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!
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
A former spokesperson for Gov. Ron DeSantis pled no contest Thursday to indecent exposure charges stemming from multiple incidents in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Fred Piccolo, who previously held roles under Ron DeSantis and at New College of Florida, entered the plea in Manatee County court.
Fred Piccolo, who previously held roles under Ron DeSantis and at New College of Florida, entered the plea in Manatee County court.
Former DeSantis Spokesperson Pleads No Contest to Sex Crimes — Tampa Bay Bugle
MANATEE — A former communications official for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pled no contest Thursday to indecent exposure charges stemming from multiple incidents in Sarasota and Manatee counties, ac...
www.baybugle.com
January 16, 2026 at 5:51 PM
A former spokesperson for Gov. Ron DeSantis pled no contest Thursday to indecent exposure charges stemming from multiple incidents in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Fred Piccolo, who previously held roles under Ron DeSantis and at New College of Florida, entered the plea in Manatee County court.
Fred Piccolo, who previously held roles under Ron DeSantis and at New College of Florida, entered the plea in Manatee County court.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
For about 20 seconds, no one is heard identifying themselves as law enforcement. Only then does one of the men shout, “Stop resisting! Police!”
Funez’s voice changes. “OK, OK,” she says.
Funez’s voice changes. “OK, OK,” she says.
‘I panicked’: Honduran mother deported after Tampa arrest caught on video
‘I panicked’: Honduran mother deported after Tampa arrest caught on video
Carmen Funez, 42, was detained outside a scheduled immigration appointment in Tampa.
www.tampabay.com
January 16, 2026 at 5:55 PM
For about 20 seconds, no one is heard identifying themselves as law enforcement. Only then does one of the men shout, “Stop resisting! Police!”
Funez’s voice changes. “OK, OK,” she says.
Funez’s voice changes. “OK, OK,” she says.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
ROADS CLOSED: Several Tampa roads are closed until 6 p.m. Monday for the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade. https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/list-these-tampa-roads-will-close-for-mlk-day-parade/
January 19, 2026 at 1:30 PM
ROADS CLOSED: Several Tampa roads are closed until 6 p.m. Monday for the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade. https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/list-these-tampa-roads-will-close-for-mlk-day-parade/
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
One billionaire just gave $2 million to Republican leaders in the #Florida Legislature jasongarcia.substack.com/p/one-billio... via @jasongarcia.bsky.social
One billionaire just gave $2 million to Republican leaders in the Florida Legislature
A recap of the first week of the Florida Legislature's 2026 session, plus a preview of week two.
jasongarcia.substack.com
January 18, 2026 at 7:27 PM
One billionaire just gave $2 million to Republican leaders in the #Florida Legislature jasongarcia.substack.com/p/one-billio... via @jasongarcia.bsky.social
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
$4.8M flood fix for Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks moves forward — again
$4.8M flood fix for Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks moves forward — again
One city commissioner is concerned that construction could “devastate” businesses in one of the city’s signature tourist areas.
www.tampabay.com
January 18, 2026 at 12:30 AM
$4.8M flood fix for Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks moves forward — again
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
Company wants to build new cruise port next to Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay
Company wants to build new cruise port next to Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay
The company said the facility would accommodate larger ships and bring more tourism to the area. Environmental groups already have concerns.
www.tampabay.com
January 17, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Company wants to build new cruise port next to Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay
For about 20 seconds, no one is heard identifying themselves as law enforcement. Only then does one of the men shout, “Stop resisting! Police!”
Funez’s voice changes. “OK, OK,” she says.
Funez’s voice changes. “OK, OK,” she says.
‘I panicked’: Honduran mother deported after Tampa arrest caught on video
‘I panicked’: Honduran mother deported after Tampa arrest caught on video
Carmen Funez, 42, was detained outside a scheduled immigration appointment in Tampa.
www.tampabay.com
January 16, 2026 at 5:55 PM
For about 20 seconds, no one is heard identifying themselves as law enforcement. Only then does one of the men shout, “Stop resisting! Police!”
Funez’s voice changes. “OK, OK,” she says.
Funez’s voice changes. “OK, OK,” she says.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
The Howard Frankland Bridge expansion project remains on schedule – but it’s going to cost more than $100 million more than originally projected.
Howard Frankland Bridge project rises more than $100 million over budget
Florida Department of Transportation officials say the price tag is now set at $973.4 million.
www.wusf.org
January 16, 2026 at 4:41 PM
The Howard Frankland Bridge expansion project remains on schedule – but it’s going to cost more than $100 million more than originally projected.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
Big news.
Creative Loafing Tampa Bay has been sold, and is locally-owned for the first time since 2009
A vintage Creative Loafing Tampa Bay stand in April 2020. For the first time in 18 years, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay is locally-owned. On Thursday
www.cltampa.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:19 PM
Big news.
A former spokesperson for Gov. Ron DeSantis pled no contest Thursday to indecent exposure charges stemming from multiple incidents in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Fred Piccolo, who previously held roles under Ron DeSantis and at New College of Florida, entered the plea in Manatee County court.
