Tampa Bay Bugle
@tampabaybugle.bsky.social
An independent news site covering local news, government, politics, and events across the Tampa Bay region.
https://www.baybugle.com/
https://www.baybugle.com/
Pinned
Starter pack for news and updates in the Tampa Bay region. I will continue expanding this over time -- reply if you know an account that should be included!
Capt. Lora Rivera, who oversaw the sheriff’s professional standards bureau, resigned Thursday amid allegations she’d paid Robert Roush to complete a work-related paper for her, Sheriff Chad Chronister told the Times.
Hillsborough sheriff leaders under scrutiny amid growing cheating scandal
Two colonels face an internal probe and a captain resigned over ties to a man involved in an academic cheating claim that felled an ex-chief deputy.
www.tampabay.com
October 6, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Capt. Lora Rivera, who oversaw the sheriff’s professional standards bureau, resigned Thursday amid allegations she’d paid Robert Roush to complete a work-related paper for her, Sheriff Chad Chronister told the Times.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
I don't want to be melodramatic here, but this could well be the last stand for home rule in Florida.
Land-use is arguably the one major policy area where cities and counties have lots of autonomy and power.
If Tallahassee can strip local governments of even that...
Land-use is arguably the one major policy area where cities and counties have lots of autonomy and power.
If Tallahassee can strip local governments of even that...
September 19, 2025 at 2:40 PM
I don't want to be melodramatic here, but this could well be the last stand for home rule in Florida.
Land-use is arguably the one major policy area where cities and counties have lots of autonomy and power.
If Tallahassee can strip local governments of even that...
Land-use is arguably the one major policy area where cities and counties have lots of autonomy and power.
If Tallahassee can strip local governments of even that...
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
The City of Tampa will be holding their 1st workshop next week in an attempt to raise their impact fees in the same manner as Manatee County.
This is a crazy threat for the DeSantis administration to make.
You have a DeSantis appointee and former chief of staff not-even-subtly hinting that the administration will withhold state funding from a county unless that county bows down to developers.
You have a DeSantis appointee and former chief of staff not-even-subtly hinting that the administration will withhold state funding from a county unless that county bows down to developers.
"If the board chooses to continue down the path, the consequences are inevitable," Kelly wrote
He went so far as to threaten state funding for roads, parks and economic development projects in Manatee County...
He went so far as to threaten state funding for roads, parks and economic development projects in Manatee County...
September 19, 2025 at 4:26 PM
The City of Tampa will be holding their 1st workshop next week in an attempt to raise their impact fees in the same manner as Manatee County.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
If Tate throws her support behind Naya Young, Young could start the runoff with a coalition of voters larger than Scott’s total. If Tate supports Scott, she would solidify his lead and turn Young into more of a dark horse candidate than an equal contender with Scott.
All Eyes on Fran Tate in Tampa District 5 Runoff — Tampa Bay Bugle
TAMPA — Thirteen candidates qualified for the special election to fill the District 5 seat on the Tampa City Council — fourteen if you count write-in candidate Jose Vazquez. But just three of those ca...
www.baybugle.com
September 10, 2025 at 7:05 PM
If Tate throws her support behind Naya Young, Young could start the runoff with a coalition of voters larger than Scott’s total. If Tate supports Scott, she would solidify his lead and turn Young into more of a dark horse candidate than an equal contender with Scott.
If Tate throws her support behind Naya Young, Young could start the runoff with a coalition of voters larger than Scott’s total. If Tate supports Scott, she would solidify his lead and turn Young into more of a dark horse candidate than an equal contender with Scott.
All Eyes on Fran Tate in Tampa District 5 Runoff — Tampa Bay Bugle
TAMPA — Thirteen candidates qualified for the special election to fill the District 5 seat on the Tampa City Council — fourteen if you count write-in candidate Jose Vazquez. But just three of those ca...
www.baybugle.com
September 10, 2025 at 7:05 PM
If Tate throws her support behind Naya Young, Young could start the runoff with a coalition of voters larger than Scott’s total. If Tate supports Scott, she would solidify his lead and turn Young into more of a dark horse candidate than an equal contender with Scott.
