A/C repair companies are overbooked

Clearwater refunds residents; history of Winn-Dixie; and a floral exhibition in St. Pete

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View on the web Go to our homepage Subscribe to the Times Monday, August 21, 2023 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters Read today's e-Newspaper Good morning! Expect another hot day with some clouds in the morning that will clear for a sunny afternoon (high of 95, low of 75).   Start your week with stories about Clearwater crediting residents’ bills for recycling; the history of Florida’s famous supermarket Winn-Dixie; and a group of independent florists presenting an exhibition in St. Petersburg in efforts to unionize. [CHLOE TROFATTER | Times] Tampa Bay A/C repair companies are swamped having to decide who needs service most Julie McGill, co-owner of Rick’s A/C, Inc., gauges whether the day ahead will be a busy one by if she and her husband can afford to leave the phone unanswered during their 30-minute lunch break.   Daily calls have nearly doubled since last summer, McGill said, from an average of 20 to 35.   “You get up. You run for eight hours straight. You go home and crash. You pull over on the side of the road to answer calls,” she said.   Her husband and his seven crew members have to be “choosey” about the calls they service, McGill said.   Air conditioning repair companies around Tampa Bay highlight the same problem: it’s busy. AROUND THE BAY Top workplaces in Tampa Bay: We let you — the staff — tell us why your company deserves to make the list.   Controversial poster: Managers at Ferg’s Sports Bar didn't know a giant poster with Wander Franco’s face was going up on the back of their building. What now?   Remembering Winn-Dixie: Here's a look back at how the grocery store became a Florida staple.   New waterfront condos? A developer is proposing a pair of 35-story towers that would be the tallest buildings in Clearwater. Despite the project’s size, a recent code change says a public hearing would not be required for the build.   Tangerine Plaza clash: A past St. Petersburg mayoral candidate’s offer competes with a proposal from the Sugar Hill Group, the former prospective developer for Tropicana Field. Opioid treatment: Pasco County’s Opioid Task Force has received proposals including ideas to expand existing programs that combat addiction. Refund charges: Clearwater will give residents a six-month bill credit for the period the city didn't recycle at all.   Orientation feelings: New College of Florida students feel hesitantly hopeful as a new semester starts as the university has become part of Gov. Ron DeSantis' education agenda.   Spotlight Tampa Bay takeaways: Last week's debut of a new Tampa Bay Times community series tackled a big issue with no easy solutions — Florida’s housing crunch. Here's what the panelists shared. BRIGHT SPOT [Courtesy of Regan Smith] Florists to open an immersive exhibition in St. Pete to build a community Bloomers, a local collective of independent florists, are presenting flowers, moody lighting, atmospheric sounds and even bubbles this weekend at The Factory St. Pete. The event proceeds will go to the establishment of a Tampa Bay Florists' Fund, a trade union for business-owning florists and floral freelancers to receive benefits. POLITICS Florida’s sixth execution this year: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant for Michael Duane Zack, who was convicted in a 1996 murder.   Verbal arsenal: DeSantis’ straggling poll numbers suggest his aggressive tone hasn’t clicked with GOP primary voters.    Hillsborough seeking Republicans candidates: There are no challengers against the four Democratic constitutional office holders.   Pinellas Democrats on the decline: The Pinellas County Democratic Party chairperson is hoping for a reinvigoration of the local party, which has faced a declining share of voters.   “Continuing conversation with lawyers”: A Pinellas judge advised that defendants on probation should not be prohibited from using medical marijuana. SPORTS A week to forget: From the recent Wander Franco investigation, to Shane McClanahan, Manuel Margot and Kevin Kelly's injuries, was this one of the Rays' worst weeks of all time?    Controversy resonates with youth: Here's how young players and adults are grappling with their admiration for Franco, who is expected to remain sidelined, and the potentially career-ending allegations he faces.   Convoluted QB battle: If you thought the Bucs starting quarterback would be named by this point, think again. Todd Bowles still hasn't even announced the starter for Saturday's preseason finale.   Tough decisions ahead: The collection of talent at outside linebacker may cause the Bucs coaches a few sleepless nights when it's time to make cuts.   Got what it takes: UCF is making the leap to the Big 12 this college football season following an impressive decade-long run in the AAC, and the Knights are confident they will be competitive right away in the stronger league. OPINION AND COMMENTARY Nosebleeds are underrated: Attempting to get any seats to a concert, let alone “good seats,” has become a blood sport, writes columnist Stephanie Hayes. Maybe it's time to celebrate the back rows, with their breezy airflow and access to plentiful bathrooms. TODAY'S TALKER [SCOTT PURKS | Special to the Times] Florida law restricting NIL could affect athletic programs A high school athlete's name, image and likeness is permitted in more than half the country, but the Sunshine State is not one of them. The restriction already has cost Florida one local standout and possibly an exodus of prominent prep athletes.  Since the state's legislature called a special session to level the playing field in NIL, a handful of states have gone even further. Has Florida fallen behind? Today's DayStarter was compiled by Jenna Duncan, Mari Faiello, Alexandra Urban, Neha Seenarine and Amy Gehrt. Did someone forward this to you? Get DayStarter in your own inbox next time. 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