Craig Patrick
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Craig Patrick is Political Editor & Chief Investigator of FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
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Articles by Craig Patrick
Election 2026: Where Charlie Crist stands on property taxes, bonds, Flock cameras, affordability
You Decide: Charlie Crist, In Depth A revealing conversation with Charlie Crist about his plans for St. Petersburg, the challenges facing residents and the decisions that will determine the city’s future. Former Governor and Congressman Charlie Crist said residents are being squeezed by rising costs as he challenges incumbent Mayor Ken Welch in the city’s nonpartisan mayoral election.
Election 2026: Where Charlie Crist stands on property taxes, bonds, Flock cameras, affordability
Former Florida governor and Congressman Charlie Crist is challenging Mayor Ken Welch to be the next mayor of St. Pete. FOX 13's Craig Patrick sat down with Charlie Crist for an in-depth discussion on where he stands on a variety of issues, from property taxes and bonds, to data centers and license plate reader cameras. Florida voters will cast their ballots on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2026. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.
One-on-one with Mike Beltran: Ending sugar subsidies, flood insurance and restricting federal power
You Decide: Mike Beltran, In Depth A substantive conversation with Mike Beltran on his record in Tallahassee, his positions on key issues and what he would do in Congress. Republican former Florida State Representative Mike Beltran is challenging Democratic incumbent Congresswoman Kathy Castor for Florida's 14th Congressional District.
One-on-one with Mike Beltran: Ending sugar subsidies, flood insurance and restricting federal power Original
Going on record for the first time, Beltran declared he would vote to eliminate federal sugar price supports. • Beltran proposed a constitutional amendment to end "anchor babies" and commercial "birth tourism," arguing citizenship should be derived from parental legal status rather than place of birth alone. • Beltran said he does not believe there is sufficient evidence that carbon pollution causes climate change. TAMPA, Fla.
One-on-one with Mayor Ken Welch: Data center caution, the Moffitt deal rejection and Flock camera surveillance
Managing a $1.2 billion operating budget while navigating post-hurricane recovery, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch is defending his record ahead of a runoff election against former Governor Charlie Crist. In a one-on-one interview with Fox 13 Political Editor Craig Patrick, Welch addressed key decisions from his tenure—from his rejection of the Moffitt Cancer Center proposal to conceding the city could have done better turning around home repair permits after recent hurricanes.
One-on-one with Mayor Ken Welch: Data center caution, the Moffitt deal rejection and Flock camera surveillance Original
Data Center Pause: Pointing to heavy power and water consumption, Mayor Ken Welch urged caution on courting data centers, emphasizing that local codes currently prohibit them pending full feasibility studies. • Moffitt Deal Rejection: With the full benefit of hindsight, Welch said he would still reject the proposal, refusing to grant a private developer a $19 million discount on city land.
Florida's insurance crisis: Here's how Byron Donalds, David Jolly want to fix it
The Brief With Florida homeowners facing some of the highest insurance premiums in the nation, Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly offer starkly different approaches to lowering costs for consumers Jolly's proposal: Eliminate private reinsurance backstops and create a state fund to directly cover wind and hurricane risk for all insured homeowners, funded in part by capping out-of-state insurer profit shifting.
Florida governor candidates clash over home insurance, accuse each other of supporting a 'hurricane tax'
Donalds vs. Jolly on the Issues Homeowners are getting burned by high insurance bills, and the candidates for governor are worlds apart. Craig Patrick breaks down the differences between Byron Donalds and David Jolly on insurance, data centers, energy policy, and more. With Florida homeowners facing some of the highest insurance premiums in the nation, Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly offer starkly different approaches to lowering costs for consumers. How did we get here?
Florida governor candidates clash over home insurance, accuse each other of supporting a 'hurricane tax'
With Florida homeowners facing some of the highest insurance premiums in the nation, Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly offer starkly different approaches to lowering costs for consumers Jolly's proposal: Eliminate private reinsurance backstops and create a state fund to directly cover wind and hurricane risk for all insured homeowners, funded in part by capping out-of-state insurer profit shifting.
AI data centers erupt as major battleground in Florida governor’s race
The three alarms of the AI boom Big picture view: The nationwide boom in artificial intelligence is raising three distinct levels of concern among policymakers and the public: Existential risk: Warnings from tech leaders that advanced AI could eventually escape human control. Workforce disruption: The potential for rapid automation to eliminate millions of traditional jobs. Physical infrastructure demands: The immediate environmental, energy and land-use impacts of industrial-scale data centers.
