Tampa Bay Times

A Florida native goes sledding in Tallahassee

☃️ After an unusual winter storm blanketed north Florida with snow, our Tallahassee reporter Romy Ellenbogen ventured out to explore. It was the native Floridian’s first time seeing snow — and sledding! Check out how she spent her morning: https://trib.al/MROcaIf

People gathered in St. Petersburg today to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the city’s annual MLK Dream Big Parade. See photos from the celebration: https://trib.al/DZFXq2K

Who's running for Florida governor? How the 2026 field is shaping up.

The 2026 primary is nearly 600 days away. But politicians are already hinting at possible runs for Florida governor and amassing cash for what’s sure to be an expensive election. Politics reporter Kirby Wilson breaks down the candidates to watch. Read on: https://trib.al/LZNGuPK

Tarpon Springs observes 119th Epiphany celebration

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral’s 119th Epiphany celebration drew crowds to Tarpon Springs today. Read more about the festivities: https://trib.al/aHzgPC6

Florida animals use wildlife crossings. Videos prove it.

Wildlife crossings have proven to be the most effective way to reduce crashes between cars and animals, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They also are costly and can take years to build. The state has more than 200 of these passages connecting habitats splintered by roads, including a few in the Tampa Bay area. Read more about the crossings and the kinds of animals using them: https://trib.al/rXxfoPN

Two hurricanes swamped Tampa Bay flood defenses. What can be done?

Sewage stations lost power and backed up into homes. Treatment plants were shut down intentionally out of concern they might flood. Drainage systems were overwhelmed, leading to prolonged high water. After hurricanes Helene and Milton delivered a one-two punch to Tampa Bay, our reporters found that infrastructure that was supposed to keep homes and businesses dry had failed time and again. But experts say upgrades can be made to prevent future flooding: https://trib.al/pIKNdM3

The top 10 restaurants in Tampa Bay right now

Have you checked out our food critic’s list of the top restaurants in Tampa Bay? Thirty spots across the region made her ranking. Read all about them at tampabay.com/toprestaurants

Could Ron DeSantis join the Trump administration?

President-elect Donald Trump is drawing heavily from the Sunshine State to staff his administration. But the biggest Florida appointment of all could still be yet to come. Politics reporter Kirby Wilson breaks down how Trump picking Gov. Ron DeSantis as his defense secretary would set off a massive domino effect across state politics. Keep up with the latest developments and our complete politics coverage: tampabay.com/politics

How our food critic picked Tampa Bay's Top Restaurants of 2024

How did Times food critic Helen Freund’s list of the Top 30 Restaurants in Tampa Bay come together? She shares her thinking behind the picks. Read more here: https://trib.al/uYTRFAG

Florida’s abortion Amendment 4 failed. What to know now.

Amendment 4, which would have enshrined abortion rights in the Florida Constitution, failed to pass, meaning the state’s six-week abortion ban will stay in place. The ballot measure received about 57% of the vote, a majority. But it didn’t meet Florida’s required 60% bar for passage. Here’s a full rundown on what to know now about abortion in Florida: https://trib.al/2CBu1Mg

3 things forecasters want you to know about Hurricane Milton

Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene brought record flooding, the Tampa Bay area is bracing for another life-threatening storm — and this one could be even worse. Reporter Jack Prator breaks down three things forecasters want you to know about Hurricane Milton. Get live updates on the storm ➡️ https://trib.al/1JtOyIo

Helene debris lingers as Tampa Bay prepares for another hurricane

Hundreds of thousands of Tampa Bay residents could receive evacuation orders on Monday as newly formed Hurricane Milton is expected to turn into a life-threatening storm. The storm has already triggered an “unprecedented” debris removal effort in the area, with dump sites open 24 hours and Florida National Guard members helping clear debris, Gov. Ron DeSantis said. Follow live updates: https://trib.al/oxWIBIV