What's it like living next to Jannus Live?

Attacks on delivery drivers cause security concerns; DeSantis signs series of crime bills; local educator contemplates staying or leaving

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View on the web Go to our homepage Subscribe to the Times Tuesday, May 2, 2023 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters Read today's e-Newspaper Hi, friends 😎 It's all sunshine today, with temperatures in the lower 80s. The man accused of four 2017 Seminole Heights killings pleaded guilty to the murders and received four life sentences, and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a series of crime bills into law. Meanwhile, early estimates show Raymond James Stadium made bank from Taylor Swift's Tampa shows. [LUIS SANTANA | Times] They can watch free shows from their St. Petersburg condos. Is that as fun as it sounds? If you've gone to a concert at Jannus Live, you've seen them.    The residents of the Hotel Detroit Condos watch all the action from their building to the right of the stage. They dance on the stairs and boogie on the balconies.   From below, it looks like a pretty sweet spot to live: Sip on your own beers, use your own bathroom without waiting in line and enjoy free shows every week.   But what is being next-door neighbors with the downtown St. Petersburg venue really like? We explore. AROUND THE BAY [DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times] Seminole Heights serial killings case ends after a surprise development In 2017, four people were randomly shot to death in Tampa's Seminole Heights neighborhood. Now, more than five years later, Howell Donaldson III, the man accused in the slayings, has pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty. He will spend the rest of his life in prison with no chance of parole.   Safety concerns: After two attacks on Tampa Bay delivery drivers in the same week, local gig economy workers say they're worried about their security. "What are we going to see — another death? Another killing?" one driver said.   Shooting at Tru by Hilton: Police said a valet and a guest were taken to the hospital Monday after being shot in the St. Petersburg hotel's parking garage.   $10.5 million for St. Petersburg: U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor wants to fund three major developments in the city, including affordable townhomes.   "No probable cause": The Florida Commission on Ethics dismissed a nepotism complaint filed against St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch by a former political rival.   Swearing in: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and City Council members took their oaths of office Monday. Check out photos of the ceremony.   Tarpon Springs sued: Former City Attorney Tom Trask alleges Tarpon Springs officials violated Florida's public records law by causing unreasonable delays and failing to turn over records related to city commissioners' discussions about his tenure.   Long-awaited work to begin: Following months of delay, a new contractor will take on the dredging of the Weeki Wachee River with a different technique.    First acquisition: Tampa startup Genesis Systems has purchased a company that also specializes in converting clean water from the air.   Millions in profits? Each of Taylor Swift's three Eras Tour shows made more for RayJay than Tampa's 1989 and Reputation concerts combined, according to early estimates from the Tampa Sports Authority.   "Peace out" ✌️: Aerosmith brings its farewell tour to Amalie Arena this fall. FEATURED [JEFFEREE WOO | Times] Stay or go? With a lot on his mind, a Tampa Bay educator weighs painful options Philip Belcastro had wanted to buy a house in Kenwood, across the street from school. Instead, under financial pressure, the St. Petersburg High English teacher has been interviewing for teaching jobs in Oregon, even considering joining the U.S. Space Force. But he struggles with all he'd be giving up. POLITICS DeSantis signs crime bills: The governor on Monday gave his signature to legislation that stiffens penalties for fentanyl trafficking and challenges a U.S. Supreme Court precedent on the death penalty.   Banning fertilizer regulations? Florida lawmakers quietly added an agriculture industry-backed measure to their budget proposal that would block local governments from regulating fertilizer applications. Officials call restrictions the most effective tool they have to protect water quality in their communities.   Measure on the move: Florida lawmakers are pushing forward a "medical conscience" bill. Here's what proponents and opponents have to say about it.   Question remains: A bill passed by the state House last week to dispose of the nearly $570 million from Hillsborough County's defunct transportation sales tax includes setting aside more than $6.2 million of the money for legal fees. No one seems to know whom the fees are for.   Trump or DeSantis? Some Cuban voters in Tampa show strong support for the former president over Florida's governor. Find out why.   Firing back at Disney: The DeSantis-appointed oversight board has voted to sue the entertainment giant in state court. SPORTS New O-line: The Bucs didn't address offensive tackle in the NFL draft. Will that come back to haunt them?   Inside the numbers: There was a lot to like about the Rays' amazing first month of the season, in which they won 23 of 29 games and set several MLB and franchise records. Here are 10 numbers that stood out.   Familiar face for fans: Pirates first baseman Ji-Man Choi said during a spring game in Bradenton against the Rays he was "very excited" to come back to the Trop.  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 Farewell, corporate comfort: Bed Bath & Beyond stores are closing here and afar. Goodbye to the stacks of invasive blue coupons refusing to be ignored, writes columnist Stephanie Hayes. Goodbye to the weird, wild Beyond. BRIGHT SPOT [WILL LYTCH | Graphicstudio] Collaboration remains the driving force at USF's print studio Graphicstudio — the brainchild of Dr. Donald Saff, former dean of the school's College of Fine Arts — opened on the Tampa campus in 1968. It has since worked with about 100 celebrated and emerging contemporary artists and produced more than 1,000 limited editions and objects. Take a closer look at the studio and its mission. Today's DayStarter was compiled by Meaghan Habuda, Anila Lijo, Kelsey Harrell 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.