Tampa Bay, Florida news | Tampa Bay Times/St. Pete Times

80°F, Overcast
Friday, April 19, 2019

News
- - Regions
  - Tampa
  - St. Petersburg
  - Clearwater
  - Hillsborough
  - Pinellas
  - Pasco
  - Hernando
  - Nation & World
  - Topics
  - Politics
  - Buzz Blog
  - Education
  - Gradebook blog
  - Business
  - Health
  - Transportation
  - Environment
  - Politifact
  - Centro
  - Mugshots
Sports
- - Pro
  - Bucs
  - Rays
  - Lightning
  - Rowdies
  - Colleges
  - Bulls
  - Gators
  - Seminoles
- - Other
  - Outdoors
  - Auto racing
  - High schools
Opinion
- Letters to the editor
- Submit a letter
Arts & Entertainment
- - Arts
  - Music
  - Things To Do
  - Fun
  - Food
  - Games
Special Reports
Video
Photo
Obituaries
Classifieds
Best of the Best
e-Newspaper

Steve Yzerman announced he was stepping down as Lightning general manager during a news conference in September in Tampa. [DIRK SHADD | Times]

Steve Yzerman will be named Red Wings� general manager

A news conference is scheduled for this afternoon in Detroit involving the former Lightning GM.

The Hillsborough County School Board meets last summer as the 2018-19 academic year begins. A bill in the Florida Legislature would limit board members to two consecutive terms, but its future seems uncertain with little time left in the 2019 legislative session. [OCTAVIO JONES | Times]

Should Florida school boards have term limits? Lawmakers aren’t so sure.

After a seemingly strong start, a bill that would limit school board members to two consecutive terms is stalled with two weeks to go.

Florida’s unemployment rate held from February at 3.5 percent. Pictured is a man at a job fair in 2017. [DIRK SHADD | Times (2017)]

Florida's jobless rate holds at 3.5 percent for March

The state added 11,500 jobs over the month, according to state figures released Friday.

The Dick Misener Bridge on the approach to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The photo is looking east. John Jonchuck is accused of throwing his his 5-year-old daughter, Phoebe Jonchuck, off the bridge late at night on January 7, 2015. [CHERIE DIEZ | Times files (2015)]

The Long Fall of Phoebe Jonchuck

On the night Phoebe's dad scooped her from her bed, the moon was high outside her window. The house was quiet. He carried her out the door, into the dark.

https://www.tampabay.com/storyimage/HI/20190419/ARTICLE/190419593/AR/0/AR-190419593.jpg

Forecast: Tampa Bay under tornado watch and Skyway Bridge closed with severe storms approaching

The storm system is expected to move through the region around noon and ease by late afternoon. It could produce strong winds, heavy downpours, and a chance of hail.

Ocean currents carried Red Tide close to shore, scientists say

An "upwelling" current moved the Red Tide bloom from where it originated offshore to the gulf beaches.

Florida lawmakers seek to purge undocumented immigrants from voter rolls

Senate Bill 230 and House Bill 131 would require that each county supervisor of elections enters into an agreement with the clerk of the circuit court to receive, on a monthly basis, a list of…

Fire destroys Brandon church building; firefighter hospitalized

Firefighters responding to New Testament Church, 913 Dew Bloom Road, found the Fellowship Hall on church property fully engulfed in flames.

MONICA HERNDON | Times
Tampa Bay Times reporter Daniel Figueroa IV and Zander Morales preview the new coaster Tigris on April 18, 2019 at Busch Gardens in Tampa , Florida. Tigris is Florida’s tallest launch coaster, and reaches 150-feet high. The ride opens to the public on Friday.

Remember the guy who threw up on Busch Gardens’ Sheikra? He’s back on Tigris.

Did he barf again?

A screengrab from Lil Nas X's video for Old Town Road. YouTube.

Life of the Party podcast: Yee-hop! Country party jams and Lil Nas X

It's a country edition of the podcast when US 103.5 and iHeartRadio's Sarah Jacobs joins us to talk about Old Town Road, blurring genres, Friends in Low Places and more.

Latest

Forecast: Tampa Bay under tornado watch and Skyway Bridge closed with severe storms approaching

Here’s how an expanded Salvador Dali Museum might look

Hurricane Michael retroactively upgraded to a Category 5 storm at landfall

News at noon: Tampa Bay under tornado watch as severe storms approach; Hurricane Michael retroactively upgraded to Category 5 storm at landfall; and more

Florida's jobless rate holds at 3.5 percent for March

Poll: Six in 10 say St. Petersburg is headed in the right direction

More latest stories

Most read

Advertisement

House Promo

MUGSHOTS

Mug Shots | Tampa Bay Times

Spotlight

Specialist Patti Gonzales, who teaches reading lessons in small groups, works with Markus Barron at Booker T. Washington Elementary School in Tampa on Feb. 6. [OCTAVIO JONES | Times]

Struggling readers are everywhere, but why does Hillsborough County have so many of them?

