What happens when governors become presidential candidates

Vinik leaves firm behind Water Street; how to apply for $10K to hurricane proof your home; USF's public golf course to close

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View on the web Go to our homepage Subscribe to the Times Friday, June 30, 2023 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters Read today's e-Newspaper Finally Friday. Today will be generally sunny with temperatures reaching a near record high of 97.   How to apply for up to $10,000 from the state to hurricane proof your home; these Rays players were voted to be starters on the AL All-Star team; and here's a guide to help you choose what Tampa Bay beach to go to based on the vibe you want. [ERIC GAY | Associated Press] DeSantis faces a tough road to be president. Just ask other governors. Ron DeSantis is the first sitting governor of Florida to run for president while still in office. But recent history shows that governors in other states who’ve mounted national campaigns have struggled.   Not one has been elected since 2000.   What can past governors’ bids for higher office tell us about what it’s like to have an executive with a second full-time job? And what pitfalls will DeSantis have to avoid in his dual roles as governor and White House contender?   Read on here. SPORTS [IVY CEBALLO | Times] Are the Rays’ hopes for 2023 hanging on by a ligament? Tampa Bay has lost seven big-league pitchers to Tommy John surgery since 2020, and that doesn’t include Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen and Pete Fairbanks who have five previous TJ operations between them. Pitchers are willing to do whatever it takes to reach peak potential. Are they pushing the envelope too far? John Romano brings us the story.   Rays stay hot: A win over the Diamondbacks Thursday marked Tampa Bay’s first back-to-back victories since June 15-16 and its first series triumph after splitting or losing the previous four.   Spots secured: Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz and outfielder Randy Arozarena were voted into starting spots on the American League team for the July 11 MLB All-Star Game.    The Claw closing: USF’s public golf course will shut down in September.   NHL draft: The Lightning on Thursday chose a tough, creative, two-way forward with the second-round pick they acquired in the Ross Colton trade, and dealt a veteran forward to Chicago for a seventh-round pick next year. Also, the organization reassigned longtime amateur scouting director Al Murray.   Summer workouts: Expect a roster combined with top minor leaguers, college prospects and international signings at the Bolts’ development camp. BRIGHT SPOT [CHLOE TROFATTER | Times] A guide to Tampa Bay beaches, based solely on vibes 😎 Just as every snowflake (or starfish) is unique, the crown jewels of the region's beach tourism have their own personalities. Here's a rundown on some of our most popular sandy spots, whether you're in the mood for relaxing or party time this Fourth of July weekend. AROUND THE BAY Bowing out 👋: Lightning owner Jeff Vinik has sold his stake in the firm that developed Tampa's bustling Water Street. What gives?   More dredging underway: At last, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has started clearing sediment from the Anclote River. The city of Tarpon Springs had been fighting funding battles and delays since 2016.   Jobs vs. housing: Pasco wants more commercial and industrial areas so the number of jobs can catch up with the number of residential units. But will a new state law cement the county as a bedroom community?   Hurricane proof your pad: Floridians who harden their homes this storm season could receive up to $10,000 from the state. Here's what to know.   Death sentences overturned: Florida's Supreme Court said a judge misinformed a man convicted of two 2013 murders on a St. Petersburg houseboat about his options in the penalty phase of his trial.   Florida fireworks 101: There are unique rules around buying and setting off the Fourth of July staple. This story breaks it all down.   Summer swim safety: Drowning is one of the most common causes of pediatric deaths. Experts share tips for protecting kids around bodies of water.   Stream on: "R.A.D.A.R.: Adventures of the Bionic Dog," the comedy movie shot in Dunedin starring Dean Cain, just hit the streamingverse.   Anderson Cooper in Tampa: The CNN anchor and "60 Minutes" correspondent will accept a journalism award at the Poynter Institute's annual fundraiser in November. EDUCATION [Times (2022)] Florida hasn't used race in college admissions since 1999. How did that go? On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court settled a decades-long debate over affirmative action, ruling that public and private universities may no longer use race or ethnicity as a factor when deciding who gets in. The decision will have little impact in Florida, one of a handful of states that already prohibit race-based admissions.   Take a closer look at the issue and what the Sunshine State might say about the future of college admissions nationwide.   First for Florida: The state had students test three times throughout the year to determine how they were progressing. Here's what the results showed. POLITICS "Radioactive roads" bill: A controversial measure to allow the Florida Department of Transportation to study the use of phosphogypsum in road work earned DeSantis' signature on Thursday.   Facing setbacks: In recent weeks, the DeSantis administration has hit roadblocks in three legal battles over LGBTQ+ rights.   Endorsement strategy: Most of Florida's GOP congressional delegation backed Trump. But DeSantis is focused on wooing state lawmakers across the country with little national profile but close ties to grassroots voters. OPINION AND COMMENTARY What could go wrong? A new Florida law that lets people carry guns without training or a permit goes into effect over Fourth of July weekend. In our reactive, gun-filled state, columnist Stephanie Hayes pleads with everyone to lock up the weapons this holiday. TODAY'S TALKER [Courtesy of NOAA Fisheries] Should ships slow down in the Gulf while crossing the habitat of rare whales? There are about 50 Rice's whales left in existence. Ocean advocates want a speed limit in and around the critically endangered species' home in the Gulf of Mexico to help curb deaths. Florida's port industry says that would be bad for business. Today's DayStarter was compiled by Alexandra Urban, Meaghan Habuda 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.