The region is home to MacDill Air Force Base, U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations as well as two of the busiest VA Medical facilities, James A. Haley in Tampa and Bay Pines in Pinellas County, which means there are several ongoing stories to monitor this new year.
- The Petraeus Scandal – Tampa socialite Jill Kelley's actions unwittingly led to the FBI's discovery of former CIA director David Petraeus's affair. Will that chill the once warm relationship between the Tampa civilian community and military leaders serving at U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and MacDill Air Force Base where Petraeus once led CENTCOM?
- The KC-46 Tanker – Home to 16 older Eisenhower-era KC-135 Stratotankers, will MacDill Air Force Base be awarded the new KC-46A aerial refueling tankers? A decision due in 2012 was postponed.
- Chairman Rep. Bill Young – How will the reappointment of the 82-year-old C. W. Bill Young, a Republican from Indian Shores, to Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee influence Department of Defense spending in Florida?
- 2013 National Veterans Wheelchair Games – Get ready. Tampa’s James A. Haley VA Hospital is hosting the 33rd annual national wheelchair games that will attract thousand of contestants to compete at local venues from July 13-18. Locals can volunteer to help with events and organization.
