Andy Paden
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Multi-Skilled Journalist/Fill-In Anchor @10TampaBay, CBS in Tampa. Previously: @WGRZ, #MedillMafia. News tips/Story ideas: apaden@10tampabay.com
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Articles by Andy Paden
Byron Donalds makes final campaign push in Tampa Bay as candidates target key I-4 corridor Original
Donalds made three stops in the Tampa Bay region on Monday. Example video title will go here for this video Example video title will go here for this video To stream 10 Tampa Bay on your phone, you need the 10 Tampa Bay app. SARASOTA, Fla. — With Election Day just hours away, Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds is making one final push in a part of Florida that could play a major role in deciding the state's next governor.
Hillsborough College to move classes off campus during Rays stadium construction
Hillsborough College plans to move most classes off its Dale Mabry campus by March as construction gets underway for the Tampa Bay Rays' new stadium, splitting college operations between three locations through 2030. The Hillsborough College Board of Trustees discussed the plan Wednesday, outlining how students, faculty and staff will be relocated while construction and campus upgrades take place.
Anna Paulina Luna, Leela Gray face off in Florida’s 13th Congressional District race
With Election Day just one week away, Republican U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is facing Democratic challenger Leela Gray in a closely watched race for Florida's 13th Congressional District. Democrats are hoping to flip the seat as they look to gain ground in the U.S. House. But Luna, who is seeking a third term, says she is confident voters will return her to Congress. The race comes after Florida lawmakers approved new congressional maps for the 2026 election, changing the boundaries of District 13.
St. Pete, Milwaukee art museums wager Monet paintings on World Series
The World Series is bringing high stakes to the baseball diamond and to the art world. The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg and the Milwaukee Art Museum have placed a wager on the World Series between the Rays and Brewers, with each museum putting a painting by legendary French artist Claude Monet on the line. The losing museum will loan its Monet to the winning museum for about three months, giving visitors a chance to see the two works side by side.
Largo radar plant to play role in air traffic control overhaul Original
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy visited the RTX radar manufacturing plant in Largo on Thursday. Example video title will go here for this video Next up in 5 Example video title will go here for this video Next up in 5 To stream 10 Tampa Bay on your phone, you need the 10 Tampa Bay app. LARGO, Fla. — The Tampa Bay region will play a key role in the Trump administration's push to modernize the nation's aging air traffic control system.
Could Amendment 3 debate be fueling pushback against Florida’s Amendment 2?
Amendment 2 would offer a tax break to farmers but has faced some late opposition from Democrats. Example video title will go here for this video Example video title will go here for this video To stream 10 Tampa Bay on your phone, you need the 10 Tampa Bay app. Amendment 2 would exempt qualifying agricultural businesses from Florida's tangible personal property tax on certain equipment used in production.
Polk County votes to disable comments on social media pages, citing misinformation Original
10 Tampa Bay News spoke with a free speech attorney about the First Amendment implications. Example video title will go here for this video Example video title will go here for this video To stream 10 Tampa Bay on your phone, you need the 10 Tampa Bay app. BARTOW, Fla. — The Polk County Commission voted Tuesday to disable comments on its social media pages, a move county leaders say will help address misinformation and inappropriate online behavior.
Amendment 3 explained: The pros and cons of Florida's property tax measure
10 Tampa Bay News dug into the pros and cons of Amendment 3 — the measure on November’s ballot seeking to make sweeping cuts to property taxes. “If you look at the amount of revenue that has been raised in terms of property taxes in the past seven years, it's doubled,” Grant said. "It's gone from $20 billion to $40 billion, and it's anticipated to rise even more dramatically by 2030.
INSURICA Acquires WorkCompOne, Expanding Digital Capabilities for Small Business Insurance
INSURICA Acquires WorkCompOne, Expanding Digital Capabilities for Small Business Insurance OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, UNITED STATES, October 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- INSURICA has acquired WorkCompOne, a direct-to-consumer digital insurance agency focused on workers' compensation coverage for small businesses. The acquisition includes WorkCompOne's website, book of business, and prospect acquisition capabilities. The deal was effective Sept. 1.