Tens of thousands of local students are performing at the lowest levels in reading, a problem school district officials acknowledge is severe.

Tampabay.com has the latest on the Tampa mayor's race.

Tampa Mayor’s Race 2019: A Complete Guide

Reporter Charlie Frago and the Times staff have been covering the race from the start. Here's what you need to know ahead of the April 23 election.

The A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway travels along the Atlantic Ocean in St. Johns County, north of St. Augustine. Courtesy of Visit Florida

Florida is full of scenic drives. Here are some of our favorites.

In a list of the country�s best scenic drives, Thrillist named our Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys. We wondered: Where are our other great scenic drives?

Robert Allen Doyle,60, along with others who attend the twice weekly homeless feedings by Food Not Bombs are forced to sit on the ground after city workers removed all the park benches from Lykes Gaslight Square Park a month ago and replaced the benches with planters. [LUIS SANTANA | Times]

Benches were removed from a downtown Tampa park. Is it to keep the homeless away?

The city of Tampa last month removed the benches from Lykes Gaslight Square Park for renovation. Homeless advocates say the intent was to drive out homeless people.

A Bicyclist rides down the Riverwalk under the Kennedy Blvd. bridge. [JAMES BORCHUCK | Times (2015)

Tampa�s downtown is booming and here are the numbers to prove it

Downtown workers and residents told the Tampa Downtown Partnership that they love the Riverwalk, but want more stores, bars and restaurants.

Viewpoints

President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Editorial: The deeply disturbing Mueller report

WMNF radio station general manager Craig Kopp resigned. [Photo Luis Santana | Times]

Column: Why I quit as general manager at WMNF

John Romano - Times Staff Writer

Lightning needs a conscience, not a new coach

Sue Carlton - Times Staff Writer

Radio drama, taxpayers on the hook, good news on the water: The week so far

Diana C. Nearhos - Times Staff Writer

Diana C. Nearhos

Lightning feels the sting of first-round exit

Rick Stroud - Times Staff Writer

Oops? NFL schedule-maker admits Bucs' slate could be fairer

In Case You Missed It

Sports broadcaster Justin Pawlowski accused of soliciting 14-year-old, police say

Justin Pawlowski, 37, of St. Petersburg, was arrested on Hillsborough County charges of transmitting harmful material to a minor, using a computer device to solicit a minor and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. [Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office]

The Mueller report is out. You can read it here.

Special counsel Robert Mueller's redacted report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election as released on Thursday, April 18, 2019, is photographed in Washington. [Associated Press]

Pasco teen cracks an egg on his mom's head for a Facebook challenge. It led to his arrest.

Deputies say 18-year-old Michael Corley was participating in a Facebook

A naked man burglarized a Little League concession stand in Dunedin

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is asking for help identifying a man seen burglarizing a Dunedin Little League concession stand. [Pinellas County Sheriff's Office]

Special Reports

https://www.tampabay.com/storyimage/HI/20181127/ARTICLE/181129703/AR/0/0/AR-181129703.jpg

Heartbroken: Despite warnings, All Children’s kept operating. Babies died.

Johns Hopkins promised to elevate the hospital’s Heart Institute. Then patients started to die at an alarming rate.

https://www.tampabay.com/storyimage/HI/20190125/ARTICLE/301259689/AR/0/0/AR-301259689.jpg

Hurricane Michael aftermath: In a ruined town, family looks to rebuild the Driftwood Inn

In this series, the Tampa Bay Times is following the Wood family, who must deal with shifting regulations, difficult financial decisions and frequent reminders of what they lost.

https://www.tampabay.com/storyimage/HI/20181217/ARTICLE/181219672/AR/0/0/AR-181219672.jpg

Lincoln's Shot: Read Lane DeGregory's entire 8-part series now

A Tampa boy was born unable to breathe or swallow. But across the country, researchers were fixing floppy dogs with the same condition. Could his parents keep him alive long enough for a cure?

https://www.tampabay.com/storyimage/HI/20181125/ARTICLE/181129803/AR/0/0/AR-181129803.jpg

Blood and Truth: Could DNA prove him innocent? Florida doesn’t want to know.

In 1976, a jury convicted Tommy Zeigler of four murders. He has been trying to convince the state of Florida to allow for full DNA testing, but it has refused. Again and again.

https://www.tampabay.com/storyimage/HI/20190131/ARTICLE/190139927/AR/0/0/AR-190139927.jpg

Top Restaurants

Our annual list of the best places to eat in the Tampa Bay area.

Videos

A pontoon boat partially submerged near Anclote Key Preserve State Park on Sunday, leading to a dramatic rescue of 13 people, deputies said.

