The Tampa City Council voted 4 to 3 to approve a nonbinding memorandum of understanding for a new $2.3 billion Tampa Bay Rays stadium.

The memorandum details a $976 million public contribution toward the cost of the stadium, with $796 million from Hillsborough County and around $180 million coming from the City of Tampa.

Councilmember Luis Viera said it wouldn’t be reasonable to vote the memorandum down.

“There are legitimate concerns that I obviously acknowledge, but, to me, the good far outweighs the bad in terms of moving forward at this time. It clearly does to me.” Viera said.

Public comment was mixed, with some cautioning councilmembers on making the deal, saying more conversations need to be had with the taxpayers.

Stephanie Poynor says the decisions should be put on the ballot.

“I have a real issue – my momma always says, my husband says you can’t spend other people’s money. And if we are voting on this, and I understand the MOU, and I understand how it works. But I also understand that you guys should not be making this decision.” Poyner said.

Council members Charlie Miranda, Guido Maniscalco, and Lynn Hurtak voted no.

Council members Bill Carlson, Naya Young, Luis Viera, and Alan Clendenin voted yes.

On Wednesday, Hillsborough County commissioners voted 5 to 2 in favor of the memorandum.

The post Tampa City Council approves non-binding memorandum for new Rays stadium appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

The post The most unique live music event in Tampa Bay this weekend might be in a backyard appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

On this week’s Sustainable Living show, Anni is joined by expert guest Phil Reasons of Aquasol International to discuss sustainable food production through aquaponics. Phil has spent years designing and building systems that combine fish farming and plant production to create highly efficient food systems that conserve water and reduce environmental impact. He works with farms, schools, and communities to help people produce fresh food in smarter, more sustainable ways. His organization, Aquasol International, is “dedicated to advancing sustainable food production through aquaponics, greenhouse agriculture, and water-efficient farming systems.”

Topics discussed include:

-Phil’s background in agriculture and how he got started in aquaponics

-Phils work in disaster relief

-teaching people and communities about sustainable food systems

-how are aquaponics and hydroponics sustainable

-how sustainable food systems support local and global food communities

-small scale, backyard systems

and more!

Find out more about Phil and the work of Aquasol International on their website.

If you love the Sustainable Living Show, make sure to tune in every Monday at 11am on 88.5fm or listen to past episodes in the archives here. You can also stay up to date with show happenings on our Facebook page. Head over to the tip jar and direct your donation to Sustainable Living to show your monetary support. Remember, it takes a community to build a community.

The post Sustainable food production through aquaponics with Phil Reasons of Aquasol International appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Listen:

Barrio walks are being held by Tampa IRC to provide the community with information they may not know. The walks aim to give out condensed information for people so they know what to do around immigration enforcement.

The Barrio walks consist of anywhere between two to five routes, depending on how many people come out, and walk around the surrounding community. Each group consists of at least one Spanish speaker and a a member who has done a walk before. This walk took place in West Tampa, near the Bravo Supermarket. Tampa IRC member Yun gave insight into this process.

“We go around the community and the affected areas of the community and pass out know your rights information so folks understand what their rights are around immigration enforcement.”

Each group went door to door, knocking on homes and businesses. Handing out flyers and red information cards. The cards are pocket information guides that have a script to say when speaking to immigration enforcement.

Each walk is arranged based on need. Wherever ICE or Immigration enforcement has been seen, a walk is organized to give those in the area the information they need to protect themselves.

Yun talked more about the effects the walk has on the community.

“The most common reaction we get is that folks just don’t know that they have any right when it comes to interacting with immigration enforcement, and generally, the reaction from the community has been positive, and folks are really receptive to just that fact that people are going around giving information about all of this.”

Each walk lasts about an hour throughout the designated area. Tampa IRC promotes the Barrio walks as family-friendly events to give people of all ages the opportunity to come out and support the cause.

You can find out more about Tampa IRC including information about joining their next walk on Instagram or Facebook.

The post Tampa Immigrant Right’s Coalition holds a Barrio Walk to inform the community of their rights appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

May is Mental Health Awareness month and more Tampa Bay residents are reaching out for mental health support than ever before. But leaders from the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay say significant gaps in emergency behavioral care still remain.

On May 20, Clara Reynolds, president and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, and Ken Gibson, senior director of marketing and PR, joined MidPoint to discuss the region’s growing mental health needs, how the community responds to crisis, and available resources.

“Our mission is to ensure that nobody in our community has to face a crisis alone,” Gibson said.

What is a mental health crisis?

The Crisis Center leaders define a crisis as “a challenge in life that needs a solution,” emphasizing that people do not need to wait until a situation becomes severe to seek help.

Clara Reynolds explained that behavioral changes are often the clearest indicators, including increased alcohol or substance use, disrupted sleep, social withdrawal, or noticeable shifts from someone’s normal routines. She encouraged loved ones to trust their instincts, start conversations with concern rather than judgment, and recognize that even if someone is “just struggling,” they still deserve support.

