Florida dad's search for answers becomes a push for change

Jeter's old Tampa home to be demolished; DeSantis' defense of Martha's Vineyard flights raises questions; state senator calls for Childs Park investigation

View on the web Go to our home page Subscribe to the Times Friday, September 16, 2022 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters It's finally Friday. Don't leave your umbrella at home today, especially if you plan on heading out for your lunch break. A cloudy day is ahead with afternoon and evening thunderstorms (high of 86; low of 72).  Among the many stories below: demolition is planned for the famed Tampa mansion that Derek Jeter and Tom Brady once called home; Gov. Ron DeSantis’ comments after sending two planes of undocumented immigrants to Martha’s Vineyard raise more questions; and state Sen. Darryl Rouson wants Florida to launch its own investigation into the odor around Childs Park neighborhood. [DIRK SHADD | Times] Anna Maria Island father makes it his mission to protect children from sports concussions Mac Parkman was a popular high school student and a talented defensive lineman and wrestler. When the 17-year-old took his life, his father, Bruce Parkman, struggled to understand why.   Parkman grilled the coroner after his son’s report was completed. The coroner had a question of his own: “Did your son ever have concussions?”   He told Parkman about chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a degenerative brain condition. Caused by repeated blows to the head, it can lead to depression and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts.   The conversation started a journey that would change Parkman’s life. Get the latest sports coverage from the Times For updates and analysis on the Bucs, Lightning, Rays, Florida college teams and more, follow the Tampa Bay Times sports crew on social media. Twitter Facebook Instagram AROUND THE BAY Call for investigation: Florida Sen. Darryl Rouson wants the state to look into the odor around St. Petersburg neighborhood Childs Park and what’s causing it.   No smoking allowed? Similar to St. Petersburg’s city council, Pinellas County commissioners are considering a smoking ban on public beaches. Where would the ordinance apply?   Wastewater plan in peril: Tampa City Council voted unanimously Thursday to deny additional funding for Mayor Jane Castor’s project to convert highly treated sewage into water.   I-4 improvements: The Florida Department of Transportation secured $15 million in federal funds to construct a truck parking facility between Tampa and Orlando.   Global firm off to Tampa: The British hiring company Phaidon International will add 200 jobs for its new office at WeWork downtown.   Opening day nears: Water Street Tampa’s Edition hotel will launch next week — with several food and drink concepts from a Michelin-starred chef.   Scholarship semifinalists: This year, 173 students in three Tampa Bay counties are in the running for National Merit awards. See the locals on the list.   For the latest coronavirus news and updates, visit tampabay.com/coronavirus. THINGS TO DO [Times (2013)] Free Museum Day returns to Tampa Bay Nab your free ticket. On Saturday, art and history spots around the area will offer admission on the house as part of the Smithsonian’s annual celebration. Get a full rundown on participating museums.   Punk spirit in St. Petersburg 🎸: American Stage is presenting "Green Day's American Idiot." Our arts and music reporter shares her take on the rock opera.   Talking racial bias: Eric Deggans, an NPR analyst and Tampa Bay author, will speak at a gala in St. Petersburg this weekend. REAL ESTATE [Times (2011)] Wrecking ball is coming for Derek Jeter's former $22.5M Tampa mansion A commercial demolition permit has been filed for the Davis Islands waterfront property where the baseball great and Tom Brady once lived, city records show. Here's what we know.   Make way for more townhomes: A South Tampa office park just sold for $16 million. Now, a new residential community is planned. It wasn't long ago that a much larger proposal for the site drew controversy. POLITICS DeSantis stands by decision: Amid criticism, the governor on Thursday suggested that flying undocumented immigrants to Martha's Vineyard was to "protect" Florida. His comments raise more questions about the state's plans to relocate migrants.   Sounding off: Members of the Venezuelan community around Florida slammed DeSantis and decried the Martha's Vineyard flights.   Court battle ahead: Ousted Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren will face off against DeSantis before a judge Monday. What could happen?   Bayshore crash case: Cameron Herrin's 24-year prison sentence in the deaths of a mother and daughter in Tampa is appropriate, the state says — despite comments from former prosecutor Warren. 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 Leave the kids alone: Children came off of two planes sent to Martha's Vineyard with the blessing and encouragement of DeSantis. They shouldn't be used as props in some ridiculous political grandstanding about immigration, writes the Times Editorial Board.   Royal rundown: Have you wondered why the Queen's coffin is still rolling across the TV many days after her death? Columnist Stephanie Hayes explains Operation London Bridge, Paddington bear bans, royal bees and leaky pens. SPORTS Gameday guide arrives: What college football matchups should you watch this weekend? Here's a handy breakdown.   Intertwining pasts: USF and UF football's head coaches first met when Jeff Scott was a recruit and Bill Napier was a backup quarterback. We revisit a two-decade relationship that comes full circle Saturday.   What gives? Tom Brady is the winningest quarterback of all time. So why has he been so bedeviled by the Saints?   Passer to protector: The Bucs locker room teems with stories of staggering transformations. But none have undergone an evolution quite like this tackle.   Rays defeat Blue Jays: Shane McClanahan, back from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for a couple of weeks, worked five shutout innings Thursday as Tampa Bay put a good finish on a rough road trip.   Making history: The Rays celebrated Roberto Clemente Day in a remarkable way, with all nine players in the first batting order from Latin American countries, a first in major-league history.  TODAY'S TALKER [IVY CEBALLO | Times] On-air 'flea market' connects Latino listeners to the community A popular Spanish-language radio show on Tampa's WQBN has spent the last 40 years sharing music and news, plus helping locals buy and sell items or find a place to rent. One listener called it the "king of programs." How does a team of four bring the broadcast to life? Today's DayStarter was compiled by Meaghan Habuda, Anila Lijo, Kelsey Harrell, Mari Faiello and Amy Gehrt. Did someone forward this to you? 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