Playoff baseball is returning to Tropicana Field — and St. Pete police are preparing for the crowds
Playoff baseball is returning to Tropicana Field — and St. Pete police are preparing for the crowds Playoff baseball is returning to Tropicana Field for the first time in three years, and St. Petersburg police are preparing for tens of thousands of fans to descend on the city Saturday night.
JD Vance rallies for Byron Donalds, Ashley Moody ahead of Florida midterms
Vice President JD Vance made a visit to Lakeland on Thursday, speaking at a Republican rally at Lakeland Linder International Airport to promote gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds and Interim U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody ahead of the November midterm elections. It was Vance's first visit to the Tampa Bay region since becoming vice president. The rally was held at the Sun 'n Fun grounds and drew Republican candidates and officials from across Florida.
JD Vance rallies for Byron Donalds, Ashley Moody ahead of Florida midterms
Vice President JD Vance made a visit to Lakeland on Thursday, speaking at a Republican rally at Lakeland Linder International Airport to promote gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds and Interim U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody ahead of the November midterm elections. It was Vance's first visit to the Tampa Bay region since becoming vice president. The rally was held at the Sun 'n Fun grounds and drew Republican candidates and officials from across Florida.
Seminole removes anti-Amendment 3 information from city website after state lawmaker raises legal concerns Original
The changes came after St. Rep. Berny Jacques sent a letter to city leaders raising concerns about the website. Example video title will go here for this video Example video title will go here for this video To stream 10 Tampa Bay on your phone, you need the 10 Tampa Bay app. SEMINOLE, Fla. — The City of Seminole is changing what is on its website about Amendment 3 after a state lawmaker warned the city that some of the information could violate Florida law.
Advocates push for early voting site in South St. Pete Original
Council members and voting rights advocates say the lack of an early voting site creates barriers for voters. Example video title will go here for this video Example video title will go here for this video To stream 10 Tampa Bay on your phone, you need the 10 Tampa Bay app. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Community leaders and voting rights advocates are calling on Pinellas County to add an early voting location in South St. Petersburg ahead of the November general election.
Questions raised over Amendment 3 information on City of Seminole website Original
The city has a list of links on its website about Amendment 3 that a state representative says could sway voters to vote no. Example video title will go here for this video Example video title will go here for this video To stream 10 Tampa Bay on your phone, you need the 10 Tampa Bay app. SEMINOLE, Fla.
Leela Gray unveils affordability plan for Florida’s 13th Congressional District
The race for Florida's 13th Congressional District is heating up as Democratic challenger Leela Gray makes affordability a central issue of her campaign. Gray, a retired Army brigadier general who won the Democratic nomination last month, released her "Cutting Costs Agenda" Monday, outlining several proposals she says would lower expenses for families in Pinellas and Pasco counties.
Tampa Bay water restrictions extended through March as Hillsborough County sees spike in citations
Residents across the Tampa Bay region will have to continue limiting their outdoor water use for several more months as the area remains under drought restrictions. The Southwest Florida Water Management District voted Tuesday to extend the region's one-day-per-week watering restrictions through March 31, citing ongoing concerns about drought conditions and water supplies. The restrictions were originally put in place in April and were scheduled to expire Oct. 1.
Manatee County bans simulated gambling devices amid crackdown on illegal gambling Original
Under the new rules, businesses operating the machines can face cease-and-desist orders and civil citations. Repeat offenders can also face misdemeanor charges punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Manatee County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Randy Warren said the ordinance is intended to make it harder for illegal gambling businesses to open, close and quickly reopen somewhere else.
New poll shows Amendment 3 support below threshold needed to pass
The poll comes as law enforcement have been leading the campaign against the property tax initiative. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A new statewide poll shows support for Amendment 3 falling short of the 60% threshold it would need to pass in November. The proposed constitutional amendment would gradually increase Florida’s homestead exemption and could ultimately pave the way for the state to eliminate homestead property taxes. According to a St. Pete Polls survey conducted Sept.