Youth are leading a behavioral health shift

One of the most notable changes since the COVID-19 pandemic has been the growing willingness of younger people to seek mental health help. Reynolds pointed out that younger generations have become more open about seeking therapy and are pushing employers to prioritize emotional well-being alongside physical health.

Gibson added that the pandemic accelerated what the organization had anticipated would be a behavioral health “tsunami.”

Veterans remain a priority population

The Crisis Center has also expanded services for veterans, a group Reynolds said often faces unique barriers when seeking help. She pointed to the creation of the Florida Veterans Support Line, a 24/7 resource staffed by veterans, regardless of discharge status, that connects callers with services both inside and outside the VA system.

“There’s nothing like that peer-to-peer connection,” Reynolds said.

Crisis response gaps

One of the biggest gaps Reynolds identified is greater access to mobile crisis response teams – licensed mental health professionals trained to respond to psychiatric emergencies. She explained that mental health emergencies are often better handled first by trained behavioral health professionals rather than traditional law enforcement responses. A behavioral health specialist may be able to quickly determine whether a person is a danger to themselves or others and whether safety concerns call for a law enforcement response.

“Law enforcement aren’t trained mental health professionals,” Reynolds said. “They are incredible individuals doing the very best with the skill sets they have, but mobile crisis response is the emergency response that should be available.”

The Crisis Center has already helped reshape crisis response in Tampa through a partnership with the Tampa Police Department, which trains behavioral health dispatch operators to quickly and accurately assess callers’ needs for mental health assistance.

Knowing when to call 911, 988, or 211

The MidPoint guests emphasized that knowing which number to call can make a critical difference.

Call 911 – if someone is in immediate danger or has access to lethal means, such as a firearm or another weapon.

Call 988 – for mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or concern about a loved one.

Call 211 – for non-urgent support, including housing assistance, food resources, counseling referrals, and other community services.

Both 211 and 988 are answered locally by Crisis Center of Tampa Bay staff 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

A message for those struggling

Reynolds concluded the MidPoint discussion with a message aimed directly at anyone facing emotional distress.

“It’s okay to not be okay,” she said.

Gibson urged people not to isolate. He encouraged anyone who is struggling with emotional distress to reach out to someone they trust, whether that’s a friend, colleague, faith leader, or mental health professional.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, a nonprofit that has served the region for more than 50 years, provides a wide range of services that extend far beyond a traditional hotline. Those include operating the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline locally, staffing the 211-community resource line, providing behavioral health ambulance transport, rape crisis services, trauma counseling, and youth and family behavioral health programs.

To learn more about the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay resources, please visit their website.

You can listen to this entire MidPoint show on demand from the archive here, on the WMNF app, or as a WMNF MidPoint podcast on Spotify or Apple Music.

The post Crisis Center of Tampa Bay leaders discuss mental health and community support appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Hillsborough County approves a nonbinding deal for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium

Commissioners voted 5-2 on Wednesday for the $2.3 billion ballpark development.

Hillsborough is investigating its emergency director, but no information has been disclosed to the public

Timothy Dudley Jr, is the center of a county investigation, but Hillsborough hasn’t disclosed any details.

Black Cemeteries Network kicks off its first convention in Tampa Bay today

The conference is a response to conversations, research and legislation surrounding the erased African-American cemeteries in Tampa Bay – especially Zion Cemetery and the cemeteries on the Tropicana Field property.

Humana Foundation releases report on seniors increasingly struggling with their mental health

The cause is a combination of leaving the workforce and losing a sense of community, losing support systems as partners or peers die or children moving away.

Pasco County Schools’ enrollment decline is due to school choice

Much of the growth in student numbers is happening within Pasco’s charter and voucher education.

The Scoop: Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNF

The Scoop, produced by Demaria Green and Seán Kinane.

WMNF anchors Chris Young, Juanita Hurtado Huérfano, Seán Kinane, Lisa Marzilli. 
WMNF News Director Seán Kinane
WMNF reporters Chris Young, Juanita Hurtado Huérfano, Lisa Marzilli, Seán Kinane, Sofia Caballero, Daria Mironova
Special thanks to Taylor Lovejoy and Corey Beltran.

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
https://archive.org/details/jamendo-001084/02.mp3
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com / WMNF

• information from News Service of Florida, the Associated Press and Florida Public Media was used in this report

The post The Scoop: Wed. May 21, 2026 Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

FPREN | By Andrew Wulfeck

NOAA forecasters expect atmospheric conditions associated with a developing El Niño to suppress Atlantic tropical cyclone activity during the 2026 season, increasing the likelihood of a below-normal year across the basin.

In its initial outlook released Thursday, the agency said there is a 55% chance of a below-normal hurricane season, with only 10% odds of the year finishing with above-normal activity.

Based on calculations involving the expected Accumulated Cyclone Energy, forecasters expect 8 to 14 named storms to form, of which 3 to 6 could become hurricanes, including 1 to 3 major hurricanes with sustained winds of at least 115 mph.

Typically, during an average year, 12 named storms form, with 7 becoming hurricanes and 3 reaching major hurricane status.

Experts with Colorado State University released their initial outlook in April and came up with similar figures, forecasting 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes.

