Florida's top 2 Democratic contenders for governor

Pasco schools plan student discipline crackdown; Dolphins had talks with Brady about playing for them in 2022; golf carts come to downtown Tampa

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View on the web Go to our home page Subscribe to the Times Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters Happy Wednesday. It’s looking like it could be a wet one, with afternoon showers and scattered thunderstorms in the forecast (high of 92, low of 75). Begin your morning with these reads: Tony's Restaurant is closing its doors next month after over 90 years; Pinellas County Commission passed a tenants bill of rights providing more protections for renters as housing costs rise; and columnist John Romano writes that Tom Brady's talks with the Dolphins shouldn't be worrisome or surprising to Bucs fans.  [LUIS SANTANA | Times] What to know about Nikki Fried and Charlie Crist before the primary In less than three weeks, Florida Democrats will choose who faces Gov. Ron DeSantis in November.   We took a closer look at the top two Democratic contenders for governor ahead of the Aug. 23 primary election.   Nikki Fried’s campaign touts the 44-year-old state agriculture commissioner as an outsider who is “Something New for Florida” and an agent of change. But examine her life and her actions closely enough in this profile by Kirby Wilson, and it’s clear that she wants to be an insider, not breaking down barriers as much as building consensus.   At 66, U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist is one of the most recognized names in the Democratic Party of Florida. But as this profile by Lawrence Mower shows, Crist has earned a reputation for blurring partisan lines and positions in a long career in politics. Is that pragmatism or opportunism?   Crist and Fried on the issues: Watch both candidates make their case in TV specials tonight hosted by the Times and other news organizations. AROUND THE BAY Publix lawsuit: The Lakeland-based grocer has settled a legal battle in which it accused an online retailer of using a similar logo. But who won?   Couple sues creamery: A pregnant woman’s baby died after she ate Big Olaf ice cream contaminated with listeria while visiting Clearwater Beach, a new lawsuit says.   “It’s just time”: Tony’s Restaurant has served up Italian and Ybor City eats — cafeteria-style — for over nine decades. Next month, the Tampa institution will close its doors.   Sip & Dry expands 💄🥂: The St. Petersburg blow dry bar and makeup salon is coming to Water Street Tampa.   Contract offer: Pasco County's school district is proposing a pay increase for support staff aimed at addressing noncompetitive pay and minimal raises. The 3,639 workers would see hikes between 5%-52%, according to a district analysis.   Curbing discipline problems: The Pasco County superintendent has a message for parents before school starts — teach your kids how to behave.   Firefighters save pedestrian: On Tuesday, first responders freed a woman who authorities say was pinned under an armored vehicle that ran her over in a New Port Richey parking lot.   Under investigation: Detectives are looking into the death of a 58-year-old man who died at the Pinellas County Jail two days after he was arrested, according to the Sheriff's Office.   Facing multiple charges: A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with two killings — one a woman, the other an ex-boyfriend who they tried to frame for the first homicide, deputies say.   For the latest coronavirus news and updates, visit tampabay.com/coronavirus. BRIGHT SPOT Spanish Lyric Theatre brings 'In the Heights' to Ybor City Home to one of the country's oldest Hispanic community theaters, Tampa has long waited to perform Lin-Manuel Miranda's first Tony-winning musical. The production provides insight into the love of family, friends, culture and community. Peek behind the curtain as Spanish Lyric Theatre presents it through Sunday.   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 POLITICS Why target Uhurus? The FBI is investigating alleged ties between the St. Petersburg-based Uhuru Movement and a Russian campaign to interfere in U.S. elections. But why would Russia care who wins a mayor's race or a City Council seat? It's complicated.   Hey, St. Petersburg: Residents may vote in November on The Dalí's expansion, business tax breaks and more. We break down everything to know.   Renters get stronger protections: Pinellas County commissioners have passed a tenants bill of rights with new rules for landlords.   Book reviews: State guidelines on how to review books and other materials for school use, in light of new Florida laws, won't arrive for months. Pinellas County is getting ahead of the curve. 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 Call for experimentation: Would you ride the bus if it were free? Now is the time for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and HART to find out, writes the Times Editorial Board. SPORTS Best middle-aged athlete? On the occasion of Tom Brady's 45th birthday, Joey Knight compares the GOAT's feats to other prominent athletes in his age bracket.   Tampering timeline: The Dolphins spent nearly 2½ years trying to lure Brady to Miami, according to an NFL investigation that has ended with sanctions against the team and two of its executives. This story charts those efforts.   Not surprising or worrisome: Brady's marriage with the Bucs was entirely transactional, columnist John Romano writes. Which is why the news that the Dolphins had been illegally wooing him was more confirmation than revelation.   Bucs coach admonishes team: After an extraordinarily hot practice Tuesday, Todd Bowles addressed his team about a possible lack of mental toughness.   Rays fall to Blue Jays: Even with the two hitters they picked up in advance of the trade deadline in the lineup, Tampa Bay continued its offensive struggles Tuesday.   No further adds: The Rays kept talking right up until the trade deadline, but the only deal they made Tuesday was to send fan favorite Brett Phillips to the Orioles for cash considerations. TODAY'S TALKER [LAUREN WITTE | Times] Here's a new way to get around fast-moving downtown Tampa Visit the city's center and you'll see all sorts of modes of transportation — people strolling the Riverwalk, zipping around on bikes and e-scooters, riding the water taxi. Now, golf carts have joined the mix. The reaction, particularly from those who support alternatives to car traffic, was predictably enthusiastic. Today's DayStarter was compiled by Meaghan Habuda, Anila Lijo, Kelsey Harrell 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.