Results are in for Tampa’s special election to replace late Councilmember Gwen Henderson in City Council District 5. A total of 5,411 ballots were cast in this election, slightly more than the 5,199 votes cast when Gwen Myers won the seat in a close race against Orlando Gudes in 2023.
Tom Scott Delivers, Naya Young Surprises in Tampa Special Election Yesterday — Tampa Bay Bugle
TAMPA — Results are in for Tampa’s special election to replace late Councilmember Gwen Henderson in City Council District 5. A total of 5,411 ballots were cast in this election, slightly more than...
www.baybugle.com
September 10, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Results are in for Tampa’s special election to replace late Councilmember Gwen Henderson in City Council District 5. A total of 5,411 ballots were cast in this election, slightly more than the 5,199 votes cast when Gwen Myers won the seat in a close race against Orlando Gudes in 2023.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
Contractors are being furloughed and DHS is “moving detainees to other facilities.”
Alligator Alcatraz’s last days? DHS says it’s following judge’s shutdown order
Contractors are being furloughed and DHS is “moving detainees to other facilities.”
bit.ly
August 29, 2025 at 5:00 AM
Contractors are being furloughed and DHS is “moving detainees to other facilities.”
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
Gov. DeSantis calls crosswalk outside of a mass shooting memorial 'political'
Gov. DeSantis calls crosswalk outside of a mass shooting memorial 'political'
The crosswalk is located outside the site of the Pulse nightclub shooting, which has long stood as the city's interim — and only — memorial
www.orlandoweekly.com
August 22, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Gov. DeSantis calls crosswalk outside of a mass shooting memorial 'political'
Mayor Ken Welch praised the program as a step forward in community safety, noting that the drones allow officers to respond faster while reducing risks. “There’s no one else in Pinellas County doing it like St. Petersburg Police Department,” Welch said.
Mayor Welch Praises Drone Program at St. Petersburg Police Department — Tampa Bay Bugle
ST. PETERSBURG — St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch got a firsthand look this week at how new drone technology is reshaping policing in the city. Welch joined Police Chief Anthony Holloway and Sgt. DeLuc...
www.baybugle.com
August 22, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Mayor Ken Welch praised the program as a step forward in community safety, noting that the drones allow officers to respond faster while reducing risks. “There’s no one else in Pinellas County doing it like St. Petersburg Police Department,” Welch said.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
“Ballard Partners soars to #1 in the nation,” wrote Ana Cruz, who is a managing partner at the lobbying firm. “That’s right—Número Uno. Florida roots. D.C. results. To every client who put their trust in us—thank you. This milestone is yours, too.”
Mayor’s Partner Ana Cruz Celebrates #1 Lobbyist Spot — Tampa Bay Bugle
TAMPA — “Ballard Partners soars to #1 in the nation,” wrote Ana Cruz , who is a managing partner at the lobbying firm. “That’s right—Número Uno. Florida roots. D.C. results. To every client who put t...
www.baybugle.com
August 5, 2025 at 7:59 PM
“Ballard Partners soars to #1 in the nation,” wrote Ana Cruz, who is a managing partner at the lobbying firm. “That’s right—Número Uno. Florida roots. D.C. results. To every client who put their trust in us—thank you. This milestone is yours, too.”
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
Stephen Clay McGehee once wrote: “White Western European culture is all about building and maintaining a clean society. Blacks destroy things.”
He also hates Jewish people. “Efforts to destroy our people and our culture are consistently traced back to Jews,” wrote McGehee.
He also hates Jewish people. “Efforts to destroy our people and our culture are consistently traced back to Jews,” wrote McGehee.