Treasure Island considers changes to free library card program
Treasure Island is considering changing how it pays for library services for residents as city leaders look for ways to reduce expenses. The city currently contributes roughly $160,000 a year to the Gulf Beaches Public Library and other libraries through its participation in the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative. The current agreement is set to expire Sept. 30. About 2,700 Treasure Island residents currently have active library privileges through the program.
Clearwater residents raise concerns over Scientologists filling City Council meeting Original
Residents say that Scientologists have been lining up as early as eight hours before council meetings to speak on agenda items related to the church. Example video title will go here for this video Example video title will go here for this video To stream 10 Tampa Bay on your phone, you need the 10 Tampa Bay app. CLEARWATER, Fla.
Save The Garden submits over 10,000 signatures challenging Clearwater’s Scientology street transfer Original
The group delivered 10,863 signatures to Clearwater City Hall on Wednesday and is seeking to let voters decide whether the street is transferred. Example video title will go here for this video Example video title will go here for this video To stream 10 Tampa Bay on your phone, you need the 10 Tampa Bay app. CLEARWATER, Fla.
Pinellas County residents call for transparency after jail rebooking investigation
Residents raised concerns Monday afternoon during a meeting of the Pinellas County Public Safety Coordinating Committee in Clearwater. The calls come after a ProPublica investigation found the jail rebooked 174 immigrants at least twice between July 2025 and July 2026. One woman from Mexico was rebooked 10 times and spent a total of 26 days in custody.
Artificial lights putting Anna Maria Island sea turtle hatchlings in danger
For sea turtle hatchlings, finding the water should be instinct. But artificial lights along Anna Maria Island are making that journey much more difficult — and in some cases, deadly. Sea turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests at night and instinctively move toward the brightest horizon, which is normally the night sky over the ocean. Artificial light from homes, cars, pools, streets and even flashlights can disrupt that instinct and send hatchlings in the wrong direction.
Tampa mayor warns residents could face new fees if Amendment 3 passes Original
With cuts to property tax revenue, the city says residents may have to pay for things like parks and emergency services in another way. Amendment 3 would gradually eliminate property taxes on homesteaded properties in Florida by increasing the homestead exemption in phases, beginning with an increase to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with additional increases expected in subsequent years.
Wesley Chapel apartment fire prompts Pasco County officials to consider stricter fire code
Three weeks after a lightning strike sparked a devastating fire at the Cobalt Apartments in Wesley Chapel , Pasco County officials are considering whether local fire code requirements should be strengthened. Nearly 200 residents were displaced by the fire started by a lightning strike. The building was up to code when the fire happened, county officials said Wednesday.
Wesley Chapel apartment fire prompts Pasco County officials to consider stricter fire code
WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Three weeks after a lightning strike sparked a devastating fire at the Cobalt Apartments in Wesley Chapel, Pasco County officials are considering whether local fire code requirements should be strengthened. The building was up to code when the fire happened, county officials said Wednesday. But the Cobalt Apartments used a 13R sprinkler system, a system permitted under Florida's statewide fire code that does not require sprinklers in attics.
Wesley Chapel apartment fire prompts Pasco County officials to consider stricter fire code
Three weeks after a lightning strike sparked a devastating fire at the Cobalt Apartments in Wesley Chapel, Pasco County officials are considering whether local fire code requirements should be strengthened. Nearly 200 residents were displaced by the fire started by a lightning strike. The building was up to code when the fire happened, county officials said Wednesday.
INSURICA Welcomes Erick Johnson as Vice President of Sales, P&C
INSURICA Welcomes Erick Johnson as Vice President of Sales, P&C INSURICA, one of the nation's premier independent insurance brokerages, announced today that Erick Johnson has joined the company as Vice President of Sales, P&C. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, UNITED STATES, September 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- INSURICA, one of the nation's premier independent insurance brokerages, announced today that Erick Johnson has joined the company as Vice President of Sales, P&C.
