Tampa Bay has a huge population of transplants that now call the region home. And as people have migrated, their food preferences have too. Out-of-state restaurant chains have been bringing regional staples to Florida, giving a nostalgic taste to those who have relocated.

In Pinellas, three young entrepreneurs were approached by a man with a gun as they knocked door to door to promote their businesses. The question remains: when is it OK to brandish a gun in Florida? Read more: https://tbtim.es/4wVzRoT?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialNewsDesk

With an election in August, there’s barely any time to know who’s running. That’s where the Times’ voter guide comes in: See how candidates compare on issues like data centers and property taxes. tbtim.es/2026primaryguide?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialNewsDesk

More than 32 acres of wetlands were destroyed in Hillsborough County under a new law that expanded the scope of Florida’s wetlands mitigation banking system, where developers offset their environmental harm by restoring wetlands elsewhere. How are developers relieving their environmental impact?

Across the country, AI data centers have spurred a backlash that seems to go beyond political differences. But plainly put, what are data they? Why do they take so many resources to run? Read more: www.tampabay.com/viewpoints/2...

The Aug. 18 primary will decide which candidates will win their party’s nomination to compete in the general election. Use the 2026 Tampa Bay Times Voter Guide to keep track of who the candidates are and what they think of the big issues of the day. Check it out when it publishes July 16.

🌊🔬 Today’s marine science campers could become tomorrow’s new generation of oceanographers. A local camp gives teens the chance to learn and interact with ocean life through scientific eyes. Read the story: https://tbtim.es/marinecamp?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialNewsDesk 

Floridians say they’re thinking twice before making everyday purchases as costs rise from inflation. Experts say price hikes in one area impact supply chains in another, causing some to become more budget-conscious. With prices that keep climbing, what are Tampa Bay residents doing to adapt?

For now, there’s no reason to believe the Rays have any intention of heading out of town. But other communities are positioning themselves for a possible relocation or expansion bid. If the Rays leave Tampa Bay, where would they go? Find out in The Bay Brief.

Columnist Stephanie Hayes unpacks the atmospheric shift, known as El Niño, that kicked off in June with environment reporter Jack Prator. Read more: www.tampabay.com/viewpoints/2026/07/01/super-el-nino-florida-hurricane-season-wind-shear/

Analysts are forecasting this summer will have the highest teenage unemployment rate ever recorded, which experts say is impacted by AI and rising costs for employers. Are teenagers in Tampa Bay able to find work? Find out in The Bay Brief.

Fort Myers fisherman Robert Dillon was arrested after Florida’s facial recognition system linked him to an alleged attempt to lure a child from a Jacksonville Beach McDonald’s. Now, he’s suing for a wrongful arrest — including the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, which manages the system.

As the midterm elections quickly approach, get info about Florida politics from the Times straight to your phone. Sign up for text messages from political editor Michael Van Sickler: https://joinsubtext.com/c/politi-texts-florida?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialNewsDesk 

What's with Florida’s new congressional map? In this episode of Make It Make Sense, columnist Stephanie Hayes turns to political editor Michael Van Sickler to parse the outcome of this map meddling: tbtim.es/what-is-redi...

A new coffee table book delves into the design and lore of the Tampa Theatre, just in time for the landmark’s upcoming 100th birthday. It features hundreds of illustrations, newspaper clippings and photographs from over the years. Dive into the book: www.tampabay.com/culture/hist...

Did you hear rumors that an AI data center could be coming to Gandy Boulevard in Pinellas County? Our energy reporter, Emily Mahoney, chased the rumor to find the truth. Tune into The Bay Brief to find out.