The cuts reach every corner of the country. The Tampa Bay area is no exception.
With the help of billionaire Elon Musk and the government’s efficiency, President Donald Trump has pledged to remove waste from the federal budget. So far, his administration’s approach has meant chaos and uncertainty for the federal workforce in Florida, and could quickly affect the federal interests that many Floridians rely on.
However, the cost of hiring federal workers is a small fraction of federal spending, and many of the reported layoffs have yet to come, so Trump, Musk and the company have done little to cut down on government spending in total. In February, federal spending increased by $36 billion compared to the previous year.
If you are affected by government cuts, we want to hear from you! Please contact us here.
This is the Tampa Bay Times collection so far reporting on Trump, Musk and Clumsy.
The impact of Doge on local federal workers
1. “What if we’re not there?” Federal workers in Florida worry about Trump.
At least 32,000 federal employees live in Tampa Bay. Many reported in February that there has been a highlight of the possibility of a massive federal layoff.
2. The scientist had made Florida beaches resilient to hurricanes. Doge fired him.
Before Hurricane Helen, Michael Slattery had furiously prepared the Pinellas beach with scientific equipment to measure the effect of the storm on precious sand. He says his work will help protect some of Florida’s signature ecosystem. In February he was fired.
3. These park rangers oversaw Florida’s only manatee shelter. They were then fired.
Hundreds of thousands of people visit the country’s only dedicated shelter for manatees. The federal government fired two of the eight full-time staff members at the shelter.
Doge effects on local government services
1. “Bad things can happen”: Meteorologist’s work cut after historic hurricane season
Florida saw one of the most deadly and expensive hurricane seasons. Currently, local weatherers work without many colleagues.
Billions of Hurricane Relief Funds in Tampa Bay amid reduction proposals
Federal staff may be needed to approve hundreds of millions of people in local Hurricane Relief Grants. The Trump administration reported in February that it plans to cut the core institutions of its efforts by 84%.
How local leaders react to doges
1. People spoke at the Florida Republican City Hall. Do you listen to Washington?
We attended City Hall in February, when locals tried to balance the federal budget. It was just an exercise, but their work was illuminated. Which programs did they hold and which one did they cut?
2. Trump has fired thousands of Social Security workers. Here’s how it affects Florida:
For years, accessing federal Social Security benefits for Floridians with disabilities has been a nightmare. They need to ensure basic survival for months and sometimes years for money. Under cuts to the Federal Social Security Administration under Trump, supporters are worried that their waiting times will be even longer.
3. Members of the Florida Democratic Congress ask for NOAA reductions and rethinking the NWS
The federal government is about to fire 10% of its national marine and air administration employees. It is the agency responsible for predicting hurricane trucks. Some Democrats are asking the Trump administration to rethink it.
“Florida is no stranger to the devastating effects of hurricanes. Our community relies on NOAA’s accurate and timely predictions to make life-saving decisions,” reads a letter from a Democrat in Florida.