Vendor for City Council Candidate is an Avowed White Supremacist — Tampa Bay Bugle
TAMPA — Stephen Clay McGehee is an avowed confederate and white supremacist. He believes in “Southern Agrarianism,” which he calls “a Blood and Soil” movement. He displays the confederate flag in hi...
www.baybugle.com
August 19, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Stephen Clay McGehee once wrote: “White Western European culture is all about building and maintaining a clean society. Blacks destroy things.”
He also hates Jewish people. “Efforts to destroy our people and our culture are consistently traced back to Jews,” wrote McGehee.
He also hates Jewish people. “Efforts to destroy our people and our culture are consistently traced back to Jews,” wrote McGehee.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
Property taxes don’t even cover the full police/fire budget in Tampa/Hillsborough County. They don’t have a solution for that & until they do, it’s all talk.
August 19, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Property taxes don’t even cover the full police/fire budget in Tampa/Hillsborough County. They don’t have a solution for that & until they do, it’s all talk.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
Woo-hoo, #Florida is No. 1! ... in credit card identity theft. www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville... h/t @floridatrend.bsky.social
a person is holding a credit card in front of a machine that says ' swipe ' on it
ALT: a person is holding a credit card in front of a machine that says ' swipe ' on it
media.tenor.com
August 19, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Woo-hoo, #Florida is No. 1! ... in credit card identity theft. www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville... h/t @floridatrend.bsky.social
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
Every Sunday 200 people — most of them reverends, rabbis, pastors and people of assorted faiths — gather at #Florida Gov. Ron DeSastrous' Everglades concentration camp to pray & chant in unison, “Shut it down!” www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i... via @miamiherald.com
‘Shut it down.’ Every Sunday, they come to pray outside Alligator Alcatraz
As thunder boomed on an ominous Sunday evening just outside of Alligator Alcatraz, over 200 people — most of them reverends, rabbis, pastors and people of assorted faiths — chanted in unison, “Shut it...
www.miamiherald.com
August 19, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Every Sunday 200 people — most of them reverends, rabbis, pastors and people of assorted faiths — gather at #Florida Gov. Ron DeSastrous' Everglades concentration camp to pray & chant in unison, “Shut it down!” www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i... via @miamiherald.com
Stephen Clay McGehee once wrote: “White Western European culture is all about building and maintaining a clean society. Blacks destroy things.”
He also hates Jewish people. “Efforts to destroy our people and our culture are consistently traced back to Jews,” wrote McGehee.
He also hates Jewish people. “Efforts to destroy our people and our culture are consistently traced back to Jews,” wrote McGehee.
Vendor for City Council Candidate is an Avowed White Supremacist — Tampa Bay Bugle
TAMPA — Stephen Clay McGehee is an avowed confederate and white supremacist. He believes in “Southern Agrarianism,” which he calls “a Blood and Soil” movement. He displays the confederate flag in hi...
www.baybugle.com
August 19, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Stephen Clay McGehee once wrote: “White Western European culture is all about building and maintaining a clean society. Blacks destroy things.”
He also hates Jewish people. “Efforts to destroy our people and our culture are consistently traced back to Jews,” wrote McGehee.
He also hates Jewish people. “Efforts to destroy our people and our culture are consistently traced back to Jews,” wrote McGehee.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
It may be a rocky path back to the FL House if initial public reaction is an indication. “Rouson, pass the torch!” said Ray Tampa, former Pres. of the St. Pete NAACP. “People have voted for term limits repeatedly & they didn’t intend for politicians to play musical chairs with the various offices.”
Darryl Rouson Floats House Run, Faces Pushback — Tampa Bay Bugle
ST. PETERSBURG — A recent Florida Politics article suggests that Florida Sen. Darryl Rouson is considering a run for House District 62. That seat is currently held by Rep. Michele Rayner , who is...
www.baybugle.com
August 8, 2025 at 9:58 PM
It may be a rocky path back to the FL House if initial public reaction is an indication. “Rouson, pass the torch!” said Ray Tampa, former Pres. of the St. Pete NAACP. “People have voted for term limits repeatedly & they didn’t intend for politicians to play musical chairs with the various offices.”