Bodycam footage shows rescue of 13 people off Anclote Key after boat submerges

No one was seriously injured in the incident, but deputies warned boaters to watch out for rough weather.

Birds are seen along the public docks at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. When the Tampa River Center was built the city installed a Bird-X system that blasts the sound of bird predators every five minutes in order to scare birds away. Eight speakers have been installed at the park, four at the River Center building and four at the bathrooms. [CHRIS URSO | Times]

The city of Tampa is losing its battle against seagull poop at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park

The birds have taken special aim at public boat slips, and not even a bobblehead owl can deter them.

This satellite image shows Hurricane Michael on Oct. 9, 2018, as it enters the Gulf of Mexico. It is forecast to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle as a Category 3 storm. [NOAA]

Hurricane outlook: Remain vigilant despite expected below-average activity, forecasters warn

Colorado State University said an El Nino on the Pacific and cool waters in the Atlantic could make for below average hurricane activity this season, but warns it only takes one to matter.

A Robinson R44 helicopter made an emergency landing Thursday on S 50th Street just north of Palm River Road in Tampa. It crashed into a power pole, causing one of its rotor blades to break off and fly into a nearby vehicle, killing the passenger. The pilot survived. [LUIS SANTANA | Times]

Watch a helicopter crash land on a busy Tampa road; man dies on ground

An engine failure led the helicopter to crash near 50th Street and Palm River Road. One of its rotor blades broke off and was hurled at a passing pickup, killing a passenger.

A lawyer for former Port Richey mayor Dale Massad, Denis deVlaming, points on Friday to one of two places he says Massad shot his gun toward on Feb. 21. That was the morning a SWAT team tried entering the home. The lawyer and his co-counsel, Bjorn Brunvand, took reporters on a tour of Massad’s home. [DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times]

Lawyers give ex-mayor Dale Massad’s version of arrest, shooting

They say the former Port Richey mayor wasn't acting recklessly on Feb. 21, when he shot at Pasco sheriff’s deputies who were serving a warrant his home. He faces a charge of attempted murder.

Sections

News

Check tampabay.com for the latest breaking news and developments.

News at noon: Tampa Bay under tornado watch as severe storms approach; Hurricane Michael retroactively upgraded to Category 5 storm at landfall; and more

DHL Express delivers to more than 220 countries and territories. Associated Press (2018)

Meet DHL Express’ Greg Hewitt. He runs the Florida-based shipping company you haven’t heard much about.

Clearwater collision claims life of Tarpon Springs motorcycle driver, 76

About 75 children who attend Temple Beth- El’s Early Childhood Center participated in an interactive Passover Seder meal on Wednesday at the temple in St. Petersburg. The Seder meal was led by Rabbi Michael Torop. Left to right- Olivia Keener, 3, Grey Hinkle, 3, and Brayden Bartosiak, 3, all of St. Petersburg, hold their matzo up during Rabbi Torop’s explanation of its significance in the meal. [SCOTT KEELER | Times]

Passover rituals take on childlike wonder at Temple Beth-El's Early Childhood Center

https://www.tampabay.com/storyimage/HI/20190419/ARTICLE/190419600/TS/1/TS-190419600.jpg

Was it wrong to let jurors talk to witnesses in the Jonchuck trial?

Check tampabay.com for the latest breaking news and developments.

Daystarter: Severe weather to move through Tampa Bay; a Florida connection in the Mueller report; take a ride on Busch Gardens’ Tigris coaster

Check tampabay.com for the latest breaking news and developments.

Rural Plant City home served as hub for major meth operation, investigators say

Santana performed at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg on April 19, 2019. (JAY CRIDLIN | Times)

Review: Santana revives Woodstock vibes at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg

Christina Proenza-Coles

‘American Founders’ author Christina Proenza-Coles is exploring history

Matthew J. Erris, left, was driving this 2007 Chevy Trailblazer on Paul Buchman Highway in Plant City Tuesday night when he pulled up behind another car and turned on the red and blue lights as if to attempt a traffic stop, deputies say. Erris didn’t know it at the time, but the driver of the other car was an undercover detective with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Minutes later, Erris was under arrest and charged with impersonating an officer. [Photos from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office]

He's not a cop, but he unknowingly tried to pull over one in Plant City, deputies say

More from this section

Today's Featured Advertisers

Sports

Steve Yzerman turned the Lightning into a perennial playoff team with one of the finest collections of talent in the NHL during his tenure as general manager. [DIRK SHADD | Times]

What they're saying about Steve Yzerman becoming Red Wings general manager

DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Avisail Garcia (24) misses for a strike during the eleventh inning of Thursdays (4/18/19) game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.

