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Monday, May 04, 2026

Good Monday morning. Starting off the week with sunny skies (high of 86). 

In today’s edition, read about the “A Land Remembered” TV set in Pasco; Gov. Ron DeSantis’ reasons for wanting to redraw Florida’s congressional map; and the fire at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus. 

[DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times]

Bud Kassel has been plunking pianos since 1932: duets with his dad, ditties for his World War II Navy buddies, sing-alongs at neighborhood parties. 

But he's never performed a show. 

Last week — to celebrate his 99th birthday — he gave his first concert in Clearwater.

Likely “a total loss": An enormous 2-alarm fire broke out on Saturday at the Marine Science Lab on the USF St. Pete campus. While USF figures out lab space for professors and students in the aftermath, the biggest uncertainty is whether the freezers holding irreplaceable marine research are safe. 

What caused the fire? Meteorologists say it was likely a lightning strike.

Maintenance issue: A video showing a pair of columns shaking inside the Tropicana Field went viral on social media. The Rays say it’s safe.

Further than the highest tide: A "rogue" wave or "sneaker" wave, as park rangers are calling it, washed out some of Florida's threatened shorebird nests last week.

In remembrance: USF students and faculty gathered on Friday afternoon to honor the lives of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy.

Body found: Human remains discovered April 26 near the shoreline in an area of north St. Pete are those of missing USF student Nahida Bristy.

Reducing sales tax use: Hillsborough County is considering including property tax dollars, which was previously off-limits, in the Rays stadium deal.

K-pop stars, they’re just like us: From ice cream cones at an iconic Florida spot to swanky dinners on Water Street, here’s how BTS savored their time in between Raymond James Stadium concerts.

Documented history as it unfolded: After 44 years in broadcasting, WFLA anchor Keith Cate announced his retirement. 

So long, discount fares: Florida-based Spirit Airlines announced that it has gone out of business.

Commencement ceremonies for the region’s public school systems, universities and colleges have kicked off and will stretch into mid-June. Here’s what to expect. 

Union leaders call it “anti-worker”: On Friday, DeSantis signed legislation placing new regulations on teacher unions. 

FIND MORE AT TAMPABAY.COM/POLITICS

Shifting reasons: Why did Florida lawmakers approve DeSantis’ new congressional districts? We break down the governor’s points.

Contenders weigh in: Here’s what Democrat candidates for governor have to say about the state’s redistricting. 

$ from Big Pharma: Pharmaceutical companies donated more than $30,000 to Ashley Moody's U.S. Senate campaign this year. What's her record on making drugs more affordable for consumers?

Focused on the next four: Wilton Simpson filed for reelection as Florida's commissioner of agriculture last week. But political insiders say that if not for one thing, he should be contending for the governor's race.

Dive deep every weekday into all things Bucs, Rays, Lightning, USF and more with award-winning Times journalist Rick Stroud. If it’s major Tampa Bay sports news, he’s talking about it.

After allowing only nine shots: For a fourth year in a row, the Bolts were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round. Here are three moments that mattered in their Game 7 loss to the Canadiens. 

Rays rally: Jonathan Aranda's 10th-inning single drove home Chandler Simpson with the winning run on Sunday as the Rays completed a sweep of the three-game series against the Giants. 

For more in-depth sports coverage, sign up for Sports Today, our daily newsletter focused on your favorite Tampa Bay teams.

In its defense: Jury duty offers a reminder that certain things still work, writes columnist Stephanie Hayes. Humans of all stripes will show up at 8:30 a.m. on a Monday to uphold the sacred vibes of the Magna Carta.

Warning signs: Florida’s economy faces rising foreclosures, surging bankruptcies and some of the highest credit card delinquency rates in the country. It’s not as severe as the 2008 crisis, but these indicators have been moving in the wrong direction, writes viewpoints editor Graham Brink.