USF football home opener sparks political controversy over candidate appearances
What was supposed to be a celebration of USF's 30th football season is now sparking a political controversy after two Republican candidates for major statewide offices were given prominent ceremonial roles during Saturday's home opener. Interim U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, who is running to keep her seat, participated in the coin toss before USF's game against FIU. U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the Republican nominee for governor, operated the T-shirt cannon during the game.
University of Tampa makes AI literacy course a graduation requirement Original
All sophomores at the university will be required to take the course to graduate. Example video title will go here for this video Example video title will go here for this video To stream 10 Tampa Bay on your phone, you need the 10 Tampa Bay app. TAMPA, Fla. — Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how people work, learn and communicate. Now, the University of Tampa is making sure its students learn how to navigate the technology before they graduate.
2 dead after plane crashes, catches fire in Hillsborough County
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) has identified the two people who were killed in a fiery plane crash Thursday morning. The crash happened around 8:15 a.m. in a wooded area near U.S. 301 near the Southwest Florida Water Management District office, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. Officials said multiple 911 calls came in reporting an aircraft had gone down. When firefighters arrived, they found the small plane fully engulfed in flames.
St. Pete group launches petition to put Duke Energy decision before voters
A group of St. Petersburg residents wants voters — not city leaders — to decide whether the city should break away from Duke Energy and create its own municipal electric utility. The group, called Public Power St. Pete, announced Wednesday that it has officially begun the process of gathering signatures for a proposed charter amendment that would put the question before voters in 2028. The group is aiming to collect roughly 20,000 to 25,000 signatures by the middle of 2027.
Tampa Bay-area CDL schools says they were ‘wrongfully’ shut down in DOT crackdown
Multiple Tampa Bay area commercial driver's license schools say they were blindsided after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) ordered them to shut down as part of a nationwide crackdown on trucking schools. 13 schools in Florida and 110 nationwide received shutdown notices Monday from the DOT. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the schools were being shut down after graduates were later found to have failed English language proficiency requirements during roadside inspections.
St. Pete City Council to begin reconsidering Flock camera contract amid privacy concerns
The St. Petersburg City Council is beginning a broader discussion about the city's use of Flock license plate-reading cameras, as concerns over privacy and surveillance continue to grow across the Tampa Bay region. The council voted Thursday to refer the city's existing Flock contract to the Public Services and Infrastructure Committee for further discussion.
FDOT painted over street murals a year ago. Now, they’re starting to reappear Original
The Pride and “Black History Matters” murals that were painted over last year in St. Petersburg are starting to show again. Example video title will go here for this video Next up in 5 Example video title will go here for this video Next up in 5 To stream 10 Tampa Bay on your phone, you need the 10 Tampa Bay app. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Nearly a year after the state ordered dozens of murals to be painted over across the Tampa Bay region, some of the artwork is beginning to show through again.
Cobalt Apartments fire: Why sprinklers and alarms didn’t alert residents before fire spread
10 Tampa Bay News has learned new information about the sprinkler system the complex had. Example video title will go here for this video Next up in 5 Example video title will go here for this video Next up in 5 To stream 10 Tampa Bay on your phone, you need the 10 Tampa Bay app. Instead, many said they learned about the fire from maintenance workers, leasing staff or other residents pounding on doors and yelling for people to evacuate.
Cobalt Apartments fire: Why sprinklers and alarms didn’t alert residents before fire spread
Residents of the Cobalt Apartment Homes in Wesley Chapel said they did not hear fire alarms or see sprinklers activate as a fire spread through the building Thursday. Instead, many said they learned about the fire from maintenance workers, leasing staff or other residents pounding on doors and yelling for people to evacuate. 10 Tampa Bay News has learned new information that may explain why.
St. Pete’s ‘Firefly Project’ brings showers, behavioral health services to people experiencing homelessness
For people experiencing homelessness, finding help can be difficult. For those struggling with complex behavioral health needs, seeking out that help can feel even more overwhelming. A new initiative in St. Petersburg is trying to remove some of those barriers by bringing services directly to people living on the streets. The Firefly Project, operated by Boley Centers, began running earlier this month.
