Local News

The Scoop: Wed. July 22, 2026, Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF

In court, James Fishback says he has always lived in Florida. Fishback was defending himself after Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins alleged that he lived in Washington, D.C. in 2020 and 2021. The Judge indicated that he plans to issue a ruling in the case by Monday afternoon.

In fight to stay on Florida ballot, governor candidate admits to voting in D.C., threatens to imprison opponents

During a Leon County hearing to decide whether gubernatorial candidate James Fishback should be booted from the ballot, Fishback threatened to imprison the lieutenant governor’s senior adviser, one of his supporters challenged the staffer to a courthouse fight, and Fishback…

Mike Beltran, Florida Congress, District 14

Former Conservative Republican State Representative Mike Beltran is running for Congress District 14, a newly configured district that includes all of South and East Hillsborough, including Brandon, Riverview, Valrico, Lithia, Bloomingdale, Durant, Sun City Center, Apollo Beach,…

Take Two on Tuesday (7/21/2026) – Tax Bill Recap

Mayor Karen Love summarizes her recent videos explaining Florida’s upcoming tax proposal referendum, including key details about exemptions, misconceptions, and how property taxes are assessed and distributed. She encourages residents to review their tax bills, attend the…

Florida Democratic Party votes to oppose property tax amendment

The Florida Democratic Party has voted to formally oppose Amendment 3, the measure designed to expand the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes and set the state on a path towards eliminating those taxes. A statement released by the party Monday said members adopted…

Florida disaster fund spent more on immigration than all 2025 missions combined

The DeSantis administration spent nearly two-thirds of Florida’s emergency fund last fiscal year on fighting illegal immigration, dwarfing spending for severe weather, international rescues, and other emergency missions for which the fund was created. State records show that the…

Hammock Park boardwalk could close if tax measure passes, Dunedin official warns

St. Pete Beach holds property tax rate flat amid referendum uncertainty

Local government – What’s happening in Tampa Bay

Meetings, agendas and important items to watch on local government across Tampa Bay for the fourth week of July.

In Tampa City Council race, Candice Cowen already has endorsements from state reps and school board members

Since announcing her run for Tampa City Council last month, Candice Cowen is off to a significant start. The Tampa native running for District 3 leads in campaign donations, with $9,875 as of the last reporting period, as well as earning endorsements from State Rep. Michele…

What could property tax amendment mean for homeowners?

Florida voters will decide in November whether to expand the state's homestead exemption.

The Scoop: Mon. July 20, 2026, Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF

The City of Clearwater has moved forward with keeping Duke Energy as the city’s electricity provider.