Yacob Reyes

Tampa

Writer at Axios Tampa Bay Newsletter

Boricua 🇵🇷 | Reporter covering Florida politics, etc. for @axios Tampa Bay | @PolitiFact alum | 📲 DM for Signal | Scoops? 📨 [email protected]

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Articles

As homebuying costs climb, more wealthy Tampa Bay residents rent

1 week ago | axios.com | Yacob Reyes |Sami Sparber

Data: Redfin; Chart: Axios VisualsAround 9% of Tampa Bay renters in 2023 were wealthy, up almost two percentage points from 2019, per a new Redfin analysis. Why it matters: The cost of buying a home in Tampa Bay has risen more than the cost of renting since 2019, which makes it an attractive choice for many, even those with deep pockets. Rich renters are on the rise in 35 of the 50 most populous U.S. metros, the real estate site reports.
The Pulp: Food banks brace for cuts

1 week ago | axios.com | Kathryn Varn |Yacob Reyes

Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios✅ Santa J. Ono, a biomedical researcher from the University of Michigan, was named the University of Florida's new president. (WLRN)He replaces former president Ben Sasse. 🍽️ Local food banks like Feeding Tampa Bay and Metropolitan Ministries are bracing for cuts after the Trump Administration canceled two programs that gave money to schools and nonprofits to buy food from local farmers.
Flood risk is real for Florida homebuyers. Here's how to shop smart

1 week ago | axios.com | Yacob Reyes

Illustration: Maura Losch/AxiosBuying a home is tough anywhere — but Florida and its vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding can make it even tougher. If you're in the market, though, the Miami Herald shared a few tips to ensure your dream home won't end up underwater. Why it matters: The beach is beautiful until it's in your living room. Catch up quick: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation last year that made it harder to hide flood damage from prospective buyers.
Dip and Happy review: Dubai chocolate waffles and coffee worthy of a spoon

1 week ago | axios.com | Yacob Reyes

Dip and Happy's Dubai chocolate waffles. Photo: Yacob Reyes/AxiosLike almost everyone online, I got swept up in the Dubai chocolate craze: kadayif, pistachio and the sweet illusion of discovery. That's how I found Dip and Happy — a new breakfast spot in Downtown Tampa that serves sandwiches, bowls and, most notably, Dubai chocolate waffles. State of plate: I strolled in one morning soon after it opened and grabbed a seat in the back.
Hurricane myths put lives at risk. Don't fall for these

1 week ago | axios.com | Yacob Reyes

Illustration: Natalie Peeples/AxiosFlorida is more often affected by hurricanes than other parts of the U.S. — but oft-repeated myths about these natural disasters could leave residents underprepared for real dangers.
Which of Tampa, St. Pete has better parks? New rankings say it's not close

1 week ago | axios.com | Yacob Reyes

Data: Trust for Public Land; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosWe're kicking off the short week with another Tampa vs. St. Petersburg showdown. State of play: You've voted for the region's best downtown, waterfront attraction and restaurant scene, and we even let ChatGPT weigh in on the cross-Bay rivalry. Today, we're turning to city parks, and since y'all can't be trusted to vote for anything but Tampa, we're letting the experts decide this one.
Florida Aquarium ranks No. 8 nationally

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Kathryn Varn |Yacob Reyes

Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios๐ Small businesses in St. Pete Beach's Dolphin Village had just recovered from Hurricane Helene when a fire ripped through the plaza earlier this month. Some owners worry they won't survive the double disasters. (Tampa Bay Times)๐ The Florida Aquarium in Tampa was ranked No. 8 in the country in USA TODAY's Reader's Choice Awards.
Homeless teens in Tampa become playwrights through Straz partnership

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Yacob Reyes

Erin Lekovic at Metropolitan Ministries' teen showcase rehearsals. Photo: Courtesy of the Straz CenterNine teens stand in a circle. Erin Lekovic, a playwright and community engagement instructor at the Straz Center, is in the middle, leading a round of "Fortunately, Unfortunately.""Unfortunately, I lost my car," one teen begins. "Fortunately, I had wings," another offers. "Unfortunately, I flew too close to the Sun," a third chimes in. Laughter spreads. The warmup ends.
Hillsborough schools pull hundreds of books

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Kathryn Varn |Yacob Reyes

Illustration: Maura Losch/AxiosðŸ“š Under pressure from state officials, Hillsborough County schools officials removed from classrooms hundreds of books, including "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood and "Beloved" by Toni Morrison. (Tampa Bay Times)ðŸ’§ The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is now required to follow certain procedures to protect manatees in the northern Indian River Lagoon, thanks to a federal judge's ruling.
How new laws will reshape boating in Florida

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Yacob Reyes

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/AxiosChanges to Florida's boating laws are on the horizon. Why it matters: The Sunshine State is home to the most boats in the nation, with just over a million registered last year, and also sees the most accidents on the water: 685 in 2024. Pinellas ranks fourth in the state for boating accidents, with 42 reported last year. Six resulted in fatalities, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.