How do we weigh life and death?

TikTok banned on Florida university campuses; Florida wildfire threat grows; new Tampa restaurant opens in Westshore

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View on the web Go to our homepage Subscribe to the Times Friday, April 7, 2023 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters Read today's e-Newspaper Happy Friday! Looks like we're in for some partly cloudy weather today (high of 89, low of 70).   Below we get into the TikTok ban on Florida university campuses; the state's growing threat of wildfires as the drought worsens; and a new restaurant that's open in Westshore.  [IVY CEBALLO | Times (2022)] Florida jurors discuss their experiences as lawmakers eye changing death penalty Lawmakers are poised to lower the standard by which Florida juries can recommend the death penalty, making an 8-4 vote the minimum.    Although Florida law changed a few years ago to require that juries be unanimous if they recommend the death penalty, Gov. Ron DeSantis and some state lawmakers want to return to a lower threshold.   Proponents of the change say it will prevent a few dissenting voices from halting justice.    The Times sought insight on the issue from those closest to it: people who have served on death penalty juries. They’re experiences yielded insights into how juries go about deciding between life and death. 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 TikTok banned on campuses: The Florida Board of Governors passed an emergency regulation last week that would prohibit several apps, including Tik Tok, from state public university-owned devices and networks.  New leader: A new president has taken over St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, just five months after a new one had been named. Why was there a sudden change in leadership?   Free beach shuttle: The City of St. Pete Beach expands their free, door-to-door, on-demand, electric vehicle taxi service as ridership grows. Last fall, the service was extended further still to cover the entire island.   Changes approved: Pasco commissioners this week agreed to move forward to the next steps for three large development projects.   Wildfire threat grows: The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center reported that 55% of Florida is in the severe to extreme drought category, increasing the risk of wildfires.   New restaurant: The latest food spot The Wine House, a wine bar and smoke house where you can also buy bottles of wine at retail prices, has opened in Gulfport.  Sitcom reunion: Most of the main cast of “Boy Meets World” will reunite at ‘90s Con, which will be held at the Tampa Convention Center in September.   Shooting aftermath: Pinellas Cpl. Matthew Aitken and Sgt. Jacob Viano spoke about a shooting on March 12 in which Aitken was shot three times, describing the events of the night and more.  BRIGHT SPOT [JEFFEREE WOO | Times] Tampa’s Union New American is now open at Westshore City Center It’s been nearly three years since Union New American was announced. Now, the highly-anticipated restaurant from the team behind Boulon Brasserie and Forbici is finally open. Here’s everything to know about the new Next Level Brands spot. POLITICS No funding: The St. Petersburg City Council voted against giving $50,000 to the Tampa Bay Abortion Fund to pay for travel-related expenses for people seeking the procedure. Legislative session update: As we reach the halfway point, here's a look at some of the major legislation that has passed and other measures to watch. 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 Governor's ridiculous fight: This crusade with Disney is crazy and it's gone on long enough.The average Floridian doesn't wake up worrying about Walt Disney World, writes the Times Editorial Board. Floridians need a governor, not a theme park administrator. SPORTS Injuries piling up: Two Lightning players exited the game during Thursday's loss against the Islanders. The defeat, combined with the Maple Leafs' overtime loss to Boston, also sealed Toronto's home-ice advantage in the first-round playoff series.     "Sweet opportunity": After a breakout season with the Seahawks in 2022, safety Ryan Neal, who signed a one-year contract on Thursday, hopes to make a name for himself as a starter on the Bucs' defense. Record-setting start: Here is what the opening week of the season taught us about the best-in-baseball Rays. Plus, Tampa Bay offers reduced ticket prices for the weekend series against the A's.    Open investigation: The Tampa Bay-area homes of two New York Yankees pitchers were burglarized last season, according to a recently released Hillsborough County document. TODAY'S TALKER [Times (2019)] In the battle over Tampa's tree canopy, a tree cutting company takes a six-figure hit The Tampa company that cut down dozens of trees including grand oaks at a Gandy trailer park really does owe that big fine, an appeals court rules. After a years-long battle, the tree cutting business will be fined $234,000. Today's DayStarter was compiled by Anila Lijo, Mari Faiello 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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