AI data centers erupt as major battleground in Florida governor’s race
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure has emerged as a central dividing line between candidates running for Florida governor. Democrat David Jolly wants a one-year statewide moratorium and a potential permanent ban. Republican Byron Donalds opposes state bans, advocating for local government control and ratepayer protection. The three alarms of the AI boom TAMPA, Fla.
AI data centers erupt as major battleground in Florida governor’s race
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure has emerged as a central dividing line between candidates running for Florida governor. The three alarms of the AI boom TAMPA, Fla. - The nationwide boom in artificial intelligence is raising three distinct levels of concern among policymakers and the public: • Existential risk: Warnings from tech leaders that advanced AI could eventually escape human control.
Florida governor's race a nail-biter? Polls show Donalds and Jolly effectively tied
Public polling throughout August and September shows a tight, highly competitive contest, contrasting sharply with Florida's underlying Republican-leaning political environment. Statewide political landscape What we know: Forecasters are treating the matchup as highly competitive, though acknowledging the GOP's structural edge.
Florida governor's race a nail-biter? Polls show Donalds and Jolly effectively tied
With 40 days until Election Day, polling shows the race for Florida Governor has tightened into a virtual tie between Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly. • Donalds holds a massive financial advantage, raising roughly $121 million compared to Jolly's $15 million, backed by a 1.55 million GOP voter registration edge. • Rising living costs and cross-partisan opposition to local AI data centers have emerged as central issue battlegrounds shaping the contest. TALLAHASSEE, Fla.
Florida governor's race a nail-biter? Polls show Donalds and Jolly effectively tied
Florida Governor's race enters final stretch With 40 days until Election Day, polling shows the race for Florida Governor has tightened into a virtual tie between Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly. FOX 13's Craig Patrick reports. Public polling throughout August and September shows a tight, highly competitive contest, contrasting sharply with Florida's underlying Republican-leaning political environment.
U.S. Senate investigates Flock camera abuses after innocent Florida woman jailed for 13 days
Automated license plate readers, specifically those operated by the company, Flock Safety, are facing intense federal scrutiny following a series of high-profile failures, wrongful arrests and stalking incidents. Federal camera investigation What we know: The U.S. Senate held a hearing to investigate these systemic abuses, using a harrowing case from Central Florida to highlight the dangers of over-relying on automated surveillance technology.
U.S. Senate investigates Flock camera abuses after innocent Florida woman jailed for 13 days
The U.S. Senate is investigating the misuse of "Flock" automated license plate readers following reports of wrongful arrests and data abuse nationwide. • A Central Florida woman testified about spending 13 days in jail after Flock cameras mistakenly linked her to a fatal hit-and-run, despite obvious vehicle discrepancies. • Florida has already revoked state highway permits for the cameras.
U.S. Senate investigates Flock camera abuses after innocent Florida woman jailed for 13 days
Senate panel examines Flock cameras amid concerns Flock surveillance cameras have been linked to wrongful arrests and stalking incidents across the nation. And now, Congress could pass some big changes. FOX 13's Craig Patrick reports. Automated license plate readers, specifically those operated by the company, Flock Safety, are facing intense federal scrutiny following a series of high-profile failures, wrongful arrests and stalking incidents.
One-on-One with Leela Gray: The risk of AI disaster, insurance crisis, and conflict in Iran
Retired Brigadier General Leela Gray FOX 13's Craig Patrick sits down with Retired Brigadier General Leela Gray to talk about her campaign. U.S. Army Retired Brigadier General Leela Gray sat down with FOX 13 Political Editor Craig Patrick for an expansive one-on-one interview as she challenges Republican incumbent Rep. Anna Paulina Luna for Florida’s 13th Congressional District.
One-on-One with Leela Gray: The risk of AI disaster, insurance crisis, and conflict in Iran
Ending the Iran Conflict: Calling it a "reckless war of choice," Gray called for an immediate halt to military engagement with Iran and a return to diplomacy. Regulating the AI Boom: Gray called for immediate government intervention to establish AI guardrails. Rising Costs: Gray linked the soaring cost of living to corporate consolidation in healthcare. TAMPA, Fla.