Fred Piccolo, who previously held roles under Ron DeSantis and at New College of Florida, entered the plea in Manatee County court.
Former DeSantis Spokesperson Pleads No Contest to Sex Crimes — Tampa Bay Bugle
MANATEE — A former communications official for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pled no contest Thursday to indecent exposure charges stemming from multiple incidents in Sarasota and Manatee counties, ac...
www.baybugle.com
January 16, 2026 at 5:51 PM
A former spokesperson for Gov. Ron DeSantis pled no contest Thursday to indecent exposure charges stemming from multiple incidents in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Fred Piccolo, who previously held roles under Ron DeSantis and at New College of Florida, entered the plea in Manatee County court.
Fred Piccolo, who previously held roles under Ron DeSantis and at New College of Florida, entered the plea in Manatee County court.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
New podcast: As Florida Republicans prepare to redraw Congressional districts for the 2026 elections, Ron DeSantis just replaced a state Supreme Court justice who couldn't participate in redistricting cases with one who has defended partisan gerrymandering.
jasongarcia.substack.com/p/florida-le...
jasongarcia.substack.com/p/florida-le...
Florida Legislature 2026: Fortifying the courts ahead of a redistricting fight
With a legal showdown looming over partisan redistricting, Ron DeSantis just strengthened Republicans' hand on the Florida Supreme Court.
jasongarcia.substack.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:40 PM
New podcast: As Florida Republicans prepare to redraw Congressional districts for the 2026 elections, Ron DeSantis just replaced a state Supreme Court justice who couldn't participate in redistricting cases with one who has defended partisan gerrymandering.
jasongarcia.substack.com/p/florida-le...
jasongarcia.substack.com/p/florida-le...
Fred Piccolo, who also worked as a spokesperson for Gov DeSantis, was arrested by Manatee Sheriffs last April.
Piccolo was accused of exposing his genitals to employees at department stores in the University Town Center Mall in Sarasota, as well as a woman he stopped to ask for directions.
Piccolo was accused of exposing his genitals to employees at department stores in the University Town Center Mall in Sarasota, as well as a woman he stopped to ask for directions.
A former New College of Florida official accused of exposing himself to multiple people pleaded no contest in court Thursday. https://www.wfla.com/news/sarasota-county/former-new-college-official-pleads-no-contest-in-indecent-exposure-case/
January 16, 2026 at 5:11 AM
Fred Piccolo, who also worked as a spokesperson for Gov DeSantis, was arrested by Manatee Sheriffs last April.
Piccolo was accused of exposing his genitals to employees at department stores in the University Town Center Mall in Sarasota, as well as a woman he stopped to ask for directions.
Piccolo was accused of exposing his genitals to employees at department stores in the University Town Center Mall in Sarasota, as well as a woman he stopped to ask for directions.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
It’s 11:36 and council are debating the first item on the agenda. How are they going to hear the other 9 items?
January 16, 2026 at 4:38 AM
It’s 11:36 and council are debating the first item on the agenda. How are they going to hear the other 9 items?
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
tampa city council has been in session for seven hours now. they are still on agenda item 1
January 16, 2026 at 4:46 AM
tampa city council has been in session for seven hours now. they are still on agenda item 1
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
CRA Board Chair Luis Viera's office responded to a request for comment with the message "shared to the public"
"Due to unforeseen circumstances personal to council members, we are having to reschedule this meeting. Thank you very much. I apologize for any inconvenience.”
"Due to unforeseen circumstances personal to council members, we are having to reschedule this meeting. Thank you very much. I apologize for any inconvenience.”
January 15, 2026 at 6:57 PM
CRA Board Chair Luis Viera's office responded to a request for comment with the message "shared to the public"
"Due to unforeseen circumstances personal to council members, we are having to reschedule this meeting. Thank you very much. I apologize for any inconvenience.”
"Due to unforeseen circumstances personal to council members, we are having to reschedule this meeting. Thank you very much. I apologize for any inconvenience.”
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
Tampa City Council begins its new year with a moment of silence for Renee Good & the city and people of Minneapolis.
January 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Tampa City Council begins its new year with a moment of silence for Renee Good & the city and people of Minneapolis.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
This comes just one day after DeSantis bashed the ABA as a left-wing organization undeserving of being the “arbiter of legal education,” and months after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier accused the organization of discriminating against Roman Catholics. floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/15/f...
Florida Supreme Court ends three-decade reliance on ABA, handing win to DeSantis • Florida Phoenix
In a massive win for Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Supreme Court Thursday ended its reliance on the agency in charge of accrediting law schools.
floridaphoenix.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:44 PM
This comes just one day after DeSantis bashed the ABA as a left-wing organization undeserving of being the “arbiter of legal education,” and months after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier accused the organization of discriminating against Roman Catholics. floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/15/f...
