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href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2026/06/08/john-oliver-hosts-late-night-segment-new-college-florida/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">meaty Florida takedown</a>, spending nearly half an hour Sunday dragging the state’s hostile takeover of New College of Florida."},{"_id":"VEJ2O7WHSNCRTDY5W7NRMW223M","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"On HBO’s “<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFMc07F1UUU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">Last Week Tonight</a>,” Oliver touched on college President Richard Corcoran’s <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/06/09/new-college-foundation-donations-finances-richard-corcoran-sarasota/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/06/09/new-college-foundation-donations-finances-richard-corcoran-sarasota/\">bloated salary</a>, that curious <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/opinion/2024/08/23/new-college-florida-books-dumpser-gender-desantis-rufo/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/opinion/2024/08/23/new-college-florida-books-dumpser-gender-desantis-rufo/\">dumpster full of books</a> and other farcical facets of the Sarasota school’s MAGA makeover. He distilled the debacle into a tragic thesis: “They have destroyed a rare haven for gentle nerds.”"},{"_id":"4VUQKNLIOFAZZIVERHV353RQGM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"From one gentle nerd to another, indeed. Oliver, who has called Gov. Ron DeSantis “<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M81-GM0mTc4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">business Fred Flintstone</a>,” loves to <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiHTjUH5X-M\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">rag on Florida</a> with good reason. Though I personally volunteer to come on the show and defend Floridians who have skin thicker than a frozen iguana in the bed of a Chevy Baja, it won’t make a difference: Our state’s comic potential flows like the Gulf of America."},{"_id":"52F7JZSWOJDWRHNVIJYZ7B7YE4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Florida is a prime target for Oliver’s free-wheeling format, which leaves room for longer, weedier takes. You try blending analysis of merit-based scholarships and genitalia jokes in a 20-second bit. You can’t!"},{"_id":"QKZ64KMHTFFQLMK7KSOUIMEZS4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"If the folks at “Last Week Tonight” enjoyed roasting New College, they’re going to adore these irresistibly corrupt stories from Florida."},{"subtype":"custom_embed_interstitial_link","_id":"46FZGJYEF5BGLJSN62JH5GUWGY","embed":{"id":"interstitial-link-1781014866342-gzb182s4h","config":{"additional_properties":{"interstitial_type":"related"},"content":"John Oliver hosts late night segment on New College of Florida"},"url":"https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2026/06/08/john-oliver-hosts-late-night-segment-new-college-florida/"},"type":"custom_embed"},{"level":2,"_id":"2R5HTCRQAVDP3ANTPH3V4KS4XA","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Environmental scandals"},{"_id":"VINXEPDZRRF35GO5FEZLI4TUHE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Floridians are feral about their love of the state’s natural splendor, so it’s a wonder why DeSantis keeps playing poker with protected lands. Take your pick of astonishing <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2025/05/17/florida-land-swap-deal-guana-desantis-lawmaker-opposition/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2025/05/17/florida-land-swap-deal-guana-desantis-lawmaker-opposition/\">stories</a>. How about the smelly $83.3 million purchase of a crappy <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/viewpoints/2025/10/03/destin-land-purchase-desantis-norriego-guidry/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/viewpoints/2025/10/03/destin-land-purchase-desantis-norriego-guidry/\">slice of land in Destin</a>? Or the clandestine scheme to build golf courses, hotels and pickleball courts across wild <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/topics/state-parks/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/topics/state-parks/\">state parks</a>?"},{"_id":"Y6574S2KKJDAXPHMGIQEUYVEIA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Speaking of the latter, a <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/viewpoints/2026/02/26/gaddis-whistleblower-state-parks-florida-scandal-desantis/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">whistleblower claimed</a> he learned of the plans via, yes, a Post-It note. Furthermore, he said a supervisor made him hide evidence in a digital folder titled “DirectTV Subscription Info.” This story writes its own jokes, a Pepperidge Farm gift basket stocked full of cheese."},{"level":2,"_id":"IFH7OERNGFAV5LZBTN5VSRGSOE","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Hope Florida"},{"_id":"LCLQLWT2EBF6DLENNIU5IUWTPE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Here we have a scandal even bigger than the one involving, <i>shudder</i>, pickleball. In this melee, the administration <a href=\"https://project.tampabay.com/hope-florida/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://project.tampabay.com/hope-florida/\">diverted millions</a> of public dollars from the poor and sick to pay for lawyers, consultants and ads. The financial sleight of hand was designed to defeat amendments that would have opened access to abortion and recreational marijuana, causes DeSantis and friends didn’t like."},{"_id":"JOTPHFCPVVDNRNZFHAVAKRV5I4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"It’s a thick one. Oliver would need at least 20 minutes to delve into <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/opinion/2025/04/25/hope-florida-explained-what-happened-medicaid-desantis/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/opinion/2025/04/25/hope-florida-explained-what-happened-medicaid-desantis/\">the minutiae</a> of this slippery case, from the <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2025/04/08/desantis-casey-hope-charity-legislature-legal-welfare/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2025/04/08/desantis-casey-hope-charity-legislature-legal-welfare/\">nonprofit element</a> to the Casey DeSantis of it all. But imagine the TV potential of our host connecting red strings on a corkboard in the manner of a true crime sleuth living in an abandoned shed."},{"level":2,"_id":"G36UMVEVERFNNO5MGZOQD2UAXI","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"James Uthmeier"},{"_id":"NCNOY6UMO5AWRB23Z3C5PKRSIU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“Last Week Tonight” could sustain a whole show with Florida’s attorney general, Billy Zane to the state’s “Titanic.”"},{"_id":"DLG5HQWENVGEJDYUXPYTOYSXRY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Uthmeier, who is running to <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/04/17/tampa-james-uthmeier-hope-florida-uf-trump-ice-tiger-bay-club/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/04/17/tampa-james-uthmeier-hope-florida-uf-trump-ice-tiger-bay-club/\">keep his appointed position</a>, is connected to the Hope Florida scandal. At least one Republican colleague has <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/02/19/james-uthmeier-attorney-general-desantis-hope-florida-republicans/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/02/19/james-uthmeier-attorney-general-desantis-hope-florida-republicans/\">accused him</a> of fraud and money laundering. He’s credited with <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2025/06/20/florida-attorney-general-uthmeier-suggests-immigration-detention-center-everglades/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2025/06/20/florida-attorney-general-uthmeier-suggests-immigration-detention-center-everglades/\">suggesting</a> the idea for failed Everglades detainee camp <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/viewpoints/2026/05/15/alligator-alcatraz-closing-florida-desantis-uthmeier/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/viewpoints/2026/05/15/alligator-alcatraz-closing-florida-desantis-uthmeier/\">Alligator Alcatraz</a>; he starred in a promotional video for it alongside metal riffs last heard on a free karaoke app."},{"_id":"6PHI72LWAZDLTLDT3FW6O7VBBU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"He loves to invite himself to proverbial parties, sending <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/02/19/james-uthmeier-attorney-general-desantis-hope-florida-republicans/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/02/19/james-uthmeier-attorney-general-desantis-hope-florida-republicans/\">threatening letters</a> all over the state invoking culture buzzwords. He waded into a routine parental rights case in which everyone was minding their own business, spinning a deeply cynical view of <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/05/08/florida-uthmeier-attorney-general-surrogacy-ivf-abortion-law/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/05/08/florida-uthmeier-attorney-general-surrogacy-ivf-abortion-law/\">surrogacy as slavery</a>. Oh, and he’s being paid $100,000 for <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/viewpoints/2026/02/20/james-uthmeier-uf-teaching-job-pay-florida/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/viewpoints/2026/02/20/james-uthmeier-uf-teaching-job-pay-florida/\">a side job</a> teaching at the University of Florida for two hours per week. Two is not a typo. Do your worst, Oliver."},{"level":2,"_id":"5KPYWLEWSVAWDO5NDX5WAOL3TU","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Mermaids"},{"_id":"7VELTZSAHNA5XNKPITSGQLJDEA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"OK, let’s lighten up before we need cardiac intervention. Oliver should make haste to our balmy paradise and wiggle into a mermaid tail. Our reporter <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/history/2025/08/27/weeki-wachee-springs-mermaid-florida-travel-state-park/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/history/2025/08/27/weeki-wachee-springs-mermaid-florida-travel-state-park/\">did so at Weeki Wachee</a> in a feat of physics that almost ended her. But, you know, she’s fine! It’s time for the friendly Brit to butter up his lower-body and sink into more delicious Sunshine State ephemera. Florida has so much to offer a program like his."},{"level":2,"_id":"247FL3V6LFBOXAZBPWFVYX22FY","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Get Stephanie’s newsletter"},{"_id":"BDDNSVGKCNDELHI7DR5NMGUUCM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"For weekly bonus content and a look inside columns by Stephanie Hayes, sign up for the <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/newsletters/stephinitely/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">free Stephinitely newsletter</a>."}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"We have scandals for days!"},"description":{"basic":""},"source":{"system":"composer","name":"tbt","source_type":"staff"},"taxonomy":{"primary_site":{"path":"/viewpoints","parent_id":"/","name":"Viewpoints","description":"The Viewpoints channel features Tampa Bay Times newspaper editorials, letters to the editor and 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Follow @StephHayes.","beat":"Times Columnist","_id":"stephanie-hayes","last_updated_date":"2026-05-29T16:39:40.040Z","byline":"Stephanie Hayes","email":"shayes@tampabay.com","slug":"stephanie-hayes","status":true}},"type":"author","version":"0.5.8","slug":"stephanie-hayes"}]},"first_publish_date":"2026-06-09T14:21:23.216Z","additional_properties":{"is_published":true,"publish_date":"2026-06-09T14:21:23.216Z","has_published_copy":true},"last_updated_date":"2026-06-09T14:21:39.607Z","publishing":{"scheduled_operations":{"unpublish_edition":[],"publish_edition":[]}},"slug":"hayescol060926","owner":{"sponsored":false,"id":"tbt"},"address":{},"workflow":{"status_code":1},"promo_items":{"basic":{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"auth":{"1":"b58adc7e4eb1c8000e9610f763d14e64c8e71215f59e3db3418a0abbfac38c16"},"vanity_credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"HBO","type":"author"}]},"caption":"John Oliver, have we got some ideas for you.","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"NEWSCYCLE","edit_url":"","source_type":"Ingestor","source_id":"2234535","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"custom","name":"Archive","category":"other","subcategory":"Ingestor"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/WVA6JYWHJUI6TBKNIBWI6S7HAY.jpg","licensable":false,"credits":{"by":[{"name":"","additional_properties":{},"type":"author"}]},"width":746,"_id":"WVA6JYWHJUI6TBKNIBWI6S7HAY","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/WVA6JYWHJUI6TBKNIBWI6S7HAY.jpg?auth=b58adc7e4eb1c8000e9610f763d14e64c8e71215f59e3db3418a0abbfac38c16","originalName":"AR-306219882.jpg","mime_type":"image/jpeg","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/WVA6JYWHJUI6TBKNIBWI6S7HAY.jpg?auth=b58adc7e4eb1c8000e9610f763d14e64c8e71215f59e3db3418a0abbfac38c16","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/WVA6JYWHJUI6TBKNIBWI6S7HAY.jpg","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/WVA6JYWHJUI6TBKNIBWI6S7HAY.jpg?auth=b58adc7e4eb1c8000e9610f763d14e64c8e71215f59e3db3418a0abbfac38c16","ingestionMethod":"Ingestor","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/WVA6JYWHJUI6TBKNIBWI6S7HAY.jpg?auth=b58adc7e4eb1c8000e9610f763d14e64c8e71215f59e3db3418a0abbfac38c16&width=300","version":2},"created_date":"2019-08-25T15:33:51Z","last_updated_date":"2026-06-09T14:21:27Z","height":415}},"canonical_url":"/viewpoints/2026/06/09/john-oliver-florida-new-college-desantis-hbo/","revision":{"editions":["default"],"parent_id":"VJ6NMXSUWZGD7GVSPBLXXTD5M4","published":true,"branch":"default","revision_id":"P775VNSXLFDI7FTTTRKMPTRTEI"},"planning":{"budget_line":"More Florida ideas for John Oliver.","scheduling":{},"story_length":{"character_count_actual":4089,"inch_count_actual":24,"inch_count_planned":25,"word_count_actual":675,"line_count_actual":166}},"display_date":"2026-06-09T14:21:23.216Z","headlines":{"tablet":"","print":"","meta_title":"","native":"","web":"","mobile":"","basic":"Don’t stop at New College. More Florida ideas for John Oliver | Column ","table":""},"created_date":"2026-06-08T20:36:08.918Z","publish_date":"2026-06-09T14:21:39.489Z","_id":"KDO3CS7DSZAOZG7JUP2EDRXKGU","website":"tbt","website_url":"/viewpoints/2026/06/09/john-oliver-florida-new-college-desantis-hbo/"},{"content_elements":[{"_id":"XURZMPIDMVDLBAFCN3MLOMHZOA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"As Black pastors and imams stood beside Mayor Ken Welch in support of his reelection Monday, the Rev. J.C. Pritchett II took particular aim at former Florida Gov. and U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist."},{"_id":"QYOR2FUCNNA4LDM6O3L32232LM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Pritchett, who is married to Welch’s cousin, began the campaign event at Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church by stating that the group of faith leaders supported Crist in his last run for governor four years ago. Crist, who in 2021 endorsed Welch for mayor, is now running to replace him."},{"_id":"GSNEXKBHHBCIHK6ESQFF3PQ4OA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“Black political influence is being chipped away by the Supreme Court, the redrawing of congressional districts and allies like Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Charlie,” Pritchett said. He was referring to Wasserman Schultz’s decision to run for one of Florida’s remaining majority-Black congressional districts following a recent Supreme Court decision that limits how states can use race when drawing political boundaries. "},{"_id":"ULK4ANVVHJCGRD6FRR5XGHDFWQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“We don’t know why he has chosen to return and challenge the mayor, but for a man who has built his career with the votes of Black and brown voters, it is curious and disappointing,” Pritchett said."},{"_id":"U34OZS3HXRAONO74HX2ZHCIBNU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Reached by phone Monday, Crist said he did not have a comment."},{"_id":"62U2BHJYY5F6TPNPYLFEYW7APM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Crist’s endorsements from faith leaders include Bishop Manuel Sykes; Rev. Frank Peterman Jr., who served as the state’s Department of Juvenile Justice secretary under Crist; and Rev. Basha Jordan Jr. The latter is the grandson of Elder Jordan, the formerly enslaved man who built the Manhattan Casino and once owned the land that became the Gas Plant neighborhood and later Tropicana Field."},{"_id":"VHVYMFKOYVDJDCM5Q4FIN5LMWM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"St. Petersburg’s mayoral candidates are rolling out endorsements from local faith leaders ahead of a crowded primary election Aug. 18. The St. Petersburg branch of the NAACP is hosting the first mayoral debate of the year Tuesday evening."},{"_id":"IELU2EWUIBF5LF6H4DSCCO6VI4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Welch was flanked Monday by the Rev. Louis Murphy, who is in the group working to <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2025/12/11/tangerine-plaza-grocery-store-city-council-vote/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2025/12/11/tangerine-plaza-grocery-store-city-council-vote/\">redevelop Tangerine Plaza, a city-owned strip mall that was home to the area’s only grocer</a>;  Princess Hemingway Watkins, pastor; the Rev. Clarence Williams; the Rev. Katurah Jenkins-Hall; Imam Askia Muhammad Aquil; Imam Abduls Karim Ali and Abdul-Salaam Hameed. All said they supported Welch for his mayoral run in 2021."},{"_id":"44DCPK3E6JCFPBVUGL7LOUZDWM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“I‘m grateful and thankful that he has performed as well as he has, given a 100-year hurricane that no one can plan for after two others,” Williams said. “I believe, because he has worked so hard, so diligently, and because this is a defining moment for our community, that he not only deserves a second term, he deserves our support.”"},{"_id":"SFKTCU3UBZE37DGWJYD7HUJCNQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Maria Scruggs, a past president of the St. Petersburg branch of the NAACP, provided a list of endorsements to the Tampa Bay Times. They include Rev. Markus-Derrick White, Rev. Oscar Banks, Rev. Mike Hawkins, Rev. Darrel Davis, Rev. Bobby McDonald and Rev. Roger Stroman Jr."},{"_id":"TGYJH26B3ZEI7KSWAOML3LZXVM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Former St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Chief Jim Large, who is running for mayor, said he earned the endorsement of Karalynne Brubaker of Positive Impact Ministries. Positive Impact has held food banks in the Tangerine Plaza parking lot since 2020 and <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2024/03/21/two-groups-make-offers-st-petersburgs-tangerine-plaza/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2024/03/21/two-groups-make-offers-st-petersburgs-tangerine-plaza/\">made an offer to purchase Tangerine Plaza</a>."},{"_id":"MUXDFKXF3RBW3OSV3FXEVV5TOQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Large said he is not attending the mayoral debate hosted by the local NAACP chapter, as branch President Esther Sanni <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2023/08/10/st-petersburg-naacp-wants-fire-chief-out-firefighters-defend-him/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2023/08/10/st-petersburg-naacp-wants-fire-chief-out-firefighters-defend-him/\">called for him to be fired in 2023</a> following accusations that he made sexist, racist and homophobic remarks<b> </b>while serving as chief."},{"_id":"I6GDWOUAX5AZLHSEBLL7W2GPPM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Large said he will participate in other debates."},{"_id":"7WTAAGB4GNAXRFOLTYDWGMOXCY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Mayoral candidate and two-term City Council member Brandi Gabbard did not respond to a call and text seeking comment. Former Shore Acres Civic Association President Kevin Batdorf, also running for mayor, said he was not actively seeking endorsements from the faith community."},{"_id":"BM3OO2XRMZEGZGODESMSTAAJZI","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"center","type":"text","content":"<b>• • •</b>"},{"level":2,"_id":"MTKKNAEE6NFIRGKT3XMXN5NMDM","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Tampa Bay Times Election Coverage"},{"_id":"YCDQ2FAYFZA3BBZYFTAMLZOYBI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"<b>Congressional midterms:</b> <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/02/12/hakeem-jeffries-democrats-house-control-congress/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">Can Democrats retake the US House? It could depend on Florida</a>"},{"_id":"HSDHM3Q2ZNC4HBHVN6ZR6F75HQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"<b>Voter issues: </b><a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/03/28/byron-donalds-james-fishback-iran-affordability-jeffrey-epstein/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">These 4 issues make Florida’s midterms a tougher slog for Republicans</a>"},{"_id":"37CLFNDETFG2NFRA46K7SVGVBU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"<b>Race for the Governor’s Mansion: </b><a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/01/21/governor-2026-donalds-collins-renner-fishback-desantis-endorsement-demings-jolly/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">Is the Florida governor’s race set?</a>"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"St. Petersburg’s mayoral candidates are rolling out endorsements from local faith leaders."},"description":{"basic":""},"source":{"system":"composer","name":"tbt","source_type":"staff"},"taxonomy":{"primary_site":{"path":"/news/florida-politics/elections","parent_id":"/news/florida-politics","name":"Elections","description":"Elections","_id":"/news/florida-politics/elections","additional_properties":{"original":{"promo":{"house_promo_link":null,"house_promo_disable":"false","house_promo_image":null},"parent":{"default":"/news/florida-politics"},"_admin":{"alias_ids":["/news/florida-politics/elections"]},"newsletters":{"newsletter_article":"true","newsletter_section_front":"true","newsletter_headline":"Required reading for Floridians","newsletter_image":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/MQKT3QD2BNEJVOCA4EFB42WHQU.JPG","newsletter_subheadline":"Subscribe to our free Florida in Focus newsletter","newsletter_id":"46","newsletter_blurb":"Get the biggest stories happening across the state every 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Annette Taddeo, a Miami Democrat, is getting in the race for chief financial officer, she formally announced Monday."},{"_id":"7BVALLJ2LBHXTAK3BMOKNT4TTE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"She’ll take on incumbent Republican <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2025/07/16/desantis-blaise-ingoglia-cfo-florida-gruters-trump-2026/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2025/07/16/desantis-blaise-ingoglia-cfo-florida-gruters-trump-2026/\">Blaise Ingoglia</a>, who was appointed to the role last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis, replacing Jimmy Patronis, who left the seat for a U.S. House seat."},{"_id":"WKUOWG3FRJACXMNFIPO5BVZDXU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The Cabinet position has oversight of insurance and financial regulation agencies and manages the state government’s checkbook. The CFO is also the state fire marshal. Taddeo said she’ll focus on lowering property insurance rates and other costs hitting residents by taking a more aggressive oversight approach to the industry."},{"_id":"GJMO26HL3ZHTTK7JZ7N7U5QN5Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“The job of the CFO is to be the watchdog, not the lapdog for the governor,” Taddeo told the News Service of Florida."},{"_id":"TEFBCHNWFNASHKAP35BSHBPXYE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Taddeo, 59, is no stranger to campaigning in Florida. She was <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/a-closer-look-at-annette-taddeo-charlie-crists-running-mate/2189185/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/a-closer-look-at-annette-taddeo-charlie-crists-running-mate/2189185/\">Charlie Crist’s pick as lieutenant governor</a> during his unsuccessful bid for governor in 2014. She first ran for Congress for a South Florida U.S. House seat in 2008 but lost. In 2017, she won a state Senate special election and served in the chamber until 2022, when she <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2022/06/06/state-sen-annette-taddeo-drops-her-bid-for-governor-will-run-for-congress/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2022/06/06/state-sen-annette-taddeo-drops-her-bid-for-governor-will-run-for-congress/\">ran for Congress</a> again but lost to U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Miami. In 2024, she ran for Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts but lost to Juan Fernandez-Barquin, a Republican former state House member."},{"_id":"2A23TU2KEFAG7BXUJF2WZTWKOY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The Colombian-born Taddeo moved to the U.S. in the 1980s and founded a Spanish-language translation business before getting involved with Democratic politics in Miami."},{"_id":"YC5HVPKVOVH5NNVZDI53I6JD5U","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The campaigns for CFO and the other Cabinet positions, attorney general and agriculture commissioner, can often fly under the radar as the governor’s race garners most of the attention of media and voters, but Taddeo believes she has momentum at the start of the race."},{"_id":"ATXROCL7ZJGXTLMEFEHPOLLWSA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"She pointed to a poll commissioned by Ruth’s List, a group that backs female candidates in support of abortion rights, showing her ahead of Ingoglia 39.2% to 37.6%. The poll of 1,828 likely voters, conducted April 23-30 and released last month, also showed her 18 points ahead among no-party affiliation voters."},{"_id":"EHXEHPV2FFGDVPDXD6MEJHDDCU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“NPAs will decide this race, and they’ve been breaking our way,” Taddeo said."},{"_id":"J4HXGQHZE5DH7JKP43UBBGMTGQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"But before taking on Ingoglia in the general election, Taddeo will first have to win the Democratic primary. <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/05/21/anna-paulina-luna-redistricting-earle-ford-leela-gray-st-petersburg-democrat/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/05/21/anna-paulina-luna-redistricting-earle-ford-leela-gray-st-petersburg-democrat/\">Earle Ford</a> dropped out of the race for Congressional District 13 last month to enter the CFO race and will compete with Taddeo for the Democratic nomination."},{"_id":"BWVOQQKBT5FLFA4L5YERNL7NLY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Meanwhile, Ingoglia, a former state senator himself who also served in the state House, picked up the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Tampa, on Monday."},{"_id":"K765EAC3ONBNREUQMYS2IZZIBQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“CFO Blaise Ingoglia doesn’t just talk, he delivers. He is exposing waste, enhancing transparency, and fighting for the taxpayers to make Florida affordable,” Lee said in a released statement. "},{"_id":"L3LDAQ7IMNC3REQ6V7ZOA5MGFE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Since taking office last July, Ingoglia has toured the state,<a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2026/01/28/ingoglia-st-petersburg-doge-fafo-wasteful-spending/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2026/01/28/ingoglia-st-petersburg-doge-fafo-wasteful-spending/\"> slamming select local governments</a> for “overspending” <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2025/09/24/hillsborough-overspent-by-279-million-florida-cfo-says/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2025/09/24/hillsborough-overspent-by-279-million-florida-cfo-says/\">based on</a> tax collections they received compared to what they received in 2019."},{"_id":"OQFJ7H75CFEC7PTZQIC54TXWVY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Ingoglia has slammed city and county officials for overtaxing property owners as inflation and other costs have pinched residents. He’s backing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal to boost the homestead exemption to $250,000 over two years. The measure will appear <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/06/02/florida-property-tax-exemption-desantis-amendment-legislature/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/06/02/florida-property-tax-exemption-desantis-amendment-legislature/\">before voters on the November ballot</a>."},{"subtype":"custom_embed_interstitial_link","_id":"Z5FCFENSORBF5GODPPWY7KUDWA","embed":{"id":"interstitial-link-1780946141501-rk97nrwmd","config":{"additional_properties":{"interstitial_type":"related"},"content":"Floridians pay for CFO Ingoglia’s rides, security detail at sporting events"},"url":"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/05/23/ingoglia-cfo-security-protection-cost/"},"type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"DAJ74ENAABDCBDOA4PTSATVQGI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Taddeo said she backs auditing local governments and rooting out wasteful spending, but took issue with Ingoglia’s approach and the property tax cut ballot measure, suggesting cities and counties will make up the cuts through fees and other taxes."},{"_id":"HAMKTI4YCFBB7IGBMWP3WLZTLA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“They’re not being truthful in the sense, you still may be out of pocket in other ways to be able to pay for the schools, the library, the firefighters, the police — all the things that are necessary to run a government,” Taddeo said."},{"_id":"YMXLNSL4DRFJVONMPFGPNGNEMY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"<i>By Gray Rohrer, News Service of Florida</i>"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"She hopes to challenge Republican incumbent Blaise Ingoglia, who was appointed to the position by Gov. 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Now, a business group is suing the city of Tampa<b> </b>over it. "},{"_id":"UPESGXXGXBF6JEHUVJ3FC2CN5Y","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The SoHo Business Alliance filed a lawsuit last week accusing the city of withholding public records tied to the South Howard Avenue project. "},{"_id":"7CQNBN64EFH6LEI3DDPKLZB2UU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Proponents say that even short bursts of rain turn their streets into rivers. But a group of business owners have fought the project for months, raising questions about cost, traffic and street closures. "},{"_id":"SB55IBGAMRC53DND4K5V7GM7YE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The group alleged in a news release that the city “is intentionally delaying the production of critical project documents to prevent public scrutiny before the Tampa City Council votes on the project’s future later this year.” Council members are expected to vote on whether to proceed with construction later this summer. "},{"_id":"ORAUAUATJRE43H7SGFFJA5VTCU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The lawsuit seeks a court order requiring the release of of records that the group says it requested in February, including external and internal communications, cost estimates, flood models and engineering contracts. The group says it has paid thousands of dollars in up-front costs associated with the requests. "},{"_id":"VH4QPGARERHC5P2O7SHFQ4RKNY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The cost of the project has quietly ballooned from $65 million to nearly $100 million. The lawsuit said it is “expected to impose years of major construction activity, traffic disruption, and business interruption on South Howard Avenue businesses.” "},{"_id":"MTYW2FZBGBF3JH76VEB5JBZD7Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The city, it says, “has a direct institutional interest in delaying the production of the requested public records until after the Tampa City Council has formulated and voted on its public policy position.” "},{"_id":"FBTPZJCYFVFW7ANM6LWCQBHG4I","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"City spokesperson Adam Smith declined to comment on pending litigation."