FPREN | By Andrew Wulfeck

With less than a month before the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, Florida residents might be wondering when the annual tax-free preparation holiday will get underway, but the approach to storm readiness has changed over the past year.

During previous seasons, the State of Florida offered a limited-time sales tax holiday that typically lasted around two weeks, but legislation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2025 made many sales tax exemptions permanent, meaning shoppers can take advantage of savings year-round.

Florida’s first sales tax holiday for storm supplies was signed into law in 2005 by then-Gov. Jeb Bush following the devastating 2004 hurricane season, and it had been a practice ever since for the legislature to reup the holiday.

Under the now-permanent exemptions, commonly used emergency supplies – such as batteries, certain generators, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms and other essential items – are eligible for tax-free purchase year-round.

The change is designed to give residents more flexibility and remove the pressure of preparing for a hurricane within a narrow timeframe, especially when there is little activity in the tropics during the early weeks of the season.

Other tax-free items include helmets, life jackets, insect repellent and sunscreen, all of which can be critical, especially in the aftermath of a storm.

Some items that were included in previous years are no longer on the exemption list, including flashlights, candles, food coolers and some pet supplies.

There is no limit to how much people can save, and the exemptions are automatically applied at the point of purchase without the need for additional steps.

By removing the time constraints associated with previous tax holidays, the permanent exemptions allow residents to restock and maintain their emergency supply kits throughout the year instead of waiting until the start of hurricane season.

The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, with the most activity typically occurring in August, September and October.

In 2026, forecasters from Colorado State University expect 13 named storms to form, with six becoming hurricanes and a few reaching major hurricane status, defined as winds of at least 115 mph.

If the outlook verifies, the season would be slightly quieter than an average year, which typically produces 14 named storms and seven hurricanes.

Forecasters attribute the expected quieter conditions across the Atlantic basin to a strengthening El Niño pattern, which tends to create less favorable conditions for tropical development and can limit storms from becoming more organized.

The first named storm of the season typically forms around June 20, and it will receive the name “Arthur.”

Other names on the 2026 list include Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard and Fay.

The post Why there won’t be temporary tax-free days for disaster supplies in 2026 appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Tampa Bay is bringing another packed weekend filled with massive concerts, legendary tribute shows, high-energy nightlife, and one of the biggest wrestling events of the year. From Kid Cudi taking over Benchmark International Arena and WWE Backlash delivering nonstop action to live music performances across Tampa, Clearwater, St. Pete, and Ybor City, there’s no shortage of ways to spend the weekend.

Whether you’re looking for electronic music at The Ritz, classic rock tributes, intimate live concerts, metal shows, salsa performances, or waterfront nightlife vibes, this weekend’s lineup offers something for every kind of music and entertainment fan across the Bay area.

Friday

Kid Cudi • Benchmark International Arena

Grammy-winning artist Kid Cudi heads to Tampa for a massive arena performance featuring genre-bending hits, emotional storytelling, and an unforgettable live production from one of hip-hop’s most influential performers.
Details

Gilberto Santa Rosa • Straz Center at 8PM

Known as “The Gentleman of Salsa,” Gilberto Santa Rosa delivers an elegant evening of Latin rhythms, romantic ballads, and timeless salsa classics inside the Straz Center.
Details

Soulja Boy • Jannus Live at 7PM

Soulja Boy brings the party to downtown St. Pete with a throwback-filled performance featuring viral hits, club anthems, and nonstop crowd energy at Jannus Live.
Details

Saturday

WWE Backlash • Benchmark International Arena at 7PM

WWE Backlash takes over Tampa with a stacked night of championship clashes, larger-than-life entrances, and intense rivalries as the WWE Universe gathers for one of the biggest wrestling events of the year.
Details

Killer Queen • Ruth Eckerd Hall at 7PM

Experience the legendary music of Queen as Killer Queen recreates the iconic sound, style, and energy of Freddie Mercury and the band’s greatest hits in a spectacular tribute concert.
Details

Javier Mendoza “Hobo Cane” • Coastal Lifestyle House Concerts from 8PM – 10PM

Enjoy an intimate live performance from singer-songwriter Javier Mendoza as he blends soulful vocals, acoustic melodies, and heartfelt storytelling in a unique house concert setting.
Details

Night Bliss • Whiskey River On The Water at 7PM

Spend the evening waterfront with live music from Night Bliss, bringing feel-good favorites and energetic performances to one of Tampa Bay’s favorite outdoor party spots.
Details