“So far, the 2026 hurricane season is exhibiting characteristics similar to the 2006, 2009, 2015 and 2023 seasons,” Phil Klotzbach, a CSU senior research scientist and lead author of the report, previously stated.

Forecasters with both groups said El Niño is expected to play the dominant role in suppressing activity during the peak months of hurricane season from August through October.

In the Atlantic basin, El Niño often increases upper-level winds across the Atlantic’s Main Development Region or what commonly referred to as the MDR.

The MDR stretches from the Caribbean through the tropical Atlantic and is where many long-lasting hurricanes typically form.

Despite expectations for a quieter season, officials continue to stress that seasonal outlooks are not landfall forecasts and even El Niño years can still produce devastating impacts.

For instance, the 2004 hurricane season, which featured El Niño conditions, produced 15 named storms, with five cyclones impacting Florida over a six-week time frame.

During an average year across the basin, the first named storm typically does not form until June 20, while the first hurricane usually does not develop until mid-August.

The first tropical storm of the 2026 season will receive the name Arthur, and there are no indications that formation will occur over the next few weeks.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, with roughly 97% of all tropical cyclone activity taking place between those dates.

The post The NOAA hurricane outlook predicts that El Niño will reduce tropical activity appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Recent research at Texas A&M University has revealed that a nasal spray can improve memory. Researches found that it can reduce brain inflammation and improve overall cognitive. 

As humans age, memory is one of the first things to deteriorate. Dr. Ashok Shetty, a distinguished professor at Texas A&M, says inflammation in the brain is one of the main symptoms.    

“Aging is associated with the low level or moderate level of inflammation in the brain,” said Dr. Shetty. “It is called neuroinflammation. So it happens in most people, but when it reaches a certain threshold, it starts to interfere with the cognitive function.”

He says in their initial findings they saw a significant decrease in brain inflammation.  

“So first we did a simple test in an animal model of inflammation. We tested the series and we found that it can dampen inflammation dramatically.”

How it works

Dr. Shetty says as inflammation increases, you are more at risk for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.  But, the nasal spray can help prevent this. 

“The main finding of the study is that intranasal administration of these extracellular vesicles leads to changes in gene expression in microglia, particularly,” said Dr. Shetty. “So that results in reduced inflammation.” 

The nasal spray delivers tiny bubbles into the brain that provides new instructions to the brain’s immune cells. These instructions tell the brain to lower the levels of harmful swelling. 

To continue their research they will need to allocate more funding and get approved for clinical trials. Dr. Shetty says their goal is to effectively rewire the brain from the inside out and decrease overall brain fog. 

For more information on the study visit stories.tamu.edu.

The post Research explores how nasal spray can improve memory and cognitive function appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

A political cartoon by Bob Whitmore.

Bob Whitmore produces a weekly political cartoon and shares it with WMNF.

This week’s cartoon is “Road to ruin.”

He also created a design for a WMNF t-shirt and poster. You can find out more about that here, where it also says:

“Bob brings a sharp eye, quick wit, and unmistakable style to the issues shaping our city. His work blends humor and commentary, often shining a light on local politics, culture, and the wonderfully quirky personalities that make Tampa, well… Tampa.

“And while his weekly cartoons lean into political commentary, Bob also knows how to celebrate community. For this year’s Spring Fund Drive (Feb. 18–25), he created a lively illustration featuring WMNF volunteers, staff, and programmers, past and present, capturing the energy, diversity, and heart of the station in his signature playful style.”

Bob’s cartoons were the subject of controversy in 2025, which you can read more about here. Here’s part of the story:

A political cartoonist at Creative Loafing is out of a job because of criticisms the paper got after it published his cartoon of a starving child in Gaza.

Bob Whitmore tells WMNF that even though the cartoon seems to be a political statement about the famine and war in Gaza, the corporate parent company of CL considers it to be antisemitic.

“The cartoon was in reference to the starvation that is happening to children in Gaza at the moment. It depicted a small child standing at one of the walls of Gaza. There’s barbed wire at the top, strung across the top. And in the distance, the Israeli flag is fluttering. And then the caption says, ”Wailing wall.’ The child is crying out, ‘Please give me food.’ And that is it in a nutshell,” Whitmore said.

Whitmore continued, “Dissent against Israel’s actions in Gaza should not be considered antisemitism.”

The post Road to ruin appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

The WMNF Song of the Day for May 21, 2026 is “Bingo” by La Sécurité.

La Sécurité is a Canadian dance-punk group from Montreal, Quebec. Their debut album Stay Safe! was released in 2023.

The band consists of vocalist Éliane Viens-Synnott, guitarists Melissa Di Menna and Laurence-Anne Charest-Gagné, bassist Félix Bélisle (Choses Sauvages) and Kenny Smith. The band was launched in 2020 as a side project during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when the members could not play in their primary bands.

Bingo! is the title track from La Sécurité’s June 12, 2026 album.

They are performing tonight in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Tickets here.

The post SOTD 5/21/26: Bingo! by La Sécurité appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.