},{"_id":"3LBN5K4F2VFJHDQYOGFZDXJZPA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The proposed plan involves adding a culvert<b> </b>and pipes along stretches of West Swann and South Howard avenues to address persistent flooding in Parkland Estates, Palma Ceia Pines and surrounding neighborhoods. The City Council <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/tampa/2024/11/21/city-council-approves-flood-relief-south-tampa-neighborhood/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/tampa/2024/11/21/city-council-approves-flood-relief-south-tampa-neighborhood/\">approved an initial contract</a> with Kimmins Contracting Corp. in a 5-2 vote in 2024. "},{"_id":"Z74MCM5R3BBSHJC3AZYDE5NKIM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Questions about funding have swirled around the project for months as the scale and scope have changed. "},{"_id":"DGLU3GSX5RENHLB5MYO4O35N5Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Dennis Rogero, the city’s chief financial officer, said at a meeting in January that the City Council had already approved tens of millions of dollars. That includes $8.4 million from a stormwater fee assessed on taxpayers, a $10 million Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant, $10 million in bonds and $21 million transferred from another city fund. "},{"_id":"B6ND4YJKBFGZLH6JD4O4Q5B4B4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"That leaves a $50 million gap that, Rogero said, the city could try to cover with other state and federal grants. The city could also seek money from the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority, Rogero said, or pull from the renewal of the county’s <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2025/02/03/hillsborough-voted-extend-its-sales-tax-15-years-heres-whats-planned/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2025/02/03/hillsborough-voted-extend-its-sales-tax-15-years-heres-whats-planned/\">Community Investment Tax</a>, a half-percent sales tax that pays for major public construction projects. "},{"_id":"7QERU2NC2VCRDNXMG6ZUH3F3I4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Some residents, meanwhile, say the fear of flooding outweighs questions about cost or traffic. "},{"_id":"2TKU67XT7VHP7FOTODS2SHQV7U","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“If this project gets stopped, there is no project waiting in the wings,” Parkland Estates resident Steve Gerrish said at a City Council meeting earlier this year. “We cannot physically, mentally, emotionally withstand more flooding.”"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"The SoHo Business Alliance accused the city of withholding records tied to a divisive $100 million project. 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","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Archive","edit_url":"","source_type":"other","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"68feb5d9-6308-4e9b-888f-67ac7729a8c7"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/76JYIQB4ZRDAVP5VQMKPNZEA5Q.JPG","geo":{},"licensable":false,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"[ DIRK SHADD | Times ]","type":"author"}],"by":[]},"subtitle":"","width":4851,"_id":"76JYIQB4ZRDAVP5VQMKPNZEA5Q","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/76JYIQB4ZRDAVP5VQMKPNZEA5Q.JPG?auth=931365123f08aafb7e857b78e2205cdde711f3eaa42d1fbf98eb079c62cdd291","iptc_job_identifier":"600698360","keywords":[],"proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/76JYIQB4ZRDAVP5VQMKPNZEA5Q.JPG?auth=931365123f08aafb7e857b78e2205cdde711f3eaa42d1fbf98eb079c62cdd291","takenOn":"2025-10-25T00:00:00Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/76JYIQB4ZRDAVP5VQMKPNZEA5Q.JPG","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/76JYIQB4ZRDAVP5VQMKPNZEA5Q.JPG?auth=931365123f08aafb7e857b78e2205cdde711f3eaa42d1fbf98eb079c62cdd291","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/76JYIQB4ZRDAVP5VQMKPNZEA5Q.JPG?auth=931365123f08aafb7e857b78e2205cdde711f3eaa42d1fbf98eb079c62cdd291&width=300","version":3,"originalName":"4ST_A008_1025_1870853104_S1P1.JPG","mime_type":"image/jpeg","restricted":false,"galleries":[]},"created_date":"2026-01-08T16:36:51Z","last_updated_date":"2026-06-08T19:17:49Z","slug":"4ST_A008_1025_1870853104_S1P1","height":3584,"image_type":"photograph"}},"canonical_url":"/news/2026/06/08/tampa-south-howard-flood-project-lawsuit-public-records/","revision":{"editions":["default"],"parent_id":"CZQKONDZQNA7RD6LGOMENUPJQI","published":true,"branch":"default","revision_id":"LIQFNTG2WVBCXKOLH54LEYC6FU"},"planning":{"budget_line":"A group of businesses in South Tampa are suing the city over public records regarding a controversial $100 million stormwater project. ","scheduling":{},"story_length":{"character_count_actual":3143,"inch_count_actual":18,"inch_count_planned":15,"word_count_actual":494,"line_count_actual":126}},"display_date":"2026-06-08T18:32:36.459Z","headlines":{"tablet":"","print":"","meta_title":"","native":"","web":"","mobile":"","basic":"Business group sues Tampa over public records tied to stormwater project","table":""},"created_date":"2026-06-08T13:40:21.863Z","publish_date":"2026-06-08T19:18:04.294Z","_id":"DNQBZ2NJAFHI3BGEVSPXJY5EGM","website":"tbt","website_url":"/news/2026/06/08/tampa-south-howard-flood-project-lawsuit-public-records/"},{"content_elements":[{"_id":"FSRU7IVYXZGMLDPYO5LKNKFNHU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Arshia Esmaeilian had dreamed of coming to America as long as he could remember. "},{"_id":"E6L2332DDVFZRNKAZGX4PKU72E","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Esmaeilian and his brother were born in Iran but raised in Dubai, their parents believing the move could pave<b> </b>a more direct path to higher education in the West."},{"_id":"HDC3QBTYEVELJDK2DXXIMMFRWA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"And it did. Esmaeilian graduated<b> </b>with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry last month from the University of South Florida, a major step toward a career in research."},{"_id":"6RFYJHGYIRCX3ON75RYKLUL3M4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“In terms of quality of education it’s exactly what I wanted,” he said. “If anything, it kind of exceeded it.”"},{"_id":"FIJ4UENVOVGJVGSKLLH2YKPHWA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"And now, weeks after walking the stage, he may be forced to leave."},{"_id":"BTYBXC4HKNHONMDKFHPWJWJQG4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"After a string of unprecedented White House orders <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2025/08/05/tampa-bay-mom-an-autistic-son-travel-ban-keeping-them-apart/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2025/08/05/tampa-bay-mom-an-autistic-son-travel-ban-keeping-them-apart/\">banning travel</a> to and from countries the U.S. <a href=\"https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12631#:~:text=The%20proclamations%20have%20a%20stated%20policy%20goal%20of%20protecting%20U.S.%20citizens%20from%20foreign%20nationals%20%22who%20intend%20to%20commit%20terrorist%20attacks%2C%20threaten%20our%20national%20security%20and%20public%20safety%2C%20incite%20hate%20crimes%2C%20or%20otherwise%20exploit%20the%20immigration%20laws%20for%20malevolent%20purposes.%22\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12631#:~:text=The%20proclamations%20have%20a%20stated%20policy%20goal%20of%20protecting%20U.S.%20citizens%20from%20foreign%20nationals%20%22who%20intend%20to%20commit%20terrorist%20attacks%2C%20threaten%20our%20national%20security%20and%20public%20safety%2C%20incite%20hate%20crimes%2C%20or%20otherwise%20exploit%20the%20immigration%20laws%20for%20malevolent%20purposes.%22\">deems a threat</a>, students like Esmaeilian are stuck in limbo. Following graduation, they’re at risk of detention or <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2025/08/20/how-deportation-crackdown-is-breaking-immigrants-trust-police/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2025/08/20/how-deportation-crackdown-is-breaking-immigrants-trust-police/\">deportation</a> if their visas expire."},{"_id":"HV2FGNGQHVA4RJOCVLHLFHQOWI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"In Florida, hundreds of international college students are finishing school this spring and facing this murky path."},{"_id":"2HAH3VISOND55F6HFWMGZJVBO4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Iran is one of 19 countries that the <a href=\"https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12631\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">Trump administration</a> hit with a full <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida/2025/06/16/trump-travel-ban-cuba-haiti-florida/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida/2025/06/16/trump-travel-ban-cuba-haiti-florida/\">travel ban</a> last year; entering, leaving or traveling through them is restricted. Those with Palestinian travel documents are also fully banned by the U.S. Twenty other countries are currently under a partial ban. "},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"Tampa","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"6528ae1bbc89089fa8f1cce894e0c63080ba4fbd8fc879787b828fdb6cbe3fd4"},"caption":"University of South Florida graduate Arshia Esmaeilian holds an award after his commencement ceremony on May 9 in Tampa.","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Tampa Bay Times","edit_url":"","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"d332c6a3-8c2f-4fce-9507-0fdc0e6cdd96"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/54HXAUHPYRBVTGA2OBGCAQSBYY.JPG","licensable":false,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Luis Santana","type":"author"}]},"subtitle":"","width":6000,"_id":"54HXAUHPYRBVTGA2OBGCAQSBYY","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/54HXAUHPYRBVTGA2OBGCAQSBYY.JPG?auth=6528ae1bbc89089fa8f1cce894e0c63080ba4fbd8fc879787b828fdb6cbe3fd4","iptc_source":"Tampa Bay Times","iptc_job_identifier":"600745073","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/54HXAUHPYRBVTGA2OBGCAQSBYY.JPG?auth=6528ae1bbc89089fa8f1cce894e0c63080ba4fbd8fc879787b828fdb6cbe3fd4","link":"","takenOn":"2026-05-09T00:00:00Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/54HXAUHPYRBVTGA2OBGCAQSBYY.JPG","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/54HXAUHPYRBVTGA2OBGCAQSBYY.JPG?auth=6528ae1bbc89089fa8f1cce894e0c63080ba4fbd8fc879787b828fdb6cbe3fd4","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/54HXAUHPYRBVTGA2OBGCAQSBYY.JPG?auth=6528ae1bbc89089fa8f1cce894e0c63080ba4fbd8fc879787b828fdb6cbe3fd4&width=300","version":2,"originalName":"435892_SANT_2_studentsbannedcountries.JPG","mime_type":"image/jpeg","alt_text":"","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"Staff Photographer"},"created_date":"2026-05-11T04:20:55Z","last_updated_date":"2026-06-05T21:22:34Z","slug":"435892_SANT_studentsbannedcountries","height":4000},{"_id":"QV3JX7QAJJFTXPIWW73ED3HR2Y","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Esmaeilian is a F-1 visa holder, like most international<b> </b>students, which allows him to be a full-time student without being a U.S. citizen. When students holding these visas graduate, they have a 60-day grace period to leave the country, get a different type of visa, transfer schools or start work, which they cannot do unless U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services authorizes them for what is known as optional practical training. "},{"_id":"Q6GVDXPPHNCE7GWVVDHB7O2R7I","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The U.S. had paused reviews of <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2026/05/04/immigration-background-check-fbi-uscis/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2026/05/04/immigration-background-check-fbi-uscis/\">immigration applications of any kind</a>, including visas and petitions for asylum filed by “aliens from high-risk countries,” an agency spokesperson said in <a href=\"https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.293693/gov.uscourts.mad.293693.71.1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.293693/gov.uscourts.mad.293693.71.1.pdf\">March</a>. Iran was one. And unlike applications from other banned countries whose visas were only temporarily paused, the spokesperson said Iranian visa applications would not be processed “at all.”"},{"_id":"LJNDRZESG5DMHN7VZRJXSSQEME","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"A federal immigration judge on Friday ruled the agency had surpassed its authority and lifted the freeze on all immigration applications, <a href=\"https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-asylum-citizenship-10591d120e5cb13da736d9eeb06757c8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-asylum-citizenship-10591d120e5cb13da736d9eeb06757c8\">citing in his 135-page ruling</a> a lack of reasonable explanation for agency policies and its use of national security as a pretext to “mask anti-immigrant sentiments.”"},{"_id":"5TCLFCSZXVADVMCM6ARPAI5A6U","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Still, the Trump administration can appeal the decision, leaving immigrants like Esmaeilian waiting. "},{"_id":"6HHLKD3TGZHUDEEGNIIKX4EZN4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“My situation isn’t like a lot of other students’ situations,” Esmaeilian said. “People usually figure these things out months prior. And for me, I might not ever figure it out.”"},{"_id":"J52SKHBI75AGBEQLIB47TAN3NU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Graduates awaiting approval for work authorization could see a lapse in their legal status, putting them at risk of detention or <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida/2025/12/08/florida-children-leave-us-parents-deported/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida/2025/12/08/florida-children-leave-us-parents-deported/\">deportation under an administration</a> that has aggressively rooted out people who lack proper paperwork."},{"_id":"GLWQX27UGBDRLMXTPQ4LE6SMZ4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Many<b> </b>of those cast into this anxious limbo arrived with a much different vision for their post-graduate months."},{"_id":"K6XKCONHDVCDNA2OHMUZX7MRLY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“The uncertainty is across the board,” said Elizabeth Aranda, sociology professor and director of the Im/migrant Well-Being Research Center at USF. “When you have an inability to plan like that, and an inability to anticipate what’s to come, it’s impossible to make good decisions.”"},{"_id":"R7NMTBYKWNA6FIOQMTYACOEHF4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The suddenness of the bans was inhumane, said <a href=\"https://www.education.ox.ac.uk/person/simon-marginson/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">Simon Marginson</a>, the founding director of the Centre for Global Higher Education at Oxford University. The Trump administration abruptly dropped the new rules a few months before the 2025 school year began, banning the first 19 countries in June and another 20 in December. "},{"_id":"NHJPFTTDBJE2BNDWEPVNKSNXOQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“There’s no acknowledgement of the fact that they’d been accepted under the previous rule situation,” he said. “They could have gone to another country and done their education there without being disturbed in this way.”"},{"_id":"2XAIDQIV4RB4PKRJMKNUCIYESM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Nearly all of the now-banned countries have students attending Florida universities, enrollment data shows. The five public schools <a href=\"https://opendoorsdata.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/OpenDoors_FactSheet_Florida_-2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://opendoorsdata.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/OpenDoors_FactSheet_Florida_-2025.pdf\">with </a><a href=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"\">the most</a> international students — Florida State University, Florida International University, the University of Florida, the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida — enrolled more than 3,000 last fall. Those students represented all but four of the countries. "},{"_id":"EA4LXBGMSJAPVFTYXCRVE27YUI","type":"raw_html","content":"<iframe title=\"More than 3,000 international students from banned countries enrolled in top Florida universities\" aria-label=\"Stacked Bars\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-8bNUW\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/8bNUW/1/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" height=\"367\" data-external=\"1\"></iframe><script type=\"text/javascript\">window.addEventListener(\"message\",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(\"iframe\");for(var t in a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"][t]+\"px\";r.style.height=d}}});<\/script>"},{"_id":"ASD6PPL46VAI3I57NBJHSEBZ6E","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"More than 270 international of the students recently walked the graduation stage at six public universities that provided spring graduate demographics: Florida State, Florida International, Florida A&amp;M, Central Florida, North Florida and New College. Other public schools, including UF and USF, did not provide counts of graduates from the countries."},{"level":2,"_id":"UVGEOGMHFFB2FJU6JA6NQDKFRY","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"A tougher climate for immigrants"},{"_id":"VRP6RFA5FZGF7ENUEWFUNWVHSE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"More than 58,000 students were enrolled at Florida colleges or other higher education institutions in fall 2024, according to <a href=\"https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/\">federal data</a>. They made up about 6% of the state’s total enrollment."},{"_id":"OYJDFJ6ORBBPDISTTVRZED2ACQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Foreign enrollment nationwide dropped by 20% this spring, <a href=\"https://www.nafsa.org/about/about-nafsa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.nafsa.org/about/about-nafsa\">according to </a><a href=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"\">NAFSA</a>, a nonprofit that advocates for international professionals. Of the 149 American universities that participated in <a href=\"https://studyportalsbv.sharepoint.com/teams/External/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fteams%2FExternal%2FShared%20Documents%2FShared%20Documents%2FGuides%20%26%20Reports%2F2026%2FThe%20Global%20Enrolment%20Benchmark%20Survey%20%2D%20Global%20Summary%20Report%20%2D%20Jan%2DMar%202026%20intake%20%28Public%29%2Epdf&amp;parent=%2Fteams%2FExternal%2FShared%20Documents%2FShared%20Documents%2FGuides%20%26%20Reports%2F2026&amp;p=true&amp;ga=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://studyportalsbv.sharepoint.com/teams/External/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fteams%2FExternal%2FShared%20Documents%2FShared%20Documents%2FGuides%20%26%20Reports%2F2026%2FThe%20Global%20Enrolment%20Benchmark%20Survey%20%2D%20Global%20Summary%20Report%20%2D%20Jan%2DMar%202026%20intake%20%28Public%29%2Epdf&amp;parent=%2Fteams%2FExternal%2FShared%20Documents%2FShared%20Documents%2FGuides%20%26%20Reports%2F2026&amp;p=true&amp;ga=1\">the nonprofit’s survey</a>, more than 80% mentioned restrictive government policies and visa issues as the largest drivers of declining international<b> </b>enrollment."},{"_id":"QESMBXFZHJHH5FPQAIWQP75BEI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Some universities accepting students from banned countries are finding creative ways to keep them enrolled, said Rachel Banks, a senior director at NAFSA. Students are starting their programs online or deferring acceptances with the hope that the bans could be lifted soon."},{"_id":"57KVEGD6QREIZMTR4XRAJAIHOI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"American presidents across party lines opened the door to international students and the value they brought to the country. But the <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/04/10/usf-uf-campus-police-partner-with-ice-immigration-enforcement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/04/10/usf-uf-campus-police-partner-with-ice-immigration-enforcement/\">recent crackdown on immigration</a>, compounded by increased competition from other countries to recruit foreign students, has turned students away. "},{"_id":"6XDCPKLLIVG3BBH6GHYTNNBQTI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Countries including Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom have ramped up international recruitment in the last couple of decades. Others, such as China, have invested in education to make a more competitive bid at retaining native students."},{"_id":"SBKSNK23DREUFKNQSQ6TMVUAUQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Still, for many young academics, American universities remain the gold standard, representing the cutting edge of science and technology research. "},{"_id":"7NHOWE3N2VDYJM5HSGFKNRF4TU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“They believe that the United States is the place to do it, particularly if there’s a field of study of which the United States excels in,” Banks<b> </b>said. “Even if they run into trouble, they will try to stay committed to it as long as possible.” "},{"level":2,"_id":"PMFSKXOSQVFBPJIVKCHFOG5OC4","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Florida closes its doors"},{"_id":"R2ULQOYW2JBDZKK3DEM5QFSLA4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Florida has placed some of the tightest restrictions on international students of any state."},{"_id":"36MFHQKBR5C4ZGQ4HDK3KKBJBY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Three years ago, leaders passed <a href=\"https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2023/0288.860\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2023/0288.860\">a law preventing China and other “countries of concern,”</a> including Iran, Venezuela and Cuba, from seeking what conservative lawmakers called undue influence over public colleges and universities. The law limited partnerships, agreements and grants. Parts of the bill were challenged in court for being discriminatory but were eventually upheld."},{"_id":"IO3H67T4ZBE5PAQJDMMY2NX2YA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"<a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2026/02/13/immigrants-spent-last-year-living-fear-its-turning-into-panic/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2026/02/13/immigrants-spent-last-year-living-fear-its-turning-into-panic/\">Last year</a>, <a href=\"https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025C/2C/BillText/er/PDF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025C/2C/BillText/er/PDF\">legislators ended in-state tuition for students without permanent legal status</a> at public colleges and universities, just a decade after former Gov. Rick Scott put such protections in place. Many of the students, known as Dreamers, were brought to the country by their parents as children and <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/02/14/florida-nixes-in-state-tuition-dreamers-get-tough-immigration-law/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/02/14/florida-nixes-in-state-tuition-dreamers-get-tough-immigration-law/\">saw the move</a> as yet another barrier to life in the United States."},{"_id":"ESLUPQNMYFEGBGHPGVJ6DSOXBM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Gov. Ron<b> </b>DeSantis pushed state leaders to restrict the hiring of foreign faculty and researchers through the federal <a href=\"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations\">H-1B program</a>, which provides temporary visas for workers in specialized jobs. <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2026/03/03/florida-approves-temporary-ban-h-1b-visas-university-system/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2026/03/03/florida-approves-temporary-ban-h-1b-visas-university-system/\">The state approved a temporary freeze</a> on those hires at public universities. The measure came on the heels of President Donald Trump’s proclamation last year requiring a one-time <a href=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/09/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-suspends-the-entry-of-certain-alien-nonimmigrant-workers/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/09/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-suspends-the-entry-of-certain-alien-nonimmigrant-workers/\">$100,000 fee for new H-1B visas</a>, a move the White House said was designed “to put American workers first.”"},{"_id":"QNXB3MWPSNCKZFIH5YGXQEAYGA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"As protests erupted on college campuses decrying the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza, DeSantis signed a law giving Florida the power <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/03/12/desantis-legislature-session-protesters-terrorist-groups-islamic/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/03/12/desantis-legislature-session-protesters-terrorist-groups-islamic/\">to designate certain organizations as “domestic terrorists.”</a> The law allowed for the <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/05/05/usf-student-lost-his-visa-over-protests-heres-what-it-was-like/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/05/05/usf-student-lost-his-visa-over-protests-heres-what-it-was-like/\">expulsion of students</a> who voice support for such groups. It also required public colleges and universities to report detailed student visa information to the state. "},{"_id":"LBWOI7L7ARETZFZ7BOX7X4J4LU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"At the federal level, the Trump administration has pushed to deport foreign students who have faced criminal charges, criticized Israel or were involved in <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/10/10/student-activist-group-sues-usf-over-free-speech-rights/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/10/10/student-activist-group-sues-usf-over-free-speech-rights/\">pro-Palestinian protests</a>. It has also made moves to revoke their entry visas and terminate their legal status. After students filed lawsuits, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement <a href=\"https://apnews.com/article/international-student-status-restored-9e8a7cb90f4193ec52bf06edc5094cd9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://apnews.com/article/international-student-status-restored-9e8a7cb90f4193ec52bf06edc5094cd9\">reversed many of those visa revocations and status cancellations</a>."},{"_id":"7ACKU7L7CJFQBPO6ND4JKY6POI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"If the United States wants to lead in innovation and research, it needs to attract, not discourage, global talent, said Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, a nonprofit comprised of college leaders that advocates for immigrant and international students."},{"_id":"H5HO7F2BNZG7ZHSCM4KHRB5X3Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“The decline in international students, which we are already seeing, means a reduced international talent pipeline,” she said. “This will harm U.S. economic growth and slow innovation.”"},{"_id":"MIQTR4QT6RARFC6PNETXUEJTDI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The rhetoric hasn’t slowed. Florida Lt. Gov. <a href=\"https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026/04/lt-gov-collins-promises-to-restrict-visa-holders-from-nations-of-terror-as-florida-governor-00853978\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026/04/lt-gov-collins-promises-to-restrict-visa-holders-from-nations-of-terror-as-florida-governor-00853978\">Jay Collins</a>, who is running for governor, promised he would ban visa holders from “nations of terror” and stop them from attending<b> </b>state universities."},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"Tampa","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"6bbe21c19df62d6dc5203dac9b94c90af4f2aa1bee2b160361cee70f8817b0e8"},"caption":"University of South Florida graduate Arshia Esmaeilian is congratulated by his brother Artin Esmaeilian and his girlfriend Giuliana Barrios after his commencement ceremony on May 9 in Tampa. ","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Tampa Bay Times","edit_url":"","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"d332c6a3-8c2f-4fce-9507-0fdc0e6cdd96"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/UOR6SEX6HFEH3MT4WRA7OOSOTM.JPG","licensable":false,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Luis Santana","type":"author"}]},"subtitle":"","width":6000,"_id":"UOR6SEX6HFEH3MT4WRA7OOSOTM","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/UOR6SEX6HFEH3MT4WRA7OOSOTM.JPG?auth=6bbe21c19df62d6dc5203dac9b94c90af4f2aa1bee2b160361cee70f8817b0e8","iptc_source":"Tampa Bay Times","iptc_job_identifier":"600745074","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/UOR6SEX6HFEH3MT4WRA7OOSOTM.JPG?auth=6bbe21c19df62d6dc5203dac9b94c90af4f2aa1bee2b160361cee70f8817b0e8","link":"","takenOn":"2026-05-09T00:00:00Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/UOR6SEX6HFEH3MT4WRA7OOSOTM.JPG","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/UOR6SEX6HFEH3MT4WRA7OOSOTM.JPG?auth=6bbe21c19df62d6dc5203dac9b94c90af4f2aa1bee2b160361cee70f8817b0e8","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/UOR6SEX6HFEH3MT4WRA7OOSOTM.JPG?auth=6bbe21c19df62d6dc5203dac9b94c90af4f2aa1bee2b160361cee70f8817b0e8&width=300","version":2,"originalName":"435892_SANT_3_studentsbannedcountries.JPG","mime_type":"image/jpeg","alt_text":"","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"Staff Photographer"},"created_date":"2026-05-11T04:21:05Z","last_updated_date":"2026-06-05T21:22:35Z","slug":"435892_SANT_studentsbannedcountries","height":4000},{"_id":"ZAOD4SOO6JDVXA5JJZIGIUQVIQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"For recent graduate Esmaeilian, his only plan moving forward is to have faith."},{"_id":"XWI7NGNYHBB4THTH5B6BHTGSA4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“There’s not really a loophole,” he said."},{"_id":"IEXIABX6TFGCVJQIY7KZELK74A","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"If his visa lapses before he is able to get his work papers authorized or figure out another plan, he will have to return to Iran. It would be his first time back since before the pandemic."},{"_id":"6HIND2Q43VGQRDLDDNJRPJFQPA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Awaiting him is mandatory military service, which could potentially land him in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a <a href=\"https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2026/02/19/eu-terrorist-list-council-designates-the-islamic-revolutionary-guard-corps-as-a-terrorist-organisation/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2026/02/19/eu-terrorist-list-council-designates-the-islamic-revolutionary-guard-corps-as-a-terrorist-organisation/\">European Union-designated terrorist organization</a>. "},{"_id":"SCT3HIYADRDB7GJ5B4MR6KDY4Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“That’s kind of a blow to all the work I’ve done these four years,” he said. “But also, am I safe there?”"