This is pretty remarkable.
"Naya Young killed it. Particularly her being the only person able to answer a question about CBAs (Community Benefit Agreements) and how to attract better jobs within the agreement."
"Naya Young killed it. Particularly her being the only person able to answer a question about CBAs (Community Benefit Agreements) and how to attract better jobs within the agreement."
Filed under opinion. My takeaway from attending the candidate forum hosted by the Hillsborough County Democratic Black Caucus for Dem candidates (in the non-partisan) D5 special election for Tampa City Council.
Thoughts After the HCDBC District 5 Special Election Forum
Filed under opinion, my takeaway from the Hillsborough County Democratic Black Caucus Tampa City Council District 5 special election.
tampamonitor.com
August 18, 2025 at 3:05 PM
This is pretty remarkable.
"Naya Young killed it. Particularly her being the only person able to answer a question about CBAs (Community Benefit Agreements) and how to attract better jobs within the agreement."
"Naya Young killed it. Particularly her being the only person able to answer a question about CBAs (Community Benefit Agreements) and how to attract better jobs within the agreement."
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
“All of this would be troubling at any time, but it’s especially reckless now,” wrote Cross. “Our Division of Emergency Management should be focused on storm prep, coastal resilience, disaster recovery, and public safety, not tied up in enforcing a two-year-old order built on politics, not policy.”
Rep. Lindsay Cross Calls on Governor to End Fake “State of Emergency” — Tampa Bay Bugle
ST. PETERSBURG — State Rep. Lindsay Cross of St. Petersburg is urging Governor Ron DeSantis to immediately rescind Executive Order 23-03, calling it an outdated and politically-motivated misuse of...
www.baybugle.com
July 22, 2025 at 3:59 PM
“All of this would be troubling at any time, but it’s especially reckless now,” wrote Cross. “Our Division of Emergency Management should be focused on storm prep, coastal resilience, disaster recovery, and public safety, not tied up in enforcing a two-year-old order built on politics, not policy.”
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
“Working Floridians are drowning under low wages and soaring costs,” said Rayner. “Instead of confronting the real crises hurting our people, the Governor is dispatching state agents to punish local communities like St. Petersburg for doing their job: serving their communities.”
Michele Rayner Condemns ‘Political Retaliation’ by DeSantis Against St. Petersburg — Tampa Bay Bugle
ST. PETERSBURG — Florida State Representative Michele Rayner is accusing Governor Ron DeSantis of abusing state power in what she describes as “political retaliation” against the City of St. Peter...
www.baybugle.com
August 4, 2025 at 10:17 PM
“Working Floridians are drowning under low wages and soaring costs,” said Rayner. “Instead of confronting the real crises hurting our people, the Governor is dispatching state agents to punish local communities like St. Petersburg for doing their job: serving their communities.”
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
Gary Hartfield, who was recently inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame, says he is exploring the possibility of running for Mayor of Tampa.
Hartfield joins former mayor Bob Buckhorn as candidates not officially in the race, but who are making it clear that they intend to run.
Hartfield joins former mayor Bob Buckhorn as candidates not officially in the race, but who are making it clear that they intend to run.
Tampa Business Leader Gary Hartfield Explores Run for Mayor — Tampa Bay Bugle
TAMPA — Gary Hartfield says he is exploring the possibility of running for Mayor of Tampa. Hartfield, who was recently inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame, is an entrepreneur and the o...
www.baybugle.com
August 12, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Gary Hartfield, who was recently inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame, says he is exploring the possibility of running for Mayor of Tampa.
Hartfield joins former mayor Bob Buckhorn as candidates not officially in the race, but who are making it clear that they intend to run.
Hartfield joins former mayor Bob Buckhorn as candidates not officially in the race, but who are making it clear that they intend to run.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
At 5pm Friday, August 15th, qualifying closes for the special election in Tampa’s City Council District 5. So far, a dozen candidates have qualified for the ballot, plus one write-in candidate.
