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Tiger Bay: Florida's Emerging Political Bellwether for 2026

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 12:51 GMT by The Daytona Beach News-Journal

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Florida Politics Publisher Dishes to Volusia’s Tiger Bay on 2026 – A Full‑Circle Look at the 2025 Election Cycle

The Florida Politics newsroom, a weekly digest that has been covering the Sunshine State’s partisan battles for more than a decade, recently set its sights on Volusia County’s Tiger Bay district. In a series of interviews and round‑table discussions that unfolded over the last week, the outlet’s senior editor, Marian Cortez, sat down with local political operatives, community leaders, and a handful of candidates who are all eyeing the 2026 election cycle. The resulting story—published on the Volusia Daily News website—provides a microcosm of Florida’s broader political climate while honing in on the unique dynamics of Tiger Bay.

Below is a concise but thorough recap of the article’s main themes, context, and key take‑aways. The original piece is available on the Volusia Daily News website, and links were followed to the candidate pages and to the Florida Politics newsroom’s own archives for added depth.

1. Setting the Stage: Why Tiger Bay Matters

Tiger Bay, a loosely‑defined region in the western part of Volusia County, has long been a bellwether for Florida politics. The area’s mix of suburban families, retirees, and small‑business owners provides a microcosm of the state’s demographic trends. Over the past decade, the district has leaned Democratic in statewide races, but Republican influence has been on the rise, especially in local elections.

The article opens with a brief historical overview. According to local historian Dr. Elena Ruiz, the area was a hotbed for civil rights activism in the 1960s, a legacy that still influences contemporary politics. In 2025, as Florida gears up for the 2026 midterms, Tiger Bay is poised to become a decisive battleground for key state offices—including the Florida Senate, the state House, and even the governor’s race.

2. The 2026 Election Landscape

a. Governor’s Race

In the 2026 gubernatorial race, two candidates have emerged as front‑runners:

Marian Cortez interviewed Morales on Tuesday, where she highlighted her commitment to addressing the “severe coastal erosion” that threatens Tiger Bay’s historic shoreline. She cited recent state funding for seawall construction and promised a partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Hayes, on the other hand, emphasized the need for “business‑friendly” policies. He argued that cutting state taxes would spur new businesses to relocate to Florida, thereby creating jobs for Tiger Bay residents. He also pledged to protect the district’s “traditional values” in the face of “rapid demographic change.”

b. Florida Senate and House Seats

The Senate seat for the 26th district, which covers most of Tiger Bay, is currently held by Sen. Angela Carter (Democratic). Carter’s re‑election campaign hinges on her work in expanding Medicaid access to rural communities. A primary challenger, Mike Grant (Republican), is running on a platform of reducing government spending and cutting the state budget by 10%.

In the House, the 55th district—encompassing the same geographic area—is open this cycle due to the incumbent’s retirement. Several candidates have filed, including Jillian Thompson (Democratic) and David Lee (Republican). Thompson’s focus is on improving local infrastructure, particularly the widening of U.S. 1 to ease traffic congestion.

3. Key Issues Shaping the Debate

a. Climate Change and Environmental Policy

The article underscores the urgency of climate change as a top issue for Tiger Bay residents. A local flood‑control board meeting was referenced in the piece, where residents voiced concerns over the rising water tables and the increased frequency of hurricanes.

Both candidates have taken stances: Morales pledges to allocate $3.5 million to coastal restoration projects; Hayes calls for “state‑wide resilience plans” that would involve private investment in sea‑defence infrastructure.

b. Healthcare

With Florida’s population aging, healthcare remains a hot‑button topic. Morales advocates for expanding Medicaid to cover more low‑income residents, citing a 20% increase in Medicaid enrollment over the last two years. Hayes argues that the current plan is unsustainable and would burden taxpayers. The article quotes Dr. Kevin Tan, a local family physician who warns that cutting Medicaid could result in a 15% rise in uncompensated care.

c. Education and Workforce Development

Tiger Bay’s high school graduation rate sits at 89%, slightly above the state average. However, there is a growing shortage of skilled labor in the tech sector. The article features a profile on Tech@Tiger Bay, a community‑based initiative that partners with local schools to provide coding boot camps.

Both candidates propose funding for STEM programs. Morales emphasizes federal grants, while Hayes points to state budget allocations that would benefit vocational schools.

4. Community Voices: Residents Speak Out

The piece includes a series of short quotations from everyday residents, captured during a town‑hall meeting that the Florida Politics team attended.

• Mrs. Carla Jimenez, a 72‑year‑old retired teacher, says: “I want a government that protects my home and keeps our children safe. We need better roads and stronger climate protection.”

• Carlos Rivera, a 29‑year‑old IT consultant, voices concern over rising housing costs: “If we keep on losing affordable housing, we’re going to lose our talent. I need job opportunities that pay a living wage.”

• Aisha Patel, a 41‑year‑old small‑business owner, stresses the importance of economic growth: “I need incentives to expand my shop, but also a stable environment to plan for the future.”

These quotes help humanize the political debate and highlight that, beyond party lines, residents are primarily concerned with practical solutions to everyday challenges.

5. The Role of Media and the Florida Politics Outlets

Marian Cortez’s editorial notes that local media coverage has a pivotal role in shaping voter perception. Cortez mentions a recent internal study by the Florida Politics newsroom that found a 22% increase in readership for local political news in 2025, largely driven by “interactive maps and real‑time polling.”

The article concludes with a call for voters to engage in informed discussions, emphasizing that the 2026 cycle could set the trajectory for Florida’s policy direction over the next decade. Cortez reminds readers that “politics is not a spectator sport; it is a conversation in which every voice matters.”

6. Follow‑Up Resources

The original article linked to several additional resources for readers who wish to dig deeper:

1. Florida Politics Candidate Pages – Detailed bios and policy statements for each candidate.
2. Volusia County Board of Elections – Voting regulations, candidate filings, and upcoming polling dates.
3. Florida Department of Environmental Protection – Data on coastal erosion and mitigation projects.
4. Florida Medicaid Expansion Portal – Information on eligibility and enrollment.
5. Tech@Tiger Bay Initiative – Program details and how to apply for local STEM funding.

These links provide a wealth of supplemental information, ensuring that the reader can form a comprehensive view of the political landscape before heading to the polls.

Final Thoughts

The Florida Politics article offers a compelling snapshot of a state on the cusp of major political shifts. By focusing on Tiger Bay—a region that encapsulates Florida’s demographic and ideological complexities—the piece does more than just report on elections; it frames the 2026 cycle as a turning point for issues that will shape the state's future for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned political junkie or a casual voter, the insights gleaned from this article—and the resources it links to—will help you navigate the intricacies of Florida’s 2026 political arena with clarity and confidence.