people fishing and swimming by the Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Potentially dangerous levels of ‘forever chemicals’ found across Tampa Bay region

Researchers documented levels of PFAS that far exceed the EPA recommendations in Tampa Bay’s water, fish and sediments.

by Vicki Parsons and Bay Soundings February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Although drinking water for much of the region appears to meet EPA standards, water, sediments, and fish in Tampa Bay often don’t.

A person with long brown hair stands at a street corner, speaking into a handheld microphone while wearing sunglasses and a tan cardigan. They are surrounded by several other people holding protest signs that read "RATE HIKES AREN'T INEVITABLE," "TAKE BACK THE GRID," and "PUBLIC POWER CAN'T BE BEAT." The background shows a sunny city street with palm trees and a red emergency vehicle in the distance.

News & Views

Dump Duke says public power is cheaper, more reliable, than what St. Pete is getting now

The group held a Jan. 28 press conference alongside other community action groups.

by Valerie Smith February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

News & Views

In Pinellas, a dark money-funded ‘Energy Alliance’ is working against the push for publicly-owned electricity

Incorporation paperwork for Pinellas Energy Alliance says the group is organized to represent the interests of electric utility companies

by Valerie Smith February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

A wide-angle selfie of a person in a charcoal grey polo shirt and a brown "Vet Voice Foundation" baseball cap. They are wearing sunglasses and smiling in front of a stone wall labeled "MARCH OF FREEDOM," where several other people are sitting. The background features a brick-paved plaza with palm trees, a blue event tent, and tall city buildings under a bright, partly cloudy sky.

News & Views

Army vet who blew the whistle on Trump joins race to run against Tampa’s Sen. Ashley Moody

Retired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman joins Jacksonville state Rep. Angie Nixon and former Brevard County School Board member Jennifer Jenkins in the race for the Democratic nomination.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

A wide shot of the Tampa City Council seated at a curved wooden dais during a morning workshop. Seven council members are visible behind the desk, with the City of Tampa seal and American and Florida flags centered on the wall behind them. A digital overlay in the corner identifies the meeting as a "Tampa City Council 9:00 a.m. Workshop" dated January 29, 2026.

News & Views

Tampa Monitor: Council approves additional funding for South Howard Flood Relief project

The project’s future is still in doubt after councilmembers approved moving $21.5 million to the effort.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

A group of thirteen people stand together in a breakroom or meeting space, all raising one fist in a gesture of solidarity. They are dressed in casual and work attire, including t-shirts and polo shirts, smiling toward the camera. The room has grey walls with blue wainscoting, several rows of blue plastic chairs in the foreground, and long white tables along the side.

News & Views

Union push at Tampa International Airport sees restaurant workers asking contractor for fair process to organize

Employees of SPP America want the same benefits as their unionized counterparts in Orlando.

by McKenna Schueler February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

A daytime street-level view of Rey Park in Tampa. The scene features a corner intersection with a yellow pedestrian crossing sign and a street sign for Howard and Cherry. Large, mature oak trees with hanging Spanish moss shade the park, which is enclosed by a black chain-link fence. In the background, park benches and a small white sign for the park are visible under a clear blue sky.

News & Views

Tampa Monitor: City council could approve up to $5 million for parks in West Tampa and Gandy

Gandy & Palonis Park, and West Tampa’s Rey Park are up for discussion

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

Two people in professional attire stand in conversation indoors. The individual on the left is wearing a grey textured blazer, a silver pendant necklace, and long earrings while holding a plastic water bottle and gesturing with their hand. The individual on the right is wearing a dark olive suit jacket and a blue patterned tie, standing with their arms crossed. In the background, a large landscape painting of a sunset over a body of water is partially visible.

News & Views

Gulfport hears from Jennifer Webb, others running for city council

Two seats are up for grabs, with the election set for March 10.

By Leah Budrick / WMNF NewsFebruary 2, 2026February 2, 2026

A person with curly brown hair and glasses sits in a blue chair, speaking into a black handheld microphone. They are wearing a dark navy blazer over a white patterned button-down shirt, captured in a candid moment during a panel or presentation with a white wall and a blue television screen in the background.

News & Views

Public defender to bring services directly to Tampa residents with ‘PD13 Street Legal’

Lisa McLean, will bring her office and more to the University Community Resource Center from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Feb. 21.

by Valerie Smith January 31, 2026January 31, 2026

News & Views

Florida weighs state university visa hiring freeze at DeSantis’ request

University of South Florida had 107 H-1B visa recipients in FY2025.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix January 29, 2026January 29, 2026

News & Views

Business alliance posts legal challenge over meeting discussing South Tampa’s Howard Avenue flood relief project

Attorneys for the City of Tampa say the meeting is not a violation of Sunshine Law.

by Jasmin Parrado and Ray Roa January 29, 2026January 29, 2026

News & Views

Eckerd professors want to tell you about the microplastics in Tampa Bay

Dr. Amy Siuda and Dr. Shannon Gowans developed an app to track microplastics in 2023.

by Kailey Aiken January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

News & Views

Campus carry bill shifts to other security measures

The bill proposed after a shooting at FSU no longer lets professors and TAs open carry on state campuses.