},{"_id":"VCLBGAOW4RAYRI6GVKKJSFXIUY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"He hopes that his younger brother, a rising junior at USF, will not have to deal with the same limbo."},{"_id":"VGKEVOTIWBGUPKQEYDC76JI6XY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“It kind of feels like collective punishment in a way,” he said. “Even the smallest things and privileges that people think are normal, for us feel like dreams.”"},{"_id":"U6GQKBMFEVGV5FWC6V2T2RS36A","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"<i>The Tampa Bay Times Education Hub reports on Florida’s schools and universities and the students they serve. You can contribute to the hub through our journalism fund by </i><a href=\"https://secure.tampabay.com/forms/journalismfund\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\"><i>clicking here</i></a><i>.</i>"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"Students from countries hit with travel restrictions face a newly uncertain path after graduation. "},"description":{"basic":""},"source":{"system":"composer","name":"tbt","source_type":"staff"},"taxonomy":{"primary_site":{"path":"/news/education","parent_id":"/news","name":"The Education Gradebook","description":"Education and school news, including testing, class size, Florida Standards and Common Core, teaching and more for Florida and Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, from the Tampa Bay Times.","_id":"/news/education","additional_properties":{"original":{"promo":{"house_promo_link":null,"house_promo_disable":"false","house_promo_image":null},"parent":{"default":"/news"},"_admin":{"alias_ids":["/news/education"]},"newsletters":{"newsletter_article":"true","newsletter_section_front":"true","newsletter_headline":"Required reading for Floridians","newsletter_image":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/MQKT3QD2BNEJVOCA4EFB42WHQU.JPG","newsletter_subheadline":"Subscribe to our free Florida in Focus newsletter","newsletter_id":"46","newsletter_blurb":"Get the biggest stories happening across the state every Wednesday."},"site":{"site_url":"/news/education/","rotator_id":"PQRJDGVMLJHKNFNXN6QRRL3QS4","section_bullet_override":"Education","site_keywords":"Education News. 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His announcement clears the way for former GOP Rep. David Jolly, who already <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/04/10/david-jolly-jerry-demings-florida-governor-special-election-endorsement-byron-donalds/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/04/10/david-jolly-jerry-demings-florida-governor-special-election-endorsement-byron-donalds/\">held a massive fundraising lead</a>, to clinch the Democratic nomination in August. Short of a game-changing surprise, Jolly will likely face the Republican nominee in a race marked by affordability, <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/05/04/florida-redistricting-desantis-maps-gop-republican-congress-trump/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/05/04/florida-redistricting-desantis-maps-gop-republican-congress-trump/\">mid-decade redistricting</a> and voter reactions to President Donald Trump’s second term."},{"_id":"RL5IQJDBHRAJHIQAFSTXPEEXI4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Jolly, who had avoided criticizing Demings on the campaign trail, offered his condolences Friday. Some Republican contenders for governor also weighed in, including the front-runner, <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/04/10/byron-donalds-campaign-fundraising-renner-collins-fishback/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/04/10/byron-donalds-campaign-fundraising-renner-collins-fishback/\">U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds</a>."},{"_id":"ICDFGXJSARGHPM5V6VMJPFBB5A","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“Erika and I are praying for Jerry and Val,“ Donalds <a href=\"https://x.com/ByronDonalds/status/2062939980335313264\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://x.com/ByronDonalds/status/2062939980335313264\">wrote on X</a>, referencing Demings’ wife, a former Orlando police chief and congresswoman. ”May the Lord watch over the Demings family, provide them with strength and comfort, and bless Jerry with a swift recovery.\""},{"subtype":"twitter","referent":{"referent_properties":{},"provider":"https://publish.x.com/oembed?url=","service":"oembed","id":"https://x.com/ByronDonalds/status/2062939980335313264","type":"twitter"},"_id":"XN33BA4W55ABRJNC72Z474KTAM","raw_oembed":{"author_name":"Byron Donalds","author_url":"https://x.com/ByronDonalds","cache_age":"3153600000","width":550,"html":"<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Erika and I are praying for Jerry and Val. May the Lord watch over the Demings family, provide them with strength and comfort, and bless Jerry with a swift recovery. <a href=\"https://t.co/q0NTuwznTK\">https://t.co/q0NTuwznTK</a></p>&mdash; Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) <a href=\"https://x.com/ByronDonalds/status/2062939980335313264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 5, 2026</a></blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https://platform.x.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n","provider_url":"https://x.com","_id":"https://x.com/ByronDonalds/status/2062939980335313264","type":"twitter","provider_name":"X","version":"1.0","url":"https://x.com/ByronDonalds/status/2062939980335313264","height":null},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"4FI5COE5ORB3ZPEJ26G2Q6XNPA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Investor James Fishback, another GOP contender<b> </b>representing the <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/02/17/james-fishback-governor-2026-campaign-donalds/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/02/17/james-fishback-governor-2026-campaign-donalds/\">right-wing fringe</a>, offered his condolences as well."},{"_id":"EBXDDWKRAZFPVPRNCOABJAEK3U","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“I last saw Jerry backstage at an event in Orlando in January, and while we may not see eye to eye on everything, he is a good man who has served his community since 1981,” Fishback <a href=\"https://x.com/j_fishback/status/2062929072401883164\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://x.com/j_fishback/status/2062929072401883164\">wrote on X</a>."},{"subtype":"twitter","referent":{"referent_properties":{},"provider":"https://publish.x.com/oembed?url=","service":"oembed","id":"https://x.com/j_fishback/status/2062929072401883164","type":"twitter"},"_id":"JRJIMZNHFNFOPFWIIXGNWWUUV4","raw_oembed":{"author_name":"James Fishback","author_url":"https://x.com/j_fishback","cache_age":"3153600000","width":550,"html":"<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Valeria and I are saddened to hear about Mayor Demings&#39; cancer diagnosis. We will be keeping him in our prayers throughout his treatment. I last saw Jerry backstage at an event in Orlando in January, and while we may not see eye to eye on everything, he is a good man who has… <a href=\"https://t.co/CKrlvBKNDI\">https://t.co/CKrlvBKNDI</a></p>&mdash; James Fishback (@j_fishback) <a href=\"https://x.com/j_fishback/status/2062929072401883164?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 5, 2026</a></blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https://platform.x.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n","provider_url":"https://x.com","_id":"https://x.com/j_fishback/status/2062929072401883164","type":"twitter","provider_name":"X","version":"1.0","url":"https://x.com/j_fishback/status/2062929072401883164","height":null},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"664MWB2XZZCGZCIF7XIZCX7UPM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"More tributes came pouring out from both sides of the aisle, including from Florida Democratic Party chair <a href=\"https://x.com/NikkiFried/status/2062944628853145990\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://x.com/NikkiFried/status/2062944628853145990\">Nikki Fried</a>, Republican Party of Florida chair Evan Power, Democratic U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Maxwell Frost, and state Rep. Anna Eskamani, a Democrat."},{"_id":"U6AULUJYKFBWBJ5XQWC746Q35Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Demings announced his campaign for governor <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2025/11/03/demings-governor-election-2026-democrat-orange/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2025/11/03/demings-governor-election-2026-democrat-orange/\">in November</a>, emphasizing his long history of service in the Orlando area, including a nearly decade-long stint as Orange County sheriff. Meandering and congenial, Demings said he wanted to restore the balance of power between the state and local governments in Florida."},{"_id":"TNJKDYRCAVAK7IXYYIN2K36YTA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“I have a track record of winning against the odds,” he told the Tampa Bay Times in a March interview, adding that he’d never lost a race."},{"_id":"K6MJMJVSVVBOHFAGJNLAVQO3WU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Demings also calls himself a “lifelong Democrat,” something Jolly cannot claim."},{"_id":"TOQ72AAEZJHZ5N5EY422DBGKQA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"But in fundraising, Demings trailed behind Jolly, who <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2025/06/05/david-jolly-democrat-governor-desantis-pinellas-2026-election/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2025/06/05/david-jolly-democrat-governor-desantis-pinellas-2026-election/\">announced his campaign</a> a year ago. Jolly has spent the past year touting <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/04/03/david-jolly-jerry-demings-ron-desantis-byron-donalds/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/04/03/david-jolly-jerry-demings-ron-desantis-byron-donalds/\">affordability solutions</a> and making the case that he is the Democrat who can lead the party to statewide victory in November."},{"_id":"AWVIE7VCTJHUZK52JTCTU4CF74","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Demings reported raising more than $650,000 by the end of March. Jolly had raised almost $5 million by that point, buoyed by Democrats’ <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/04/10/david-jolly-jerry-demings-florida-governor-special-election-endorsement-byron-donalds/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/04/10/david-jolly-jerry-demings-florida-governor-special-election-endorsement-byron-donalds/\">special election victories</a> in red-leaning state legislative districts. The two victors in those races ended up endorsing Jolly."},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"Pinellas Park","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"f783fdc0e73859ba5e6d51ee91133ae984aaf2920d7143f169e0780862469cb4"},"caption":"Former GOP Rep. David Jolly now has a clear path to the Democratic nomination for governor. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, his main opponent, announced he was dropping out of the gubernatorial race on Friday after he received a cancer diagnosis.","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Wire feeds","edit_url":"","source_type":"wires","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"7080638c-b1c0-47c8-89fa-25c6a828833b"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/L26CH434VBB2PCBCGW3POQPKWQ.jpg","licensable":false,"display_date":"2026-03-29T21:08:08.921Z","alt_text":"Florida gubernatorial candidate David Jolly talks with the audience during a town hall visit at First UMC of Pinellas Park on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Pinellas Park, Fla..","credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"TNS","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Dirk Shadd","type":"author"}]},"subtitle":"202603291645MCT     PHOTO    US NEWS CONGRESS CHERFILUS MCCORMICK ETHICS JOLLY PT","width":3000,"_id":"L26CH434VBB2PCBCGW3POQPKWQ","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/L26CH434VBB2PCBCGW3POQPKWQ.jpg?auth=f783fdc0e73859ba5e6d51ee91133ae984aaf2920d7143f169e0780862469cb4","iptc_source":"Tampa Bay Times","iptc_job_identifier":"170131346W","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/L26CH434VBB2PCBCGW3POQPKWQ.jpg?auth=f783fdc0e73859ba5e6d51ee91133ae984aaf2920d7143f169e0780862469cb4","link":"","takenOn":"2026-01-21T15:13:00Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/L26CH434VBB2PCBCGW3POQPKWQ.jpg","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/L26CH434VBB2PCBCGW3POQPKWQ.jpg?auth=f783fdc0e73859ba5e6d51ee91133ae984aaf2920d7143f169e0780862469cb4","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/L26CH434VBB2PCBCGW3POQPKWQ.jpg?auth=f783fdc0e73859ba5e6d51ee91133ae984aaf2920d7143f169e0780862469cb4&width=300","version":0,"originalName":"202603291645MCT_____PHOTO____US-NEWS-CONGRESS-CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK-ETHICS-JOLLY-PT","mime_type":"application/octet-stream","alt_text":"Florida gubernatorial candidate David Jolly talks with the audience during a town hall visit at First UMC of Pinellas Park on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Pinellas Park, Fla..","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"MBR"},"created_date":"2026-03-29T21:08:11Z","last_updated_date":"2026-03-29T21:08:11Z","publish_date":"2026-03-29T21:08:08.921Z","slug":"US-NEWS-CONGRESS-CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK-ETHICS-JOLLY-PT","height":2139},{"_id":"OP3ONEWE3BCCDDLRBYESHXOANE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Along the campaign trail, Jolly frequently emphasized his respect for Demings and said he wanted to avoid the mudslinging taking place in the <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/04/20/jay-collins-byron-donalds-florida-governor-ron-desantis-david-jolly/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/04/20/jay-collins-byron-donalds-florida-governor-ron-desantis-david-jolly/\">Republican primary</a> for governor. Democrats face an uphill battle in the race, in which Donalds has raised $68 million and counting with the backing of the state’s conservative establishment."},{"_id":"DLDFTZCDGVALND7XQV4DLXEZ2E","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Jolly reiterated his respect after Demings’ diagnosis was announced."},{"_id":"PT7TICFARNEKTFATM5FDRGXZR4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“Jerry has dedicated his life to public service, fighting with passion, mettle, and faith. I know he’ll bring that same spirit to this new chapter,” Jolly said in a statement. “Laura and I wish him a full recovery as we personally pray for Jerry and his family.”"},{"_id":"BM3OO2XRMZEGZGODESMSTAAJZI","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"center","type":"text","content":"<b>• • •</b>"},{"level":2,"_id":"MTKKNAEE6NFIRGKT3XMXN5NMDM","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Tampa Bay Times Election Coverage"},{"_id":"YCDQ2FAYFZA3BBZYFTAMLZOYBI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"<b>Congressional midterms:</b> <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/02/12/hakeem-jeffries-democrats-house-control-congress/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">Can Democrats retake the US House? It could depend on Florida</a>"},{"_id":"HSDHM3Q2ZNC4HBHVN6ZR6F75HQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"<b>Voter issues: </b><a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/03/28/byron-donalds-james-fishback-iran-affordability-jeffrey-epstein/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">These 4 issues make Florida’s midterms a tougher slog for Republicans</a>"},{"_id":"37CLFNDETFG2NFRA46K7SVGVBU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"<b>Race for the Governor’s Mansion: </b><a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/01/21/governor-2026-donalds-collins-renner-fishback-desantis-endorsement-demings-jolly/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">Is the Florida governor’s race set?</a>"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"It clears the Democratic field for former Pinellas GOP Rep. David Jolly."},"description":{"basic":""},"source":{"system":"composer","name":"tbt","source_type":"staff"},"taxonomy":{"primary_site":{"path":"/news/florida-politics/elections","parent_id":"/news/florida-politics","name":"Elections","description":"Elections","_id":"/news/florida-politics/elections","additional_properties":{"original":{"promo":{"house_promo_link":null,"house_promo_disable":"false","house_promo_image":null},"parent":{"default":"/news/florida-politics"},"_admin":{"alias_ids":["/news/florida-politics/elections"]},"newsletters":{"newsletter_article":"true","newsletter_section_front":"true","newsletter_headline":"Required reading for Floridians","newsletter_image":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/MQKT3QD2BNEJVOCA4EFB42WHQU.JPG","newsletter_subheadline":"Subscribe to our free Florida in Focus newsletter","newsletter_id":"46","newsletter_blurb":"Get the biggest stories happening across the state every 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Demings announced after the speech that he is dropping out of the governor's race following a prostate cancer diagnosis.","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Wire feeds","edit_url":"","source_type":"wires","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"7080638c-b1c0-47c8-89fa-25c6a828833b"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/SEV3SMGB7JFTDOIZWR7M65DCL4.jpg","licensable":false,"display_date":"2026-06-05T17:05:51.662Z","alt_text":"Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings gets a hug from Val Demings as he takes the stage for his final State of the County address, Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center. Demings announced after the speech that he is dropping out of the ","credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"TNS","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Joe Burbank","type":"author"}]},"subtitle":"Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings gets a hug from Val Demings as he takes the stage for his final State of the County address, Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center. Demings announced after the speech that he is dropping out of the ","width":2844,"_id":"SEV3SMGB7JFTDOIZWR7M65DCL4","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/SEV3SMGB7JFTDOIZWR7M65DCL4.jpg?auth=60c107ea1b52f8275e03a76e647edd5f18f0f162a8506cf705666cedcbc600df","iptc_source":"Orlando Sentinel","iptc_job_identifier":"175993163P","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/SEV3SMGB7JFTDOIZWR7M65DCL4.jpg?auth=60c107ea1b52f8275e03a76e647edd5f18f0f162a8506cf705666cedcbc600df","takenOn":"2026-06-05T09:17:59Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/SEV3SMGB7JFTDOIZWR7M65DCL4.jpg","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/SEV3SMGB7JFTDOIZWR7M65DCL4.jpg?auth=60c107ea1b52f8275e03a76e647edd5f18f0f162a8506cf705666cedcbc600df","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/SEV3SMGB7JFTDOIZWR7M65DCL4.jpg?auth=60c107ea1b52f8275e03a76e647edd5f18f0f162a8506cf705666cedcbc600df&width=300","version":0,"originalName":"Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings gets a hug from Val Demings as he takes the stage for his final State of the County address, Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center. Demings announced after the speech that he is dropping out of the ","mime_type":"application/octet-stream","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"MBR"},"created_date":"2026-06-05T17:05:53Z","last_updated_date":"2026-06-05T17:05:53Z","publish_date":"2026-06-05T17:05:51.662Z","slug":"US-NEWS-JERRY-DEMINGS-SUSPENDS-RACE-FOR-1-OS.jpg","height":1994}},"canonical_url":"/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/06/05/jerry-demings-drops-out-governors-race-cancer-diagnosis-democrat-david-jolly/","revision":{"editions":["default"],"parent_id":"MD7LY4VHSNFT3I75VKZ2NIDILY","published":true,"branch":"default","revision_id":"GPQALFYAGFCR3BTPIJZK7C34BE"},"planning":{"budget_line":"Officials across the political spectrum offered Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings well wishes as he announced a prostate cancer diagnosis and suspended his campaign for governor. Here's what this development means for Democrats.","scheduling":{"will_have_image":true,"planned_publish_date":"2026-06-06T10:00:01.000Z"},"story_length":{"character_count_actual":3646,"inch_count_actual":22,"inch_count_planned":15,"word_count_actual":583,"line_count_actual":153}},"display_date":"2026-06-05T19:21:39.124Z","headlines":{"tablet":"","print":"","meta_title":"","native":"","web":"","mobile":"","basic":"What does Jerry Demings dropping out mean for Florida governor’s race?","table":""},"created_date":"2026-06-05T17:17:45.632Z","publish_date":"2026-06-05T19:21:39.124Z","_id":"JYJPU47TOJAFTKX66SMMPI3R2M","website":"tbt","website_url":"/news/florida-politics/elections/2026/06/05/jerry-demings-drops-out-governors-race-cancer-diagnosis-democrat-david-jolly/"},{"content_elements":[{"_id":"Y3YFZJZFEVGY3CJ23IUSK3NSBA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The St. Petersburg City Council voted Thursday to commit up to $590,000 for a study examining how feasible it would be to <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2026/06/04/duke-energy-florida-dump-vote-floyd-electric-bill/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2026/06/04/duke-energy-florida-dump-vote-floyd-electric-bill/\">leave Duke Energy</a>, after hours of testimony from residents feeling the affordability squeeze. "},{"_id":"7AMN3ZIXXBGRDLNETSHVL3FKJA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The majority of locals who spoke asked city leaders to approve the analysis, saying they were tired of watching their power bills go up to benefit<b> </b>a corporation whose shareholders make a guaranteed profit."},{"_id":"3FVBP3AJSRATZKXW6XXJLUJC5I","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"But this decision by St. Petersburg is only one step in a long and complex process. "},{"_id":"ZUMZ2GKYIZANRF2FQXILZMEWUM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Here’s what you need to know."},{"level":2,"_id":"2CZUOCOPP5ATFORSGR2R3GWL54","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Does this vote mean St. Petersburg is getting rid of Duke Energy?"},{"_id":"6S5XM44X3BCN7MFOSHTRDSOADY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"No. The city has only committed to paying a consultant, NewGen Strategies &amp; Solutions, to compile a study examining “the financial, technical, operational, regulatory, and legal implications” of the city leaving Duke Energy and forming a municipal-run utility for electricity citywide."},{"_id":"4OLOLIEXZRCKBLB7S4426NBUCY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Fully splitting off from Duke would be tedious and likely take years. The company has indicated that it won’t participate in a split willingly, possibly forcing the city to go through the courts."},{"_id":"ENELW4WQXRCYVDJJ2HQVC6DSAY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"In response to the vote, Duke spokesperson Ana Gibbs only said that the company would keep working to renew its agreement with the city."},{"_id":"4KGQPZ7FDJGGNEIF43KH746WSA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“Duke Energy believes renewing the franchise agreement offers immediate benefits to our customers and communities we serve,” she wrote in an email. "},{"_id":"BWRB6Q43BJHVXGML434PD6IBD4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"This study is still an important step, proponents said, because the city’s legal agreement with Duke is up for renewal for the first time in 30 years. That gives St. Petersburg a rare window of leverage to fully investigate other options."},{"_id":"4PRBW3UZMBGP7ECBMN3YUK5TCQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“If I am buying a home, a house inspection might cost a few hundred dollars, but no one says they don’t have money for a home inspection,” resident Daniel Collette told the City Council before the vote. “Why wouldn’t we do the same with something as important as city utilities? Why would Duke be so opposed to us making an informed decision?”"},{"level":2,"_id":"R5MW4CHXZRG6TCOJFBGFRVV2YU","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Can St. Petersburg actually run an electric utility?"},{"_id":"GGUDV3FAABDYLKKHQ5IT55NNOA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Lots of cities do. In Florida alone, 33 municipalities run their own electric utilities, including Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Orlando and Lakeland. Average bills from these municipal utilities are regularly lower than those charged by the corporate utilities, especially Duke and Tampa Electric, according to <a href=\"https://assets.noviams.com/novi-file-uploads/fmea/Rates/2026/2026_April_Rates.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://assets.noviams.com/novi-file-uploads/fmea/Rates/2026/2026_April_Rates.pdf\">analyses</a> by the Florida Municipal Electric Association."},{"_id":"TBOEOVSOK5B7DD5PYDY3CR4NJQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Winter Park, near Orlando, was the most recent city to break away from a corporate utility in 2005, after voters approved it. Longtime city manager Randy Knight <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2024/08/02/duke-energy-florida-clearwater-electric-bill-st-petersburg/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2024/08/02/duke-energy-florida-clearwater-electric-bill-st-petersburg/\">previously told the Tampa Bay Times</a> that the decision has lowered residents’ bills by 28% and improved reliability after the city buried most power lines underground."},{"_id":"IHE4Q43WPREDTMRG25IF37MGP4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"But with past woes over St. Petersburg’s water services, including <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2025/10/09/st-petersburg-water-bills-evaluation-utility-billing-city-council/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2025/10/09/st-petersburg-water-bills-evaluation-utility-billing-city-council/\">thousands of residents seeing their water bills skyrocket</a> after the 2024 hurricanes, some opponents raised concerns Thursday about whether the city was up to the task of managing another utility effectively."},{"_id":"UPFLSOBACJEQLFPGG3XRD6SY4Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“We have a city utility already: water resources. We’re not great at it,” said council member Gina Driscoll, who voted no. “I look at our water resources and I see how much work there is to do, and I don’t think we’re in a position to ... take on another utility over the next several years.”"},{"subtype":"custom_embed_interstitial_link","_id":"7RT65FLNDBCITI6AHZ6RFYXZS4","embed":{"id":"interstitial-link-1780678714869-klsdlm1pf","config":{"additional_properties":{"interstitial_type":"related"},"content":"A new St. Petersburg property tax could fund drainage, water projects"},"url":"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2026/04/23/st-petersburg-referendum-infrastructure-spar-elections/"},"type":"custom_embed"},{"level":2,"_id":"FLDBMXZIZ5BKTCSELR7R3QYVJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Will leaving Duke lower my electric bill?"},{"_id":"I33ZRJT2KNEWTFFT5GRFSWKZGU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"That’s what the study will be drilling down to answer. However, we have some hints about what it might find."},{"_id":"3LZOETODYZGMLNC3QZ7FGJAR2I","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Clearwater, whose agreement with Duke is also up for renewal, already commissioned a similar study from NewGen, which found its residents <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2025/09/25/clearwater-duke-energy-florida-electric-bill-increase-st-petersburg/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2025/09/25/clearwater-duke-energy-florida-electric-bill-increase-st-petersburg/\">would save millions</a> by cutting out Duke. "},{"_id":"5UBKS3PRUFAXFMP6FUN6JFSGLU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Duke has taken issue with that study and paid a consultant of its own to issue a report. Theirs said <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2025/05/19/duke-energy-electric-bill-clearwater-1-billion-study/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2025/05/19/duke-energy-electric-bill-clearwater-1-billion-study/\">it would cost the city more than $1 billion</a><b> </b>to take over electric operations; however, it did not analyze how residents’ electric bills would be affected."},{"subtype":"custom_embed_interstitial_link","_id":"3OCFQS3Y6BEXZOIZRD7QKWNTYE","embed":{"id":"interstitial-link-1780680405969-47ppt3u1x","config":{"additional_properties":{"interstitial_type":"related"},"content":"For $1B Clearwater estimate, Duke Energy hired firm favored by utilities"},"url":"https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2025/06/12/duke-energy-florida-clearwater-study-billion-concentric-bill/"},"type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"SRBQKQIDU5ENNAK7O5P64JHDAY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Jameka Williams, an early supporter of the grassroots “Dump Duke” campaign who’s also running for City Council, told local officials that her electric bill has reached a crisis point."},{"_id":"5RSGSWU4XZDWFA3V3HMJ7RHMFM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“I, myself, just had to make a decision of paying my power bill or going to the grocery store for the first time,” Williams said. “At the very least, corporations should be good partners to our cities. They should not be left unchecked.”"},{"_id":"XPENH6PP7NDEVEOUBZ7OALYNSU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Many Tampa Bay residents <a href=\"https://project.tampabay.com/power-struggle/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://project.tampabay.com/power-struggle/\">paid their highest power bills ever last summer</a>, in part because of hurricane recovery fees from the destructive 2024 season. Some locals referenced those storm charges Thursday."},{"_id":"BICAYLH72FCNVAMZ6CHBR4SEP4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“My home went out of power for almost two weeks, during which my home was practically uninhabitable and I had to live out of my car,” said resident Thomas Gross. “The only thing I got from Duke Energy was a higher bill.”"},{"level":2,"_id":"RZAZSLMF5JGYZPOG7GBXRJDDZQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"How can I weigh in?"},{"_id":"ZTRQSWJDFBHFJPZCWSMK6VDJMU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"As part of completing the study, NewGen will be helping to organize three community meetings plus an online survey to gather public input, according to the city presentation. "},{"_id":"NHGMW2IAMJD4HAMJ56BZJJQD2Y","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The details of those meetings haven’t been released yet."},{"level":2,"_id":"S766UDJGEZFN7G2YVFBHY7UVRA","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"What happens next?"},{"_id":"EQMVZGXLR5CL5JDMQHC5E2MCX4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Once the study is complete, it will be up to city leaders to determine how far they want to pursue the possibility of a municipal-run utility. Several residents and council members raised questions about how <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/06/02/florida-property-tax-exemption-desantis-amendment-legislature/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/06/02/florida-property-tax-exemption-desantis-amendment-legislature/\">the state’s push to drastically reduce property taxes</a> — potentially costing St. Petersburg <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2026/05/28/florida-homestead-property-tax-exemption-budget/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2026/05/28/florida-homestead-property-tax-exemption-budget/\">$75 million</a> — could impact this discussion."