Remember the Cow Palace? Pasco locals do.

Florida drops federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate appeal; weigh in on next steps for the Rays; St. Pete artist releases local coloring books

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View on the web Go to our home page Subscribe to the Times Tuesday, January 25, 2022 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters Hey there! After that frosty start to the week, we’re in for temperatures in the 50s today, plus rain showers. Lots of questions remain for the future of the Rays after a nixed split-season concept. Where do you stand? Color in many of Florida’s roadside attractions in a St. Petersburg artist's new book; and get the latest discussion from Tom Brady himself on his future with the Bucs. [Times (2015)] Historic marker to honor Pasco County’s Cow Palace, a former music and social hub Ever heard of the Cow Palace? During its heyday, the live music venue in rural Pasco County hosted the likes of B.B. King and James Brown.   Now, the spot — built in 1957 in the African American community of Carver Heights — is getting a historical designation from the state.   The Cow Palace’s location isn’t much to look at these days. But locals are hoping this recent boost from Florida officials will finally usher in a new chapter for the once-popular gathering place.   Read about the venue’s legacy and what the historic marker means to its fans. 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. AROUND THE BAY Where do you stand? The Rays are back to square one in their ballpark search following the demise of their split-season idea. Tell the Times what you think the team's next move should be.   Debating development: As Pasco County leaders grapple with Wesley Chapel's booming growth, some commissioners have different — and sometimes conflicting — visions.   Shooting at Tampa nightclub: A shooting outside Eden Downtown sent two people to the hospital early Monday, police say.   Undercover operation goes awry: Two suspects tried to rob an undercover detective who had arranged to buy guns from them in a Westfield Brandon mall parking lot, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said. When authorities moved in, the suspects fired as they fled.   Hunt for new leadership: The Pinellas County School Board will meet with its superintendent search firm today for the first time. Members aim to make their pick soon, but not too soon.   Pinellas County educator award: The school district has chosen a diverse group of finalists for its Teacher of the Year honor. Meet the contenders.   Inside our new series: The idea for the Times' Rising Threat project (check out Part 1) emerged in 2019 during hurricane reporting. Senior deputy editor Amy Hollyfield offers behind-the-scenes insight into the series.   Remembering Tampa bodybuilder: Frank Calta won Mr. Tampa and Mr. Florida and owned 11 gyms throughout the city. He died at 75 last week. BRIGHT SPOT [MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times] How one St. Petersburg artist is preserving iconic Florida attractions Summer Kluytman lost her art teaching jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. So, she turned her childhood memories into a business opportunity. Kluytman's new series of hyper-local coloring books feature both surviving and extinct Sunshine State landmarks. CORONAVIRUS DEVELOPMENTS UPDATES AT TAMPABAY.COM/CORONAVIRUS State drops vaccine mandate appeal: Florida abandoned its legal fight after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccination requirements for health care workers.   Vaccine doses: Find out how Florida compares to other states.   Misleading claim about Moderna: The company's COVID-19 vaccine has not been widely discredited. PolitiFact explains. POLITICS Immigration debate renews: Republicans in a Florida Senate committee on Monday pushed through a bill targeting companies that transport undocumented migrants into the state. The move gives a nod to a controversial but key part of Gov. Ron DeSantis' election-year agenda.   Reviewing bid-rigging case: DeSantis' chief inspector general is reviewing how Florida's education department handled a multimillion-dollar vendor contract.   School cancels civil rights seminar: As state lawmakers take aim at race discussions, one Florida school system backed out of a presentation for history teachers over critical race theory concerns. The professor planning the seminar said no district officials asked to see his materials. 📹 Find us on YouTube The Tampa Bay Times video team produces special reports, sports coverage and more. Follow along with their work and subscribe to our YouTube channel. OPINION AND COMMENTARY Florida removes Orlando health director: Orange County's public health chief was removed after sending an email to his staff decrying his agency's low COVID-19 vaccination rate. It's a dark turn for the state's campaign against vaccine mandates. SPORTS Uncertain future: Tom Brady isn't saying whether Sunday's loss to the Rams was the final game of his career. But on his latest podcast, Brady said his family remains top of mind as he mulls a decision. If he does retire, the Bucs will look again for a free-agent quarterback. See how Brady's potential last season might stack up against those of other top QBs.   Another Bucs return TBD: As for Rob Gronkowski, the TE will take some time to regroup before deciding his next step.   Will Florida schools be shut out? Three recent mock NFL drafts feature zero state players chosen in the first round.   Baseball's Hall of Fame: Here are the players Times writers voted for on their 2022 ballots.   Rays shuffling: The team made more than 30 changes to its coaching and training staffs for the upcoming season.   "Moose" gives Bolts upgrade: Despite big gaps in his playing time, Lightning backup goaltender Brian Elliott continues to deliver. TODAY'S TALKER [Courtesy of Illene Sofranko] St. Petersburg cafe offers a plant-based boost The Works, a new vegan spot from the owner of Squeeze Juice Works, is now open in Historic Uptown. Take a look at what's on the menu. Today's DayStarter was compiled by Meaghan Habuda, Carly Thompson, Rachel Adamson and Amy Gehrt. Did someone forward this to you? Get 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 © 2022 • 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.