By Liv Caputo/Florida PhoenixJanuary 27, 2026January 27, 2026

Vern Buchanan wearing headphones for translation, sitting at a desk with a microphone and American flag

News & Views

Sarasota U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan leaving Congress after 20 years

Trump endorsed him for re-election in November.

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

Two people stand close together smiling in a room decorated with music memorabilia and green walls. The individual on the left wears a dark blazer over a checkered button-down shirt and tan trousers, while the individual on the right wears a dark, floral-patterned v-neck dress and a name tag. In the background, another person stands with crossed arms near a sofa.

News & Views

Democratic socialist Richie Floyd, St. Pete’s youngest councilperson, officially launches re-election campaign

He was named council vice chair this month.

by McKenna Schueler January 27, 2026January 27, 2026

Fentrice Driskell speaks into a microphone at a desk while other House members look on.

News & Views

Tampa Rep. Fentrice Driskell sponsors bill to revive abortion access

The Reproductive Freedom Act bills were filed on Roe v. Wade’s 53rd anniversary.

by Christine Sexton and Florida Phoenix January 26, 2026January 26, 2026

n a crowded parking lot at night, an individual with long curly hair and a black shirt speaks with a law enforcement officer wearing a white uniform and a "Hillsborough County Sheriff" patch. In the foreground, another person stands with their back to the camera wearing a grey t-shirt featuring a graphic of the Dome of the Rock and the word "PALESTINE."

News & Views

Vigil for Tampa man killed in West Bank interrupted by Christian content creators [PHOTOS]

One content creator who heckled families created a fundraiser for himself.

by Valerie Smith January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

Four people walk down a sidewalk smiling and laughing while carrying bags of litter and a discarded orange traffic cone. They are all wearing matching white t-shirts with a blue graphic, shorts, and baseball caps.

News & Views

Neighborhood cleanup? There’s a Gasparilla for that

Gasparilla Clean Team turns Tampa’s trash into a community treasure.

by Laura Troyer January 19, 2026January 20, 2026

Richie Floyd and Lisset Hanewicz are pictured seated at a long wooden dais during a formal meeting of the St. Petersburg City Council. Floyd is dressed in a light grey suit with a patterned blue tie, looking toward Hanewicz.

News & Views

St. Pete City Councilman Richie Floyd launches re-election this weekend with record store party

He was named council vice chair this month.

by Jasmin Parrado January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

A triptych of professional headshots featuring two women and one man, all smiling and dressed in business attire.

News & Views

Hillsborough Commissioners Cepeda, Wostal, and Miller skip signing MLK Day commendation

The Republican commissioners’ signatures were missing from the recognition of the Tampa Organization of Black Affairs.

by Jasmin Parrado January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

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Tampa Bay News

Potentially dangerous levels of ‘forever chemicals’ found across Tampa Bay region

Dump Duke says public power is cheaper, more reliable, than what St. Pete is getting now

In Pinellas, a dark money-funded ‘Energy Alliance’ is working against the push for publicly-owned electricity

Army vet who blew the whistle on Trump joins race to run against Tampa’s Sen. Ashley Moody

Tampa Monitor: Council approves additional funding for South Howard Flood Relief project

Union push at Tampa International Airport sees restaurant workers asking contractor for fair process to organize

Tampa Monitor: City council could approve up to $5 million for parks in West Tampa and Gandy

Gulfport hears from Jennifer Webb, others running for city council

Public defender to bring services directly to Tampa residents with ‘PD13 Street Legal’

Florida weighs state university visa hiring freeze at DeSantis’ request

Business alliance posts legal challenge over meeting discussing South Tampa’s Howard Avenue flood relief project

Eckerd professors want to tell you about the microplastics in Tampa Bay

Campus carry bill shifts to other security measures

Sarasota U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan leaving Congress after 20 years

Democratic socialist Richie Floyd, St. Pete’s youngest councilperson, officially launches re-election campaign

Tampa Rep. Fentrice Driskell sponsors bill to revive abortion access

Vigil for Tampa man killed in West Bank interrupted by Christian content creators [PHOTOS]

Neighborhood cleanup? There’s a Gasparilla for that

St. Pete City Councilman Richie Floyd launches re-election this weekend with record store party

Hillsborough Commissioners Cepeda, Wostal, and Miller skip signing MLK Day commendation

Tampa Bay’s best live music happening Feb. 5-12

Equality Florida: DeSantis’ LGBTQ-targeted bills are ‘smoke bomb’ distractions [PHOTOS]

Vigil for Tampa man killed in West Bank interrupted by Christian content creators [PHOTOS]

Photos: Protestors picket Border Patrol recruitment at St. Pete Carillon Hilton