},{"_id":"X4OPIE3SFZFONORXY5RJ42R7ME","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Since Clearwater completed its study, its officials have requested <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2025/09/30/duke-energy-florida-clearwater-electric-bill-study/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2025/09/30/duke-energy-florida-clearwater-electric-bill-study/\">an appraisal of all of Duke’s assets</a> within city limits."},{"level":4,"_id":"3O4HD25NJ5FLZGXUUOKTKA4JFQ","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"center","type":"header","content":"<i><b>• • •</b></i>"},{"_id":"6LXKYBDJ3VHW3BSDN3MDVXIQGM","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"<i>The Tampa Bay Times launched the Environment Hub in 2025 to focus on some of Florida’s most urgent and enduring challenges. You can contribute through our journalism fund by </i><a href=\"https://project.tampabay.com/donate/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\"><i>clicking here</i></a><i>.</i>"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"This saga is complicated. Here’s what to know about how it could impact the future of your electric bill."},"description":{"basic":""},"source":{"system":"composer","name":"tbt","source_type":"staff"},"taxonomy":{"primary_site":{"path":"/news/st-petersburg","parent_id":"/news","name":"St. Petersburg","description":"The latest community, government, crime and business news about St. Petersburg from the Tampa Bay Times.","_id":"/news/st-petersburg","additional_properties":{"original":{"promo":{"house_promo_link":null,"house_promo_disable":"false","house_promo_image":null},"parent":{"default":"/news"},"_admin":{"alias_ids":["/news/st-petersburg"]},"newsletters":{"newsletter_article":"true","newsletter_section_front":"true","newsletter_headline":"Keep up with Tampa Bay’s top headlines","newsletter_image":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/UD4IDQTGHFFUZM43GMJ7RO2ZFE.JPG","newsletter_subheadline":"Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter","newsletter_id":"18","newsletter_blurb":"We’ll deliver the latest news and information you need to know every morning."},"site":{"site_url":"/news/st-petersburg/","rotator_id":null,"site_keywords":"st petersburg news, st petersburg fl, pinellas county news, pinellas county fl","site_description":"The latest community, government, crime and business news about St. Petersburg from the Tampa Bay Times.","site_title":"St. Petersburg"},"inactive":false,"site_topper":{"site_logo_image":null},"name":"St. Petersburg","_id":"/news/st-petersburg","advertising":{"adbridg_kvp":{"News":"Pinellas"}},"ancestors":{"default":["/news"]},"order":{"default":2022}}},"type":"site","version":"0.5.8"},"sites":[{"path":"/news/st-petersburg","parent_id":"/news","name":"St. Petersburg","description":"The latest community, government, crime and business news about St. Petersburg from the Tampa Bay 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Petersburg"},"inactive":false,"site_topper":{"site_logo_image":null},"name":"St. Petersburg","_id":"/news/st-petersburg","advertising":{"adbridg_kvp":{"News":"Pinellas"}},"ancestors":{"default":["/news"]},"order":{"default":2022}}},"type":"site","version":"0.5.8"},{"path":"/news/environment","parent_id":"/news","name":"Environment","description":"Environmental news in the Tampa Bay area and Florida, including red tide, manatees, panthers, bear hunts, pythons in the Everglades, climate change and more, from the Tampa Bay Times","_id":"/news/environment","additional_properties":{"original":{"promo":{"house_promo_link":null,"house_promo_disable":"false","house_promo_image":null},"parent":{"default":"/news"},"site":{"site_url":"/news/environment/","site_keywords":"Environment News","site_description":"Environmental news in the Tampa Bay area and Florida, including red tide, manatees, panthers, bear hunts, pythons in the Everglades, climate change and more, from the Tampa Bay 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newsletter","newsletter_id":"46","newsletter_blurb":"Get the biggest stories happening across the state every Wednesday."},"site":{"site_url":"/news/florida-politics/","rotator_id":"AIZKFTCV7JF23DWYFFKNHCY44Q","section_bullet_override":"Politics","site_keywords":"The Buzz","site_description":"The Buzz on Florida Politics | Tampa Bay Times","site_title":"Latest news on Florida politics from the Tampa Bay Times"},"inactive":false,"site_topper":{"site_logo_image":null},"name":"Florida Politics","_id":"/news/florida-politics","advertising":{"adbridg_kvp":{"News":"politics"}},"ancestors":{"default":["/news"]},"order":{"default":2001}}},"type":"site","version":"0.5.8"},{"path":"/news","parent_id":"/","name":"News","description":"News in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area, including breaking news, public safety, crime, health, hurricanes and weather, politics, the environment and more from the staff of the Tampa Bay 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","scheduling":{},"story_length":{"character_count_actual":5618,"inch_count_actual":34,"inch_count_planned":30,"word_count_actual":934,"line_count_actual":233}},"display_date":"2026-06-05T19:12:27.884Z","headlines":{"tablet":"","print":"","meta_title":"","native":"","web":"","mobile":"","basic":"5 big questions (answered) after St. Petersburg’s Duke Energy vote","table":""},"created_date":"2026-06-05T15:34:15.384Z","publish_date":"2026-06-06T14:48:16.375Z","_id":"TJ3DKTU6PVCYRPHRU2WJRNLHRY","website":"tbt","website_url":"/news/st-petersburg/2026/06/05/duke-energy-florida-electric-bill-dump-vote-study-clearwater/"},{"content_elements":[{"_id":"IHYAY3FHLBGZ3O4JXYVCDOAWLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1618440708820},"type":"text","content":"Before the Pinellas County Juvenile Welfare Board <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/05/21/pinellas-juvenile-welfare-board-ceo-search/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/05/21/pinellas-juvenile-welfare-board-ceo-search/\">called off its CEO search during a meeting last month</a>, County Commissioner Chris Latvala surprised fellow board members by displaying their text messages on the big screen."},{"_id":"WB76LYUR5VB6BKVYUDFJPVTPKU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“I am laser focused on a regime change,” read part of one text sent by Renee Chiea,<b> </b>an appointee of Gov. Ron DeSantis."},{"_id":"6GMFXMITK5DI7LEKGXF6L5TC7M","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Latvala said his intention was to shed light on “inappropriate” behavior by board members who are responsible for allocating over $100 million in taxpayer funds every year."},{"_id":"MP3SLIT37JGUTI63UNFIBSP3DI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Though the board ultimately decided to call off the monthslong CEO search and start fresh, the fallout is far from over."},{"_id":"XDFYO3PEXFCTLCZCYS42AK2C3U","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"In the past year, the special district that funds programs supporting the health of the county’s children and families has seen frequent <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/04/06/juvenile-welfare-board-jwb-glen-gilzean-ceo-vote/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/04/06/juvenile-welfare-board-jwb-glen-gilzean-ceo-vote/\">clashes</a> between the five community leaders and six gubernatorial appointees."},{"_id":"C7RLHAJ4GVAURJZPO5U3CSGZGA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The tension has revolved around accusations that some board members have been <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/04/08/juvenile-welfare-board-ceo-vote-glen-gilzean-jwb-texts/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/04/08/juvenile-welfare-board-ceo-vote-glen-gilzean-jwb-texts/\">motivated by politics</a> and outside influences in the search for a CEO, prompting <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/03/27/pinellas-juvenile-welfare-board-jwb/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/03/27/pinellas-juvenile-welfare-board-jwb/\">fears among the agency’s employees</a> about the future of the organization."},{"_id":"R3NUNPOLFFE73I3VQUX2A2IXV4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“Our board is clearly dysfunctional, and we have board members who don’t take their role very seriously,” Latvala said. “I’m not sure where we really go from here.”"},{"level":2,"_id":"IKBCXSR4HNDHJCMFBLRJHIWEHQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"A short-lived search committee"},{"_id":"K6UARXT62FEGLAB3P2URD7WMUI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Understanding where the board is today requires revisiting how the CEO search began. "},{"_id":"Z3KYHVRAZJFT7HH2OCOMLPLRZE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"When CEO Beth Houghton announced her retirement in May 2025, former board member Mike Mikurak was named interim CEO."},{"_id":"UVB3SBRIBJBZHJF5SGXHJP2XAA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Meanwhile, two DeSantis appointees, Chiea and Alicia McShea, began their terms on the board."},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times,  licensing@zumapress.com","address":{"locality":"CLEARWATER","region":"FLORIDA"},"auth":{"1":"9ab83350872db3114c325dc0e3602c8078422defd565059d9cb7d05a65433448"},"caption":"From left: gubernatorial appointees Alicia McShea, Renee Chiea, Melissa Rutland and Brian Aungst Jr. attend a meeting of the Juvenile Welfare Board on May 21.","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Tampa Bay Times","edit_url":"","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"d332c6a3-8c2f-4fce-9507-0fdc0e6cdd96"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/TF6ZK4EPPBF4VJKMVGPW2ZMFGA.JPG","licensable":false,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Douglas R. 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Led by Latvala, the committee consisted of six board members, including Chiea."},{"_id":"PA2ZKWBC4VEHVDYKKS2NJPDE6M","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The committee met six times between July and October. At the first meeting, a board consultant advised the committee<b> </b>to hire an external search firm to help with the process, according to meeting minutes. "},{"_id":"KUWYPIJU2ZATROUOYZR3JCSZFU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Despite hearing presentations from three firms, the board did not hire one."},{"_id":"N626JSCNPRDJNKKQ6SNUUGRX2M","type":"raw_html","content":"<div style=\"min-height:px\" id=\"datawrapper-vis-J4z76\"><script type=\"text/javascript\" defer src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/J4z76/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\" data-target=\"#datawrapper-vis-J4z76\"><\/script><noscript><img src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/J4z76/full.png\" alt=\"How the Juvenile Welfare Board CEO search played out (Table)\" /></noscript></div>"},{"_id":"MEANW45NXZEXTLRTCJ2GN4E2LE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"In December, the<b> </b>board approved a CEO search plan, which entailed posting the job on the agency’s website from Dec. 19 to<b> </b>Jan. 7."},{"_id":"R3OIEJKXWJAZJDA3SJ62MZOQKM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Six people applied, and the board selected three finalists in January: Mikurak, Manatee County schools Associate Superintendent Kevin Chapman and <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/02/03/pinellas-juvenile-welfare-board-glen-gilzean-jwb/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/02/03/pinellas-juvenile-welfare-board-glen-gilzean-jwb/\">Glen Gilzean,</a> a frequent DeSantis appointee who was accused in an <a href=\"https://www.occompt.com/DocumentCenter/View/53060/Report-No-514---Investigative-Report---Allegations-of-Improper-Spending-and-Accounting-Practices-by-Supervisor-of-Elections-PDF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.occompt.com/DocumentCenter/View/53060/Report-No-514---Investigative-Report---Allegations-of-Improper-Spending-and-Accounting-Practices-by-Supervisor-of-Elections-PDF\">audit</a> of misspending millions when he was the Orange County supervisor of elections in 2024. "},{"_id":"RGPNA6HHPVB2LC4MFIW3CFWOWI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Gilzean has publicly denied wrongdoing. He declined multiple interview requests from the Tampa Bay Times."},{"level":2,"_id":"PFTRCRQWN5FHHA5IUBE5BZ7MUE","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Talk of political pressure begins"},{"_id":"FETJKGZNMFFLDJN6T46SCFTHY4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"In February, <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/02/26/pinellas-juvenile-welfare-board-ceo-glen-gilzean/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/02/26/pinellas-juvenile-welfare-board-ceo-glen-gilzean/\">tensions came to a head</a> at a six-hour meeting where candidates were interviewed and community members questioned the nature of Gilzean’s interest in the position. "},{"_id":"VFJDNN3AUNBYHGOCZKYADGAJTU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"State Attorney Bruce Bartlett and Pinellas schools Superintendent Kevin Hendrick expressed concern that the nonpartisan board was taking a political turn. "},{"_id":"SRQGBG6YKJANFKM6RK54W2P5U4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Nonetheless, the board voted 5-5 for Mikurak and Gilzean as finalists in an informal straw poll. Public Defender Sara Mollo abstained from the vote."},{"_id":"C44DK6RSFJAPZIO76KHNHENGXM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"In April, Mollo was the tiebreaker in the <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/04/06/juvenile-welfare-board-jwb-glen-gilzean-ceo-vote/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/04/06/juvenile-welfare-board-jwb-glen-gilzean-ceo-vote/\">6-5 vote to hire Gilzean.</a> Governor appointees Melissa Rutland, Brian Aungst Jr., Kristen Gnage, McShea and Chiea joined her. Bartlett, Hendrick, Latvala, Judge Patrice Moore and Division Fire Chief Jim Millican voted against."},{"_id":"R6V2IDM7RVF4DKE6MTKDBDPEZA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"A second vote was required to make Gilzean’s hiring official.<b> </b>Instead, the board called off the search. "},{"level":2,"_id":"ZBAEJKOSOBAUFES47EE7OJXLFA","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Possible ethics violations and a fired CFO"},{"_id":"KSI55KOVORAC7JESE5U6VMGGEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"As board members traded barbs at public meetings, texts and calls about the search were happening behind the scenes."},{"_id":"PHZWHLHI3VFJZF6OKLKS6D5FCA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"A few days after the finalists were selected in January, chief financial officer Robbi Stivers — who applied but was not selected — was placed on administrative leave. He was fired Feb. 13 amid a human resources investigation into “numerous employee complaints” about his behavior, according to Millican. "},{"_id":"7QTGR7C7IRBPRLN6N2WKTCELFU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"On Feb. 18, Stivers filed notice that he intended to sue the board for unlawful retaliation, according to a complaint reviewed by the Times. (A spokesperson for the organization said Thursday that the investigation is ongoing.)"},{"_id":"P3DBBXKB5ZEBHDTEATEDFDPNB4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The following month, Mikurak retained a lawyer to investigate claims that Chiea defamed him at the February meeting when she said the board misspent money when he was a board member.<b> </b>(The board contracted former chief financial officer Laura Krueger Brock to<b> </b>investigate the board’s finances, and she said she did not find any misspending.)"},{"_id":"4KHZT3FJQBBW7PWB37DIHQZLAY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Mikurak’s lawyer, Shane Vogt, threatened to sue over Chiea’s comments and, more broadly, over how the CEO search was conducted."},{"_id":"TXM7RHEQVJDFLMPJP4ABLBJVQE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"He sent a demand letter to the board in late March seeking records from board members’ phones."},{"_id":"4VS5EESUHBG3PN3ZY5VOR3EUYQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Those records revealed that Aungst, who has served on the board for 15 years and was originally appointed by former Gov. Rick Scott, had <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/04/08/juvenile-welfare-board-ceo-vote-glen-gilzean-jwb-texts/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/04/08/juvenile-welfare-board-ceo-vote-glen-gilzean-jwb-texts/\">texted several prominent Republicans</a> around the state in February, saying that votes for Gilzean were “gettable” from county officials and that he would “get it done.”"},{"_id":"4ILHAD7AOVAWLOWGLR5XCQEK7A","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The records also showed that April Lott, CEO of Directions for Living, a Clearwater mental health organization that is funded by the Juvenile Welfare Board, had been texting with Chiea and McShea."},{"_id":"VGBJ5FQ7HNAUZHGE4PXEZPNDXY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Directions for Living was placed on a corrective action plan in January related to document and data submissions, records show. A majority of those issues have been resolved, Lott said in a statement Friday. "},{"_id":"OXDM64MVERG3THXNL6PSUQLGMY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Directions for Living “continues to work in partnership with JWB to settle remaining contract challenges where differences of opinion remain,” the statement said. "},{"_id":"QUUT6X7RMVFLZGHQZSY3CJB7JU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Records show that the Juvenile Welfare Board asked Directions for Living to repay a $250,000 advance starting in fiscal year 2027. Millican, who serves as the board’s chairperson, said the advance was given to the group in January 2025 to expand programming. "},{"_id":"VDS374AAABEZZBTRGMWHWZ6BSE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“Quite frankly, it’s an interest-free loan. When we give that starter money, it’s to get a program off the ground,” Millican said at the May 21 meeting. “That money should be coming back to us within a year. That’s taxpayer dollars.”"},{"_id":"RS23INLYBNBDBH5XMQSDIG6RK4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"During his presentation, Latvala showed a number of text messages between Lott and gubernatorial appointees on the board."},{"_id":"4XT5QEFYNJA4JODJKL4VDFUGDY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"On Feb. 2, Lott texted McShea that “Mike and Millican (are) up to no good,” and she told McShea to call Gilzean, records show. It is not clear what Lott was referring to. "},{"_id":"G65RPXEKERFYDJTLS3KUM36ZDI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The next day, Lott texted McShea and Chiea to ask for Stivers’ phone number."},{"_id":"S3L2ORGXUFFOXFTFVIUHVLTMMI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Latvala said McShea and Chiea may have violated board policy by sharing Stivers’ number with Lott. Board members were told not to communicate with anyone about the former CFO, he said."},{"_id":"AGBDH7F44ZASVGUUJJU6HXUPVU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Lott also organized a meet-up between herself, Chiea and Gilzean at a Dunedin Starbucks on March 8."},{"_id":"VLHUGJHMERFCPKDTSKNL35C62A","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Lott told the Times she sought Stivers’ phone number<b> </b>“simply to check on his well-being and offer support.” She described the Starbucks meet-up as a “meeting among colleagues that took place during session and was about related issues.”"},{"_id":"SBNTUF7CPZFM7MAPZ5FJZKVC44","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Regarding McShea, Lott said the appointee had reached out to her for guidance before her Senate confirmation meeting. "},{"_id":"57E2XNLTTRH5DFCYU2LZ7MJAQU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“I encouraged her to call our mutual colleague Glen Gilzean who has an office in Tallahassee and is astute at navigating the senate,” she wrote. "},{"_id":"NPBYRW4N4NFOXH3IWVLDMFWBNM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Lott said Directions for Living has “always intended to fully comply” with the repayment of the $250,000 advance. "},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times,  licensing@zumapress.com","address":{"locality":"CLEARWATER","region":"FLORIDA"},"auth":{"1":"86c9f52b54e4d5a0fe76197647965d10b03418b4895bc8b802839e52a6165c34"},"caption":"Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala speaks during a meeting of the Juvenile Welfare Board on May 21 in Clearwater.","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Tampa Bay Times","edit_url":"","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"d332c6a3-8c2f-4fce-9507-0fdc0e6cdd96"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/2YSKJHJBVFGRPGJ47N6F3PK3VU.JPG","licensable":false,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Douglas R. Clifford","type":"author"}]},"subtitle":"","width":5498,"_id":"2YSKJHJBVFGRPGJ47N6F3PK3VU","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/2YSKJHJBVFGRPGJ47N6F3PK3VU.JPG?auth=86c9f52b54e4d5a0fe76197647965d10b03418b4895bc8b802839e52a6165c34","iptc_source":"www.tampabay.com, licensing@zuma","iptc_job_identifier":"600748001","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/2YSKJHJBVFGRPGJ47N6F3PK3VU.JPG?auth=86c9f52b54e4d5a0fe76197647965d10b03418b4895bc8b802839e52a6165c34","link":"","takenOn":"2026-05-21T00:00:00Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/2YSKJHJBVFGRPGJ47N6F3PK3VU.JPG","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/2YSKJHJBVFGRPGJ47N6F3PK3VU.JPG?auth=86c9f52b54e4d5a0fe76197647965d10b03418b4895bc8b802839e52a6165c34","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/2YSKJHJBVFGRPGJ47N6F3PK3VU.JPG?auth=86c9f52b54e4d5a0fe76197647965d10b03418b4895bc8b802839e52a6165c34&width=300","version":2,"originalName":"435923_CLIF_2_JWB.JPG","mime_type":"image/jpeg","alt_text":"","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"Staff Photographer"},"created_date":"2026-05-21T18:05:00Z","last_updated_date":"2026-06-05T17:41:46Z","slug":"435923_CLIF_2_JWB","height":3665},{"_id":"LD2LT6HLSRE7LI4MESZ577I3IE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"At the May 21 meeting, Latvala also showed texts between Chiea and Anthony Verdeja, the former executive director of the Family Center on Deafness, which is one of roughly 50 organizations funded by the board. "},{"_id":"OD77NTMQHBBCTBDCGBUKNYPICM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"In late January, Verdeja wrote to Chiea<b> </b>about his hope for the Juvenile Welfare Board to “move away from the hostile and combative approach.” It was not clear what he was referring to. In response, Chiea wrote, “Yes indeed. That is why I am laser focused on a regime change.” "},{"_id":"2C6WG64KYRH7JNUKPPAVW6NHOM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“And staff please,” Verdeja replied."},{"_id":"HKCHMO2MPFHFHMRGJFHY4Y3FXQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“It goes top down!” Chiea answered."},{"_id":"HQNRLGOEBFB4VJZXJ2UJJH6SCQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Reached by phone Thursday, Verdeja told the Times he stepped down as director in September, and he declined to elaborate on the text messages. "},{"_id":"K3SZKNYVOJCIJJ4Y6DSOIPHQA4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Chiea said in a text message Friday that she communicated with Verdeja because “he shared my concern with the direction JWB was moving in under Mike Mikurak’s tenure.”"},{"_id":"ZGYJSXH4S5FOJAVUGF6IBJ637U","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“It was obviously a flippant comment, again provided simply due to the overly broad nature of the (public records) request,” she wrote."},{"_id":"WMMVL2D5KJBGVPUFW5SJQOMTKI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Latvala told the board he believes there “may be some ethics issues” about Chiea speaking to a former provider about the board in such a manner. "},{"_id":"MX7CDZXE6VFHVPRPYG6AUDPU5U","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"In response, Chiea said she was investigating complaints about how the board operates. "},{"_id":"YUQVOOY5KZD3DNZLLBQFBY7GXY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Millican said it wasn’t a board member’s job to do that."},{"_id":"KECUUOXYHFDS3IOLY7GHJA5KPE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“Our job is very clear in the statutes, and that is to make sure the tax dollars are being spent correctly and that the budget is good,” he said."},{"_id":"XMN2R4ITYNAITBFQHYKAP6SWZM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"In follow-up text messages to the Times on Friday, Chiea disputed the characterization that she was referring to the full board in her text messages with Verdeja. She also said she was not investigating complaints about how the board operates, but rather “inquiring regarding complaints and concerns raised to me by people.”"},{"_id":"QUI3WLQ3HZD7FF75OCU2I5JLGU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“The audit or inquiry consisted of speaking to the CEO Mike Mikurak, who provided responses and information,” she wrote. “Mr. Mikurak provided information and brought in staff members to respond as he felt necessary. I did not ‘investigate’ anything as stated or implied.”"},{"level":2,"_id":"OMT5S5OYC5COXIYTTYDQLIKYUU","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Where does the board go from here?"},{"_id":"72IFBREQS5HSRFPM5Y7K6THKOM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The board will meet again June 25 to discuss hiring a professional search firm. "},{"_id":"OFNJYFQFIBFINOU6IKJQN4VV4U","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Meanwhile, three of the gubernatorial appointees’ terms expire in August. "},{"_id":"HOXMOPQFYFDPFDEJRWIDFQSZOM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Aungst told the Times in a text message Wednesday that he hasn’t decided if he wants to reapply. Rutland said Friday she has no comment, and McShea did not respond to multiple text messages."},{"_id":"RKWABTE3SBDVHLZB7IYS2QYGY4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Latvala told the Times he was disappointed by board members’ reactions to his presentation."},{"_id":"TKCMEIGUJFGRJO3WZTPKEI6TUE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“I thought board members would care more,” he said. “Our public defender was more upset I didn’t give them a heads up before I showed them the public records.”"},{"_id":"ZGQ4BPGXIBCVDIOF3WOMNU4OYA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"For nearly 80 years, Millican said, the Juvenile Welfare Board has worked collaboratively. "},{"_id":"WNT7GLATDVAWPMK73MRPKREPHU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"He’s not sure if the board will be able to return to that."},{"_id":"E5D2SWGOZRBPFGSS26ZUQT7SRE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“We have been four months without taking care of the kids, and that’s a shame,” he said."},{"_id":"B3O2VRFW2FAO5NUWOPRSVZDQQU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"<i>Correction: Due to a reporting error, a previous version of this story misstated when Directions for Living was placed on a corrective action plan with the Juvenile Welfare Board. It was notified of noncompliance in December and placed on the plan in January. </i>"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"The taxpayer-funded board decided last month to restart the search. But the fallout is far from over."},"description":{"basic":""},"source":{"system":"composer","name":"tbt","source_type":"staff"},"taxonomy":{"primary_site":{"path":"/news/pinellas","parent_id":"/news","name":"Pinellas","description":"The latest community, government, crime, business and community news about Pinellas County from the Tampa Bay Times.","_id":"/news/pinellas","additional_properties":{"original":{"promo":{"house_promo_link":null,"house_promo_disable":"false","house_promo_image":null},"parent":{"default":"/news"},"_admin":{"alias_ids":["/news/pinellas"]},"newsletters":{"newsletter_article":"true","newsletter_section_front":"true","newsletter_headline":"Keep up with Tampa Bay’s top headlines","newsletter_image":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/UD4IDQTGHFFUZM43GMJ7RO2ZFE.JPG","newsletter_subheadline":"Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter","newsletter_id":"18","newsletter_blurb":"We’ll deliver the latest news and information you need to know 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"},{"_id":"XPAXOHEGE5D6HO5MQKNWSDWSFU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The down-to-the-wire vote after hours of resident comments marked the city’s most significant step yet toward potentially dropping the monopoly utility company and forming a city-run electric utility. "},{"_id":"UVK3MHXW55GSHAE3OUO7IHCBJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Dozens of residents — professors, plumbers, a high school student and even one man who said he was a former Duke employee — asked the council to approve the study, saying they’re struggling to pay their electric bills. They also cited Duke Energy’s guaranteed rate of shareholder profit, a range with <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2024/08/21/duke-energy-florida-electric-bill-utility-rate-case-approved-decision/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2024/08/21/duke-energy-florida-electric-bill-utility-rate-case-approved-decision/\">a midpoint of 10.3%</a>."},{"_id":"SYRQGLGNY5DETF6C2PX4Y76HPU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Many of those who spoke in opposition to the study were Duke Energy employees, who touted the company’s charitable donations in the community. They also said Duke’s large staff possessed state-of-the-art grid expertise the city wouldn’t be able to replicate."},{"_id":"7D2TV2MJUZCBRB6AWQUWO32HDY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"But ultimately, the majority of the voting council members said they wanted as much information as possible about their options."},{"_id":"C7VQTC5I2VEXFN7SXGNRRYYQ74","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“You want relief and you can’t get it anywhere else so you’re coming to us asking us to be the best stewards we can possibly be,” said Council Member Brandi Gabbard, addressing the packed audience at City Hall. “It takes the political will to say, ‘We are at least willing to explore.’”"},{"_id":"V3MXCPI24NBBHE7FQXGM7MW5WM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Thursday’s vote authorized <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2026/06/03/st-petersburg-duke-energy-florida-electric-bill-floyd/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2026/06/03/st-petersburg-duke-energy-florida-electric-bill-floyd/\">spending up to $590,000 for the study</a>, which will be conducted by a consulting company called NewGen Strategies and Solutions. One of the study’s primary focuses will be whether residents could pay lower electricity bills under a municipal grid."},{"_id":"D2GJLLYVWRHZVPD3PGFYNQFDMM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The vote in favor was 4-3, with council members Gina Driscoll, Copley Gerdes and Mike Harting voting against. Corey Givens Jr. was not present for the vote. A tie would have meant the vote failed."