Local News

Florida activists call to end death penalty after double execution

Florida activists gathered in Pinellas County, urging state leaders to abolish the death penalty after Florida's first double execution in 62 years.

Scientology’s role in Clearwater’s future shapes the race for City Council’s Seat 5

The City of Clearwater holds its City Council elections next month with two of five seats up for election. The Seat 5 race in particular has had candidates debating one issue that has shaped Clearwater politics for decades: The growing influence of the Church of Scientology in…

Byron Donalds says he wants to ax ultra-processed foods in Florida schools

Gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is advocating for a plan similar to one the Florida Legislature has declined to advance — removing ultra-processed foods from school lunchrooms. Donalds, a Republican and former member of the Florida House, wants ultra-processed…

County eyes library branch closure in new budget plan

Dunedin Causeway faces new rules for personal watercraft

After more than three hours of public testimony, the Dunedin City Commission voted 4-0 July 23 to advance an ordinance prohibiting the launch and retrieval of motorized watercraft from the south side of the Dunedin Causeway. The Causeway, the scenic roadway connecting Dunedin to…

Tampa unveils second "Spyder" Machine and Provides Ditch Grading Update

Tampa unveils second "Spyder" Machine and Provides Ditch Grading Update Tony D. Wed, 07/29/2026 - 08:29 am Stormwater's new "Spyder" Machine Stormwater's older model "Spyder" machine Another "Spyder" Machine Joins the Team The City of Tampa is doubling down on flood protection…

Local governments could lose $12B under Florida property tax plan

An open letter: This mayoral race is not it

Welcome to the Catalyst’s Community Voices platform. We’ve curated community leaders and thinkers from all parts of our great city to speak on issues that affect us all. Visit our Community Voices page for more details. There is an hour in St. Petersburg, right after the heat…

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

A day after taking heat over a since-deleted social media post by supporter and Florida Politics publisher Peter Schorsch, St. Petersburg mayoral candidate Charlie Crist announced he will skip tonight’s Suncoast Tiger Bay Club candidate forum. Crist cited affordability, saying…

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

Florida’s newest guidelines warn against prescribing psychotropic medications for children, echoing the Make America Healthy Again movement’s push to impose changes on childhood health care. On Friday the Florida Department of Health issued guidance for psychotropic…

Treasure Island code compliance continues the island’s heightened enforcement campaign

The Scoop: Tues. July 28, 2026, Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF

Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback will remain on Florida's Aug. 18 primary ballot.