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
A political committee supporting St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch reported more than $200,000 in missing funds, prompting plans to notify state and federal law enforcement and intensifying scrutiny of the mayor’s fundraising operation as the 2026 election cycle takes shape.
Mayor Ken Welch’s PAC Reports $200,000 Missing, Apparently Stolen — Tampa Bay Bugle
ST. PETERSBURG — A political committee supporting St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch reported more than $200,000 in missing funds, prompting plans to notify state and federal law enforcement and intensi...
www.baybugle.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:45 PM
A political committee supporting St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch reported more than $200,000 in missing funds, prompting plans to notify state and federal law enforcement and intensifying scrutiny of the mayor’s fundraising operation as the 2026 election cycle takes shape.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
$200,000 appears to have been stolen from Mayor Ken Welch's political committee by it's treasurer, Yolanda Brown. Here is our reporting from last summer about previous PAC troubles for the mayor and for Brown:
Welch’s original committee, Pelican PAC, missed multiple reporting deadlines throughout 2024 and was ultimately dissolved after months of noncompliance.
Ken Welch Launches New PAC After State Revokes Previous One — Tampa Bay Bugle
ST. PETERSBURG — Mayor Ken Welch has launched a new political committee — The Pelican Political Action Committee — after his previous political committee, Pelican PAC , was formally revoked by ...
www.baybugle.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:53 PM
$200,000 appears to have been stolen from Mayor Ken Welch's political committee by it's treasurer, Yolanda Brown. Here is our reporting from last summer about previous PAC troubles for the mayor and for Brown:
@craigtimes.bsky.social reports on Mosaic's attempts to change Florida law to protect themselves from lawsuits.
Thousands of Floridians live on radioactive soil. As phosphate land continues to be sold to developers, that number is likely to increase. Most homebuyers have no idea.
Thousands of Floridians live on radioactive soil. As phosphate land continues to be sold to developers, that number is likely to increase. Most homebuyers have no idea.
Tampa-based Mining Company Seeks Protection from Water Quality Assurance Act — Tampa Bay Bugle
TAMPA — There was a time, a dozen years ago, when you couldn’t turn on a TV in Florida without seeing an ad for the Mosaic Co . You’d see scenes of golden waves of grain and farmers tilling their cro...
www.baybugle.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:59 PM
@craigtimes.bsky.social reports on Mosaic's attempts to change Florida law to protect themselves from lawsuits.
Thousands of Floridians live on radioactive soil. As phosphate land continues to be sold to developers, that number is likely to increase. Most homebuyers have no idea.
Thousands of Floridians live on radioactive soil. As phosphate land continues to be sold to developers, that number is likely to increase. Most homebuyers have no idea.
$200,000 appears to have been stolen from Mayor Ken Welch's political committee by it's treasurer, Yolanda Brown. Here is our reporting from last summer about previous PAC troubles for the mayor and for Brown:
Welch’s original committee, Pelican PAC, missed multiple reporting deadlines throughout 2024 and was ultimately dissolved after months of noncompliance.
Ken Welch Launches New PAC After State Revokes Previous One — Tampa Bay Bugle
ST. PETERSBURG — Mayor Ken Welch has launched a new political committee — The Pelican Political Action Committee — after his previous political committee, Pelican PAC , was formally revoked by ...
www.baybugle.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:53 PM
$200,000 appears to have been stolen from Mayor Ken Welch's political committee by it's treasurer, Yolanda Brown. Here is our reporting from last summer about previous PAC troubles for the mayor and for Brown:
A political committee supporting St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch reported more than $200,000 in missing funds, prompting plans to notify state and federal law enforcement and intensifying scrutiny of the mayor’s fundraising operation as the 2026 election cycle takes shape.
Mayor Ken Welch’s PAC Reports $200,000 Missing, Apparently Stolen — Tampa Bay Bugle
ST. PETERSBURG — A political committee supporting St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch reported more than $200,000 in missing funds, prompting plans to notify state and federal law enforcement and intensi...
www.baybugle.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:45 PM
A political committee supporting St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch reported more than $200,000 in missing funds, prompting plans to notify state and federal law enforcement and intensifying scrutiny of the mayor’s fundraising operation as the 2026 election cycle takes shape.
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
Florida failed to give due process to thousands kicked off Medicaid, court finds
Florida failed to give due process to thousands kicked off Medicaid, court finds
Judge orders state to cease terminations of Medicaid benefits based on income until it gives families enough information with which to appeal.
www.tampabay.com
January 7, 2026 at 6:29 PM
Florida failed to give due process to thousands kicked off Medicaid, court finds
Reposted by Tampa Bay Bugle
As of Monday morning, Lakeland officially has a new mayor. https://www.wfla.com/news/polk-county/new-leadership-begins-as-sarah-roberts-mccarley-sworn-in-as-lakeland-mayor/
January 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM
As of Monday morning, Lakeland officially has a new mayor. https://www.wfla.com/news/polk-county/new-leadership-begins-as-sarah-roberts-mccarley-sworn-in-as-lakeland-mayor/