},{"_id":"MVK2PKLZCREIZOJKMM6IBXYXMQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The city of Clearwater, which is also considering leaving Duke, commissioned a similar study from the same consulting company. It <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2025/09/25/clearwater-duke-energy-florida-electric-bill-increase-st-petersburg/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2025/09/25/clearwater-duke-energy-florida-electric-bill-increase-st-petersburg/\">estimated that residents would save millions</a>."},{"level":4,"_id":"3O4HD25NJ5FLZGXUUOKTKA4JFQ","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"center","type":"header","content":"<i>• • •</i>"},{"_id":"6LXKYBDJ3VHW3BSDN3MDVXIQGM","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"<i>The Tampa Bay Times launched the Environment Hub in 2025 to focus on some of Florida’s most urgent and enduring challenges. You can contribute through our journalism fund by </i><a href=\"https://project.tampabay.com/donate/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\"><i>clicking here</i></a><i>.</i>"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"The tight vote was a major step toward the city seriously considering forming its own electric utility."},"description":{"basic":""},"source":{"system":"composer","name":"tbt","source_type":"staff"},"taxonomy":{"primary_site":{"path":"/news/st-petersburg","parent_id":"/news","name":"St. Petersburg","description":"The latest community, government, crime and business news about St. Petersburg from the Tampa Bay Times.","_id":"/news/st-petersburg","additional_properties":{"original":{"promo":{"house_promo_link":null,"house_promo_disable":"false","house_promo_image":null},"parent":{"default":"/news"},"_admin":{"alias_ids":["/news/st-petersburg"]},"newsletters":{"newsletter_article":"true","newsletter_section_front":"true","newsletter_headline":"Keep up with Tampa Bay’s top 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","scheduling":{},"story_length":{"character_count_actual":2185,"inch_count_actual":13,"inch_count_planned":20,"word_count_actual":356,"line_count_actual":88}},"display_date":"2026-06-04T22:34:42.21Z","headlines":{"tablet":"","print":"","meta_title":"","native":"","web":"","mobile":"","basic":"St. Petersburg votes to evaluate leaving Duke Energy Florida","table":""},"created_date":"2026-06-04T15:50:43.762Z","publish_date":"2026-06-05T15:49:24.92Z","_id":"SKAKFLZTYNC6ZMXXBJY5ADKYUE","website":"tbt","website_url":"/news/st-petersburg/2026/06/04/duke-energy-florida-dump-vote-floyd-electric-bill/"},{"content_elements":[{"_id":"YY4JW476E5BAJKRNW36F6KJ6TE","additional_properties":{"_id":1566836049113},"type":"text","content":"Sen. Rick Scott isn’t happy about two Tampa concerts from <a href=\"https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/6/sen-rick-scott-sends-letter-to-tampa-leaders-demanding-taxpayer-dollars-are-not-spent-platforming-antisemite-kanye-west\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/6/sen-rick-scott-sends-letter-to-tampa-leaders-demanding-taxpayer-dollars-are-not-spent-platforming-antisemite-kanye-west\">“antisemite Kanye West”</a> — and he doesn’t want Florida taxpayers on the hook for the shows. "},{"_id":"Q6DDD4CKGVEGNMOMARLZSRMB3Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Scott published a letter aimed at the Tampa Sports Authority Thursday afternoon, urging the organization to rethink its use of tax dollars ahead of Ye’s June 26 and <a href=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"\">June 28 concerts</a> at Raymond James Stadium."},{"_id":"IWCIMQMAJ5FE7HX4M3TY62ZFXY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“Kanye West’s consistent antisemitic attacks are an affront to the values of the people of the Hillsborough community,” Scott wrote. “He has openly praised Nazis, called himself one, and slandered Jews across the world. Kanye West also funded a Superbowl ad in 2025 that directed viewers to purchase merchandise featuring swastikas."},{"_id":"PUX3XQNJW5EVJO3RCFUOBOSLJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“West’s remarks are vile and a slap in the face to our state’s Jewish community,” he continued. “It is troubling that a stadium supported by taxpayer dollars would openly subsidize an event led by an artist known for pushing this dangerous, hateful rhetoric, especially with Florida having one of the largest Jewish populations in our country.” "},{"_id":"A4P63U424JA4XA2OLGCIZIZWOE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The controversial concerts have <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/culture/entertainment/music/music-news/2026/06/01/kanye-west-ye-tampa-tickets-raymond-james-yeezy-nazi-controversy/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/culture/entertainment/music/music-news/2026/06/01/kanye-west-ye-tampa-tickets-raymond-james-yeezy-nazi-controversy/\">divided music fans</a>. Some readers are traveling from across the country to attend the show. Others couldn’t even be persuaded by<a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/culture/entertainment/music/music-news/2026/05/22/kanye-west-ye-tampa-concert-free-tickets-raymond-james-stadium-antisemitism-controversy-florida/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/culture/entertainment/music/music-news/2026/05/22/kanye-west-ye-tampa-concert-free-tickets-raymond-james-stadium-antisemitism-controversy-florida/\"> free tickets from Ye himself.</a>"},{"_id":"HLPNULWDNRCQFOIZW4SZFXA7ME","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Ye took out a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal to apologize for his antisemitism, <a href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/2026/01/26/kanye-west-ye-antisemitism-apology/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/2026/01/26/kanye-west-ye-antisemitism-apology/\">attributing his behavior to his bipolar disorder</a> and brain damage sustained from a car accident. "},{"_id":"MIAJDI6A5ZGQFHP7FRW7ME6R74","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"It still has cost him shows in London and France after local leaders <a href=\"https://www.nbcnews.com/world/europe/kanye-west-postpones-france-concert-marseille-britain-antisemitism-rcna331896\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.nbcnews.com/world/europe/kanye-west-postpones-france-concert-marseille-britain-antisemitism-rcna331896\">refused to grant him travel documentation</a> and <a href=\"https://www.politico.eu/article/france-marseille-moves-block-kanye-west-concert-over-antisemitic-remarks/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.politico.eu/article/france-marseille-moves-block-kanye-west-concert-over-antisemitic-remarks/\">spoke out against him in the press</a>. "},{"_id":"NETDT723MNGPXP7ZFA6LQMG4H4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Scott referenced these instances in his letter. "},{"_id":"FJ4LGCUMJ5EZZMCFLE27W3AP3Y","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“West has been condemned by political figures across the political aisle. His outbursts and hate have helped to mainstream antisemitism,” he wrote."},{"_id":"TUOREMABUNDFVOGJGSWUU7L3LU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“I urge you to carefully review this decision, given the fact that taxpayer dollars are helping the show go on. I am confident that the Tampa Sports Authority will continue fostering a safe and inclusive community, especially for Jewish Floridians. No taxpayer dollars should be used to give a vocal antisemite a stage in Florida, and I am sure that you will take appropriate action to make sure that doesn’t happen.”"},{"_id":"D3MUQGFBRVEVLESBLDIVCGME54","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Prior to Scott’s letter, Eric Hart, the president and CEO of the Tampa Sports Authority, which operates RayJay, had expressed enthusiasm over Ye’s Tampa shows as part of a summer and fall concert slate that includes concerts by Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran.<b> </b>"},{"_id":"H5YQXVQOCNABFBEQG2UE2FCVOI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Asked last month by the Tampa Bay Times why Ye chose Tampa for his only scheduled North American shows, Hart said in a statement: “Why not Tampa! Raymond James Stadium and Team Tampa Bay are world renowned for our hospitality, professionalism, and collaborative business environment. Tampa is now a ‘must-play’ market for some of the largest entertainment and sporting events. ... The fun is just beginning!”"},{"_id":"KFSUX46NIRFFBI3QDADYN76PQY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"On Thursday, however, the Tampa Sports Authority issued a statement striking a different tone."},{"_id":"QLPBZGAWUBBNVDYDG7TDPXOVKM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“We recognize the concerns and viewpoints being expressed about the upcoming events at Raymond James Stadium,” it states. “As a public agency, we follow the principles of free speech in operating our venue, although we do not condone remarks or actions from any artists that are offensive and divisive.” "},{"_id":"6RIJLXANFJBQBFYPYKYPBBPVIA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Read Scott’s whole letter below, or <a href=\"https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28195473-tampa-sports-authority-letter/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28195473-tampa-sports-authority-letter/\">click this link</a>. "},{"_id":"66EO32ZEGVC6VM26PERJLQKXPI","type":"raw_html","content":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.documentcloud.org/documents/28195473-tampa-sports-authority-letter/?embed=1\" width=\"612\" height=\"792\" style=\"border: 1px solid #d8dee2; border-radius: 0.5rem; width: 100%; height: 100%; aspect-ratio: 612 / 792\" allow=\"fullscreen\"></iframe>\n"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"Political pressure already canceled Ye’s concerts in London and France. 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In 2018, Browning didn’t talk about candidates publicly, but his team worked behind the scenes for Harding’s opponent.<b> </b> "},{"_id":"GUMYQUN7VBEEXKJEAVR3GUN42E","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“They had parties for her,” Harding recalled. “I will never forget how I felt.”"},{"_id":"7GBVUYRJQREATKKCNHTEDZLIPY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"She said that while endorsements can be helpful, candidates connect with voters by focusing on the issues more than their list of supporters. Michelle Mandarin, who ran for superintendent in 2024, has prefiled to challenge Harding. "},{"_id":"ZCGC5HIZDVD33P5HUWZUZR3V7Y","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"District 1 aspirant Brian Perras said he is counting on voters looking past ads and contributions. He expected to translate Legg’s backing of Collura into a message that it’s the voice of the people against the establishment."},{"_id":"ANYNGU54TFGIBCAJ2LUUBXIT44","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Collura has been appointed to two boards by Gov. Ron DeSantis and has the backing of several state lawmakers and local leaders, including outgoing Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. He could not be reached for comment."},{"_id":"LJPBENWQYFCANGG6O37P5DGMUI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“They’re trying to manipulate the voters to be for who will be a rubber stamp for his agenda,” Perras said. “That’s what they do.”"},{"_id":"I77PRMUQCNDTPMSLU2OAQSC3GI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Two other candidates, Christopher King and Kimberly Coward, have filed papers to enter the District 1 race."},{"_id":"AD7PM5ZRENGANKMXUC6CCO7CRA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Perras suggested that endorsements don’t necessarily carry the weight that they might have when Pasco was less populated and more insular. "},{"_id":"ZS5CNHSPP5AHFBBULM6OFKN7TU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“It will be up to the people to decide,” he said."},{"_id":"GHCMQ56ATJH6BBYG5V7JTGRGYA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"<i>The Tampa Bay Times Education Hub reports on Florida’s schools and universities and the students they serve. You can contribute to the hub through our journalism fund by </i><a href=\"https://secure.tampabay.com/forms/journalismfund\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://secure.tampabay.com/forms/journalismfund\"><i>clicking here</i></a><i>.</i>"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"John Legg says as an elected official he has more room to speak out than his appointed counterparts."},"description":{"basic":""},"source":{"system":"composer","name":"tbt","source_type":"staff"},"taxonomy":{"primary_site":{"path":"/news/education","parent_id":"/news","name":"The Education Gradebook","description":"Education and school news, including testing, class size, Florida Standards and Common Core, teaching and more for Florida and Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, from the Tampa Bay Times.","_id":"/news/education","additional_properties":{"original":{"promo":{"house_promo_link":null,"house_promo_disable":"false","house_promo_image":null},"parent":{"default":"/news"},"_admin":{"alias_ids":["/news/education"]},"newsletters":{"newsletter_article":"true","newsletter_section_front":"true","newsletter_headline":"Required reading for Floridians","newsletter_image":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/MQKT3QD2BNEJVOCA4EFB42WHQU.JPG","newsletter_subheadline":"Subscribe to our free Florida in Focus newsletter","newsletter_id":"46","newsletter_blurb":"Get the biggest stories happening across the state every Wednesday."},"site":{"site_url":"/news/education/","rotator_id":"PQRJDGVMLJHKNFNXN6QRRL3QS4","section_bullet_override":"Education","site_keywords":"Education News. 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Organizations supporting LGBTQ+ rights gathered for a block party as the mayor hoisted the Progressive Pride flag above for crowd for the 13th year."},{"_id":"USDJ2MTEPBA5PHK3CJPBCTDLZ4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"It’s unclear if those activities can continue after Jan. 1, 2027, when <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/04/22/desantis-dei-diversity-net-zero-emission-greenhouse-gases/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/04/22/desantis-dei-diversity-net-zero-emission-greenhouse-gases/\">a law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis banning cities and counties from funding or promoting diversity</a>, equity and inclusion programs goes into effect. But instead of bemoaning what may come, speakers celebrated Thursday, undeterred by recent state and federal attacks on local support of minority communities."},{"_id":"U4SRB2TALZFRRFGT7UUZFVHGMQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“We have a mayor and a City Council that is inclusive, not only in word but also in deed, because how many cities do you know that would shut down a city block ... in the face of a governor that says, ‘I’m going to snatch money away from you’?” said state Rep. Michele Rayner, D-St. Petersburg. “Pride is always about a protest. It is always about resistance, and in this moment we must resist. In this moment we must resist. Our joy is our resistance.”"},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"St. Petersburg","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"260d8f7a2d8e50fec99739c096a4e19c3b6a2134103c273a8110aef77e6c1bf1"},"caption":"State Rep. 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He was also joined by city <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2025/12/13/st-petersburg-lgbtq-liaison-trans-florida/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2025/12/13/st-petersburg-lgbtq-liaison-trans-florida/\">LGBTQ+ liaison Nathan Bruemmer</a>, Pinellas County School Board chairperson Caprice Edmond and <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/06/04/florida-2026-midterm-lindsay-cross-st-petersburg-democrat/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/06/04/florida-2026-midterm-lindsay-cross-st-petersburg-democrat/\">outgoing state Rep. Lindsay Cross.</a>"},{"_id":"PCS76VVYCFC47AF5GDFG34UPYA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“The truth is, our LGBTQ friends, family and neighbors have faced real attacks in recent months at the state level, at the federal level and across this country,” Welch said. “And while others may choose division, we choose compassion. While others traffic in fear, we choose hope. While others try to drag us backward, we continue to fight to move forward.”"},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"St. Petersburg","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"490738b5e60b7e49d1ba0088bc39c9a646bb4f25de8afc7378260e512809bcf1"},"caption":"\"While others traffic in fear, we choose hope,\" St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch said during the city's annual Pride flag raising outside City Hall on Thursday. \"While others try to drag us backward, we continue to fight to move forward.”","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Tampa Bay Times","edit_url":"","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"d332c6a3-8c2f-4fce-9507-0fdc0e6cdd96"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/E5HNQDB6IBDC5ABY22VURE4MJQ.JPG","licensable":false,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Dirk Shadd","type":"author"}]},"subtitle":"","width":5784,"_id":"E5HNQDB6IBDC5ABY22VURE4MJQ","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/E5HNQDB6IBDC5ABY22VURE4MJQ.JPG?auth=490738b5e60b7e49d1ba0088bc39c9a646bb4f25de8afc7378260e512809bcf1","iptc_source":"Tampa Bay Times","iptc_job_identifier":"600752078","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/E5HNQDB6IBDC5ABY22VURE4MJQ.JPG?auth=490738b5e60b7e49d1ba0088bc39c9a646bb4f25de8afc7378260e512809bcf1","link":"","takenOn":"2026-06-04T00:00:00Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/E5HNQDB6IBDC5ABY22VURE4MJQ.JPG","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/E5HNQDB6IBDC5ABY22VURE4MJQ.JPG?auth=490738b5e60b7e49d1ba0088bc39c9a646bb4f25de8afc7378260e512809bcf1","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/E5HNQDB6IBDC5ABY22VURE4MJQ.JPG?auth=490738b5e60b7e49d1ba0088bc39c9a646bb4f25de8afc7378260e512809bcf1&width=300","version":2,"originalName":"436020_shad_05_PrideFlag.JPG","mime_type":"image/jpeg","alt_text":"","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"Staff Photographer"},"created_date":"2026-06-04T14:47:31Z","last_updated_date":"2026-06-04T18:19:33Z","slug":"436020_shad_PrideFlag","height":3813},{"_id":"6DK7O227DNBQZBJCCYVLNZG5AE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Welch, up for reelection this year, said he did not know whether the new law bars St. Petersburg from raising the Pride flag above public property. He said while the city is analyzing the language in the new law, he was told that providing free police and fire services to St. Pete Pride may still be permissible."},{"_id":"3MF27U7CQVAPNM4OJVO265O3YY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“We’re looking at all of our relationship with St. Pete Pride to make sure it stands up to this new legislation,” he said."},{"_id":"ODYBBAVKONCMRL624MAUREJRRA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"St. Pete Pride currently faces a deficit of $180,000 after it lost funding from major corporate sponsors under political pressure, St. Pete Pride board President Byron Green-Calisch said. That has forced the nonprofit to spread out events. Its Shades of Pride event celebrating Juneteenth is now planned for July to allow more time to raise funds."},{"_id":"TBZ66TVBZZHR7EE7S3WD2K3GMY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“I know that right now we have a City Council and a leadership that is dedicated to supporting, but we’ll see what things look like next year,” Green-Calisch said. “So you’re gonna see messaging from us this year, very specifically about we need your help now more than we’ve ever needed it to make sure that we’re still able to do this next year.”"},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"St. Petersburg","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"7e47b8717de8990965b29d3718a936ab225031a554dfdcb228c003cd2183c1cd"},"caption":"The St. Pete Pride Flag, at bottom, blows in the wind along with the American flag and the City of St. Pete flag during an annual event kicking off Pride Month on Thursday.","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Tampa Bay 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Pete Pride will have organizers walking around the park and parade route June 27th asking for donations to ensure the celebration can continue next year for its 25th year."},{"_id":"Z5CS2VBL4VFFHON6TBM4LSHFBQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“If every single person that comes to Pride gave $1 we’d be in a fantastic space,” he said."},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"St. Petersburg","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"44c0dc6cfb5a1ecaef2524f94fdfe78f62e05cb3c54c055bcf14b6222b5f6dcf"},"caption":"Nathan Bruemmer, St. Pete's LGBTQ+ liaison, addresses the Pride month kickoff event Thursday.","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Tampa Bay Times","edit_url":"","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo 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spent seven months in the city’s LGBTQ+ liaison position. He’s helped connect the LGBTQ+ community to local government. It’s not yet clear if the city can continue to fund his role next year."},{"_id":"WMOJEY5Q3BDJFPKDUNHY6CTZEY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“I’m gonna stay doing the work in the city, regardless of title or roles,” Bruemmer said. “Whatever the words or the titles are, this city is 100% committed to all of our beautiful, diverse communities, and that will never change.”"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"The new law bans cities and counties from funding or promoting diversity, equity and inclusion programs."},"description":{"basic":""},"source":{"system":"composer","name":"tbt","source_type":"staff"},"taxonomy":{"primary_site":{"path":"/news/st-petersburg","parent_id":"/news","name":"St. Petersburg","description":"The latest community, government, crime and business news about St. Petersburg from the Tampa Bay 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Lindsay Cross</a>, a St. Petersburg Democrat, announced on Thursday that she won’t seek reelection to the Florida House this year."},{"_id":"NB5KOL64UBGMXLYXZH7Q2IPSXM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Cross, <a href=\"https://google.com/search?q=tampa+aby+times+lindsay+cross&amp;rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1002US1002&amp;oq=tampa+aby+times+lindsay+cross&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIJCAEQIRgKGKABMgkIAhAhGAoYoAEyCQgDECEYChigATIJCAQQIRgKGKABMgkIBRAhGAoYoAEyCQgGECEYChirAjIJCAcQIRgKGKsCMgcICBAhGI8CMgcICRAhGI8C0gEIMjYwNGowajSoAgCwAgE&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://google.com/search?q=tampa+aby+times+lindsay+cross&amp;rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1002US1002&amp;oq=tampa+aby+times+lindsay+cross&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIJCAEQIRgKGKABMgkIAhAhGAoYoAEyCQgDECEYChigATIJCAQQIRgKGKABMgkIBRAhGAoYoAEyCQgGECEYChirAjIJCAcQIRgKGKsCMgcICBAhGI8CMgcICRAhGI8C0gEIMjYwNGowajSoAgCwAgE&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8\">an environmental advocate</a> who was first elected in 2022, said she made her decision despite 2026 seeming strong for Democrats. "},{"_id":"LQULTK2YOVFLNGQ5XYQ5LCVJQA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"She said she’s confident there will be a “strong Democratic nominee” for the seat come November and that she intends to help that candidate get elected. She also said she’s not running for any other seat. "},{"_id":"7DBUMS5POBF5BPOXD7XTFUV74M","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“It’s the right time for me personally and professionally to move into a different phase,” she said. "},{"_id":"BUWJATVOGVCFHLEBBNFQ6AMHNA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Cross was the only candidate filed to run<b> </b>for House District 60. "},{"_id":"PMNPUWR2FRD2FOCQ3QLB62W5NM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"A few hours after her announcement, Lindsay Polega-Quigley, an attorney, filed to run for the<b> </b>seat with Cross’ endorsement.<b> </b>"},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"St. Petersburg","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"0781c4e6dc15fbb072121ba88eed84944320d5795b7cbe6a5900b873faef5ef2"},"caption":"Rep. Lindsay Cross, D-St. Petersburg, claps during the St. Pete Pride Flag Raising event to kick off Pride month at St. Pete City Hall.","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Tampa Bay Times","edit_url":"","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"d332c6a3-8c2f-4fce-9507-0fdc0e6cdd96"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/64COKQ6OZZHOBNXO2AS3R6VDOQ.JPG","licensable":false,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Dirk Shadd","type":"author"}]},"subtitle":"","width":3802,"_id":"64COKQ6OZZHOBNXO2AS3R6VDOQ","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/64COKQ6OZZHOBNXO2AS3R6VDOQ.JPG?auth=0781c4e6dc15fbb072121ba88eed84944320d5795b7cbe6a5900b873faef5ef2","iptc_source":"Tampa Bay Times","iptc_job_identifier":"600752082","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/64COKQ6OZZHOBNXO2AS3R6VDOQ.JPG?auth=0781c4e6dc15fbb072121ba88eed84944320d5795b7cbe6a5900b873faef5ef2","link":"","takenOn":"2026-06-04T00:00:00Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/64COKQ6OZZHOBNXO2AS3R6VDOQ.JPG","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/64COKQ6OZZHOBNXO2AS3R6VDOQ.JPG?auth=0781c4e6dc15fbb072121ba88eed84944320d5795b7cbe6a5900b873faef5ef2","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/64COKQ6OZZHOBNXO2AS3R6VDOQ.JPG?auth=0781c4e6dc15fbb072121ba88eed84944320d5795b7cbe6a5900b873faef5ef2&width=300","version":2,"originalName":"436020_shad_09_PrideFlag.JPG","mime_type":"image/jpeg","alt_text":"","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"Staff Photographer"},"created_date":"2026-06-04T14:48:02Z","last_updated_date":"2026-06-04T14:50:48Z","slug":"436020_shad_PrideFlag","height":2937},{"_id":"4TH4P5SECBDVXFCRV7KC2X7YD4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“In the State House, I’ll fight for affordable living and a clean and healthy environment where Pinellas families can work hard to build a good life,” Polega-Quigley said."},{"_id":"3VBFHFG6AJANFJMXP3GIDGXDYA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Cross said moving forward, she’s looking for other ways to make an impact on the state, including by focusing more on the local level. "},{"_id":"SUAOZ5QGHFFFLIBZC5NLJIKSWM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“I look forward to being more engaged locally year-round and empowering a new generation of leaders who can represent us with the passion, grit, intelligence, and humility that is required to hold Tallahassee accountable,” Cross said in a statement."},{"_id":"JMBA6DYKHJDIZAL6622IBWU7SI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"<i>Times reporter Colleen Wright contributed to this report. </i>"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"Cross has been serving in the Florida House for the last four years. 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","scheduling":{},"story_length":{"character_count_actual":1386,"inch_count_actual":9,"inch_count_planned":7,"word_count_actual":227,"line_count_actual":58}},"display_date":"2026-06-04T13:27:46.742Z","headlines":{"tablet":"","print":"","meta_title":"","native":"","web":"","mobile":"","basic":"St. Petersburg House Democrat Lindsay Cross won’t run for reelection","table":""},"created_date":"2026-06-04T13:14:09.85Z","publish_date":"2026-06-04T20:58:50.703Z","_id":"OKFUL6VXDVCRRBJ2F3GRVWJKMI","website":"tbt","website_url":"/news/florida-politics/2026/06/04/florida-2026-midterm-lindsay-cross-st-petersburg-democrat/"},{"content_elements":[{"_id":"U3VCEPWD7RFI7IYU34XHA6V2HI","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"When Citrus County retirees and activists started to organize against a nearby data center proposal, they weren’t sure how many of their neighbors would show up."},{"_id":"7LOYWZKG7RDHFCF5L722GZFDAE","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"They had been trying to gin up support on Facebook and Nextdoor. They had explained the harms of data centers to confused residents. They set up a flea market booth and sent residents into neighborhoods bearing clipboards."},{"_id":"3X4Z6BKJYZERJBTL7MMEJYORIU","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"When the date rolled around for their May town hall, the strength of their coalition became clear. About 200 people packed into a historic schoolhouse in the town of Hernando, ready to listen to hours of presentations about how they could fight back against <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2026/03/06/data-center-could-be-coming-greater-tampa-bay-area-locals-are-not-happy/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2026/03/06/data-center-could-be-coming-greater-tampa-bay-area-locals-are-not-happy/\">the data center industrial park proposed in Holder</a>, half an hour inland from Crystal River."},{"_id":"ZLCP5RWD7RHKPBUBDMUATOVJDM","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"The turnout was a triumph for a rural area whose entire county has less than half the population of Tampa. It’s also representative of the momentum building in opposition of data centers throughout Florida’s sleepier<b> </b>pockets. Floridians of all political stripes are getting organized, many of whom have never led any kind of grassroots campaign before."},{"_id":"NZVTKAIKENCATMMYQU6QKSUSJE","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"“As a matter of fact, I was almost what you’d consider a shut-in,” said Raul Alfonso, 53, one of the organizers behind an anti-data center group in Fort Meade, about 40 minutes south of Lakeland."},{"_id":"BTGALWW5AFEZXAPGFVYKUM7ANY","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"He started rallying his neighbors when they learned their small town could become the site of <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/04/14/florida-data-center-fort-meade-polk-water-permit/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/04/14/florida-data-center-fort-meade-polk-water-permit/\">Florida’s first hyperscale data center</a>, slated to stretch 4.4 million square feet."},{"_id":"VSE6T37CBNB7DL7YLPAB6ONUYU","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Farther south, near the banks of Lake Okeechobee, a state college pursued a plan for a data center campus. But after fierce backlash from residents and state politicians, it <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2026/04/24/florida-data-center-desantis-okeechobee-college-campus/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2026/04/24/florida-data-center-desantis-okeechobee-college-campus/\">abandoned the idea</a>."},{"_id":"FK55LO5WU5BO7IDL6B7CSRQA5I","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Wyatt Deihl, 29, led much of the opposition<b> </b>campaign. "},{"_id":"WQ6BJAVKXBGMPN4IXXNRJGGUKU","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"“Ultimately, what it comes down to is who gets<b> </b>to<b> </b>make the decisions and who doesn’t — the decisions that affect our health, our environment and our community,” he said. “It’s very clear with data centers who stands to gain and who stands to lose.”"