One-on-One with Leela Gray: The risk of AI disaster, insurance crisis, and conflict in Iran
Ending the Iran Conflict: Calling it a "reckless war of choice," Gray called for an immediate halt to military engagement with Iran and a return to diplomacy. • Regulating the AI Boom: Gray called for immediate government intervention to establish AI guardrails. • Rising Costs: Gray linked the soaring cost of living to corporate consolidation in healthcare. TAMPA, Fla.
Sole survivor of FDNY Rescue 5 Team reflects on 9/11, 25 years later
Only survivor of FDNY Rescue 5 on 9/11 The story you’re about to see will break your heart, but it may also change the way you look at life. It certainly changed Bill Spade’s after the worst day of his life. FOX 13’s Craig Patrick reports. Retired FDNY firefighter Bill Spade loves an ordinary day. He thinks of his family and the little things he once took for granted, taking in the palm trees and the flowers. "How grateful I am to be alive," he said.
Sole survivor of FDNY Rescue 5 Team reflects on 9/11, 25 years later
Retired FDNY firefighter Bill Spade is the sole survivor of his team on the morning of September 11th. • Trapped in the North Tower, Spade worked alongside an NYPD officer to save over a dozen people before the building came down on top of them. • Twenty-five years later, Spade shares his harrowing story of survival, the devastating loss of his crew and his uncle on Flight 93, and his renewed perspective on what matters most. TAMPA, Fla. - Retired FDNY firefighter Bill Spade loves an ordinary day.
Sole survivor of FDNY Rescue 5 Team reflects on 9/11, 25 years later
Retired FDNY firefighter Bill Spade is the sole survivor of his team on the morning of September 11th. Trapped in the North Tower, Spade worked alongside an NYPD officer to save over a dozen people before the building came down on top of them. Twenty-five years later, Spade shares his harrowing story of survival, the devastating loss of his crew and his uncle on Flight 93, and his renewed perspective on what matters most. TAMPA, Fla. - Retired FDNY firefighter Bill Spade loves an ordinary day.
Inside the Sarasota classroom that taught America’s first 9/11 lesson 25 years later
On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, President George W. Bush arrived at Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota expecting to champion a victory for public education. Sandra Kay Daniels’ second grade reading group had just achieved the highest reading growth in Sarasota County, earning a personal visit from the Commander-in-Chief. Courtesy: George W.
Inside the Sarasota classroom that taught America’s first 9/11 lesson 25 years later
Former Sarasota teacher Kay Daniels and her second-graders reflect on the morning President Bush learned of the Sept. 11 attacks in their room. • A celebration of reading achievements abruptly shifted into teaching the children the definition of "terrorists" and "war." • Twenty-five years later, the former students—now adults working in teaching, engineering, and law enforcement—share how growing up in a post-9/11 world shaped their lives. SARASOTA, Fla. - On the morning of Sept.
One-on-One: U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Addresses UAPs, Foreign Conflicts, and the Epstein Files
U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna FOX 13's Craig Patrick sits down with U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna to talk about her campaign. U.S. Representative Anna Paulina Luna sat down with FOX 13 for a wide-ranging, one-on-one interview covering some of the most pressing and controversial issues facing the nation and Florida.
One-on-One: U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Addresses UAPs, Foreign Conflicts, and the Epstein Files
Missing Epstein Evidence: Luna suggested key electronic data from the Epstein trials may have been stolen or erased during a cyberattack. Non-Human Tech: Rep. Luna said she believes some UAPs are derived from non-human intelligence, pointing to the Tampa Bay area as a notable hotspot for sightings. Striking Iran: Luna defended the recent U.S.-led attack on Iran, taking the position that it was the right decision with the full benefit of hindsight. TAMPA, Fla.
'We are the sentinels': FDNY survivors keep the legacy of the 343 alive
Every September, national ceremonies honor the 343 New York City firefighters who died in the World Trade Center attacks. However, for the first responders who survived, the act of remembering is a daily mission. Florida 9/11 Memorial Club What we know: In The Villages, Florida, retired firefighters gather regularly as part of the FDNY 343 Memorial Club. Founded by retired New York firefighter Bob Kane, the group provides a space for firefighters to trade fond memories of friends they lost.
9/11 declassified: New secrets revealed as a son's crusade forces buried evidence into court
The Brief 9/11, families are uncovering long-hidden evidence—including a chilling video that families say shows a Saudi operative casing the U.S. Capitol. The victim's families are finally forcing long-buried government secrets out of the shadows. While military trials at Guantánamo Bay remain stalled, families say their civil lawsuit will prove Saudi officials bankrolled the terror plot. TAMPA, Fla. Bruce Eagleson raised his sons to put others before themselves.
