Student loan pause offers glimpse of a better life

Appeal in Bayshore Boulevard case raises questions; Florida's 10 big legal issues to watch; 2 more Lightning players enter COVID-19 protocol

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View on the web Go to our home page Subscribe to the Times Tuesday, December 28, 2021 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters Hey there. How goes it? The weather will be mostly sunny today (high of 82, low of 58) after we see some clouds this morning.   Below you’re in for an update on what’s next for this Tampa case that continues to generate public interest and 10 Florida legal issues worth following in 2022. Meanwhile, as the new year approaches, Tom Brady has shared a resolution that will likely delight Bucs fans. [MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times] How the student loan payment pause brought Tampa Bay grads closer to the life they expected For many student loan borrowers, the federal pause on payments was a rare silver lining in the coronavirus pandemic.   Some Floridians paid off other debt, started savings accounts and bought homes.   The pause had been set to expire after Jan. 31, 2022. But last week, the Biden administration extended the suspension of loan payments through May 1.   Still, with the end of the reprieve coming next year, Tampa Bay graduates say they feel blanketed with dread, malaise or nihilism. Read the story.   Related coverage:   Florida officials spent much of 2021 asserting the state’s authority on education issues like masks and curriculum. We take a look back.   The Pasco County school district’s new start times begin Jan. 4 to help with a bus driver shortage. But some fear they could cause other problems. AROUND THE BAY Appeal in fatal Tampa crash: A three-judge panel will hear arguments about whether a driver’s 24-year sentence for causing a collision that killed a mother and daughter on Bayshore Boulevard can stand. Here’s what to know.   Nail salon settles lawsuit: A Tampa woman visited Tammy’s Nails 2 for a pedicure and developed an infection from a cut that required doctors to amputate her leg. The salon reached a settlement with her for $1.75 million.   Tampa terrorism case: Federal prosecutors accused a man of plotting a mass shooting. Now, his defense says he might be mentally unfit for trial. Court records detail a complex investigation amid flurries of pretrial litigation.   Interim U.S. Attorney for Middle District: Longtime federal prosecutor Roger B. Handberg III has been appointed to the post. He’ll oversee an office tasked with prosecuting federal crime in a 35-county region that includes Tampa.   Happy holidays, Dunedin: After a fire at the water treatment plant, the city’s reverse osmosis process is partially back online. Residents should see changes to their water quality soon.   4,700-mile journey: One Haitian family made an arduous trek through Chile to Tampa. They hope to stay.   Kforce gets new CEO: Joseph Liberatore will lead the Tampa professional staffing services firm, replacing the retiring David Dunkel in the new year.   Calling all gastronauts: Times food and dining critic Helen Freund is about to release her Top Restaurants lists. But first, we want to know — what’s your favorite new local eatery? 2021 IN REVIEW [IVY CEBALLO | Times] Relive what was an eventful year for local sports Tampa Bay sports teams had a pretty special 2021. Join columnist John Romano as he reflects on their biggest moments — one month at a time. He’s covered the Stanley Cup’s second summer in Tampa, the Rays’ nearly perfect August, that epic Super Bowl 55 boat parade and much more. Need a mental break? Play a game! 👾 ARCADE SOLITAIRE SUDOKU SEE ALL CORONAVIRUS DEVELOPMENTS UPDATES AT TAMPABAY.COM/CORONAVIRUS "Expensive" and "broken": The pandemic has left Floridians feeling increasingly anxious about medical costs and unequal access to health care, according to a new national survey.   CDC updates guidance: The agency recommends people isolate for five days, rather than 10, after testing positive for COVID-19. It is also shortening the time that close contacts need to quarantine.   Vaccine mandate for domestic air travel? The Biden administration has resisted the idea, but Dr. Anthony Fauci says it could help spur more shots.   Biden's COVID-19 progress, rated: How well has the president done in the fight against the pandemic? PolitiFact asked four public health experts. POLITICS Legal issues to watch: State and federal courts are weighing major Florida lawsuits, from voting rights to COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Keep an eye on these 10 big topics next year. Dive deeper into your favorite local subjects 📨 Our free email newsletters bring the best of the Tampa Bay Times to your inbox every week. Explore all of them here. OPINION AND COMMENTARY Critical moment for smart choices: With the omicron COVID-19 variant surging and New Year's around the corner, Americans need to be cautious. The coming weeks will be critical to curbing the virus' spread, the Times Editorial Board writes. SPORTS Remarkable turnaround: The unfortunate break that ended Feleipe Franks' Gators career became the spark that revived Arkansas and put the Hogs in Tampa's Outback Bowl.   Deja viral New Year's resolution: Tom Brady won't be tossing any more tablets on the sideline, but he wants another crack at heaving the Lombardi Trophy in a championship boat parade.   Bucs' sacks leader out, too: Don't bother pondering whether the team will rest its starters in one of these last two regular-season games. There are few healthy starters to rest.   New additions to COVID-19 protocol: Two more players joined the Lightning's list before practice Monday. Their next game against the Canadiens, scheduled for tonight in Tampa, is still a go. BRIGHT SPOT [CHRIS URSO | Times] St. Petersburg sculptor with Parkinson's starts creating again Donald Gialanella, the artist behind the mustache sculpture in the Dalí Museum's Avant-garden, hadn't been able to fully dive into his works since his tremor worsened five years ago. After a successful medical procedure, he's now bringing a "top secret" design to life. Today's DayStarter was compiled by Meaghan Habuda and Valentina Botero. Did someone forward this to you? Get DayStarter in your own inbox next time. It's free to subscribe. Sign up here. 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