},{"subtype":"custom_embed_interstitial_link","_id":"IDWRFTA73FDPHBEA6FNXPIYPJY","embed":{"id":"interstitial-link-1780425908361-62vlyex9f","config":{"additional_properties":{"interstitial_type":"related"},"content":"DeSantis officials gave $1.5M to data center campus. They say they were tricked"},"url":"https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2026/04/22/florida-data-center-okeechobee-boys-school-nvidia-desantis/"},"type":"custom_embed"},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"Hernando","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"021839de71be9300a1661ee00622297f6938c810ac5ca6c5a28d0b34a6973ef2"},"caption":"The turnout for the May 23 event in Hernando was a triumph for organizers. At its peak, there were more residents than seats crammed under the rafters.","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Tampa Bay Times","edit_url":"","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"d332c6a3-8c2f-4fce-9507-0fdc0e6cdd96"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/3RS5FF2HINAHRCRQQTC5PTDWHI.JPG","licensable":false,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Luis Santana","type":"author"}]},"subtitle":"","width":5770,"_id":"3RS5FF2HINAHRCRQQTC5PTDWHI","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/3RS5FF2HINAHRCRQQTC5PTDWHI.JPG?auth=021839de71be9300a1661ee00622297f6938c810ac5ca6c5a28d0b34a6973ef2","iptc_source":"Tampa Bay Times","iptc_job_identifier":"600749036","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/3RS5FF2HINAHRCRQQTC5PTDWHI.JPG?auth=021839de71be9300a1661ee00622297f6938c810ac5ca6c5a28d0b34a6973ef2","link":"","takenOn":"2026-05-23T00:00:00Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/3RS5FF2HINAHRCRQQTC5PTDWHI.JPG","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/3RS5FF2HINAHRCRQQTC5PTDWHI.JPG?auth=021839de71be9300a1661ee00622297f6938c810ac5ca6c5a28d0b34a6973ef2","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/3RS5FF2HINAHRCRQQTC5PTDWHI.JPG?auth=021839de71be9300a1661ee00622297f6938c810ac5ca6c5a28d0b34a6973ef2&width=300","version":2,"originalName":"435916_SANT_10_435916.JPG","mime_type":"image/jpeg","alt_text":"","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"Staff Photographer"},"created_date":"2026-05-25T16:41:48Z","last_updated_date":"2026-06-03T20:53:04Z","alignment":"center","slug":"435916_SANT_435916","height":3847},{"_id":"2KEZTDHHVRELZIERVWD2YRUS7Y","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"In these David-versus-Goliath battles, no political party has a monopoly on the anger locals feel. It’s common at anti-data center events for the speakers to not even mention political parties."},{"_id":"W3ODEFASJ5HNTETSYI6LFKHEVQ","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"“I am a very progressive, openly and unapologetically gay man, and I was able to run this movement in a very conservative county Trump won by 61 points,” Deihl said."},{"_id":"63TPYYTH45AOTOMHYDP7AQ4HUE","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"At the old schoolhouse in Citrus County, attendees listened intensely, jotting notes and holding up iPads to record video. One woman clipped a handwritten “No Data Center Citrus” sign to her walker. Others slipped T-shirts with a similar slogan over their Saturday attire, after buying one from the lady in the back for $15."},{"_id":"SNP3SYN5GNC23D56U6ORLVXNGI","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Each speaker delved into ways a data center could warp their community, from polluting the air to drying up wells to disrupting their sleep with its constant, low-frequency sound."},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"Hernando","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"910d71f48eeb56285b9c02736aed820feef9813b400a0aa106126b62e53d81cb"},"caption":"Residents listen to a presentation about data centers' water and energy use, before peppering the speakers with questions.","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Tampa Bay Times","edit_url":"","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"d332c6a3-8c2f-4fce-9507-0fdc0e6cdd96"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/ZOHOIRGJQRB4NHWWK2RZH5SLLY.JPG","licensable":false,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Luis Santana","type":"author"}]},"subtitle":"","width":6000,"_id":"ZOHOIRGJQRB4NHWWK2RZH5SLLY","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/ZOHOIRGJQRB4NHWWK2RZH5SLLY.JPG?auth=910d71f48eeb56285b9c02736aed820feef9813b400a0aa106126b62e53d81cb","iptc_source":"Tampa Bay Times","iptc_job_identifier":"600749051","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/ZOHOIRGJQRB4NHWWK2RZH5SLLY.JPG?auth=910d71f48eeb56285b9c02736aed820feef9813b400a0aa106126b62e53d81cb","link":"","takenOn":"2026-05-23T00:00:00Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/ZOHOIRGJQRB4NHWWK2RZH5SLLY.JPG","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/ZOHOIRGJQRB4NHWWK2RZH5SLLY.JPG?auth=910d71f48eeb56285b9c02736aed820feef9813b400a0aa106126b62e53d81cb","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/ZOHOIRGJQRB4NHWWK2RZH5SLLY.JPG?auth=910d71f48eeb56285b9c02736aed820feef9813b400a0aa106126b62e53d81cb&width=300","version":2,"originalName":"435916_SANT_8_435916.JPG","mime_type":"image/jpeg","alt_text":"","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"Staff Photographer"},"created_date":"2026-05-25T16:44:04Z","last_updated_date":"2026-06-04T01:32:13Z","alignment":"center","slug":"435916_SANT_435916","height":4000},{"_id":"3PKENSSDDJD4RHDOVX35TNEBEQ","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"One of the organizers, Cheryl Curtiss, was busy making sure everything ran smoothly, from the sign-in sheet to the sound equipment."},{"_id":"YQOAPG7JK5APVIWTJMNWSRW3WI","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"A 72-year-old retired teacher and marriage counselor, Curtiss has been politically active before, primarily against the Iraq War in the early 2000s. She was also “very active with 9/11 truth stuff,” she added in an interview, saying that she believes the government lied about what happened during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. "},{"_id":"5OVV7THVHZD45MYXVGPR3JXGC4","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"She views data centers with similar distrust."},{"_id":"6JOXD6UEM5BT5KTGCFYCNCD2II","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"“I think they’re really going to be using them against us for surveillance and control,” Curtiss said."},{"level":2,"_id":"TH4MRQ3ZEFHAFBFNWPCPDU6IHI","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"A pivotal moment for Citrus County"},{"_id":"BKQ62J5ITNEIDMHJOMDEMB2L6I","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"In the small town of Holder, a developer called the Deltona Corporation wants to more than double the size of an existing industrial park to 1,356 acres to attract data centers. The expanded area would share a property line with a neighborhood."},{"_id":"WOE4D2YTGZGT3IRGQFJ6VM6DJE","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"At a recent meeting of the Citrus County Planning and Development Commission, consultants<b> </b>for Deltona promised jobs and a “generational” opportunity to join the future of heavy industry. So many residents came to oppose the plan that the county ran out of space in the overflow room."},{"_id":"TWXGY7N7R5CWXER2EC6XCD6BZA","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"The planning board ultimately punted, saying that Deltona needed to provide more information about its plans. Another hearing on the proposal is scheduled for June 18, with county commissioners expected to vote July 14."},{"_id":"GKFWRWLHXNCAZDBAAI4KEUVSQQ","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Data center proposals have brought heightened scrutiny on local governments, as several Floridians said that these clashes revealed how important their county commissions can be. One decision on zoning can determine whether these projects have a future. Some officials have said <a href=\"https://www.theledger.com/story/news/politics/government/2026/05/01/fort-meade-officials-decry-threats-made-over-data-center/89852713007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z11xx01p003750c003750e009800v11xx01d--49--b--49--&amp;gca-ft=188&amp;gca-ds=sophi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.theledger.com/story/news/politics/government/2026/05/01/fort-meade-officials-decry-threats-made-over-data-center/89852713007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z11xx01p003750c003750e009800v11xx01d--49--b--49--&amp;gca-ft=188&amp;gca-ds=sophi\">they’ve received threats</a> over their votes approving data centers."},{"_id":"M53DAHKBHVAM7E4EENKOW5YA34","type":"raw_html","content":"<iframe title=\"Where some data center proposals have popped up in Florida\" aria-label=\"Locator map\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-VzTSg\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/VzTSg/1/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" height=\"\" data-external=\"1\"></iframe><script type=\"text/javascript\">(function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})();<\/script>"},{"_id":"ZRCN3ELTEZAL7ITA7APIACKJRU","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"At the Citrus County event, Holly Herndon, a candidate for County Commission, took the opportunity to try to earn some supporters. After making a speech on stage, she unbuttoned her blazer to reveal a “No Data Center!” T-shirt."},{"_id":"SMIIONRDYJGZXLP2JNLJVNR5XE","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"The crowd erupted."},{"_id":"V3WU3ZXCV5G67NDCUJMFTG3M6M","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"It had taken time for concerned residents to spread the word. They read about Data Center Alley in Virginia, where residents say the humming of the warehouses has <a href=\"https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93dnnxewdvo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93dnnxewdvo\">driven away all the birds</a>. They read research papers about the fine particulate matter emitted from data centers’ diesel generators and how they can penetrate deep into the lungs. The first time Curtiss and her future co-organizers met to talk about data centers, about 12 people showed."},{"_id":"SMPHBWLHDVGWNLQ7U43XWE4J4Y","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Now, they have a following of roughly 7,000, Curtiss said, including those engaging with them on social media and people who’ve signed petitions."},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"Hernando","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"10605f5a26d16f5bba9f8a5d41e23cfc94a269be51688e6f309731fc74534bca"},"caption":"Residents bought shirts and yard signs for themselves and their neighbors. ","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Tampa Bay Times","edit_url":"","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"d332c6a3-8c2f-4fce-9507-0fdc0e6cdd96"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/APQJIASTFFHW5GJ6BJYM3RTO7Q.JPG","licensable":false,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Luis Santana","type":"author"}]},"subtitle":"","width":6000,"_id":"APQJIASTFFHW5GJ6BJYM3RTO7Q","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/APQJIASTFFHW5GJ6BJYM3RTO7Q.JPG?auth=10605f5a26d16f5bba9f8a5d41e23cfc94a269be51688e6f309731fc74534bca","iptc_source":"Tampa Bay Times","iptc_job_identifier":"600749047","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/APQJIASTFFHW5GJ6BJYM3RTO7Q.JPG?auth=10605f5a26d16f5bba9f8a5d41e23cfc94a269be51688e6f309731fc74534bca","link":"","takenOn":"2026-05-23T00:00:00Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/APQJIASTFFHW5GJ6BJYM3RTO7Q.JPG","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/APQJIASTFFHW5GJ6BJYM3RTO7Q.JPG?auth=10605f5a26d16f5bba9f8a5d41e23cfc94a269be51688e6f309731fc74534bca","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/APQJIASTFFHW5GJ6BJYM3RTO7Q.JPG?auth=10605f5a26d16f5bba9f8a5d41e23cfc94a269be51688e6f309731fc74534bca&width=300","version":2,"originalName":"435916_SANT_4_435916.JPG","mime_type":"image/jpeg","alt_text":"","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"Staff Photographer"},"created_date":"2026-05-25T16:43:33Z","last_updated_date":"2026-06-03T20:53:04Z","alignment":"center","slug":"435916_SANT_435916","height":4000},{"subtype":"custom_embed_interstitial_link","_id":"3GPWF2ZJYNESJLOH4ADGXARU3Q","embed":{"id":"interstitial-link-1780425695394-zyjo2xqd0","config":{"additional_properties":{"interstitial_type":"related"},"content":"Duke Energy trying to skirt new Florida data center law, consumer advocate says"},"url":"https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2026/05/29/duke-energy-florida-data-center-desantis-electric-bill/"},"type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"HHJOVMXKHBEPVL3OLOV4KM3URI","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Like many parts of rural Florida, Citrus County is a place where Old Florida meets the pressures of the new. Recently constructed gated communities glint in the sun, blocks away from humble produce stands and rolling cattle pastures. "},{"_id":"5OWHRRJZWBEUZKKCBF2AKQ4BPQ","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Candace Nichols, a 68-year-old retiree, said she moved here from Tampa years ago when she craved a return to the slower pace of her upbringing. From the lakefront dock at her Dunnellon house, she can hop onto a pontoon with her grandkids and glide up the Withlacoochee River."},{"_id":"UVP6HMNIJJHOLLNHXRSPOUWY5E","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"“I’m mad as hell,” she said, carrying an armful of yard signs to deliver to her neighbors. “This is the Old Florida we grew up in. And now they’re trying to destroy it.”"},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"Hernando","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"383651a3f4a7bcb71986c664b5253b00c55e6527b7533efbb005ad25ef6016d5"},"caption":"The attendees of the Hernando town hall listen closely, jotting notes or recording videos on their iPads.","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Tampa Bay Times","edit_url":"","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"d332c6a3-8c2f-4fce-9507-0fdc0e6cdd96"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/SHXDFRLQARCRNJN5KRNZ23SNPY.JPG","licensable":false,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Luis Santana","type":"author"}]},"subtitle":"","width":6000,"_id":"SHXDFRLQARCRNJN5KRNZ23SNPY","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/SHXDFRLQARCRNJN5KRNZ23SNPY.JPG?auth=383651a3f4a7bcb71986c664b5253b00c55e6527b7533efbb005ad25ef6016d5","iptc_source":"Tampa Bay Times","iptc_job_identifier":"600749041","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/SHXDFRLQARCRNJN5KRNZ23SNPY.JPG?auth=383651a3f4a7bcb71986c664b5253b00c55e6527b7533efbb005ad25ef6016d5","link":"","takenOn":"2026-05-23T00:00:00Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/SHXDFRLQARCRNJN5KRNZ23SNPY.JPG","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/SHXDFRLQARCRNJN5KRNZ23SNPY.JPG?auth=383651a3f4a7bcb71986c664b5253b00c55e6527b7533efbb005ad25ef6016d5","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/SHXDFRLQARCRNJN5KRNZ23SNPY.JPG?auth=383651a3f4a7bcb71986c664b5253b00c55e6527b7533efbb005ad25ef6016d5&width=300","version":2,"originalName":"435916_SANT_15_435916.JPG","mime_type":"image/jpeg","alt_text":"","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"Staff Photographer"},"created_date":"2026-05-25T16:42:36Z","last_updated_date":"2026-06-03T20:53:05Z","alignment":"center","slug":"435916_SANT_435916","height":4000},{"level":2,"_id":"Z56MQSX6A5CWXDBZLLUYCV5K4U","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"A ‘last hope’ in Fort Meade "},{"_id":"NYVG3TKDUJAHXHEUH5TQ6RXEKY","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"By the time residents started learning about the proposed large-scale data center in Fort Meade, it had already passed significant government hurdles, including receiving <a href=\"https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2025/11/12/polk-commission-gives-140-million-tax-break-for-data-center/87108863007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z119701p115450c115450e004400v119701d--46--b--46--&amp;gca-ft=110&amp;gca-ds=sophi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2025/11/12/polk-commission-gives-140-million-tax-break-for-data-center/87108863007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z119701p115450c115450e004400v119701d--46--b--46--&amp;gca-ft=110&amp;gca-ds=sophi\">tax breaks</a>."},{"_id":"2ZVG32Z7C5DTFMJZUAYI3247WU","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Alfonso said he kept seeing cryptic signs around town about a data center, so he decided to look into it. Soon, he and his neighbors had started a petition. To sign it, you’d go to a specific pizza joint and “ask for the green binder,” according to online instructions."},{"_id":"KMCKFN3G75G4LHNQKEZYO2ZC3A","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"They’ve since grown more organized. Nearly 1,000 people follow their Facebook group, called the Watchdogs of Fort Meade. They’ve hired a public relations firm to help with media requests and organizing events."},{"_id":"25BS6R6OAVEBFC5QPUQCWR6XDE","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Alfonso has since been a guest on several podcasts, including the “War Room,” hosted by President Donald Trump’s former adviser Steve Bannon, which he said was surreal."},{"_id":"P4I4GVNVXFAVVO73OP6L3WJ5WU","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"The proposal appeared to be a done deal after the Fort Meade City Council <a href=\"https://www.wfla.com/news/polk-county/city-of-fort-meade-unanimously-approves-ai-hyperscale-data-center-off-us-98/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.wfla.com/news/polk-county/city-of-fort-meade-unanimously-approves-ai-hyperscale-data-center-off-us-98/\">voted</a> in April to approve a 20-year agreement with the developer."},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"Hernando","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"cccea42a80a7f3ffd366e69f3ba3017824964b5a4de7d2b7bf5ca9fc805c2ec4"},"caption":"A truck displays one of several homemade signs opposing a data center proposal outside an event on May 23 in Hernando. ","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Tampa Bay Times","edit_url":"","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"d332c6a3-8c2f-4fce-9507-0fdc0e6cdd96"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/6JFLDBBWLRAZDM7HPKRJPH7MFM.JPG","licensable":false,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Luis Santana","type":"author"}]},"subtitle":"","width":6000,"_id":"6JFLDBBWLRAZDM7HPKRJPH7MFM","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/6JFLDBBWLRAZDM7HPKRJPH7MFM.JPG?auth=cccea42a80a7f3ffd366e69f3ba3017824964b5a4de7d2b7bf5ca9fc805c2ec4","iptc_source":"Tampa Bay Times","iptc_job_identifier":"600749045","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/6JFLDBBWLRAZDM7HPKRJPH7MFM.JPG?auth=cccea42a80a7f3ffd366e69f3ba3017824964b5a4de7d2b7bf5ca9fc805c2ec4","link":"","takenOn":"2026-05-23T00:00:00Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/6JFLDBBWLRAZDM7HPKRJPH7MFM.JPG","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/6JFLDBBWLRAZDM7HPKRJPH7MFM.JPG?auth=cccea42a80a7f3ffd366e69f3ba3017824964b5a4de7d2b7bf5ca9fc805c2ec4","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/6JFLDBBWLRAZDM7HPKRJPH7MFM.JPG?auth=cccea42a80a7f3ffd366e69f3ba3017824964b5a4de7d2b7bf5ca9fc805c2ec4&width=300","version":2,"originalName":"435916_SANT_2_435916.JPG","mime_type":"image/jpeg","alt_text":"","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"Staff Photographer"},"created_date":"2026-05-25T16:43:12Z","last_updated_date":"2026-06-03T20:53:04Z","alignment":"center","slug":"435916_SANT_435916","height":4000},{"_id":"GINGFFZNSJCYTLHLW66ITK2DPU","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"But an under-the-radar rule change by the Southwest Florida Water Management District last year means that the district <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/04/14/florida-data-center-fort-meade-polk-water-permit/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/04/14/florida-data-center-fort-meade-polk-water-permit/\">must first approve the data center’s water usage</a> at a public meeting. The board’s members are appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose administration <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/04/16/florida-data-center-fort-meade-desantis-utilities-water-ai/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/04/16/florida-data-center-fort-meade-desantis-utilities-water-ai/\">has been critical of this project</a> and data centers more broadly."},{"_id":"POL52TC4HBGFDODDTR6XIT454I","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Alfonso called this latest twist one of their “last hopes.”"},{"_id":"RWROZZTWFRBU3IQS2SKU6VLVZU","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"He moved inland<b> </b>from Clearwater, seeking peace and quiet after a career spent in highway construction. His house is about 3 miles from the proposed site."},{"_id":"VQCTMDCMXZAANCMCAN6LD45PYY","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Last month, Lakeland residents learned of <a href=\"https://www.theledger.com/story/news/politics/government/2026/06/03/lakeland-data-center-still-under-review-as-city-flags-major-concerns/90385808007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z114801p000950c000950e000700v114801d--48--b--48--&amp;gca-ft=124&amp;gca-ds=sophi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.theledger.com/story/news/politics/government/2026/06/03/lakeland-data-center-still-under-review-as-city-flags-major-concerns/90385808007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z114801p000950c000950e000700v114801d--48--b--48--&amp;gca-ft=124&amp;gca-ds=sophi\">a data center proposal in their city</a>, dubbed “Project Swan.” Opposition has quickly mounted."},{"_id":"7Q7ITSUURRAVJM5HB33M5EOAAY","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Alfonso said concerned residents reached out to him for advice, and he drove up to speak at a local meeting. He’s tired of seeing wealthy companies try to take advantage of rural towns that need money."},{"_id":"WRQ5DZJYCBBZLCRUSQVR7VMSTQ","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"And he worries about residents who don’t have the free time to protest."},{"_id":"DCBWYLIF4ZH6NMJJBXZQG7VAKE","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"“I’m afraid the people who are most needy and aren’t able to pay attention because they’re busy just trying to survive aren’t going to be able to stand up,” Alfonso said. “I didn’t grow up believing you let somebody pick on someone weaker than you."},{"_id":"EI2ONUITVNHRFGSCOXHAXW3DLE","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"“This just feels so predatory,” he added. “I just have to smack the bully in the nose.”"},{"level":4,"_id":"3O4HD25NJ5FLZGXUUOKTKA4JFQ","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"center","type":"header","content":"<i><b>• • •</b></i>"},{"_id":"6LXKYBDJ3VHW3BSDN3MDVXIQGM","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"<i>The Tampa Bay Times launched the Environment Hub in 2025 to focus on some of Florida’s most urgent and enduring challenges. You can contribute through our journalism fund by </i><a href=\"https://project.tampabay.com/donate/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\"><i>clicking here</i></a><i>.</i>"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"“I’m mad as hell,” said one resident at a packed Citrus County event where locals organized against a data center proposal. "},"description":{"basic":""},"source":{"system":"composer","name":"tbt","source_type":"staff"},"taxonomy":{"primary_site":{"path":"/news/environment","parent_id":"/news","name":"Environment","description":"Environmental news in the Tampa Bay area and Florida, including red tide, manatees, panthers, bear hunts, pythons in the Everglades, climate change and more, from the Tampa Bay Times","_id":"/news/environment","additional_properties":{"original":{"promo":{"house_promo_link":null,"house_promo_disable":"false","house_promo_image":null},"parent":{"default":"/news"},"site":{"site_url":"/news/environment/","site_keywords":"Environment News","site_description":"Environmental news in the Tampa Bay area and Florida, including red tide, manatees, panthers, bear hunts, pythons in the Everglades, climate change and more, from the Tampa Bay Times","site_title":"Environmental 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initiatives."},{"_id":"YYIDNOTKJRGABNLXUVRUHUVMRA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"So Bell wasted little time addressing the issue."},{"_id":"7ZPSF6W4EBDPRISI6TPVV54HIU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“Let me just start off and be crystal clear: I’m certainly not coming to Florida to bring DEI or any form of woke back,” Bell said to a room full of students, faculty and staff. “I am going to build on Florida’s commitment to merit through excellence, to academic achievement, to equal opportunity and what I just call hard work of our students.”"},{"_id":"L6O4UFCLSJHT3GTQO7KUKOQ62E","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"A soft-spoken Texas native with a thick Southern drawl, Bell delivered his remarks during public forums inside UF’s Emerson Alumni Hall, where, just one year ago, former University of Michigan leader Santa Ono launched his own <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/06/03/university-of-florida-president-santa-ono-board-of-governors-desantis/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/06/03/university-of-florida-president-santa-ono-board-of-governors-desantis/\">ill-fated campaign</a> to be UF’s 14th president."},{"_id":"V3GKPG2V3FFWBMZZZB4YDE7ZIA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"During Ono’s forums — held just two days after UF announced him as its lone presidential finalist — he repeatedly pledged fealty to Florida’s conservative higher education reforms and fawned over Gov. Ron DeSantis’ leadership."},{"_id":"P3TYV2PUXNH4VLZOY67K7DO3LI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"What he didn’t do was explain his about face on diversity initiatives, which he had championed at Michigan — a track record that conservatives seized upon and, in part, drove the State University System’s Board of Governors to reject his appointment."},{"_id":"DBC6LI4RLREH5BSUHFPUAJLMJ4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Bell arrived with an advantage that eluded Ono: time."},{"_id":"WO6QFXWBBNAIHENADXM536LUCA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"While Ono faced the public just days after being named UF’s preferred candidate, Bell has spent more than two weeks under the microscope as conservative activists, bloggers and political operatives sifted through his decade-long record in Alabama searching for evidence of ideological heresy."},{"_id":"3Q2FZK3DYVGV7CEUEOEG4Y6XGQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"By the time he stepped behind the podium Wednesday, Bell appeared ready for the lines of attack, repeatedly returning to themes of merit, excellence, equal opportunity and intellectual diversity."},{"_id":"YYVFIW236ZHKZC3AVH3BBAAU44","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The carefully manicured forums offered the clearest glimpse yet of how UF intends to sell Bell’s candidacy. Using a curated selection of questions submitted online by students and faculty, moderators largely steered the conversation toward student success, athletics, campus life and Bell’s vision for Florida’s flagship university."},{"_id":"I7NIUNDIVVGBFMLYVPMRF5B4QA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Bell unspooled an agenda centered on improving graduation rates and job placement, strengthening athletics, enhancing Greek life and the broader student experience, recruiting top faculty and expanding UF’s academic medical enterprise."},{"_id":"B6XA7IEXR5DLJF2WY3IBHZLEOI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Bell also leaned heavily on perhaps his most obvious selling point in Gainesville: football."},{"_id":"WN2ONJIT6BGOHJ55K5ZG2YHJEE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Speaking to students, Bell played up his bona fides as a former Southeastern Conference leader who oversaw one of the nation’s most successful athletic programs and three national championship titles. That goes a long way in Gainesville, where football wins account for a large portion of the Gator-in-chief’s report card."},{"_id":"LYRYISULDJCUHHHCYNOBKGR3ZU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“I have background on how to do that. Got lots of rings, too,” he quipped."},{"_id":"2X5W4EMXRFHNLJGAQKLT5CNW2Y","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The remark drew laughter from the crowd and underscored the easygoing Southern charm Bell deployed throughout the forums. Sporting a blue tie and Gator lapel pin, he mixed policy talk with anecdotes from Alabama, traded jokes with audience members and even solicited restaurant recommendations from students as he sought to present himself less as an outsider and more as a future Gator."},{"_id":"CJ7QKWNNS5FCZCS2PKCJVL5MX4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Again and again, however, he returned to a broader message: Universities should focus on educating students and advancing research, not political activism."},{"_id":"X67P5PUPOBAMZK6ASRLF5BBMRI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Bell beat back charges from conservative activists that he had surrounded himself with left-wing hires at Alabama, and argued that his and his former administration’s political values have always, in essence, aligned with Florida’s."},{"_id":"XK2DSIEYNJGMLFHUIX7PG2ZXPI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“The relevant question is not personal views of every individual. The question is about the relevant decisions after that. Those were made on achievement, hard work and opportunity,” he said."},{"_id":"GSHUL23TI5H65AO2KWBJHZJZPU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“I do think the people of Florida, they should have the opportunity to know how am I going to lead. What are those values? Here’s the answer. I believe in merit. I believe in excellence. I believe in opportunity. I believe in intellectual diversity, and a free exchange of ideas,” he added. “University of Florida’s mission is not to advance political ideology. It is a mission to educate students, create knowledge, conduct research and discovery [and] serve the people of Florida.”"},{"_id":"WJSPJ77HARHGFOQVHCXJZWUIGI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"UF’s Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on Bell’s nomination June 11. His appointment must still be ratified by the State University System’s Board of Governors later this month."}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"Stuart Bell, a 69-year-old engineer who has led the University of Alabama for the past decade, faces conservative scrutiny."},"description":{"basic":""},"source":{"system":"composer","name":"tbt","source_type":"staff"},"taxonomy":{"primary_site":{"path":"/news/education","parent_id":"/news","name":"The Education Gradebook","description":"Education and school news, including testing, class size, Florida Standards and Common Core, teaching and more for Florida and Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, from the Tampa Bay Times.","_id":"/news/education","additional_properties":{"original":{"promo":{"house_promo_link":null,"house_promo_disable":"false","house_promo_image":null},"parent":{"default":"/news"},"_admin":{"alias_ids":["/news/education"]},"newsletters":{"newsletter_article":"true","newsletter_section_front":"true","newsletter_headline":"Required reading for Floridians","newsletter_image":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/MQKT3QD2BNEJVOCA4EFB42WHQU.JPG","newsletter_subheadline":"Subscribe to our free Florida in Focus newsletter","newsletter_id":"46","newsletter_blurb":"Get the biggest stories happening across the state every Wednesday."},"site":{"site_url":"/news/education/","rotator_id":"PQRJDGVMLJHKNFNXN6QRRL3QS4","section_bullet_override":"Education","site_keywords":"Education News. 