9/11 Declassified: New secrets revealed as a son's crusade forces buried evidence into court
Published September 2, 2026 9:42 PM CDT 9/11 investigation As we honor those who died on September 11, many of their loved ones are still searching for closure. Nearly 25 years later, the military criminal trial and a civil wrongful death trial are still pending. FOX 13’s Craig Patrick reports. TAMPA, Fla. - Bruce Eagleson raised his sons to put others before themselves. On the morning of September 11, he led by that example.
9/11 Declassified: New secrets revealed as a son's crusade forces buried evidence into court
9/11 investigation As we honor those who died on September 11, many of their loved ones are still searching for closure. Nearly 25 years later, the military criminal trial and a civil wrongful death trial are still pending. FOX 13’s Craig Patrick reports. Bruce Eagleson raised his sons to put others before themselves. On the morning of September 11, he led by that example.
9/11 Declassified: New secrets revealed as a son's crusade forces buried evidence into court
9/11, families are uncovering long-hidden evidence—including a chilling video that families say shows a Saudi operative casing the U.S. Capitol. The victim's families are finally forcing long-buried government secrets out of the shadows. While military trials at Guantánamo Bay remain stalled, families say their civil lawsuit will prove Saudi officials bankrolled the terror plot. TAMPA, Fla. - Bruce Eagleson raised his sons to put others before themselves.
25 Years After 9/11: How the attacks revolutionized U.S. war planning at CENTCOM
While the public watched live broadcasts on the morning of September 11, 2001, trying to understand if a plane or jet had suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure, intelligence officers at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in Tampa already knew the truth. CENTCOM pivots to asymmetric warfare What we know: Within minutes of the first crash into the World Trade Center, command leadership was briefed that the nation was under attack from a terrorist network operating out of Afghanistan.
25 Years After 9/11: How the attacks revolutionized U.S. war planning at CENTCOM
Within minutes of the September 11 attacks, U.S. Central Command in Tampa shifted its focus to hunting stateless terrorist networks. The pivot triggered a massive expansion at MacDill Air Force Base, and embedding partner nations into global coalition operations. The attacks prompted an expansion of surveillance and increased global intelligence. TAMPA, Fla.
Florida SNAP error penalty: State faces $1 billion federal fine over food aid
SNAP errors in Florida State officials in Florida are racing against a federal deadline to overhaul how food assistance applications are handled or risk losing nearly $1 billion in federal funding. FOX 13's Craig Patrick reports. State officials in Florida are racing against a federal deadline to overhaul how food assistance applications are handled or risk losing nearly $1 billion in federal funding.
Florida SNAP error penalty: State faces $1 billion federal fine over food aid
Florida faces a massive SNAP error penalty that could cost the state nearly $1 billion annually if processing mistakes are not fixed. The state's food stamp error rate sits at nearly 13%, which is more than double the federal government's 6% threshold. Florida lawmakers passed reforms this year to deploy artificial intelligence technology to catch administrative mistakes before benefit cases are incorrectly closed. TAMPA, Fla.
Lethal loophole: How manufacturers synthesize new kratom compounds after Florida ban
The Brief Synthetic kratom manufacturers created a new chemical compound called MGM-15 after Florida banned the potent drug 7-OH. High-potency kratom extracts are causing an addiction crisis as federal officials weigh a nationwide ban. A Hernando County man died from ingesting MGM-15, prompting state health officials to expand emergency drug restrictions. TAMPA, Fla.
Lethal loophole: How manufacturers synthesize new kratom compounds after Florida ban
Synthetic kratom manufacturers created a new chemical compound called MGM-15 after Florida banned the potent drug 7-OH. High-potency kratom extracts are causing an addiction crisis as federal officials weigh a nationwide ban. A Hernando County man died from ingesting MGM-15, prompting state health officials to expand emergency drug restrictions. TAMPA, Fla.
Lethal loophole: How manufacturers synthesize new kratom compounds after Florida ban
Kratom investigation In June 2025, Florida issued an emergency rule designating 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) — a concentrated kratom derivative up to 13 times more potent than hospital morphine — as a Schedule I narcotic. Rather than halting sales, synthetic kratom producers altered their chemical formulas to evade the ban. FOX 13's Craig Patrick reports.