The Michael Allman Band • Richey Suncoast Theatre at 7:30PM

Southern rock fans can catch The Michael Allman Band performing blues-infused classics and guitar-driven jams inspired by the legendary Allman Brothers tradition.
Details

The Black Honkeys • Skipper’s Smokehouse at 8PM

Get ready for a funky night at Skipper’s Smokehouse as The Black Honkeys deliver their signature blend of rock, soul, funk, and high-energy entertainment.
Details

Wall of Echoes: Tribute to Pink Floyd • OCC Road House at 6PM

Pink Floyd fans can experience an immersive tribute performance featuring soaring guitar solos, psychedelic visuals, and legendary progressive rock classics performed live.
Details

Kayzo • The Ritz Ybor at 10PM

Electronic music heavyweight Kayzo unleashes a night of bass-heavy drops, hard-hitting production, and explosive visuals for a late-night EDM experience in Ybor City.
Details

Prince Daddy & The Hyena • Crowbar at 7PM

The punk and emo favorites bring their raw energy and emotionally charged sound to Crowbar for a night packed with loud guitars, singalongs, and underground vibes.
Details

Disco 54: The Ultimate Disco Experience • Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center at 7PM

Step back into the disco era with dazzling costumes, dance-floor classics, and nonstop retro grooves celebrating the golden age of disco music.
Details

Unprocessed • Crowbar at 7PM

German progressive metal band Unprocessed delivers an intense live performance filled with technical musicianship, crushing riffs, and genre-blending modern metal sounds.
Details

Black Tiger Sex Machine • The Ritz Ybor at 10PM

Black Tiger Sex Machine transforms The Ritz into a futuristic bass-fueled spectacle with massive visuals, heavy electronic drops, and an unforgettable late-night rave atmosphere.
Details

Napalm Death • The Orpheum at 8PM

Extreme metal pioneers Napalm Death bring relentless speed, crushing intensity, and legendary grindcore energy for a wild night at The Orpheum.
Details

Sunday

Nearly Diamond • OCC Road House at 1PM

Celebrate the timeless music of Neil Diamond as Nearly Diamond performs fan-favorite classics and singalong hits in an afternoon tribute concert.
Details

Matt Woods • The Independent Bar & Kitchen at 6:30PM

Singer-songwriter Matt Woods brings Americana storytelling, roots-inspired melodies, and heartfelt acoustic performances to St. Pete for an intimate evening of live music.
Details

Exodus with Biohazard & Sworn Enemy • Jannus Live at 6PM

Thrash metal legends Exodus join forces with Biohazard and Sworn Enemy for a stacked lineup delivering pure aggression, mosh pits, and nonstop heavy energy at Jannus Live.
Details

One Night of Queen • Mahaffey Theatre at 7:30PM

Experience the magic of Queen’s greatest hits performed live with theatrical flair, incredible vocals, and the legendary sound that defined an era of rock music.
Details

The post The ultimate Tampa Bay weekend entertainment guide appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Listen:

On Earth Day, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill stopping local governments’ climate change efforts. 

But now, the future of Tampa’s extensive Climate Action and Equity Plan is up in the air. 

In 2023, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor joined others to present the city’s Climate Action and Equity Plan. 

“Today, we’re proud to release Tampa’s first climate action and equity plan, and I think everyone has a copy of that. A great deal of work went into this plan, for two years as part of our Resilient Tampa roadmap.” Castor said in 2023.

The plan would reduce carbon emissions through infrastructure changes, with a goal of “net-zero,” which means cutting carbon emissions to a balanced level. 

But DeSantis’ bill, among other things, bans local governments from using net-zero policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“So it’s like, okay, we’re just going to stop the madness here, and that’s what this bill does. It safeguards Floridians by prohibiting all levels of government from adopting or  enforcing these radical climate policies.” DeSantis said at a Jacksonville press conference.

Susan Glickman, vice president of Policy and Partnerships for CLEO, calls the decision appalling. 

“To sign a bill on Earth Day feels quite cynical, that he’s thumbing his nose at the local communities that are suffering from extreme weather, and also that are suffering with paying power bills, and affordability is on everyone’s mind, and this went in the exact opposite direction,” Glickman told WMNF.

Non-profit climate change group the CLEO Institute partnered with the city to create the 156-page plan.

“It’s very frustrating because clean energy solutions have gotten cheaper and cheaper and cheaper. And again, because you take the fuel, the fossil gas, or coal, out of the equation, it’s just less expensive.” Glickman said.