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But Thursday, the City Council is slated to take a vote that carries a price tag, as they decide if they’re willing to spend up to $590,000 for a study evaluating the practicalities of leaving Duke and forming a municipal-run utility."},{"_id":"APMOHJ3VE5F7NDDFJNAHFIVL3E","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"One of the main questions that study would seek to answer is whether St. Petersburg residents would save money on their electric bills under a municipal grid. Because a government system doesn’t earn profit for shareholders, proponents have said it would offer better rates."},{"_id":"2HDVRNFFQ5F5TC5YIYGQGC7BTQ","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"The city of Clearwater, which is also considering leaving Duke, similarly commissioned a feasibility study, which <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2025/09/25/clearwater-duke-energy-florida-electric-bill-increase-st-petersburg/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2025/09/25/clearwater-duke-energy-florida-electric-bill-increase-st-petersburg/\">estimated that residents would save millions</a>."},{"_id":"FS7WCU7CCNE4VKY3VIUYAEWOA4","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"St. Pete City Council member Richie Floyd, who has been one of the most vocal supporters of the idea, said Wednesday that this vote should be a no-brainer."},{"_id":"B46P6MKJOVFV3BOULOCZHUMLVE","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"“This is our one chance in a generation,” he said Wednesday, referencing how the city’s legal agreement with Duke is up for renewal for the first time in 30 years. “It would be completely irresponsible to not even study the issue, and not study if we can make our residents’ lives cheaper and better.”"},{"_id":"V6S34ZPPFNFERN7LIQOSMUFW5I","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"After a formal request for bids from different energy consultants, St. Petersburg landed on a Texas company called NewGen Strategies and Solutions as the top applicant to conduct the study. NewGen also completed Clearwater’s analysis."},{"_id":"GYZYXN3AQJBMJO4M3HAOKZZMV4","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Frustration has been growing with Duke Energy from residents as many paid their highest electric bills ever last summer. A Tampa Bay Times series called <a href=\"https://project.tampabay.com/power-struggle/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://project.tampabay.com/power-struggle/\">Power Struggle</a> examined the causes of these soaring costs and <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2025/11/13/duke-energy-tampa-electric-florida-energy-bill-increase-why/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2025/11/13/duke-energy-tampa-electric-florida-energy-bill-increase-why/\">found that it was a combination of hurricane recovery fees, record heat and rate hikes</a>."},{"_id":"2OKLQUY7T5C3HF6BZGDUGQB2UQ","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Duke has repeatedly expressed its opposition to the discussion of the cities splitting off, saying it will be costly for consumers with less reliable service."},{"_id":"TECCM7XSKVGY3ENU3KGHG373EY","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Earlier this year, canvassers <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2026/02/04/duke-energy-st-petersburg-clearwater-energy-alliance/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2026/02/04/duke-energy-st-petersburg-clearwater-energy-alliance/\">went door-to-door in St. Petersburg and Clearwater warning residents</a> that leaving Duke Energy would raise their property taxes, despite taxes never being proposed by city leaders as the funding mechanism. The campaign group responsible, called the Pinellas Energy Alliance, has also launched TV and social media ads, and appears to have <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2026/03/27/duke-energy-florida-pinellas-alliance-clearwater-st-petersburg/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2026/03/27/duke-energy-florida-pinellas-alliance-clearwater-st-petersburg/\">hired a Maine political consultant who helped defeat a similar anti-utility effort</a> in that state."},{"subtype":"custom_embed_interstitial_link","_id":"LSYL6OHVGFFQVCN4UIZIXT7S7M","embed":{"id":"interstitial-link-1780514689287-lvnyj8ugm","config":{"additional_properties":{"interstitial_type":"related"},"content":"He beat an anti-utility campaign before. Is he helping Duke Energy Florida?"},"url":"https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2026/03/27/duke-energy-florida-pinellas-alliance-clearwater-st-petersburg/"},"type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"3YK6TU2RGNEDRPL7VDBIRYG2UA","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Duke has distanced itself from the campaign, but the alliance, a dark-money group, has declined to disclose the source of its funding. "},{"_id":"5BSGOJG7PZESRHEP73J3FXA23A","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Thursday’s City Council meeting is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., with this vote scheduled sixth on the agenda."},{"level":4,"_id":"3O4HD25NJ5FLZGXUUOKTKA4JFQ","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"center","type":"header","content":"<i><b>• • •</b></i>"},{"_id":"6LXKYBDJ3VHW3BSDN3MDVXIQGM","additional_properties":{},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"<i>The Tampa Bay Times launched the Environment Hub in 2025 to focus on some of Florida’s most urgent and enduring challenges. You can contribute through our journalism fund by </i><a href=\"https://project.tampabay.com/donate/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\"><i>clicking here</i></a><i>.</i>"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"The City Council will determine whether it’s willing to spend up to $590,000 to investigate the idea."},"description":{"basic":""},"source":{"system":"composer","name":"tbt","source_type":"staff"},"taxonomy":{"primary_site":{"path":"/news/business","parent_id":"/news","name":"Business","description":"Business news in the Tampa Bay area and Florida, including, real estate, technology and consumer news, from the Tampa Bay Times.","_id":"/news/business","additional_properties":{"original":{"promo":{"house_promo_link":null,"house_promo_disable":"false","house_promo_image":null},"parent":{"default":"/news"},"_admin":{"alias_ids":["/news/business"]},"newsletters":{"newsletter_article":"true","newsletter_section_front":"true","newsletter_headline":"Required reading for 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Rather than taxing primary residences, he says local governments can draw revenue from tourists and wealthy out-of-state residents who purchase vacation homes in Florida."},{"_id":"6QRT75HVMJH4XF54R6J27DBQ3E","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"He recently pointed to South Florida’s luxury real-estate market, noting that “some of the wealthiest people in the history of humanity” are buying homes in Miami and other coastal communities."},{"_id":"DGZW5H7R3JEZHAWFX5L65ADV2E","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“Why would you want to have all this wealth come in and then just price middle-class people out?” DeSantis said. “I would capitalize ... on that wealth by relieving middle-class people of a burden so that they can actually afford to live in Miami-Dade like back when it was less expensive.”"},{"_id":"NQG2H7FJBJA2ZPU4QTBGR6NUNI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Still, Democrats have seized on the governor’s rhetoric, arguing that DeSantis himself has framed the debate as one of shifting more of the tax burden onto the wealthy."},{"_id":"UV4SNBYVRJBHXJDNESCCLTXQBY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“Ron DeSantis stated it earlier this week: We need to tax the rich,” Rep. 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Some Republicans seem wary of adopting the political argument should rely more heavily on wealthy property owners, investors and second-home buyers while reducing costs for primary residents."},{"_id":"EKPMQOZNX5GWJMBZADI7GE5D5I","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The sponsor of the House’s property tax bill, Rep. Toby Overdorf, told reporters Tuesday that he doesn’t support a billionaire tax “in any way, shape or form. In fact, we’ve seen a tremendous amount of negativity toward that.”"},{"_id":"T4DHBGNA3ZB6TL7XS7JZM5KFI4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“My Democrat compatriots have been talking about it being a tax shift. I’m focused on the savings associated with the Florida homeowner and what they’re going to be getting back in their pockets,” he added. “The choice of the revenue coming in is going to be the choice of that local area. 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The Clay County Republican said he is unconcerned if owners of multimillion-dollar waterfront properties continue paying taxes while lower-income homeowners receive relief."},{"_id":"V73RG4X64FD4NOZLKY5LKGOPMY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"He added that the best feature of the governor’s proposal is that it focuses on “just regular Floridians.”"},{"_id":"7SB5M35NB5B7POOTPNBGAFKODA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“My district, my heart is with those folks who aren’t billionaires [and] don’t have million-dollar homes,” Garrison said, noting that all homeowners will receive the same exemption amount under the ballot measure. “We’re not picking winners and losers.”"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"“It sounds very Mamdani of him,” said Democratic Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith of Orlando, referring to New York City Mayor  Zohran Mamdani. 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They specify that proposed renovations at Raymond James Stadium expected by the agency’s longtime tenants, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, should take precedence over building a stadium for the Rays with help from public money."},{"_id":"OF3JGCIH3FF23HJYBHRVDM5G2U","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The County Commission has four appointees serving on the 11-member Sports Authority board, three of whom have been vocally skeptical of plans to build a Rays stadium and surrounding redevelopment on Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus, across the street from Raymond James."},{"_id":"LBGLAJ7HJRGVFFBJTBEMVGL4T4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The authority skeptics are chairperson Patrick Manteiga, who has been critical of the deal in his publication, La Gaceta Newspaper; Andy Scaglione, who has repeatedly questioned the details of the plan; and Tony Muniz, whose idea it was to send letters to the county and city."},{"_id":"M257YYZQZRCJXBC6NUPXUWRXME","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The fourth county appointee on the Sports Authority, C. Dennis Carlton, Jr., also has questioned the deal’s terms. Carlton lives in Miller’s eastern Hillsborough County district."},{"_id":"YHXYKXGEOZHT3MVEAN6XJCIGEA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The proposed Rays stadium is projected to cost $2.3 billion. The Rays are seeking a $976 million public contribution, with $796 million from the county and roughly $180 million from the city. The Rays have said they will pay for surrounding mixed-use development, as well as stadium maintenance and any cost overruns."},{"_id":"G3AII3I7SRH6PD676ZYKSEKM24","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Scaglione, who serves as the Sports Authority finance committee chairperson, has peppered the agency’s leadership with questions about the deal at every meeting since negotiations with the Rays began.<b> </b>His concerns range from the absence of affordable housing in the surrounding development to the state’s giveaway of the college land he estimated would cost around $600 million. He has also voiced objections over tapping a portion of local sales taxes that were intended to be used only for existing stadiums."},{"_id":"DBCWLN25GFHGTGMY3TI2ITUUXQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The stadium proposal, which largely hinges on a land transfer from state-owned Hillsborough College to the Rays, is backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Patrick Zalupski, the principal owner of the Rays, donated $250,000 to DeSantis’ failed presidential run."},{"_id":"TSX54E2JGND6BCXND3UTUSS4DE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Miller was appointed to the Hillsborough County Commission by DeSantis in 2024. Her district has voted reliably Republican."},{"_id":"62WORBKZFBGHROU7J6JX34AAFE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“Appointees take an oath to the Tampa Sports Authority, not a sports team,” Miller said in an emailed statement. “I wanted to know the process for the day an appointee forgets the difference. Asking how a door works isn’t the same as deciding to walk through it — but it’s good to know before you need it. My question was meant to remind everybody what the mission of the Authority should be.”"},{"_id":"UAOK2CCU3NFSTHYZMJHDTP2IFA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Manteiga told the Tampa Bay Times he didn’t know who Miller could be targeting. He also doubts that she has the votes among her colleagues on the commission to remove a board member."},{"_id":"NBTFQCC7ARDTXNG722LCZIY7H4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“I don’t think this inquiry is going to change how any of our Sports Authority members view their job,” Manteiga said. “I don’t think it’s going to change how anybody is voting or how they look at these issues. I really don’t know where it came from, and I really don’t know where it’s gonna go.”"},{"_id":"ILCA4VAGVBASHDU7HHNWMOBWJQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Manteiga said he and Miller have spoken before about the county’s<b> </b>sports arena deals with the Rays and the Tampa Bay Lightning. This is his second stint on the Sports Authority board; he served from 2000 to 2008 and said he doesn’t remember any prior effort to remove a board member. "},{"_id":"GIHN4HEUM5B6BIXDJDNJQIM3GE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“I think this board is very locally controlled,” Manteiga said. “I think this board is very sensitive to taxpayers here. I think the makeup of the board’s a great one.”"},{"_id":"YPPRGNRB2ZHOFFERW7PEFYJWKI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Muniz, in a texted statement, said one of the jobs of the board of the Sports Authority is to manage one of the busiest stadiums in the country and host more concerts and major events than nearly any other venue. His term expires next year."},{"_id":"BDYTPLQFYRB4FFK6HKPSPZJSYM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“To continue generating this significant economic impact for our community, it is essential that we properly maintain and invest in the stadium,” Muniz said. “Ensuring its long-term viability and competitiveness should remain a priority.”"},{"_id":"4DRRHITWANDMRNME7TEWREKEFE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Commissioner Joshua Wostal, a consistent critic of the Rays stadium subsidy proposal, said he didn’t understand what Miller meant by her statement. He said that it’s clear the commission can approve and remove appointees to any organization at any time."},{"_id":"E7YAKM7NTJHDVKHE5WO6RJIGJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“What I’ve seen from our Sports Authority board members is that they are doing a yeoman’s work and acting with diligence to protect the county’s sports complex assets that we currently own,” Wostal said. “Maybe she has different information than I have.”"},{"_id":"HJK6LGEJBJHZRLIEURRAWLYUL4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"<i>Times staff writer John Romano contributed to this report.</i>"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"Christine Miller, who was appointed to the County Commission by Gov. 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The request comes after the Sports Authority voted the day before to send a letters to the County Commission and the Tampa City Council specifying that proposed renovations at Raymond James Stadium should take precedence over building a baseball stadium when it comes to allocating public funds.","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Tampa Bay Times","edit_url":"","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"d332c6a3-8c2f-4fce-9507-0fdc0e6cdd96"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/JRUWZS5ZNZCA5MFQBLZEZMB2UM.JPG","licensable":false,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Dirk Shadd","type":"author"}]},"width":4045,"_id":"JRUWZS5ZNZCA5MFQBLZEZMB2UM","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/JRUWZS5ZNZCA5MFQBLZEZMB2UM.JPG?auth=19bca0a3ffafb32c277fe29b48c65ea4aaf558431c9d5dd4b2b8011b04b3dd53","iptc_source":"Tampa Bay Times","iptc_job_identifier":"600747738","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/JRUWZS5ZNZCA5MFQBLZEZMB2UM.JPG?auth=19bca0a3ffafb32c277fe29b48c65ea4aaf558431c9d5dd4b2b8011b04b3dd53","takenOn":"2026-05-20T00:00:00Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/JRUWZS5ZNZCA5MFQBLZEZMB2UM.JPG","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/JRUWZS5ZNZCA5MFQBLZEZMB2UM.JPG?auth=19bca0a3ffafb32c277fe29b48c65ea4aaf558431c9d5dd4b2b8011b04b3dd53","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/JRUWZS5ZNZCA5MFQBLZEZMB2UM.JPG?auth=19bca0a3ffafb32c277fe29b48c65ea4aaf558431c9d5dd4b2b8011b04b3dd53&width=300","version":2,"originalName":"435926_shad_11_RaysVote.JPG","mime_type":"image/jpeg","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"Staff Photographer"},"created_date":"2026-05-20T17:46:18Z","last_updated_date":"2026-05-20T22:58:40Z","slug":"435926_shad_RaysVote","height":3055}},"canonical_url":"/news/hillsborough/2026/06/03/rays-stadium-hillsborough-tampa-sports-authority/","revision":{"editions":["default"],"parent_id":"3NOZGAV5JNFUDICDKGIQ2NNHWE","published":true,"branch":"default","revision_id":"2LKDDW3T7RHQ5FBE74ZQPCDVGY"},"planning":{"budget_line":"Hillsborough County Commissioner Christine Miller asked the county attorney to review and advise the board on its legal authority and available mechanisms to remove a Hillsborough County appointed member of the Tampa Sports Authority midterm, including any procedural requirements, voting thresholds, and legal considerations.","scheduling":{},"story_length":{"character_count_actual":4950,"inch_count_actual":29,"inch_count_planned":20,"word_count_actual":814,"line_count_actual":200}},"display_date":"2026-06-03T19:33:17.656Z","headlines":{"tablet":"","print":"","meta_title":"","native":"","web":"","mobile":"","basic":"Hillsborough commissioner asks how to remove Sports Authority member","table":""},"created_date":"2026-06-03T19:04:11.063Z","publish_date":"2026-06-03T23:46:16.174Z","_id":"5A575CYMEVDE3I7J4JF35ITVCQ","website":"tbt","website_url":"/news/hillsborough/2026/06/03/rays-stadium-hillsborough-tampa-sports-authority/"},{"content_elements":[{"_id":"EQJT77E4VJDL5LERTAYM3GZKEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1551117679223},"type":"text","content":"TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has made some bold claims about his property tax plan since unveiling it last week."},{"_id":"4K62CGPZZNDOPIPM7DTY4H6AL4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"He’s said 92% of primary homeowners could pay no property taxes. He’s touted a state fund that will help rural counties weather the shortfall."},{"_id":"TCM2HIUQJFFFJLA5AXZKU4P424","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Some of those claims are outdated thanks to the Legislature, which significantly changed the amendment this week. Other claims he’s made aren’t reflected in the amendment."},{"_id":"ZIQE66TUQBBIBJ4HPBMSEN4L44","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"What the amendment would do is raise the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027, and to $250,000 in 2028. "},{"_id":"TGCUO434SVHBRNCRZPRMPRVJBY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Here’s what the governor has said about the amendment, and what the amendment <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/06/02/florida-property-tax-exemption-desantis-amendment-legislature/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/06/02/florida-property-tax-exemption-desantis-amendment-legislature/\">that will be on the November ballot</a> actually does:"},{"level":1,"_id":"DDU4GJGBXNGMXG36DTYKOPANEQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Claim: Florida is eliminating property taxes"},{"_id":"JBJNJNXUVBFSHKD4LH5RYXBWPU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The ballot summary of the amendment — the portion that most voters will read — states that the amendment “requires ... a schedule for full elimination” of property taxes on primary homes. (Those are homes with homestead exemptions, which reduce the taxable value on a home.)"},{"_id":"EODYAG7XI5GOBOBY25ZIW2UTTU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"DeSantis also repeated this claim in a <a href=\"https://x.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/2059645468724838742?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://x.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/2059645468724838742?s=20\">one-page summary</a> released last week."},{"_id":"KNKANJFM7VC4HA4ERHVPMNOLHQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"But the <a href=\"https://www.flhouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0001Fc1.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=1&amp;Session=2026F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.flhouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0001Fc1.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=1&amp;Session=2026F\">actual amendment</a> does not include any such requirement. Lines 281-285 state that the Legislature “shall” create a procedure for counties and municipalities to increase the homestead exemption “up to” any conceivable limit."},{"_id":"J3QFU6VAVZEE5DR3YMIXH7HRQY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"It’s confusing. Even the two legislators who sponsored it can’t agree on what it means."},{"_id":"46FM6CL6RRC7FK7YB2SHPK7NFA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Sen. Bryan Avila, a Miami Republican, said the amendment requires the Legislature to create a procedure for local governments to raise the homestead exemption if local officials want to. "},{"_id":"AMSL3EYR25CQTPK2CMWMEDGZXE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“A local jurisdiction, if they wanted to go beyond the $250,000, they would be able to,” Avila said."},{"_id":"UC5Z23ZIK5BLLDNX5DVIKIRG7U","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"If the Legislature wanted to increase the exemption beyond that, they could propose another resolution for voters to decide, he said."},{"_id":"MF2RVE262BAMTL2WEKX2THSMMA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"But Rep. Toby Overdorf, a Palm City Republican, said the amendment allows the Legislature to raise the homestead exemption to any limit without bringing it to voters. (He thinks it’s unlikely to happen, though.)"},{"_id":"WADDCNRH35BHPI5IETVOLTK7PE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“Theoretically, we could come in and put a million dollar exemption,” Overdorf said. “Theoretically, we could also take it away.”"},{"_id":"UFYNFE4ESRHHLB4DDJ3YSEBUKY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"He added that he expects this provision to be debated — and litigated — before November."},{"level":1,"_id":"6KRUBLTGRFC77ATBVKJPYM56CY","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Claim: 60% of primary homes will be ‘tax-free’"},{"_id":"2SIHZCHIH5CJ3NJM35SQFE2UMU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"When DeSantis unveiled his property tax plan last week, he said that raising the homestead exemption to $250,000 would make 60% of primary homes property tax-free."},{"_id":"W4V4HM7XK5BRDKRONILCOPBJZY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"At the time, it was true that homes valued up to that amount would not pay property taxes under his plan. But lawmakers this week balked at exempting property taxes that go to schools."},{"_id":"T6SV4VNUNVCHNIVI32GSSEJRIE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"They <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/06/01/property-tax-exemption-amendment-desantis-legislature-florida/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/06/01/property-tax-exemption-amendment-desantis-legislature-florida/\">changed his amendment</a> on Monday to clarify that homes at any value will still have to pay property taxes that go to schools."},{"level":1,"_id":"J5EGO5K55RBNHLYLXJVKH7JUEQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Claim: Florida will raise the homestead exemption to $500,000"},{"_id":"C2M5BEGPLVB3VA55LOBACUKHHM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"DeSantis has also repeatedly indicated that the exemption will increase to $500,000."},{"_id":"J7TS6KPQFBGO3G26RRYLIX7VCQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“If it’s successful, when you raise to $500,000 limit, that’s 92% of all Florida residents that would be tax-free,” he said."},{"_id":"X3B4Q7I2WVDY7OORQLDRHJZKEA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The $500,000 limit is not mentioned in the ballot summary or in the amendment. And legislators are highly unlikely to try to raise the exemption before seeing how the $250,000 limit affects local governments in 2028."},{"level":1,"_id":"4B3MF4YQTNBO5KKQN5EQUVSCIU","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Claim: The state will have a fund to help cover shortfalls"},{"_id":"RNTXNTCFZBGXHJ6OIDQPYGDYL4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"One of DeSantis’ selling points behind his property tax plan is that it would create a state trust fund to help local governments manage a sudden drop in revenue."},{"_id":"BFTLXP6XSRF6RKAVVP4QDHCZPQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"But lawmakers this week considered the mention of a trust fund misleading to voters, because there was no guarantee that future legislatures and governors will put any money in it."},{"_id":"ERTYPCOJ6JF6FKJLEP3WDINKQA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Sam Garrison, a Fleming Island Republican set to become House speaker later this year, <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/06/02/florida-property-tax-desantis-amendment-trust-fund-backfill-counties/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/06/02/florida-property-tax-desantis-amendment-trust-fund-backfill-counties/\">said he is opposed</a> to backfilling counties for lost property tax revenue. (DeSantis leaves office in January and won’t be around to oversee a fund.)"},{"_id":"2BOICMYJDRF2ZPFN25URH5ZVRQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Lawmakers this week stripped any mention of the fund from the amendment."},{"level":1,"_id":"VPF6KG2HFRCLJANGZHQSROWYVE","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Claim: The amendment protects ‘small businesses’"},{"_id":"XTFOIUX6KVAYJIGC3HH7DLSMBE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The amendment doesn’t just raise the homestead exemption. It also lowers the cap on annual assessment increases for non-homestead property, such as stores or rental homes, from<b> </b>the current<b> </b>10% to 5%."},{"_id":"O445IN62LVDQ7MCFYEEY4Y6WQE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The amendment summary — and DeSantis — states the intent is “protecting small businesses.”"},{"_id":"S5CTXVU5HVA67OXQRJXF3UFTM4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"That’s true. Lowering the cap would apply to small businesses. But the amendment itself does not limit the benefit to small businesses. It would apply to any property without a homestead exemption, such as major corporations, data centers and billionaires’ second or third homes."},{"level":1,"_id":"2MHNXLS4ORE5ZP73LZ7LGL7U2Y","additional_properties":{},"type":"header","content":"Claim: Property appraisers will promote the amendment"},{"_id":"J226LU3XFJCJFBKVOVXJQQDBTI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"DeSantis also wanted to <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/05/29/florida-desantis-property-tax-elimination-amendment-state-money/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/05/29/florida-desantis-property-tax-elimination-amendment-state-money/\">spend $5.5 million</a> to have property appraisers send mailers to property owners about the amendment. The mailers would have pointed homeowners to a <a href=\"https://www.saveourhomesfl.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.saveourhomesfl.com\">state-run website</a> showing them how much they could save if voters approve the amendment in November."},{"_id":"V2SBBUSWP5DHNKWRMGAJBRNJNQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"However, the Legislature last year prohibited <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2025/03/10/florida-amendment-ballot-initiative-desantis-abortion-marijuana/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/elections/2025/03/10/florida-amendment-ballot-initiative-desantis-abortion-marijuana/\">public money</a> from being used for political advertising or “any other communication sent to electors” about a proposed amendment. That was part of the fallout of the <a href=\"https://project.tampabay.com/hope-florida/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://project.tampabay.com/hope-florida/\">Hope Florida scandal</a>, in which the DeSantis administration secretly diverted millions in state dollars to fighting 2024 ballot initiatives."},{"_id":"7ZYVBYDLENGAPPE7ZKT4TC4HXI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Lawmakers this week removed the mailers and the money from DeSantis’ bill, citing the need to comply with the new state law."}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"Lawmakers made several changes to the amendment, which needs 60% of voters to approve it this fall for it to go into effect."},"description":{"basic":""},"source":{"system":"composer","name":"tbt","source_type":"staff"},"taxonomy":{"primary_site":{"path":"/news/florida-politics","parent_id":"/news","name":"Florida Politics","description":"The Buzz on Florida Politics | Tampa Bay 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morning."