Pasco family sues sheriff’s officer after fleeing driver slams into man on lawnmower leaving him brain damaged
Family suing after pursuit leads to crash Pasco County deputies pursued a fleeing car until the driver veered off the road and crashed into a man who was mowing grass. The victim’s family blames the car thief and the sheriff’s office. FOX 13’s Craig Patrick reports. A Florida family is taking the Pasco Sheriff's Office to court after a high-speed pursuit in New Port Richey ended with a fleeing driver hitting a landscaper on July 8, 2021.
Pasco family sues sheriff’s officer after fleeing driver slams into man on lawnmower leaving him brain damaged
A New Port Richey family is suing the Pasco Sheriff's Office after a 2021 police pursuit left a landscaper permanently injured. Relatives say deputies violated agency pursuit rules when a driver ran off the road and hit the worker on his lawnmower. The sheriff's office denies any wrongdoing and maintains deputies acted within policy, with a trial set for September. NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla.
Iran fortifies nuclear assets in underground bunker as conflict drives up U.S. gas prices Original
What comes next with the conflict in Iran As airstrikes, tanker attacks, and gas prices rise, all what comes next in the conflict with Iran. E.J. Otero, Former CENTCOM Director of Intel Operations sits down with Craig Patrick in Money, Power, Politics. U.S. airstrikes in Iran have temporarily paused, and President Donald Trump is holding off on a larger offensive for now. However, the conflict is rapidly evolving.
Florida sex offender law: Swimming pool rules spark debate
A newly active Florida law bans sex offenders convicted of crimes against minors from living within 1,000 feet of a public swimming pool. Supporters call the law common-sense protection for children. Opponents claim it could increase offender homelessness and make them harder to track. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A controversial new housing restriction went into effect across Florida, prohibiting specific sex offenders from residing within 1,000 feet of public swimming pools and splash pads.
Florida sex offender law: Swimming pool rules spark debate
A controversial new housing restriction went into effect across Florida, prohibiting specific sex offenders from residing within 1,000 feet of public swimming pools and splash pads. New Florida restriction details What we know: Florida law already banned sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, and playgrounds. The latest restriction extends that 1,000-foot exclusionary zone to include public swimming pools and splash pads. The primary House sponsor, State Rep.
One-on-One: Senate candidate Angie Nixon outlines positions on housing, healthcare, and foreign policy
State Rep. Angie Nixon FOX 13's Craig Patrick sits down with State Rep. Angie Nixon about her campaign for U.S. Senate. State Representative Angie Nixon, a Jacksonville Democrat known for her vocal advocacy in the Florida House, is seeking her party’s nomination in Florida’s 2026 U.S. Senate special election.
One-on-One: Senate candidate Angie Nixon outlines positions on housing, healthcare, and foreign policy
The Brief State Representative Angie Nixon said she is open to lifting the trade Embargo on Cuba. To tackle the housing affordability crisis, Nixon supports implementing rent stabilization. Nixon favors an incremental shift toward a "Medicare for All" system. TAMPA, Fla. - State Representative Angie Nixon, a Jacksonville Democrat known for her vocal advocacy in the Florida House, is seeking her party's nomination in Florida's 2026 U.S. Senate special election.
America 250: How grit and ingenuity fueled the race to the moon
Reflecting on the space race ahead of America 250 The American Revolution started with trailblazers facing steep odds and little margin for error, solving problems by adapting. That same American spirit would later take humanity to the moon — but the U.S. did not start the space race in the lead. FOX 13's Craig Patrick reports. The American Revolution started with trailblazers facing steep odds and little margin for error, solving problems by adapting.
Florida trailblazers: Highlighting Six icons who shaped the country's history ahead of America's 250th
Counting down the Florida greats For 250 years, bold individuals have built, defended and defined this country. While Florida was not an original state, it has a rich history of artists, explorers and patriots who helped shape the nation. FOX 13's Craig Patrick reports. For 250 years, bold individuals have built, defended and defined this country. While Florida was not an original state, it has a rich history of artists, explorers and patriots who helped shape the nation.
Florida trailblazers: Highlighting Six icons who shaped the country's history ahead of America's 250th
Counting down the Florida greats For 250 years, bold individuals have built, defended and defined this country. While Florida was not an original state, it has a rich history of artists, explorers and patriots who helped shape the nation. FOX 13's Craig Patrick reports. For 250 years, bold individuals have built, defended and defined this country. While Florida was not an original state, it has a rich history of artists, explorers and patriots who helped shape the nation.
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