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The Daystarter: Buckhorn won't run for governor; Bloomingdale rapist to receive new sentence; new Publix opens in downtown St. Pete; NFL free-agency signings begin today

 
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn says he's going to stay right over there, meaning City Hall. He announces today he will not run for governor. [MONICA HERNDON   |   Times]
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn says he's going to stay right over there, meaning City Hall. He announces today he will not run for governor. [MONICA HERNDON | Times]
Published March 9, 2017

Catching you up on overnight happenings, and what you need to know today.

10News WTSP

The latest 7-day forecast

10News WTSP

Feels-like temperatures around the Tampa Bay area

• There is a slight chance of rain again today, according to 10Weather WTSP, with the emphasis on slight. Highs should be around 80, with lows near 60.

• As you head out for your morning commute, check out our live blog for the latest traffic updates and road conditions across Tampa Bay.

• Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn has decided not to run for governor next year, opting instead to finish his second and last term at City Hall in 2019. Tampa Bay Times staff writer Richard Danielson breaks the news.

• Kendrick Morris, who as a teenager committed two brutal rapes in Hillsborough County, is scheduled to be resentenced this morning. Morris was originally ordered to serve 65 years in prison, but that sentence was overturned following a series of U.S. and Florida Supreme Court decisions that declared it unconstitutional to give lengthy sentences to juveniles. At a hearing last month, doctors testified that Morris shows promise for rehabilitation. At the same time, relatives and friends of one of his victims, who was left blind and paralyzed in 2008 after she was attacked outside the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, pleaded for Morris to stay locked up. Thursday's hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Follow @TimesDan for updates.

• A tale of two Publixes will unfold in downtown St. Petersburg todaywhen the new supermarket at 700 Central Ave. makes its long-awaited debut at 7 a.m. Does downtown really need two stores? Publix says yes, and Sara DiNatale explains why.

• There was little in the history of Latamara Stackhouse Flythe that would have led child welfare workers to question placing a toddler with the 43-year-old single mother, Christopher O'Donnell writes. But she was inexperienced at fostering children, having only gained her license in June. In September, she was asked to look after Aedyn Agminalis, a child who doctors said had several health issues including developmental delay and "failure to thrive," a term applied to undernourished children. A state review now suggests Aedyn, who died while in Flythe's care, may have needed a foster parent with more medical training.

• Big news for Spring Hill residents as a new Aldi opens at Evergreen Woods Trail and Cortez Boulevard. Here's how it will impact motorists.

•As an architect familiar with the city of Oldsmar is putting his final touches on the approved concept plan for downtown, city staff is preparing to introduce a well-known building to a wrecking ball. All the while they are hoping investors will begin picking out spots for their new eateries and businesses on the 7-acre site along State Street. Piper Castillo has the details.

• It's Day 3 of the 2017 Legislative Session in Tallahassee. Some big bills are expected to get considered today, including one in the Florida House that would abolish Enterprise Florida, the state's job recruitment agency, which is part of a larger dispute between Gov. Rick Scott and Speaker Richard Corcoran. The Florida Senate is expected to approve one of the top priorities of President Joe Negron, to expand the Bright Futures scholarship program.

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• St. Petersburg City Council meets at 3 p.m. and the city's sewage woes are once again on the agenda. Follow Charlie Frago at @CharlieFrago.

• A new report will serve a as blueprint to revitalize Tampa's troubled university area. The report's litany of woes may not be new to those familiar with the area, but it is comprehensive, and — as an action plan — suggests first steps toward turning it all around.

• From the Times editorial board: Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos and other City Council members should stand up to Scientology and not allow downtown to become a wholly owned church subsidiary. Read the editorial and today's letters to the editor at tampabay.com/opinion.

• As NFL free-agency signings begin today, Rick Stroud writes that in a depressed free agent quarterback market, Bucs backup Mike Glennon has become one of the more coveted players. He's drawing interest from the Jets and Bears, and possibly earning a contract worth as much as $12 million per year.

• It's time to plan your weekend and our critics and writers have their top picks for a busy weekend on our Weekend Planner page including the concerts at the Strawberry Festival, the racing scene at the Grand Prix St. Petersburg and the fan-friendly highlights at the Valspar Championship PGA golf tournament. And for Game of Thrones fans,we have a preview of the Live Concert Experience coming toTampa on Sunday and an interview with the composer of the instantly-recognizable music from HBO's epic fantasy hit.

• Here are the top things to do today in Tampa Bay including the Blues Brothers at the Florida Strawberry Festival and comic Elayne Boosler.