We talked to Ron DeSantis. No, not that one.

Hurricane season ends today; help name TPA's flamingo; HART board OKs investigation

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View on the web Go to our home page Subscribe to the Times Wednesday, November 30, 2022 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters We're halfway through the week. Expect a high of 82 and low of 66 on this mostly cloudy Wednesday.  Catch up with the first day of the federal trial in which Andrew Warren hopes to be reinstated as Hillsborough County’s state attorney; and lost graves that were once part of the North Greenwood Cemetery in Clearwater are given a historic marker. Plus: what happens if USF hires a football coach that uses the Bulls to win big, then leaves? [JEFFEREE WOO | Times] What’s it like to share the name of a rising political star? Gov. Ron DeSantis could very well run for president in 2024. But before his recent political rise, there wasn’t much special about being named “Ron DeSantis.”   That got us thinking: There must be other people in Florida named Ron DeSantis. How are they dealing with this particular political moment? Enter Ron DeSantis of Dunedin, and also Ron De Santis from Tampa. We spoke with the two men about their hobbies, whether they’re fans of the governor and what it’s like to be, well, Ron DeSantis.   Here’s what they told us. AROUND THE BAY Foul waters? Advocates for protecting the Weeki Wachee River remain on hold. Meanwhile, new rules for a little-known spring surrounded by land owned by an influential family are slated for approval.    Lost graves get historic marker: There are at least 55 Black pioneers still buried on Clearwater land that was once the North Greenwood Cemetery. Soon, a new plaque will serve as a reminder that the site should be considered a burial ground despite the absence of headstones.   Investigation a go: The board of Hillsborough County’s transit agency on Tuesday unanimously authorized an investigation into allegations of a hostile workplace and the double-dipping of a top staffer.   Prepared for uncertainty: The outgoing and incoming chairpersons of the Tampa Bay Chamber say they’re ready if a recession hits the region. In our Q&A, they talk inflation, equity and their most anticipated local projects.   May the best name win 🦩: Free airline travel and Busch Gardens tickets are on the line — plus big, pink bragging rights — for whoever reigns victorious in a contest to name Tampa International Airport's giant flamingo. BRIGHT SPOT [Courtesy of Charles Ericks] Argentinian musician lands her dream role in an award-winning musical at the Straz Belén Moyano auditioned for "Hadestown" in early 2020. Then the COVID-19 pandemic called off work in the arts. Now, the violinist is making her first trip to Tampa to perform in the show. She shares what inspired her to be part of the production in this story. Need a mental break? Play a game! 👾 ARCADE SOLITAIRE SUDOKU SEE ALL POLITICS "You've been suspended": Ousted Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren was the first witness in a federal trial that he hopes will end with his reinstatement, testifying that he first learned that Gov. Ron DeSantis had suspended him through an Aug. 4 email.   Suit names 2 top aides: DeSantis' chief of staff and "public safety czar" are among the new defendants in a class-action lawsuit against the governor over his migrant flights to Martha's Vineyard.   Disputing dismissal: A former state corrections officer is asking an appeals court to overturn his firing for using medical marijuana. This case could be the first of its kind in Florida. 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 What's the plan? Tampa Bay got lucky again. But with six months to go before hurricane season starts all over again, it's urgent to figure out how to keep Floridians safe, houses standing and insurance affordable, the Times Editorial Board says.   Protect the sea cows: People who love manatees should embrace the animals' habits, writes guest columnist and Florida Conservation Director Jon Paul Brooker — don't pollute, don't litter, don't recklessly develop the coast. SPORTS Lightning fall to Bruins: Unlike the last time these teams met, Tampa Bay didn't have a defensive lapse in the second period Tuesday, but couldn't quite pull ahead.     Pivotal period 🏈: Year 1 was a disappointment for Billy Napier's Florida Gators. How he does in Year 2 depends, in no small part, on what happens over these next three weeks.   "You made a great hire": What if USF picks a football coach who has three or four great seasons, then uses the Bulls as a stepping stone to get a Power Five job? Louisiana's athletic director says it's not a bad thing.   Crisis of faith: If the Bucs aren't going to give Tom Brady a chance to work his magic in the final minute of a tie game, columnist John Romano asks, what's the point of having him here? TODAY'S TALKER [MAX CHESNES | Times] Hurricane season officially ends today Here in Florida, the 2022 storm season was anything but average — with deadly Hurricane Ian devastating our neighbors to the south and historically late Hurricane Nicole causing damage on the east coast. Yet it played out largely as forecasters had predicted. Michaela Mulligan takes a look back. Today's DayStarter was compiled by Meaghan Habuda, Kelsey Harrell and Amy Gehrt. Did someone forward this to you? 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