, 2026

A photograph of Ken Welch and Charlie Crist smiling during an outdoor event. Ken Welch is on the left wearing sunglasses and a dark button-down shirt; Charlie Crist is on the right in a blue striped polo shirt.

Charlie Crist enters St. Pete mayoral race, says he would’ve taken state to court over mural removals

The former governor of Florida is one of five candidates hoping to unseat Mayor Ken Welch.

by Jasmin Parrado April 30, 2026April 30, 2026

Temple Terrace police officer arrested after fatal crash that killed six-year-old

The officer was charged with vehicular homicide, and three counts of reckless driving involving serious bodily injury.

by Colin Wolf April 30, 2026April 30, 2026

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a press conference. He is wearing a dark blue suit with a patterned blue tie and a white shirt. An American flag pin is on his lapel. He has short, dark brown hair and is gesturing with his right hand as he speaks into a microphone. In the blurred background, there's a golf cart and what appears to be a large, taxidermied animal. The image is credited to Dave Decker.

Florida Legislature approves DeSantis’ new redistricting map, giving Republicans significant boost

“You are destroying democracy with this vote, and the people of Florida deserve better,” House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell said.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida April 29, 2026April 29, 2026