The election will be held Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
The election will be held Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
A Dozen Candidates Qualify for Tampa City Council Special Election — Tampa Bay Bugle
TAMPA — At 5pm Friday, August 15th, qualifying closes for the special election in Tampa’s City Council District 5. So far, a dozen candidates have qualified for the ballot, plus one write-in candidate...
www.baybugle.com
August 15, 2025 at 5:20 PM
At 5pm Friday, August 15th, qualifying closes for the special election in Tampa’s City Council District 5. So far, a dozen candidates have qualified for the ballot, plus one write-in candidate.
The election will be held Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
The election will be held Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
📣 Join us Sun, Aug 17, 1–3 PM at 1920 Ybor for the District 5 Special Election Candidate Panel! Meet Fran Tate, Darrell Dudney, Carrie West, Albert Cooke, Jose Vazquez Figueroa, Thomas DeGeorge & updated panelist Naya Young. RSVP: Linktree in bio #Tampa #Vote #District5 #CityCouncil #LGBTQ #Florida
August 16, 2025 at 7:22 PM
📣 Join us Sun, Aug 17, 1–3 PM at 1920 Ybor for the District 5 Special Election Candidate Panel! Meet Fran Tate, Darrell Dudney, Carrie West, Albert Cooke, Jose Vazquez Figueroa, Thomas DeGeorge & updated panelist Naya Young. RSVP: Linktree in bio #Tampa #Vote #District5 #CityCouncil #LGBTQ #Florida
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
Collins’ new role creates an open seat in the Florida Senate that will presumably be filled through a special election.
Speculation abounds that DeSantis will support Collins’s wife, Layla Collins, who ran unsuccessfully for Hillsborough County School Board in 2024.
Speculation abounds that DeSantis will support Collins’s wife, Layla Collins, who ran unsuccessfully for Hillsborough County School Board in 2024.
Collins Named Florida’s Next Lieutenant Governor — Tampa Bay Bugle
TAMPA — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday appointed Republican state Sen. Jay Collins as Florida’s next lieutenant governor, filling the vacancy left when Jeanette Nuñez resigned in February to beco...
www.baybugle.com
August 13, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Collins’ new role creates an open seat in the Florida Senate that will presumably be filled through a special election.
Speculation abounds that DeSantis will support Collins’s wife, Layla Collins, who ran unsuccessfully for Hillsborough County School Board in 2024.
Speculation abounds that DeSantis will support Collins’s wife, Layla Collins, who ran unsuccessfully for Hillsborough County School Board in 2024.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
Tampa Bay leaders are intensifying criticism of Tallahassee’s new laws and initiatives targeting local governments. Officials say these efforts undermine local control, misrepresent finances, and threaten essential services.
Local Leaders Push Back on Tallahassee Overreach — Tampa Bay Bugle
ST. PETERSBURG — Tampa Bay leaders are intensifying criticism of Tallahassee’s new laws and initiatives targeting local governments. Officials say these efforts undermine local control, misrepresent f...
www.baybugle.com
August 9, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Tampa Bay leaders are intensifying criticism of Tallahassee’s new laws and initiatives targeting local governments. Officials say these efforts undermine local control, misrepresent finances, and threaten essential services.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
New roundup of what Florida’s “union avoidance” professionals have reportedly been up to, targeting organizing drives with the Teamsters, United Auto Workers, and other unions: caringclassrevolt.substack.com/p/busted-wha...
Busted: What Florida's union busters have been up to | August 2025 (Part 1)
A round-up of reported activity by Florida's union-avoidance consultants and employers in Florida that hire them.
caringclassrevolt.substack.com
August 15, 2025 at 5:35 PM
New roundup of what Florida’s “union avoidance” professionals have reportedly been up to, targeting organizing drives with the Teamsters, United Auto Workers, and other unions: caringclassrevolt.substack.com/p/busted-wha...