The future of St. Pete's mental health unit

Will schools teach AP psychology?; meet the crew training to row across the ocean; how new state laws impact St. Pete housing

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View on the web Go to our homepage Subscribe to the Times Monday, July 31, 2023 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters Read today's e-Newspaper Welcome to a new week. Don't forget your rain jacket as we could see scattered thunderstorms (high of 90, low of 77).    Below you can read all about why school officials in Florida are confused about the Advanced Placement psychology course; the crew training to row across the Atlantic; and how new state laws are affecting housing in St. Petersburg. [DIRK SHADD | Times] St. Petersburg social workers respond to some 911 calls. Here’s how it’s going. In 2021, the St. Petersburg Police Department created a unit to send social workers to nonviolent 911 calls related to mental health, substance abuse and poverty.   At first, officers accompanied them. But a few months later, social workers started going to incidents without law enforcement.   Social workers responded to more than half of the city’s calls where no crime was committed during the first nine months of the Community Assistance and Life Liaison program, according to a USF study. No injuries have been reported.   CALL has received support from officers, who say the program frees them up to respond to more crimes, as well as local advocates, who want to see the unit continue to expand.   “Other cities and other locations are watching what we’re doing here in St. Pete,” said one community organizer. “We’re leading the way right now in law enforcement from this little city.”   What’s next for the program as it nears its third year? AROUND THE BAY Reducing late buses: Higher driver pay and route changes are key to getting Tampa Bay students to class and home on time, but not everyone is happy.   Will they teach it: Florida said it wouldn't accept the AP psychology course if it includes gender identity lessons. The College Board refused to change the course. But the State Board of Education approved it, now school officials are confused.   $20 million AI hub: UF will build a new center in Hillsborough County to research the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture.   New homes, more industry: Already wary of development, the Shady Hills area of Pasco County is set to get a retirement community. And that’s not all.   Neglecting history? Plans to expand Pasco County’s Anclote River Park near an ancient mound have drawn over 1,900 signatures in opposition.    Joy ride: A man has been charged with grand theft for stealing a Weeki Wachee dredging boat to “travel on the river,” officials said.   Body found in boat: Two days after a St. Petersburg wife and mother was declared missing and presumed dead following a Keys yacht fire, the body of a woman was pulled from the wreckage, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office says.   Charges dropped: The state will not prosecute a man who was arrested after his 13-year-old son was killed during what St. Petersburg police described as a street racing event.   Sarasota sea cow dies: The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium detailed how a manatee named Hugh died after a sexual encounter with his brother.   Popping the question: Hulk Hogan announced his engagement last week. It took place at the St. Petersburg wedding of his fiance’s best friend.   Survey says: A recent employee survey included many negative comments about the atmosphere within St. Petersburg’s fire department. Mayor Ken Welch acknowledged them late Friday. BRIGHT SPOT [CHAZ D PHOTOGRAPHY | Courtesy of American Stage] “La Gringa”: What to know about American Stage’s latest production The bilingual play runs through Aug. 13 at the St. Petersburg theater company. To anyone who has felt they don’t belong anywhere, this show is for you. Here’s what to expect, from the dialogue and themes to the sound and music. POLITICS DeSantis sticks to familiar points: Despite staff layoffs and financial woes, Florida's governor's pitch to voters in Iowa remains that he’s the strongest Republican in the field.   St. Petersburg housing changes: The City Council was briefed this week on how new state laws remove them and the public from some housing and development decisions.   No new leases? Bipartisan lawmakers from Tampa Bay want Biden to prevent future oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.   Phoning the Pentagon 🛸: U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, the Republican from Pinellas County, is leading Congress' dive into the world of UFOs, after allegations about a "nonhuman origin" spacecraft held by the government. SPORTS Rays bounce back: Tampa Bay logged a rare series victory Sunday over the Astros, giving the team a sense of restored confidence and marking the first time the Rays have taken a regular-season series from Houston since March 2019.    Superstitious changes: In an effort to help them out of their slump, the Rays have been willing to change just about anything. Here's what some are doing.  Bucs training camp news: While the swag remains among the members of Tampa Bay's secondary, the interception total has suffered. All agree the pass breakups must become picks in 2023. Plus: Mike Evans is in the final season of his 5-year contract with the Bucs, and so far talks have failed to produce a third deal with the team.   Job on the line: Depending on your perspective, Todd Bowles oversaw the Bucs' decline in 2022, or he held an imperfect roster together for a division title. Either way, the head coach will be facing intense scrutiny this season, writes columnist John Romano.   Fumbling recruits: Our state continues to lose its top football prospects to other schools. Matt Baker and Joey Knight spent ACC and SEC media days asking Floridians the same question — why?   How soccer has changed: We sat down with USF women's soccer coach Denise Schilte-Brown to discuss her upcoming move to the USL Super League, the Women's World Cup and the sport's growth in Tampa Bay. OPINION AND COMMENTARY Florida fails felons: State law requires felons to pay all fines ordered as part of their case to exercise their right to vote. Yet there's no centralized database to confirm what they owe, if anything. The Times Editorial Board has thoughts. TODAY'S TALKER 🚣 [CHRIS URSO | Times] In Tampa Bay, this crew is training to row on the open ocean Salty Science, a team of four female marine scientists, will embark on a 3,000-mile journey across the Atlantic in the span of 30 to 55 days. They might see swells as large as 20 to 30 feet. But first, they have to make it to the starting line. Today's DayStarter was compiled by Kelsey Harrell, Mari Faiello, Neha Seenarine and Meaghan Habuda. 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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