Filming soon in Tampa Bay: Movie inspired by sideshow attraction

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine expands to more ages; $101 million in federal funds for Hillsborough schools; Tampa lawyer found dead; DeSantis signs bill broadening ban on local gun regulations

View on the web Go to our home page Subscribe to the Times Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters Do we live in the Sunshine State or the actual sun? Better hope that partly cloudy skies will offer some relief. Today will see a high of 94 and low 74. There's a major update on Hillsborough County schools: Federal money comes just in time to avoid crisis. We'll also cover the governor's political committee raising millions last month and coronavirus vaccines will head to more kids. [Courtesy of Briefcase Pictures] Movie based on Gibsonton’s carnie history will be shot locally Ever been to the Showmen’s Museum in Riverview? An old banner hanging inside that promotes a sideshow attraction called “Wolf Boy” has inspired a new independent film. The brainchild of a Tampa movie producer and his son, The Beast Comes at Midnight is tentatively scheduled to start filming this summer. Gibsonton will serve as the backdrop for the flick, with Ybor City, FishHawk and Plant City planned as additional shooting locales. More movies related to the area’s history as a retirement community for carnival and sideshow workers are also a possibility. CORONAVIRUS DEVELOPMENTS UPDATES AT TAMPABAY.COM/CORONAVIRUS Shot eligibility expands: U.S. regulators authorized the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in kids as young as 12. Vaccine doses: See how Florida compares to other states. Where to get vaccinated in Tampa Bay: Our guide to finding shots is updated regularly. Here’s the latest on vaccine sites, appointments and other key details. Daily update: Florida added 2,296 cases and 53 deaths Monday. Track the spread: Find your county, city, ZIP code or hospital. Your support makes a difference The Tampa Bay Times needs your help to keep delivering top-notch journalism. Please consider subscribing or making a tax-deductible donation to the Tampa Bay Times Journalism Fund. Donate Gain unlimited access BRIGHT SPOT [JAY CRIDLIN | Times (2020)] Gasparilla Music Fest sets dates for Tampa return The popular riverfront event was last held in March 2020. This year, GMF is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a first: concerts by local and national artists over three days. AROUND THE BAY School district avoids state takeover: Hillsborough County schools has received $101 million in federal aid. Superintendent Addison Davis said district leaders can now shift their focus from financial crisis to academic success. Plan to refund: One proposal for the Hillsborough County transportation sales tax suggests the public apply for reimbursements and a three-judge panel would be the arbitrator. Death of prominent attorney: The body of Douglas Wright, a partner at Tampa law firm Holland & Knight, was found floating off Clearwater Beach.  Ex-educator’s sentencing: A former Hillsborough County teacher who secretly taped students was sentenced to 15 years in a Florida prison. Staying in jail without bail: The woman accused for the second time of DUI manslaughter in Hillsborough County will remain jailed pending trial. Latest on quadruple murder suspect: A Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Court judge has appointed a doctor to evaluate whether a man accused of killing his ex-wife and three of her family members is competent to stand trial. Reason for optimism: With new support for his country from President Joe Biden, Lt. Col. Armen Zakaryan is hopeful his three-year assignment in Tampa will help bring long-awaited peace to Armenia. Celebrity visits: Bill Maher is coming to Clearwater next month, while Justin Bieber is postponing his tour for the third time. Need a mental break? Play a game! 👾 ARCADE SOLITAIRE SUDOKU SEE ALL POLITICS Gov. Ron DeSantis signs gun bill into law: It extends a ban already in place and applies harsher punishments to local governments for regulating firearms. Another elections measure in dispute: DeSantis signed a bill last week that would limit contributions to political committees backing ballot initiatives. Now, the ACLU has filed a constitutional challenge to it. Preparing for re-election bid: The political committee Friends of Ron DeSantis raised nearly $14 million in April. That total dwarfs what one of DeSantis’ anticipated rivals in the 2022 governor’s race brought in. Campaign begins for Charlie Crist’s seat: Ben Diamond, a Democratic state representative, announced he’s running for Congress. Health protections restored: In a reversal of a Trump-era policy, the U.S. will protect gay and transgender people against sex discrimination in health care, the Biden administration says. Diving into local trends 📉 How is Tampa Bay's economy affecting you?  We're introducing a free, weekly newsletter this month breaking down the biggest stories in tourism, real estate, city development, retail and more. Sign up for Business by the Bay here. OPINION AND COMMENTARY Biden's American Rescue Plan: The funding is a chance for many Florida cities and counties to address longstanding barriers to creating healthy and equitable communities, writes one guest columnist. SPORTS Next up, postseason: The Lightning opened their last regular-season game Monday night with a forward line comprised entirely of Black players, making NHL history. The game ended with a loss to the team Tampa Bay will face in the first-round of the playoffs and no home-ice advantage. Honored for a fourth time: The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded to a player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game. Check out this year’s Lightning nominee. “Excited” to face New York again: If there is one team the Rays consistently outperform (at least recently), it’s the Yankees. Decisions, decisions for Rays: Has Yoshi Tsutsugo run out of time? How does Tampa Bay cope with the loss of Kevin Kiermaier? These questions and others will have a significant impact on the roster. Supporting pediatric cancer research: Dick Vitale has won a national title, or at least his version of it. His annual gala eclipsed its financial goal by $1.5 million. Back in the NFL? The Jaguars reportedly plan to sign former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. This would reunite him with his college coach, Urban Meyer. 12 notable QBs, ranked: With Kyle Trask set to start his Bucs career at a minicamp this week, we wondered: Where does the Gators great fall among Dan Mullen’s all-time starting quarterbacks? TODAY'S TALKER [MONIQUE WELCH | Times] St. Petersburg Black history trail to offer tours at your fingertips The African American Heritage Trail has always wanted a digital replica, but it lacked the funds to make one a reality — until now. Today's DayStarter was compiled by Meaghan Habuda and Bernadette Berdychowski. Did someone forward this to you? Get the DayStarter in your own inbox next time. It's free to subscribe. Sign up here. Contact us Privacy policy Terms, conditions & copyright Standard of accuracy © 2021 • All Rights Reserved Tampa Bay Times • 490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 To ensure this email is delivered to your inbox, add custserv@elist.tampabay.com to your address book. You are receiving this email because you signed up for the "DayStarter" newsletter from the Tampa Bay Times. If you'd prefer not to receive updates, you can unsubscribe from this email.