After Garcia�s mammoth blast sends game to extras, Rays fall to Orioles 6-5 in 11 innings

Lightning fan Katie Deemer watches intently during Game 4 from the watch party at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa. [ALLIE GOULDING | Times]

Sound off: Readers weigh in on the Lightning�s quick exit from the NHL playoffs

Julien BriseBois speaks with the media during his end-of-season news conference. [DIRK SHADD | Times]

Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast: Lightning GM Julien BriseBois has faith in Jon Cooper

FILE - In this April 10, 2019, file photo, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft leaves his seat during an NBA basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Miami Heat, in New York. Prosecutors intend to release undercover video of Robert Kraft and others allegedly receiving sex acts at a Florida massage parlor, but that won’t be soon or perhaps ever. The Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office filed a notice Wednesday, April 17, 2019, saying it believes the videos are public records under Florida law and it plans to release pixilated versions. Spokesman Mike Edmondson said the release is not imminent, as the office is processing numerous public records in the case. Kraft’s attorneys filed an emergency motion Wednesday to block the release. (Associated Press)

Attorneys accuse police, prosecutors of leaking Robert Kraft video

Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois addresses the media during a press conferences Thursday, April 18, 2019 at Amalie Arena in Tampa. The Lightning was swept by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. [DIRK SHADD | Times]

Julien BriseBois stands by Jon Cooper after first round sweep

Steve Yzerman announced he was stepping down as Lightning general manager during a news conference in September in Tampa. [DIRK SHADD | Times]

Steve Yzerman will be named Red Wings� general manager

Steve Yzerman turned the Lightning into a perennial playoff team with one of the finest collections of talent in the NHL during his tenure as general manager. [DIRK SHADD | Times]

What they're saying about Steve Yzerman becoming Red Wings general manager

DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Avisail Garcia (24) misses for a strike during the eleventh inning of Thursdays (4/18/19) game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.

After Garcia�s mammoth blast sends game to extras, Rays fall to Orioles 6-5 in 11 innings

Lightning fan Katie Deemer watches intently during Game 4 from the watch party at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa. [ALLIE GOULDING | Times]

Sound off: Readers weigh in on the Lightning�s quick exit from the NHL playoffs

Julien BriseBois speaks with the media during his end-of-season news conference. [DIRK SHADD | Times]

Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast: Lightning GM Julien BriseBois has faith in Jon Cooper

Lightning center Tyler Johnson carries his equipment bag and clutches his sticks while walking out with center Brayden Point (21). (DIRK SHADD | Times)

Lightning feels the sting of first-round exit

More from this section

Arts & Entertainment

Courtesy of Tourist Development Council
A rendering of the parking structure of the proposed new construction at the Dali Museum, with ficus pumila “creeping fig” planting on the lattice.

Here’s how an expanded Salvador Dali Museum might look

Carolina Cleere’s mixed media works are on display at the Mainsail Art Festival this weekend. [Courtesy of Mainsail Art Festival]

Top things to do in Tampa Bay for Saturday, April 20.

Bret Michaels performs at the close of The Grammy Foundation’s 14th Annual “One Night Only: A Celebration of the Live Music Experience” on Feb. 9, 2012, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

St. Pete Beach BikeFest lineup: Bret Michaels, Charlie Daniels Band, Fuel and more

Taste of Science returns with scientists giving talks across Tampa Bay. It’s $5 to reserve a spot. [AP Photo/Federica Narancio]

Taste of Science hosts talks in breweries, restaurants across Tampa Bay

Local artist Chad Mize was selected to design the Tampa Bay Rays’ inaugural Artist Series snapback hat. The cap is the giveaway at the May 12 game against the New York Yankees. [Chad Mize]

St. Petersburg artist Chad Mize designs new Tampa Bay Rays giveaway cap

Galantis performed at the Sunset Music Festival at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on May 28, 2016. (LUIS SANTANA | Times).

SoundBytes: Galantis, Dylan Scott, Emo Philips, Artimus Pyle and more

Postcard Inn on the Beach’s event spaces are decorated during its Wedding Showcase to give inspiration. [Courtesy of Postcard Inn on the Beach]

This weekend’s best shopping spots in Tampa Bay: VooDood Challenge Art Show, Postcard Inn wedding show

Collective Soul played downtown St. Petersburg venue Al Lang Stadium last year. If you missed that show, catch the band when they drop by Clearwater’s Capitol Theatre on Friday. [JAY CRIDLIN | Times]

Top things to do in Tampa Bay for Friday, April 19

Canaletto’s “The Grand Canal, Venice, Looking North-West” (1750) is a point of departure from the rest of the collection in “A Feast for the Eyes: European Masterpieces From the Grasset Collection,” on display at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. [PATTY YABLONSKI | Times]

‘A Feast for the Eyes’ exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg is a beautiful escape

Seminole Heights welcomes its first sports bar, Social House, located at 6310 N Florida Ave. [Courtesy of Social House]

Sports bar comes to Seminole Heights

More from this section