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Tampa Bay Times
Trump’s raised fist is a go-to gesture with a long history of different meanings
In the frenzied moments when Secret Service agents surrounded a bleeding Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13 trying to hustle him offstage to safety, Trump, whose ear was grazed by a would-be assassin’s bullet, raised his fist in the air. “Fight! Fight!” he appeared to be...
Live updates: St. Petersburg City Council votes on new Rays stadium
A decision decades in the making likely gets made today: Are the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg to stay, and what will become of Tropicana Field’s 86 acres?. The City Council is set to vote on 12 legally binding agreements governing construction and funding for a new stadium and a surrounding redevelopment called the Historic Gas Plant District.
Rays post break: 5 reasons to be encouraged, 5 to be concerned
NEW YORK — Pretty much everything about the Rays’ play to this point has been, as the cool kids say, mid. Through 96 games, they are 48-48. They’ve never been more than five games under .500 or three games over, and they’ve been exactly at .500 21 times, one shy of their most for a full season.
Tampa Bay Times launches its primary voter guide
The presidential contest between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump is far from the only election that matters this year. The Aug. 20 primary will shape your state and local communities for years to come. The Tampa Bay Times is here to help you make an informed choice...
Meet Stella, the baby orangutan melting hearts at Busch Gardens in Tampa
TAMPA — The newest star in the animal lineup at Busch Gardens is finally on view for the public. Stella the baby orangutan is melting hearts with her bright eyes and sweet attachment to her red-haired mother. Stella, who is now 3 months old, represents a milestone for the...
DeSantis misleads while taking a swipe at Florida abortion amendment
MILWAUKEE — In a breakfast address to home state Republican delegates today, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized two constitutional amendments that Florida voters will vote on later this year, one on abortion and the other on recreational marijuana. But DeSantis mischaracterized the reach of the abortion measure. If approved...
First look at Pinellas budget has lower tax rate, raises for county employees
An early version of Pinellas County’s next budget proposes lowering the property tax rate for the third time in four years while also meeting goals on infrastructure, beach renourishment, public safety and short-term rental enforcement. The $4.3 billion preliminary budget, highlights of which were shown to commissioners at their...
Hillsborough schools plan to sue county over November referendum denial
The big story: School districts across Florida often turn to voters for extra tax revenue so they can better pay their faculty and staff. Across the state, these local-option property tax referendums have proven highly popular. But not in Hillsborough County. Hillsborough voters narrowly defeated a 2022 ballot question, leaving...
Kitty litter in classrooms? Pinellas schools candidate insists it’s true
Pinellas County school board candidate Erika Picard insists that students who identify as cats are seeking special treatment in schools. As part of her campaign, the Palm Harbor University High guidance counselor regularly refers to students requesting litter boxes in their school restrooms. This week was no exception. Explaining her...
12 ways to celebrate Ice Cream Day in Tampa Bay
National Ice Cream Day is officially July 21. Here are 12 ways to honor the sweet, creamy treat. Frozen Treat Sale: Stock up for National Ice Cream Day as Whole Foods Market offers everyone 44% off all ice cream and other frozen cream-based desserts. Offer valid at all Whole Foods Market locations through July 16. Price varies by product. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Tuesday (July 15-16). Whole Foods Market, 27001 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater. 727-724-7100.
Pinellas sheriff’s office starts seizing vehicles from people who flee deputies
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is fulfilling its promise to seize cars from people who flee deputies. According to the sheriff’s office, there have been six vehicle seizures under a policy launched over a month ago that aims to reduce dangerous high-speed police chases. Many other law enforcement...
Dear Annie: We’ve dated 6 years and I haven’t been in her house. Is this OK?
Dear Annie: I’ve been dating this woman on and off for the past six years. In all this time, she has never officially introduced me to her family or friends. We’ve never spent a holiday together, and she has never invited me to her home. Not even once! She says it’s because of past relationship trauma, so I haven’t pushed the issue.
Rays’ Jason Adam takes an impressive run into season’s 2nd half
ST. PETERSBURG — Jason Adam had a few days off this week. His manager and most of his teammates didn’t think he should have been idle. As the most reliable reliever in the Rays bullpen in the first half of the season, Kevin Cash was disappointed that Adam was not picked as an All-Star.
Florida’s Amendment 1, explained
School board elections in Florida have been nonpartisan for decades, but a constitutional amendment on the ballot this November could change that. Proponents say the measure would increase transparency and aid voters. Opponents say it would bring unnecessary division to Florida schools. Here’s what to know. What would the...
In parts of Tampa Bay, more people are going to the ER amid record heat
The emergency room staff at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital have extra cooling kits at the ready this year. They include vests that circulate cool water over patients’ bodies, instant cold packs and refrigerated IV fluids. In extreme cases, staff are equipped to dunk over-heated patients in ice water baths.
5 things to know about the Sun, Tampa Bay’s pro women’s soccer team
TAMPA — Tampa Bay’s new professional women’s soccer team is gearing up for its debut. The Tampa Bay Sun FC have begun preseason practices, and the players are more than ready to finally see game action. “We did some team bonding (recently), but we’re footballers,” midfielder Erika...
Zephyrhills 5-star recruit DJ Pickett commits to LSU
The Tampa Bay area’s top recruit, Zephyrhills High’s DJ Pickett, orally committed to LSU on Wednesday. Pickett is a five-star prospect and the nation’s top cornerback in the 247Sports composite. He’s the site’s No. 6 overall recruit and No. 1 in the state. Pickett’s other...
Billy Napier says Florida Gators are somewhat ‘on schedule.’ Is he right?
DALLAS — Billy Napier’s 11-14 start to his Florida Gators tenure has riled up fans and put him on hot seat lists entering his pivotal third season. But Napier suggested Wednesday that his record is either not as bad as it seems or should have been expected. “I...
St. Petersburg driver charged in fiery Bay Pines crash that killed woman
A St. Petersburg man was arrested Wednesday after he struck a car and killed a woman while impaired by drugs, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Rosario Malicon, 53, and her son Ernie Agbanlog, 26, were waiting at a red light on Bay Pines Boulevard at 9:21 p.m. Tuesday when Joshua Kohlbecker, 43, crashed into their Mustang from behind in his Ford F-150, deputies said.
ACC, Florida Attorney General reach agreement in lawsuit
The ACC will share redacted versions of its ESPN contracts and related documents with the state of Florida, ending Attorney General Ashley Moody’s lawsuit against the league. The shared records will be public, but the conference will be able to shield what it says are trade secrets. The full...
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