Confusion surrounds FDEM Kevin Guthrie’s resignation to join Jay Collins’ campaign
The state’s top emergency management director resigned in the middle of hurricane season to join the Collins campaign for just over 24 hours. Example video title will go here for this video Example video title will go here for this video To stream 10 Tampa Bay on your phone, you need the 10 Tampa Bay app. TAMPA, Fla. — Florida’s top emergency management official resigned Tuesday, just one day after being named as Lt. Gov.
Appeals court clears way for radioactive road test in Polk County to continue
The fertilizer company Mosaic is testing building a road on its private property using the waste material phosphogypsum that contains radon. Example video title will go here for this video Example video title will go here for this video To stream 10 Tampa Bay on your phone, you need the 10 Tampa Bay app. POLK COUNTY, Fla.
Appeals court clears way for radioactive road test in Polk County to continue
A federal appeals court has sided with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, allowing a controversial experiment involving radioactive fertilizer waste to continue at Mosaic's property in Polk County. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday in a lawsuit challenging the EPA's approval of the project, which involves using phosphogypsum to build a test road at Mosaic's facility in Mulberry. Phosphogypsum is a byproduct of fertilizer manufacturing.
Bands say Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton owes them thousands after performances
Multiple bands say they performed at Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton in recent months but never received the payments they were promised, with one singer now taking the venue to small claims court. Ginelle Ziegelbauer, lead vocalist for the Orlando-based band Frequency, said her group performed at Motorworks on May 23 and was supposed to receive $4,000. Instead, she says it took nearly three months of calls, texts and promises before she decided to pursue legal action.
Gulfport delays decision on e-bike restrictions, wants local crash data first
Gulfport city leaders are pumping the brakes on proposed new restrictions for e-bikes, saying they want more local safety data before deciding whether new regulations are needed. The proposed ordinance would have prohibited e-bikes on many sidewalks, required riders under 16 to wear helmets, established a 15 mph speed limit on paths, trails and in parks, and allowed the city to create high-pedestrian areas where riders would have to slow down or dismount during crowded events.
Why today’s rain isn’t enough to end Tampa Bay’s drought
Follow Why today’s rain isn’t enough to end Tampa Bay’s drought Updated Mon, August 3, 2026 at 10:57 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Hernando County rejects short-term rental ordinance as Citrus County moves ahead with similar proposal
Hernando County commissioners voted down a proposed short-term rental ordinance Tuesday, halting an effort to create new local rules for vacation rentals, while neighboring Citrus County advanced a similar proposal toward a public hearing. The proposed Hernando ordinance would have established countywide operating standards for vacation rentals, including occupancy limits, parking requirements, emergency contact rules and inspections.
Bradenton assisted living residents relocated after roof collapse, donation drive underway
Nearly two days after part of the roof collapsed at an assisted living facility in Bradenton, about 160 relocated residents remain scattered across several care facilities with no timeline for when they can return home. City officials have not released what caused the partial roof collapse Saturday evening at Aviata at Bradenton Villas. No injuries were reported, but the damage forced an emergency evacuation of all residents.
Clearwater residents launch petition drive to overturn Scientology street transfer
A group of Clearwater residents is launching a petition campaign to try to overturn the city's decision to give a portion of South Garden Avenue to the Church of Scientology, arguing voters — not just the city council — should have the final say. Save the Garden recently announced it is seeking roughly 7,000 signatures by mid-September to trigger a city charter referendum that would temporarily halt the street transfer and allow Clearwater voters to decide whether to approve or reject it.
Two more cities in Tampa Bay region move to pump the brakes on hyperscale data centers
Follow Two more cities in Tampa Bay region move to pump the brakes on hyperscale data centers Updated Tue, July 21, 2026 at 9:56 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Beloved Sarasota restaurant vows to rebuild after fire as community raises more than $100K
An electrical fire sparked early Saturday morning at the restaurant, which has stood in Sarasota for nearly 30 years. Example video title will go here for this video Example video title will go here for this video To stream 10 Tampa Bay on your phone, you need the 10 Tampa Bay app. SARASOTA, Fla.
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