Non-profit group, The Nature Conservancy, calls Florida “ground zero” for the effects of climate change, including warming temperatures, sea-level rise, and changing drought conditions. 

In an email sent to WMNF from Tampa’s Sustainability and Resiliency Officer, Kayla Caselli, she says the city attorney and legal department staff are still reviewing how the legislation will impact the City of Tampa’s policies and programs.

 The law takes effect July 1st.

The post After DeSantis signs bill banning local climate efforts, Tampa’s ‘climate action’ plan is in limbo 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 “Test for democracy.”

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 Test for democracy appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

On Monday and Tuesday, the Courtney Campbell will close overnight

The Courtney Campbell Causeway will close overnight next Monday (May 11) and Tuesday (May 12). According to FDOT, all travel lanes of State Road 60 in both directions between Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties will close those two nights from 10:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., weather permitting. Alternate routes are State Road 580 – Hillsborough Avenue and U.S. 19 and I-275 – the Howard Frankland Bridge.

Low-income Manatee residents can apply for a home repair loan

The forgivable loans are through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership, or SHIP, program.

Salcines Park in West Tampa has reopened after renovations

Salcines Park was once a hub for political and cultural gatherings.

How to prepare for what happens after storms

It’s Hurricane Preparedness Week. WMNF has brought you reports on how to get ready for storms and how to weather them safely. Meteorologist Megan Borowski from the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network tells us how to prepare for what happens after storms.

The Scoop: Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNF

The Scoop, produced by 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, Zoe Sax, 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: Fri. May 8, 2026 Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Last week, the ribbon was cut on the newly renovated Salcines Park in West Tampa. Once a hub for political and cultural gatherings.

Originally opened in 1991, the park has been a major cultural and historical part of West Tampa. It was named after Emiliano Salcines, a civic leader who community members called the mayor of West Tampa. Salcines was known from his popular department store where he aided immigrants and organized local civic groups 

35 years later, the city renovated the park to create a more modernized and comfortable place to gather. While still reflecting its history and value. Tony Monk, a landscape architect with the city of Tampa’s Parks and Recreation Department, says working with the community was a top priority in the renovation process. 

“The history of the community is really important to the folks who live there and that’s represented in the mural that we preserved on the wall,” said Monk. “And the materials that we chose for the park and the way that we emphasized gathering and community by having a nice large shaded shelter that really is the centerpiece of this park.”

The park now features an ADA-approved design, making the park accessible to all community members. 

For more information on the history of Salcines park, visit Tampa.gov. 

The post The historical legacy of Salcines Park in West Tampa is preserved with renovations appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

FPREN | By Leslie Hudson

When a storm threatens, the ability to pivot matters. Roads fill quickly, and conditions can deteriorate well before landfall—making timing everything. Meteorologist Leslie Hudson has more in this YouTube video:

Always follow evacuation orders from local authorities — don’t wait for a hurricane to intensify before deciding to follow the order.

You want to leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather. If time allows, unplug electrical equipment, leave a note detailing your whereabouts, and check to see if any neighbors need a ride.

FLASH: Find Your Evacuation Zone

Ready.gov: Evacuation

Always follow evacuation orders from local authorities — don’t wait for a hurricane to intensify before deciding to follow the order. You want to leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.

Tomorrow, we shift from planning ahead to riding it out—how to stay protected when the storm is no longer coming… but here.

The post Know when it’s time to move before the storm: Hurricane Prep Week appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

“All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother” are profound words attributed to Abraham Lincoln who lost his birth mother at the age of 9. However, Lincoln is by far not the only individual who has held and/or still holds their mother in high regards.

In 1914, the love, appreciation, and gratitude for moms eventually led to the creation of a national holiday in the United States known as “Mother’s Day”.  However, beyond its humble beginnings, Mother’s Day has morphed into a massive holiday, and according to hallmark.com, approximately 84% of Americans celebrate it, making it the third-largest card-sending holiday.  Additionally, although Mother’s Day is not the most celebrated holiday, it is one of the highest-rated and most-celebrated days for consumer spending, dining out, and phone calls.

During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, mother-like figures, e.g., grandmothers, foster mothers, spiritual mothers, officially became part of the Mother’s Day celebrations. Additionally, many people choose to use Mother’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate and honor their mom who has passed away through memorial traditions, candlelight vigils and/or social media tributes.

