Your guide to Pride

New phone rules in Pasco schools; Tampa Bay's signature scent; new entrance exam advances for public universities

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View on the web Go to our homepage Subscribe to the Times Thursday, June 22, 2023 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters Read today's e-Newspaper Howdy! Expect a mix of sunshine and clouds today (high of 91, low of 76).   Continue reading for stories on the new phone rules in Pasco County schools; what to expect at Freefall Theatre’s new musical "Oz" in St. Petersburg; and how Tampa Bay got a signature scent. [Times (2017)] St. Pete Pride weekend is upon us. Get tips for attending the parade and beyond. St. Pete Pride has become a monthlong celebration across the Sunshine City. But the big parade goes down Saturday, with the Trans Pride March kicking things off.   One of the largest Pride events of its kind in the country, the downtown parade is expected to draw 200,000 spectators from here and afar, according to organizers.   There are also festivities happening the day before and after the main event.   Wondering where to start?    Our guide to getting around, parking and all the weekend merriment can help.   Related stories:   History shows millions of dollars flow into local coffers thanks to St. Pete Pride. Will that be the case this year?   In Tampa Bay, LGBTQ+ parents are navigating worry and resilience amid changing state laws and Pride month. AROUND THE BAY Entrance exam advances: Florida’s public universities have long accepted the SAT and ACT for admission decisions. On Wednesday at USF Tampa, the state Board of Governors OK’d a new one — the Classic Learning Test. But its adoption isn’t official yet.   Meet Van Ayres: Hillsborough County’s interim school superintendent has deep Tampa roots and a breadth of experience.   New phone rules: The Pasco County School Board has banned the use of cell phones in elementary classrooms. Recently approved policies for other grades are less restrictive.   Upscale development: The Pasco County Commission approved the first major portion of the forthcoming Odessa Town Centre.   10-year deal: Tampa General CEO John Couris signed a new contract to remain leader of the hospital as it embarks on a $550 million expansion.   Addressing a growing problem: A 15-year-old was arrested in connection with a shooting that left two other teens injured. Now, Tampa police say they’re cracking down on youth gun violence. BRIGHT SPOT [THEE PHOTO NINJA | Courtesy of Freefall Theatre] What to expect from ‘Oz’ in St. Petersburg “The Wizard of Oz” has inspired Freefall Theatre music director Michael Raabe since childhood. He and artistic director Eric Davis drew from that interest, exploring the imagination of author L. Frank Baum and his Land of Oz to create the theater’s new musical. Here are four things we learned. POLITICS Ethics allegations: The Florida Democratic Party on Wednesday filed ethics complaints against DeSantis administration officials who raised money for his presidential campaign. The governor’s office defends the practice.   No more unanimity: Florida doesn’t require unanimous juries to impose the death penalty any longer. Should the new state law apply to resentencing procedures for these two men?   Revamped effort: A resolution sponsored by U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, who represents Pinellas County, to censure Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff has passed the House. Catch up here. SPORTS Rookie leads Rays to win: Pitcher Taj Bradley was dominant in working a career-high six innings on Wednesday at Tropicana Field as Tampa Bay beat the Orioles to halt its three-game losing streak.   Rock legend visits the Trop: Joan Jett, an Orioles fan, cheered on Baltimore in St. Petersburg ahead of her Tampa concert.   Halfway there: With his team-leading 14th home run and a run-scoring single Wednesday afternoon against the Orioles, Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena reached 50 RBIs for the season — not far from his latest goal.   Gators lock up spot: UF is in the College World Series finals for the fourth time, and first since it won the national championship in 2017. 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 Salvage, rebuild, showcase: Tampa's historic Black boarding home is crumbling. The Jackson House Foundation wants to save the building and turn it into a museum. The best way to do that, the Times Editorial Board says, is to preserve what you can and construct a replica at another location. TODAY'S TALKER [LUIS SANTANA | Times (2022)] Tampa Bay now has a signature scent. Pirates and cigars inspired it. What does our region smell like? Apparently, a mix of "afternoon tea, rose petals and sweet vanilla" — with notes of sandalwood, creamy amber and musk. Let Visit Tampa Bay explain. 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. 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