Delivering the gift of sight

Federal judge calls for trial to settle Warren-DeSantis; loved ones remember UT student who was killed; and more

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View on the web Go to our home page Subscribe to the Times Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters Good morning. Today’s forecast brings partly cloudy skies before afternoon thunderstorms roll in, alongside a high of 89 and low of 73.   In this newsletter, we dive into a federal judge’s call for a trial to settle a legal fight between Tampa prosecutor Andrew Warren and Gov. Ron DeSantis; how loved ones are remembering a UT student who was killed over the weekend; and more. [ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times] Tampa eye bank’s CEO talks transplants, evolving attitudes on donating and more In surgical technician school, Jason Woody witnessed an amazing gift. The experience inspired him to get into the world of donations and transplants.   Today he leads the Lions Eye Institute for Transplant & Research in Ybor City as president and CEO. The combined eye bank, tissue recovery and ocular research center’s 150 employees do recovery of donations, testing for suitability, matching with recipients and delivery to doctors for transplanting. We asked Woody about a job that helps people see. Hear from him in this Q&A. AROUND THE BAY “Selfless and dedicated”: A UT student was fatally shot Saturday while trying to get into a stranger’s car, police say. Family and friends are mourning his death alongside the community.   Father testifies in Tampa trial: On Monday, Andrew Joseph Jr. told of his family’s devastation when his 14-year-old son was killed after being kicked out of the Florida State Fair in 2014.   Jury seated: Twelve Hillsborough County jurors will decide the fate of James Hanson Jr. He’s accused of carjacking Mathew Korattiyil after a 2019 Valrico bank robbery, then strangling the retired grandfather when he tried to flee.   Highest punishment: Hillsborough County prosecutors will seek the death penalty for a Tampa man they’ve accused of killing a 14-year-old girl.   Picking new pipeline: In an unanimous decision Monday, Tampa Bay’s regional water supplier selected a 26-mile, $419 million route to deliver more H2O to southern Hillsborough County.   USF 🤝 MacDill: The university announced a partnership with the Tampa air force base, giving students access to internships, research projects and more.   Buyout proposal: Clearwater cybersecurity training company KnowBe4 received a $4.2 billion offer from an Austin, Texas private equity firm. Get a full rundown.   Independent Bar to close: After six years in St. Petersburg's Edge District, the beloved beer and wine spot will shutter for good next month. BRIGHT SPOT [LUIS SANTANA | Times] Tampa was Alicia Keys' 'boo' at the Seminole Hard Rock event center During an intimate concert Sunday, the singer delivered a stellar performance and cemented her status as a music icon. Here's everything that happened. Need a mental break? Play a game! 👾 ARCADE SOLITAIRE SUDOKU SEE ALL POLITICS Potential trial: The federal judge hearing the case of ousted Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren appears to favor a speedy trial over immediate reinstatement to settle the matter.   Taking aim at ruling: DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody are appealing a federal judge's decision that blocked part of the "Stop WOKE Act," the Florida law placing restrictions on race-related issues in workplace training.   State law violation? The group of mostly Venezuelan migrants sent to Martha's Vineyard began their journey in a tiny Texas town. Now, Democratic Florida lawmakers say DeSantis broke state law when his administration used taxpayer dollars for the flights.   Redistricting controversy: Lisa Wheeler-Bowman resigned from St. Petersburg City Council over claims that she didn't live in the district she represents. Some are now accusing Wheeler-Bowman's appointee on the redistricting commission of expanding her district to include her new home. 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 Working to improve access: The chair of UF's Board of Trustees says the school has made strides in bringing more first-generation and low-income students to campus, but that this effort must continue. In a guest column, he breaks down how the university plans to do it.   On book banners: "If you can't read freely, how can you ever live freely?" Miami Herald columnist Leonard Pitts Jr. explores the question. SPORTS Rays fail first test: The Astros claimed the AL West title on Monday after defeating Tampa Bay, which managed only five hits and was shut out for the eighth time.    Bucs' big loss: The NFL suspended Mike Evans one game without pay Monday, following his altercation with Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore.   Assuming some blame: On his weekly podcast Monday night, Tom Brady (who said he's dealing with a "banged-up" finger) talked about Evans' suspension, shouldering some responsibility for Sunday's scuffle, and his bad run with Microsoft tablets.    Is Brady a crybaby? For much of Sunday's game in New Orleans, the Bucs quarterback behaved like a child. So, columnist John Romano asks, are you OK with that?   What gives? Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson has yet to throw a touchdown pass, putting UF in its biggest drought since the Will Muschamp era.   Bolts are back: Here are five questions ahead of training camp this week. TODAY'S TALKER [JEFFERY S. SOLOCHEK | Times] Parent lawsuit prompts a change in Pasco County schools Last year, superintendent Kurt Browning reassigned a student to a different school without allowing the parent to challenge the move. The affected family took him and the Pasco County school district to federal court, alleging due process and free speech rights had been violated. Now, as part of a negotiated settlement, the district is rewriting its reassignment rules. Today's DayStarter was compiled by Meaghan Habuda, Anila Lijo, Mari Faiello, Alexandra Urban 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. 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