Tampa keeps wary eye on imperiled home rule in Tallahassee The state has preempted the cityâs power over trees and coronavirus rules. Will lawmakers threaten another Tampa initiative? Â Â Nearly three dozen trees were cut down at a half-abandoned trailer park along Gandy Boulevard in 2019, enraging tree advocates and sparking another battle between the city of Tampa and a new state law that removes local government authority over tree removal. The Legislature has been eroding the ability of cities and counties to manage their own affairs, and that trend could continue this year. Published Jan. 22 TAMPA â Home rule has been a rallying cry in Tampa for years, as it has in cities and counties across Florida.