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State Senate confirms Ladapo as surgeon general; Hillsborough renews 5 more charter schools; Tom Brady to play himself in feature film

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View on the web Go to our home page Subscribe to the Times Thursday, February 24, 2022 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters Hi, Thursday. Spend some time outside if you can. Today’s weather is sunny with a high of 88 and low of 64.   On to the news: The Florida Senate made Gov. Ron DeSantis’ pick for state surgeon general official; Tom Brady will play quarterback for the Patriots again in a football-themed movie; and a Tarpon Springs “euro fusion” cafe offers a quirky dining experience. [DIRK SHADD | Times] We asked folks why they’re fleeing to — and from — the Sunshine State Hundreds of thousands of people move to Florida every year, and every year hundreds of thousands leave the state.   The Tampa Bay Times tracked down folks headed in both directions to ask: Why?   People were eager to share their reasons. More than 250 responses to our social media queries rolled in, citing everything from job flexibility to politics to youth hockey programs, and, of course, the sunny weather.    Are they fleeing “tax hell” in the Northeast, or too many COVID-19 restrictions as Florida’s leaders have suggested? Experts say the data is unclear, but personal anecdotes abound.   Dive into a few stories from new arrivals in Tampa Bay specifically and from those who’ve relocated to other cities like Buffalo, N.Y., or Asheville, N.C. AROUND THE BAY Tampa Theatre to show Oscar noms: Starting Friday, you can catch all the short films nominated for an Academy Award this year.   $6 million expansion: The Polk Museum of Art will undergo a major overhaul, adding 10,000 square feet of multipurpose space to its Lakeland property.   Gulf Harbors project moves forward: A funding plan may have finally been found to turn the 50-acre Pasco County golf course into a park and preserve.   Fraternity under investigation: USF is looking into allegations that the school's Pi Kappa Phi chapter engaged in antisemitic acts, including reports that they drew a swastika on the forehead of a Jewish student pledge.   Update on USF president search: Rhea Law, the school’s interim leader, has applied to take the job permanently, according to records.   Charter school renewals: Hillsborough County on Tuesday renewed contracts for five more charter schools. Combined with the four charters approved earlier this month, they will consume nearly $50 million in state funding.   “They flat-out lied”: PSTA bus drivers, mechanics and union representatives feel shortchanged over the disparity between their pay and that of administrative workers.   Stabbing death in Tampa: A murder trial is underway for a man accused of fatally stabbing a bus driver in 2019.   Defense expert faults investigation: During day eight of testimony in the murder trial of a retired Tampa police captain, a key witness for the defense team laid out best practices for crime scene investigation, many of which may not have been followed in the Pasco County theater shooting. Russia attacks Ukraine: In national news, the Russian assault has begun with explosions before dawn in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and other cities. Here are 10 things to know about the situation, including responses so far from the U.S. BRIGHT SPOT [IVY CEBALLO | Times (2021)] Tampa's Gasparilla Music Festival to return with 3 days of tunes and food 🎶🍔 The popular Curtis Hixon Park event has a stacked lineup — including headliners Black Pumas, The Revivalists, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Mavis Staples. Beyond that, it's designed to bring the community together. Here's what to expect this weekend. 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 CORONAVIRUS DEVELOPMENTS UPDATES AT TAMPABAY.COM/CORONAVIRUS Health insurance on the line: Florida has 2.4 million children on Medicaid. But when the pandemic health emergency is declared over, thousands of them could lose coverage, one study says.   U.S. vaccination drive collapses: As the omicron variant subsides, the average number of Americans getting their first vaccine dose has fallen to about 90,000 a day. That's the lowest point since the push for shots began in 2020. Vaccine doses: See how Florida compares to other states. POLITICS Another failed effort: Pinellas County commissioners voted against putting a term limits question before voters in November. Now, it's up to residents to get the issue on the ballot.   Ladapo wins approval: The Florida Senate confirms Dr. Joseph Ladapo as the state's surgeon general along party lines. Rooftop solar industry balks: A Florida House bill that would reduce the financial incentives to add rooftop solar panels is moving forward despite opposition from critics, who were not appeased by an amendment to the bill.   More faith leaders speak out: The hallways of Florida's Capitol are bustling with advocates who oppose the immigration bill. But GOP lawmakers are pushing forward with the legislation.   Latest on high-profile legal battle: Florida's transgender bathroom case continued Tuesday as a federal appeals court heard arguments. Lawyers focused on whether a school board policy violates equal protection rights and the law barring sex-based discrimination. 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 History of vaccine mandates: The past holds lessons for why low vaccination rates for children are so risky and why officials should consider school mandates for the COVID-19 vaccine, writes Kaiser Health News' Elisabeth Rosenthal.   Lagging schools: What will it take to address the deep, complex causes behind why Hillsborough County operates far more "persistently low-performing" schools than any other Florida district? The Times Editorial Board shares its take. SPORTS Victory after break: The Lightning hadn't played in more than a week but still pulled off a 5-3 win against the Oilers Wednesday night at Amalie Arena. One of those five goals helped forward Corey Perry reach a big milestone.   Bucs' franchise tag options: From a practical standpoint, Tampa Bay's choices are limited, but we assess the four most likely candidates. Meanwhile, the search for a Tom Brady heir continues. Could Carson Wentz end up on the market?   Hollywood ending for the GOAT 🎬: Tom Brady is set to portray himself in an upcoming feature film with a star-studded cast.   Coaching clinic takes on dismal pay: Salaries for Florida's high school football coaches lag way behind those in other states. The hot-button issue will be a focus of one Tampa event.   Aiming to share the wealth: Tampa native Declan Farmer, who's pursuing a third Paralympic gold medal with the U.S. sled hockey squad, wants to help some of his teammates get their first. TODAY'S TALKER [DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times] Quirky Fork in Tarpon Springs takes a more personal (and unusual) approach to dining The restaurant's menu changes nightly. Guests more or less design their own meals. Oh, and there's a 50-minute conversation with the owner. Our food critic tried out what chef Andonia Elefteriou is cooking. Read about her experience.    Tampa Bay snubbed, again: No chefs or restaurants from the region made the list of James Beard Award semifinalists. 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.