During the Morning Energy program, we are going to spend time exploring some of the greatest lessons that mothers and mothers figures have taught their loved ones that have ultimately touched their lives in such profound ways.

Join me, Renna on Friday from 4-6am for a very special musical journey about this very inspiring and intriguing topic.  And if you miss the live program, you can always listen to the weekly program for up to 7 days on the archives at https://www.wmnf.org/events/morning-energy/.

The post “A Woman’s Touch” on Morning Energy appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

The WMNF Song of the Day for May 8, 2026 is “Nighthawk” by Jarrod Walker, the title track from his debut album which drops today! Yay!

The album, comprised of 10 new original compositions along with Chris Henry’s West Dakota Rose, Nighthawk blends Jarrod’s bluegrass foundation with elements of classic country and alternative- Americana. The album features Walker on vocals, mandolin, mandocello, and guitar. He is joined by longtime musical friends: Christian Ward (fiddle), Jake Stargel (guitar), Royal Masat (vocals, bass), Cory Walker (banjo), Jamie Dick (drums), Spencer Gullum (steel guitar), Billy Strings (vocals), and Logan Ledger (vocals).

Nate, SOTD curator here: I was at the recent Tampa Billy Strings show (before he broke his leg skateboarding and had to cancel the rest of the tour!!). Jarrod is his Billy’s mandolin player. During the second Billy told the crowd that Jarrod was from Plant City, FL. And then they introduced “Nighthawk” and the crowd lost their minds.  

When I reached out to Jarrod’s PR I was told:

That’s wonderful! Jarrod mentioned that growing up, he knew Tom Henderson who ran the bluegrass parlor and had a show on WMNF called ‘This Is Bluegrass’ that he and his family listened to all the time.

Follow Jarrod: @jarrodwalker.

The post SOTD 5/8/26:   Nighthawk by Jarrod Walker [album debut] appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

On May 6, Jason Garcia, Florida’s leading independent investigative reporter and publisher of the Seeking Rents newsletter and Substack, joined MidPoint to discuss recent Florida legislation on congressional redistricting, voting restrictions, executive power, and government transparency. Garcia emphasized that arguments over voting rights, executive authority, transparency, and representation are changing not just state policy, but also public trust in government.

Florida’s Republican-controlled political scene is rapidly shifting, driven by battles over congressional maps, voting laws, executive authority, and increased partisan influence. During the Midpoint discussion, Jason Garcia described a wider transformation in how political power is exercised at the statewide level. The legislature has engaged in an unprecedented mid-decade redistricting scheme in its latest special session. Florida’s newly approved congressional maps, which radically redraw several districts in the Tampa Bay region and elsewhere in the state to protect Republican seats, may now leave Florida with almost no Democratic representation in Congress for the approximately 31% of Florida voters who are registered Democrats.  Lawsuits challenging the mid-decade redistricting are pending.

The discussion also turned to the expanding role of executive authority in Florida government within the DeSantis administration. Garcia raised concerns about an increasingly aggressive interpretation of executive authority and enforcement power to interpret the Constitution without seeking court rulings. This power has been largely exercised by Attorney General James Uthmeier, even as his authority to do so is dubious. For example, he has threatened local officials with removal from office if they promote any public engagement with issues or events reflecting diversity, equity, and inclusion. According to Garcia, the recent political conflicts involving transparency, accountability, and executive authority reflect an even larger shift in Florida’s political power balance as the Republicans continue to control all three branches of state government.

Another major focus of the MidPoint discussion was Florida’s recently enacted SAVE Act, which has already prompted lawsuits from voting rights organizations. The law tightens voter registration and ID requirements, which critics say could create barriers for eligible voters. Garcia identified groups of voters he believes could be disproportionately affected: naturalized citizens, women with changed legal names, students, and elderly Black Floridians born at home because they were not welcome in hospitals and who were not issued birth certificates. He questioned the reasoning for barring the use of student ID cards at the polls, noting that it seems like a clear attempt to suppress the votes of young people, because there is little evidence of student voting fraud.

The journalist also discussed the mission of his publication, Seeking Rents, which highlights political influence, lobbying, and accountability reporting across Florida. As legacy and local newsrooms shrink, Garcia believes that independent investigative journalism is vital to uncovering political and financial corruption.

You can follow Jason Garcia’s investigations on his Seeking Rents Substack, his newsletter and podcast.

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 Investigative reporter Jason Garcia examines Florida’s political struggles appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.