},"inactive":false,"node_type":"section","_website":"tbt","name":"News","_id":"/news","ancestors":{"default":["/"]},"order":{"default":1007}}},"_website_section_id":"tbt./news","type":"section","version":"0.6.0"}],"primary_section":{"path":"/news/florida-politics","parent":{"default":"/news"},"_website":"tbt","parent_id":"/news","name":"Florida Politics","description":"The Buzz on Florida Politics | Tampa Bay Times","_id":"/news/florida-politics","additional_properties":{"original":{"parent":{"default":"/news"},"site_topper":{"site_logo_image":null},"advertising":{"adbridg_kvp":{"News":"politics"}},"promo":{"house_promo_link":null,"house_promo_disable":"false","house_promo_image":null},"_admin":{"alias_ids":["/news/florida-politics"]},"newsletters":{"newsletter_article":"true","newsletter_section_front":"true","newsletter_headline":"Required reading for 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Services","text":"tns","slug":"tns"}]},"related_content":{"basic":[]},"type":"story","geo":{},"credits":{"by":[{"image":{"version":"0.5.8","url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/tbt/6eb49297-3f27-4ade-b775-beb1b6cd2936.png"},"socialLinks":[{"site":"email","deprecated":true,"deprecation_msg":"Please use social_links.","url":"lmower@tampabay.com"},{"site":"twitter","deprecated":true,"deprecation_msg":"Please use social_links.","url":"lmower3"}],"social_links":[{"site":"email","url":"lmower@tampabay.com"},{"site":"twitter","url":"lmower3"}],"name":"Lawrence Mower","description":"Lawrence Mower is a Tallahassee correspondent, covering politics and the state capitol. Reach him at lmower@tampabay.com. ","_id":"lawrence-mower","additional_properties":{"original":{"lastName":"Mower","role":"Tallahassee Correspondent","education":[],"native_app_rendering":false,"affiliations":"","bio":"Lawrence Mower is a Tallahassee correspondent, covering politics and the state capitol. Reach him at lmower@tampabay.com. ","twitter":"lmower3","contributor":false,"custom_tagline":"Contact Lawrence Mower at lmower@tampabay.com. Follow @lmower3.","beat":"Times staff","bio_page":"","last_updated_date":"2023-05-15T13:18:32.106Z","byline":"Lawrence Mower","email":"lmower@tampabay.com","slug":"lawrence-mower","image":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/tbt/6eb49297-3f27-4ade-b775-beb1b6cd2936.png","longBio":"How did I end up in Florida’s capital city? I’m a Las Vegas native (yes, they do exist), and that’s where I got my journalism chops, working the night cops beat for my hometown paper. I covered enough celebrity arrests and police shootings there to make it to the investigative team at The Palm Beach Post, where I wrote about bizarre lottery winners and even weirder elections. I like stories and ideas that challenge what we think we know about the world. Got one? Let me know. Just don’t screen your calls from a 702 area code. Chances are it’s not a vacation offer — it’s just your friendly Capitol journalist.","fuzzy_match":false,"author_type":"Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau","firstName":"Lawrence","books":[],"podcasts":[],"awards":[],"custom_phone":"850-270-5219","_id":"lawrence-mower","status":true}},"type":"author","version":"0.5.8","url":"","slug":"lawrence-mower"}]},"first_publish_date":"2026-06-02T21:04:20.354Z","additional_properties":{"is_published":true,"publish_date":"2026-06-02T21:18:42.212Z","has_published_copy":true},"last_updated_date":"2026-06-02T21:21:34.383Z","publishing":{"scheduled_operations":{"unpublish_edition":[],"publish_edition":[]}},"slug":"desantistax","owner":{"sponsored":false,"id":"tbt"},"address":{},"workflow":{"status_code":8},"promo_items":{"basic":{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"© Orlando Sentinel, All Rights Reserved","address":{"locality":"Orlando","region":"FL - Florida"},"auth":{"1":"76b817d340f7c4c87bf79e0bd5fa9ee180f669c55af3e79df7ab86fdd86550c4"},"caption":"Gov. Ron DeSantis made several claims in his pitch for property tax cuts on primary residences. Not all of them made it into the final language heading to voters if he signs the legislation approved by lawmakers Tuesday.","source":{"system":"photo center","edit_url":"","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/RV5HB4CB7ZHNFBCMUW5HW3IKRI.jpg","licensable":false,"display_date":"2025-09-21T10:06:01.202Z","alt_text":"Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks about his proposal for Florida to become the first state to abolish property taxes during a news conference at the Florida REALTORS headquarters in Orlando on Monday, March 31, 2025.","credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"TNS","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Rich Pope","type":"author"}]},"subtitle":"202509210549MCT     PHOTO    US NEWS EDITORIAL MASSIVE TAX CUT MAY 1 OS","width":5472,"_id":"RV5HB4CB7ZHNFBCMUW5HW3IKRI","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/RV5HB4CB7ZHNFBCMUW5HW3IKRI.jpg?auth=76b817d340f7c4c87bf79e0bd5fa9ee180f669c55af3e79df7ab86fdd86550c4","iptc_source":"Orlando Sentinel","iptc_job_identifier":"153762257P","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/RV5HB4CB7ZHNFBCMUW5HW3IKRI.jpg?auth=76b817d340f7c4c87bf79e0bd5fa9ee180f669c55af3e79df7ab86fdd86550c4","takenOn":"2025-03-31T08:43:09Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/RV5HB4CB7ZHNFBCMUW5HW3IKRI.jpg","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/RV5HB4CB7ZHNFBCMUW5HW3IKRI.jpg?auth=76b817d340f7c4c87bf79e0bd5fa9ee180f669c55af3e79df7ab86fdd86550c4","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/RV5HB4CB7ZHNFBCMUW5HW3IKRI.jpg?auth=76b817d340f7c4c87bf79e0bd5fa9ee180f669c55af3e79df7ab86fdd86550c4&width=300","version":0,"originalName":"202509210549MCT_____PHOTO____US-NEWS-EDITORIAL-MASSIVE-TAX-CUT-MAY-1-OS","mime_type":"application/octet-stream","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"MBR"},"created_date":"2025-09-21T10:06:04Z","last_updated_date":"2025-09-21T10:06:04Z","publish_date":"2025-09-21T10:06:01.202Z","slug":"US-NEWS-EDITORIAL-MASSIVE-TAX-CUT-MAY-1-OS.jpg","height":3648}},"canonical_url":"/news/florida-politics/2026/06/02/desantis-has-claims-about-his-tax-amendment-heres-what-it-actually-does/","revision":{"editions":["default"],"parent_id":"BI7U7WTOCFB6NBH4ADWKZWPVMA","published":true,"branch":"default","revision_id":"AABTMAIRD5AAXNAH73SDUQMXSM"},"planning":{"budget_line":"Sidebar on DeSantis' statements about the property tax amendment and what it actually does now.","scheduling":{},"story_length":{"character_count_actual":5362,"inch_count_actual":32,"inch_count_planned":22,"word_count_actual":875,"line_count_actual":224}},"display_date":"2026-06-02T21:04:20.354Z","headlines":{"tablet":"","print":"","meta_title":"","native":"","web":"","mobile":"","basic":"DeSantis has claims about his tax amendment. Here’s what it actually does.","table":""},"created_date":"2026-06-02T13:29:32.344Z","publish_date":"2026-06-02T21:21:34.231Z","_id":"EWKVRXAW4NCYJLOJ3P4VRB2I3I","website":"tbt","website_url":"/news/florida-politics/2026/06/02/desantis-has-claims-about-his-tax-amendment-heres-what-it-actually-does/"},{"content_elements":[{"_id":"GZWWAJSOBZAQ5GUK5ANFWNOWHE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"After sounding the alarm on a potential <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2026/05/28/florida-homestead-property-tax-exemption-budget/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/2026/05/28/florida-homestead-property-tax-exemption-budget/\">$75 million loss should voters approve property tax cuts</a> proposed by the governor, St. Petersburg is bringing forward a new contract with a promoter of the St. Pete Pier that nearly triples in cost."},{"_id":"QC7A5V424NEUHLOQOR7TI3RC44","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The agreement goes before the council for approval Thursday as frustration lingers over the<a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2025/12/16/st-pete-pier-we-belong-here-music-festival-noise-complaints/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2025/12/16/st-pete-pier-we-belong-here-music-festival-noise-complaints/\"> We Belong Here festival held on the pier in December</a>. Complaints about thumping bass and loud music came from as far away as Gulfport."},{"_id":"GFCZZ7KZPFHT7BYJIGU3XFKMO4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Pier Events LLC, which has put on events at the pier since 2018 and was selected for the new contract, supported the two-day weekend electronic music festival and heralded the event’s success on social media."},{"_id":"FZ42C7Q4SJGDJNVZ6ZLCCTFJRA","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“Hopefully it gets to return and the City doesn’t buckle to the noise complaints,” Ferdian Jap, Pier Events’ manager, wrote Dec. 15 in a public Facebook post."},{"_id":"LEBXRQJ57VEC3KQSU4KBR5L3AM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The spending increase didn’t sit right with council chairperson Lisset Hanewicz. Mayor Ken Welch’s administration ordered department leaders in February to identify spending reductions of<b> </b>3% and 5%<b> </b>to close a gap in the budget."},{"_id":"FDYX7DDBMZDQJHEPV56UIREXJ4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"In a May 7 meeting to review next year’s budget, Hanewicz pointed out that the pier’s marketing and event expenses would increase from $90,000 to $250,000 annually should the council approve the new contract with Pier Events."},{"owner":{"sponsored":false,"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"St. Petersburg","region":"FL"},"syndication":{"search":"true","external_distribution":"true"},"auth":{"1":"0dc5d7be8656c51159cf3be3e009a12feea67f419b6cbd488000aa6963169c1d"},"vanity_credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times (2025)","type":"author"}]},"caption":"The promoter of the St. Pete Pier says his company will take measures during concerts to ensure speakers point to the water so music festivals don't draw noise complaints as one did last year.","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Tampa Bay Times","edit_url":"","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"d332c6a3-8c2f-4fce-9507-0fdc0e6cdd96"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/XNJGZ4JTOBCJJHFKXMVA2AV5OE.JPG","licensable":true,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Luis Santana","type":"author","byline":"Luis Santana"}]},"subtitle":"","width":6000,"_id":"XNJGZ4JTOBCJJHFKXMVA2AV5OE","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/XNJGZ4JTOBCJJHFKXMVA2AV5OE.JPG?auth=0dc5d7be8656c51159cf3be3e009a12feea67f419b6cbd488000aa6963169c1d","iptc_source":"Tampa Bay Times","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/XNJGZ4JTOBCJJHFKXMVA2AV5OE.JPG?auth=0dc5d7be8656c51159cf3be3e009a12feea67f419b6cbd488000aa6963169c1d","link":"","takenOn":"2025-02-15T19:39:59Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/XNJGZ4JTOBCJJHFKXMVA2AV5OE.JPG","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/XNJGZ4JTOBCJJHFKXMVA2AV5OE.JPG?auth=0dc5d7be8656c51159cf3be3e009a12feea67f419b6cbd488000aa6963169c1d","ingestionMethod":"manual","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/XNJGZ4JTOBCJJHFKXMVA2AV5OE.JPG?auth=0dc5d7be8656c51159cf3be3e009a12feea67f419b6cbd488000aa6963169c1d&width=300","version":1,"originalName":"434050_SANT_16_sp_raysfanfest021525.JPG","mime_type":"image/jpeg","alt_text":"","restricted":false,"template_id":465,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"Staff Photographer"},"created_date":"2025-02-15T20:43:42Z","last_updated_date":"2025-02-15T22:09:37Z","slug":"434050_SANT_sp_raysfanfest021525","height":4000,"image_type":"photograph"},{"_id":"ODDN7GDPKJDDZKVNDXULN6A32Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“The same people that posted something that how dare we complain about the noise that they created? Are you serious?” Hanewicz said."},{"_id":"K46VWU6DE5CONBHFK5SH2LGZFY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"City officials made the case that the new contract has more requirements. They pointed out that of the three proposals that came in from a bid the city put out in July, Pier Events’ price was “significantly lower” than the others."},{"_id":"UFGOELEK2NGGJPGIES6JKCC7Y4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"City spokesperson Samantha Bequer wrote in an email that Pier Events is helping bring in $165,000 in revenue this year. If voters approve increasing the homestead exemption on property taxes as proposed by the state, then the pier is one of the few ways the city could generate additional revenue."},{"_id":"6YZTCWRN65CZZDSOOBIXAYLWNY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“If you take into consideration their entire tenure at the Pier, Pier Events LLC has done a good job recruiting, producing and managing events and activities,” Bequer said. “The City could not recruit, produce and manage that level of activity for the net expense of less than $100,000.”"},{"_id":"AN656KLCWFC5FLSXIKDDYP5GTM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The city also is letting an annual $292,800 contract with Paradise Advertising, which markets and advertises the Pier, lapse in September. The city plans to take that work in-house by creating a city marketing coordinator position for the pier."},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"St. Petersburg","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"1849353c5a5f9d20142909066ca222c68f95af74b1e804548f36403b2f1f71fd"},"vanity_credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times (2025)","type":"author"}],"by":[]},"caption":"An electronic dance music festival at The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg last year drew noise complaints from as far off as Gulfport. ","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Tampa Bay Times","edit_url":"","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"d332c6a3-8c2f-4fce-9507-0fdc0e6cdd96"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/BWVTPL5BCZDZ7DMGRPGPTIR2WM.JPG","licensable":false,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Lily Speredelozzi","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Lily Speredelozzi","type":"author"}]},"subtitle":"Weather Feature June 10, 2025","width":6720,"_id":"BWVTPL5BCZDZ7DMGRPGPTIR2WM","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/BWVTPL5BCZDZ7DMGRPGPTIR2WM.JPG?auth=1849353c5a5f9d20142909066ca222c68f95af74b1e804548f36403b2f1f71fd","iptc_source":"Tampa Bay Times","iptc_job_identifier":"600663753","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/BWVTPL5BCZDZ7DMGRPGPTIR2WM.JPG?auth=1849353c5a5f9d20142909066ca222c68f95af74b1e804548f36403b2f1f71fd","link":"","takenOn":"2025-06-10T00:00:00Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/BWVTPL5BCZDZ7DMGRPGPTIR2WM.JPG","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/BWVTPL5BCZDZ7DMGRPGPTIR2WM.JPG?auth=1849353c5a5f9d20142909066ca222c68f95af74b1e804548f36403b2f1f71fd","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/BWVTPL5BCZDZ7DMGRPGPTIR2WM.JPG?auth=1849353c5a5f9d20142909066ca222c68f95af74b1e804548f36403b2f1f71fd&width=300","version":2,"originalName":"434596_SPER_04_Weather.JPG","mime_type":"image/jpeg","alt_text":"","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"Weather"},"created_date":"2026-06-02T17:03:10Z","last_updated_date":"2026-06-02T20:06:20Z","slug":"434596_SPER_04_Weather","height":4480},{"_id":"WEIV4TCFKVGLVPWHRORKW7252U","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Jap told the Tampa Bay Times that the current contract in place since 2022 supports two full-time employees and that he does not receive a salary. He said he has increased the number of events that bring in revenue to the pier and that most events are free and open to the public. He also said his company assumes all financial risk for free events."},{"_id":"IIMUL7RJQFD4LICU3G7CTA3TEI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“We believe the $250,000 is the fair number that everybody could get paid,” Jap said. “I’m very passionate about activating public spaces that bring people together.”"},{"_id":"ALQDXFEAHZFYDCPXOKEBCIWNWM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The topic came up again last Thursday in a council discussion about city co-sponsored events. Hanewicz included screenshots of Jap’s post<b> </b>dismissing noise complaints<b> </b>in the agenda packet along with emailed complaints her office received about the We Belong Here event."},{"_id":"6XMJQFSYPVBJ5OZOZMG5JMPXHU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"St. Petersburg police Chief Tony Holloway said his department received 62 complaints about the electronic music festival. He said police gave We Belong Here one written warning."},{"_id":"CG57TDFRRRFPBCJEYV6VZWLA6Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“It’s clear, I think everybody would agree, it did not go as planned, it did not go as described, and the impacts to our residents were unacceptable,” City Development Administrator James Corbett said. “We learned a lot of important lessons from that event, and a lot of those lessons that we learned are going to be incorporated.”"},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"ST. PETERSBURG","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"dae1cce7ae97af9a4b3ff514a7e84655c060d86606f356ef92a1035203f03eb1"},"caption":"The city is considering a new contract with a promoter for the pier, but noise complaints during a music festival from last year are factoring into discussions.","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Archive","edit_url":"","source_type":"other","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"68feb5d9-6308-4e9b-888f-67ac7729a8c7"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/UFTOUBUV4JGIVOP3ROEKKNCCOM.JPG","licensable":false,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Douglas R. Clifford","type":"author"}]},"subtitle":"","width":5211,"_id":"UFTOUBUV4JGIVOP3ROEKKNCCOM","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/UFTOUBUV4JGIVOP3ROEKKNCCOM.JPG?auth=dae1cce7ae97af9a4b3ff514a7e84655c060d86606f356ef92a1035203f03eb1","iptc_source":"Tampa Bay Times","iptc_job_identifier":"600556923","keywords":["arcimport"],"proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/UFTOUBUV4JGIVOP3ROEKKNCCOM.JPG?auth=dae1cce7ae97af9a4b3ff514a7e84655c060d86606f356ef92a1035203f03eb1","link":"","takenOn":"2024-05-31T00:00:00Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/UFTOUBUV4JGIVOP3ROEKKNCCOM.JPG","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/UFTOUBUV4JGIVOP3ROEKKNCCOM.JPG?auth=dae1cce7ae97af9a4b3ff514a7e84655c060d86606f356ef92a1035203f03eb1","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/UFTOUBUV4JGIVOP3ROEKKNCCOM.JPG?auth=dae1cce7ae97af9a4b3ff514a7e84655c060d86606f356ef92a1035203f03eb1&width=300","version":2,"usage_instructions":"licensing partner Zuma Press, licensing@zumapress.com or www.ZUMApress.com","originalName":"433008_CLIF_8_HotMay.JPG","mime_type":"image/jpeg","alt_text":"","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"Staff Photographer"},"created_date":"2026-06-02T17:03:15Z","last_updated_date":"2026-06-02T20:06:20Z","slug":"433008_CLIF_8_HotMay","height":3638},{"_id":"C4VY6HMFJVGSNEOUNGRUSR4FJU","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"We Belong Here submitted an application in January to return to the pier in December. The city hasn’t moved forward with it. Jap said he told event organizers to wait until after discussions regarding the budget and the pier."},{"_id":"ZT6L4AJOPZEXRHTKVBSHMUICCI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“They do want to come back as soon as possible,” Jap said. “Obviously there’s going to be some changes per the discussion as to what’s going to be needed.”"},{"_id":"6RG3622CQZH7NAXPLS5IMO7JIY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Those changes could include turning the speakers around to face the water rather than the city, eliminating a second set of speakers and ending the festival earlier on Sunday. He said he worked with the organizers of the Reggae Rise Up music festival held every year at Vinoy Park to figure out during sound checks what the acceptable decibel level would be for events on the waterfront.<b> </b>"},{"_id":"ENGXMQN6QVGG5HWD7LFJC67YSY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“We told council that it won’t happen again,” he said."},{"_id":"WMJ6DBGHJNBR3PLN3BBJ6TVMFQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Justin Dauman, co-founder of We Belong Here, said in an emailed statement that the festival “remains deeply committed to being a positive, year-round force in the Tampa Bay area.”"},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"Tampa","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"434eb140bc3db0f21c1434ea399fdca26edf08e36954fa220e70531f17307b9b"},"vanity_credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times (2024)","type":"author"}],"by":[]},"caption":"The promoter for music festival last year says they regret a social media post dismissing noise complaints during Sunday performances. ","source":{"system":"photo center","name":"Archive","edit_url":"","source_type":"other","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"}},"taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"68feb5d9-6308-4e9b-888f-67ac7729a8c7"},"version":"0.10.9","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/3TUIDLALJNCTBLIZACF5FPPM7A.JPG","licensable":false,"credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Dylan Townsend","type":"author"}]},"subtitle":"","width":5173,"_id":"3TUIDLALJNCTBLIZACF5FPPM7A","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/3TUIDLALJNCTBLIZACF5FPPM7A.JPG?auth=434eb140bc3db0f21c1434ea399fdca26edf08e36954fa220e70531f17307b9b","iptc_source":"Tampa Bay Times","iptc_job_identifier":"600569532","keywords":["arcimport"],"proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/3TUIDLALJNCTBLIZACF5FPPM7A.JPG?auth=434eb140bc3db0f21c1434ea399fdca26edf08e36954fa220e70531f17307b9b","link":"","takenOn":"2024-07-04T00:00:00Z","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/3TUIDLALJNCTBLIZACF5FPPM7A.JPG","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/3TUIDLALJNCTBLIZACF5FPPM7A.JPG?auth=434eb140bc3db0f21c1434ea399fdca26edf08e36954fa220e70531f17307b9b","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/3TUIDLALJNCTBLIZACF5FPPM7A.JPG?auth=434eb140bc3db0f21c1434ea399fdca26edf08e36954fa220e70531f17307b9b&width=300","version":2,"originalName":"433181_TOWN_08_PierFirework.JPG","mime_type":"image/jpeg","alt_text":"","restricted":false,"galleries":[],"iptc_title":"Staff Photographer"},"created_date":"2026-06-02T17:03:00Z","last_updated_date":"2026-06-02T20:06:20Z","height":3442},{"_id":"GHPMX4NNV5E6JNBTZMBDRYQ6NM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“While we are not ready to share any future event plans at this time, we look forward to releasing official updates when the time is right,” he said. “In the meantime, our primary focus is continuing our local community impact,” including independent cleanups of the waterfront with Blue Urban Project and a partnership with<i> </i>the Arts Conservatory for Teens to support music education initiatives for underserved schoolchildren."},{"_id":"DZHLSSCIEBFZLPFVSCURDVX5KY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"As for his Facebook post, Jap said he didn’t realize the number of noise complaints that came in at that time."},{"_id":"VG5SFEIIJNHGVL2XOLV6FFQEYY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“It was a mistake to post that,” he said. “I didn’t mean for the city or me to ignore noise complaints. On the contrary, we’ve been doing everything to try to continue events and concerts and try to bring economic activity to the city.”"},{"_id":"7Y2HSOBPFRH27JFH5DR4OA7K7M","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Council member Gina Driscoll said she eyed shifting the pier’s events and marketing budget to fully fund the city’s arts initiatives. Her district includes downtown."},{"_id":"T4WYMMXFPBDIDEBCRLSMTCXEPM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“I gotta be honest, this is insane,” she said. “Residents are asking for less out there, not more.”"},{"owner":{"id":"tbt"},"copyright":"Tampa Bay Times","address":{"locality":"St. Petersburg","region":"FL"},"auth":{"1":"86f4d15c66e5e9776479c71fd04828123389da029dba506cf10a2cb5126ef8dc"},"vanity_credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Times (2025)","type":"author"}]},"caption":"The St. Pete Pier is an iconic draw to the downtown waterfront. The promoter who books events there is seeking a sharp increase it charges the city for the service. 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"},{"_id":"6LFXQK4KNJB5HGMTREBX3DEYDM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Now it’s up to voters."},{"_id":"QUPQNVS4KVDPDPZQGJS3D3AEY4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Legislators voted largely along party lines Tuesday to approve a constitutional amendment proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that would raise the state’s homestead exemption to $250,000. It will save millions of Floridians thousands of dollars on their property taxes in 2028, if voters approve it in November."},{"_id":"QJ2UJJV7C5F4VIZGDCT42IWOUE","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"The rushed process — DeSantis’ plan was introduced less than a week ago, giving lawmakers no time to analyze its effects — now leaves plenty of questions and kicks off a five-month campaign to persuade voters which way to vote."},{"_id":"OJ4UNHWS6JFLZDV6ISIUFG2R3Y","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"City managers this week warned that parks, summer camps and other non-essential local services will be on the chopping block if it passes. Firefighters said their budgets will be slashed. Anti-tax advocates warn it will force local governments to raise assessments and fees, shifting the tax burden to others."},{"_id":"PM56HPYVQNEGLATIPUZDJ4GUGI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Rep. Toby Overdorf, the Palm City Republican who sponsored the amendment in the House, didn’t downplay the amendment’s potential effects. He said Tuesday that cities that rely heavily on property taxes could have to make “hard choices,” such as giving up their police departments to local sheriffs or dissolving their cities entirely."},{"_id":"2C5LYXPYYNCUZMZPBV2DHXPYB4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“These are real decisions that we all have to make on a day-to-day basis,” Overdorf said."},{"_id":"OX3K3I6BN5BB3KWN4AJZUP677U","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"If approved by 60% of Florida voters, the proposed constitutional amendment “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes” would:"},{"list_type":"unordered","_id":"3WNSW3UIB5F6FIK554UMUCVM6Y","type":"list","items":[{"_id":"JS75QE2R7VBZ3O4RC7PG5CPE6A","additional_properties":{"indent":0},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Raise the $50,000 homestead exemption on primary residences to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028"},{"_id":"DKYT7L6OIZCITC6YUN52JPCSQA","additional_properties":{"indent":0},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Increase the homestead exemption by the Consumer Price Index starting in 2028"},{"_id":"37PAETHL4BAYZML2WJOFYROGHA","additional_properties":{"indent":0},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Prohibit people who move to Florida after Dec. 31 from receiving the tax benefit for five years"},{"_id":"CEB5STLYCVE5BPIUABJENAEIQE","additional_properties":{"indent":0},"alignment":"left","type":"text","content":"Cap annual assessment increases on non-homestead property, such as corporations and second homes, from<b> </b>the current<b> </b>10% to 5%"}]},{"_id":"ASOPT2UHKRCZPCXIHHHQMZW3C4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"DeSantis has been talking about eliminating property taxes for more than a year, pointing to ballooning tax rolls thanks to soaring home values. In many cities and counties, those rolls have outpaced population growth<b> </b>and inflation."},{"_id":"JVDRC6DO6VETVI7OR43VHV7EDI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"He also touted that his proposed amendment<b> </b>would create<b> </b>a state trust fund to help local communities weather the shortfall."},{"_id":"6NQ63CYIANARTIJZI72DHIW5CY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"But lawmakers on Monday <a href=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/06/01/property-tax-exemption-amendment-desantis-legislature-florida/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/06/01/property-tax-exemption-amendment-desantis-legislature-florida/\">balked at his plan</a>, amending it to clarify that Floridians with homestead exemptions would still have to pay property taxes that go to schools. That reduces the amount that Floridians would save."},{"_id":"IFOKAABLBNBXLMRSPUE2NJUHT4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"And they stripped mention of the trust fund from the amendment, saying that it was misleading because there is no promise that future legislatures will assign any money to it."},{"_id":"PCLVW2TQLVCPLP4GR72RF5X7ME","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"A spokesperson for DeSantis did not respond to an email requesting comment about the changes on Tuesday."},{"_id":"COZ4EEGYCZDVJAINK236CQ5X6I","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Republican lawmakers acknowledged this week that the rushed process left them uncomfortable. DeSantis ordered them into a special session this week just after they passed a state budget, raising the specter that he will veto projects in their districts if they go against him."},{"_id":"PDA4NIBOU5AQBFB6XDJXCQQLLM","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"House Speaker Daniel Perez, a Miami Republican, blamed DeSantis for the short timeline. He noted that the House passed a proposed amendment during this year’s legislative session that would have eliminated all property taxes except those on schools."},{"_id":"GTXAH6BX75E4BGF2TI5CJCYPC4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“It wasn’t held to high regard by the governor, for lack of a better term,” he said of their plan. “But we would have had this conversation a long time ago, for as long as anyone wanted to.”"},{"_id":"CEPJ5O2NUREDPHILOBKDJS4FYI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"But ultimately Republicans said they were allowing voters to decide."},{"_id":"I76N5VZYKVAF5BRYFZ5FC2LFKQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“This is the hardest vote I’ve had to take because there are so many things that we still don’t know,” said Sen. Corey Simon, a Tallahassee Republican. “But we’re gonna give the voters a chance to at least opine before we destroy their opportunity to at least speak on it.”"},{"_id":"UTJC4MHCDRDFLPHWASFGS3CM3E","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Three Senate Democrats — St. Petersburg’s Darryl Rouson, West Palm Beach’s Mack Bernard and Miramar’s Barbara Sharief — joined him in voting for it."},{"_id":"TGLFXP5E3RCH7OZPBTTG4UVESY","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“Voters want a choice, and ultimately they want a say in how things go for them and their future,” Sharief said."},{"_id":"GGXRUOYVFZCSZCTBC2CUOE6Q5Y","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"Other Democrats argued that the plan does nothing for renters and noted that Republicans were ignoring high homeowners insurance rates, which are causing financial stress to more people. They also argued that they should wait for the <a href=\"https://library.law.fsu.edu/Digital-Collections/FTBRC/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://library.law.fsu.edu/Digital-Collections/FTBRC/index.html\">Taxation and Budget Reform Commission</a> to do the job when it meets for the first time in two decades next year."},{"_id":"N6I5CW354ZE7RH2HBBT2LVRZ3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“This is a cost shift: taxes, it’s fees, it’s taxes on your food, on your fuel,” said Rep. Robin Bartleman, a Weston Democrat. “You are going to pay for these services somehow.”"},{"_id":"TQTIOM22OZDPFEV6N3ERV4UCFI","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"There was no time to wait, Overdorf said."},{"_id":"WOZI2X725RHYFEC7QOZWB6MGT4","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"“We can’t afford this. We can’t afford the continued rise over and over and over again,” he said. “The time for reform is now.”"},{"_id":"SCT2IZJZWZFNRKKLXGJHN7AR24","additional_properties":{},"type":"text","content":"<i>Times/Herald staff writer Romy Ellenbogen contributed to this report.</i>"}],"subheadlines":{"basic":"Many questions — such as the amendment’s effects — are unanswered."},"description":{"basic":""},"source":{"system":"composer","name":"tbt","source_type":"staff"},"taxonomy":{"primary_site":{"path":"/news/florida-politics","parent_id":"/news","name":"Florida Politics","description":"The Buzz on Florida Politics | Tampa Bay Times","_id":"/news/florida-politics","additional_properties":{"original":{"promo":{"house_promo_link":null,"house_promo_disable":"false","house_promo_image":null},"parent":{"default":"/news"},"_admin":{"alias_ids":["/news/florida-politics"]},"newsletters":{"newsletter_article":"true","newsletter_section_front":"true","newsletter_headline":"Required reading for 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