Are these mushroom edibles sold at a Tampa shop safe?

St. Pete police identify woman in cold case; heavy rainfall coming to Tampa Bay; Pinellas art challenge helps locals in recovery

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View on the web Go to our homepage Subscribe to the Times Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters Read today's e-Newspaper Happy hump day! Rain is likely, thanks to this patch of rough weather that has a small chance of tropical development (high of 86, low of 71).   St. Petersburg police identified the woman in a 54-year-old cold case; the latest in the Bucs' quarterback contest; and a Pinellas County art challenge is helping locals in drug court recover. [OONA TEMPEST | KFF Health News] A mood-altering fungus is cropping up at businesses, and Florida regulators are clamping down on sales The “Mario” Nintendo game franchise, “The Smurfs” and “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” made the red-capped, white-spotted mushroom famous. Now, interest in Amanita muscaria is on the rise across the U.S., including in the Tampa Bay area.   The fungus is legal to possess and eat in every state except Louisiana. Businesses selling products with the mushroom’s extracts promise people hoping to ease anxiety, depression or joint pain a milder high compared with psilocybin, the Schedule 1 psychedelic illegal at the national level.   Meanwhile, federal officials and fungi experts have urged caution. No human clinical trials have tested the safety and effectiveness of such edibles, one researcher said.   An Ybor City hemp dispensary recently began selling the products again after Florida regulators halted sales — but with labels warning the items are solely for “educational” or “spiritual” purposes and not human consumption.   We take a closer look at the national market for these edibles in partnership with KFF Health News. AROUND THE BAY Rainy weather ahead 🌧️: Forecasters are watching an area of thunderstorms with a low chance of forming into a tropical system. But they do expect it to bring heavy rainfall and "gusty winds" to Tampa Bay this week.   High home costs: A report released Tuesday found that the Tampa and Miami metro areas continue to lead the nation in housing price hikes.   Bitter division over schools: Hundreds from right and left political action committees showed up to Tuesday's Hernando County School Board meeting to make their voices heard on book bans, LGBTQ+ student rights and the overall direction of the school district and its board.    More top students: These are Pasco County's valedictorians and salutatorians.   Revenue boost: Florida touts its new school voucher law as a way to give families more choices. It also allows private schools to raise tuition.   Tool to combat adversity: Amid a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric here and afar, a local advocacy group offers self-defense classes for the community.   Police name "trunk lady": After decades of trying to identify the victim in a 1969 cold case, detectives said the body of Sylvia June Atherton, from Arizona, was found in a steamer trunk behind a St. Petersburg restaurant. POLITICS Watchdog group complaint: Gov. Ron DeSantis and his political committee are being accused of violating federal election law for transferring $86 million from his state-based political committee to a federal super-PAC backing his candidacy. SPORTS Windy City woes continue: In a narrow game on Tuesday, miscommunication between Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe and right fielder Josh Lowe led to the Cubs' winning run, making it the Rays' second consecutive loss in Chicago.   Seeking relief, once again: Another injury to Pete Fairbanks will cause more shuffling of the Rays' bullpen roles. Manager Kevin Cash isn't sweating things. Bonus: Tuesday brought good news about Fairbanks.   Contest continues: The Bucs' quarterback competition rolls, with Dave Canales' new system seeming to favor Baker Mayfield more. But Kyle Trask is leaner this offseason and ready to run.   Priority No. 1: Todd Bowles and Co. know they need Mike Evans to be a scoring threat again for the Bucs, especially inside the 20.   Big debate at spring meetings: As the SEC's powerbrokers discuss future conference scheduling, here's why USF football fans should be happy Alabama coach Nick Saban didn't get his way. And why FSU fans might want to hope for eight games, not nine.   Coaches' top question: With the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams next year, how the committee views strength of schedule is important when deciding the number of SEC conference games. But, when will realignment hit the conference again? 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 On Zephyrhills' growth: What's happening in the Pasco County city is a snapshot of Florida, as even smaller communities look to balance growth, resources and their quality of life, writes the Times Editorial Board. BRIGHT SPOT 🎨 [DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times] How art is helping Tampa Bay residents recover As part of their recovery plans, participants in Pinellas County's Adult Drug Court can enter an art challenge. Their works are on display in an exhibit this summer at a Largo gallery. Today's DayStarter was compiled by Meaghan Habuda, Anila Lijo, 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. Contact us Privacy policy Terms, conditions & copyright Standard of accuracy © 2023 • 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.