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Monday, Aug 03, 2026

Good Monday morning. The week starts with scattered thunderstorms.

In today’s edition, read about the new USF president’s big bonus and the final night at Ybor City’s Crowbar. Plus, early voting for the Aug. 18 primary begins. 

[ASHLEY NEYRA | Times]

The 2026 election cycle is getting an influx of campaign cash from data center backers and AI companies, many of whom are donating for the first time. 

Much of that cash has flowed to U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the GOP front-runner in the governor's race. But he's not the only one who's received money from the industry, the Tampa Bay Times found.

Here's what to know about this surge of new giving, and which three data center proposals in the state are linked to the most donations.

Chris Dutton came to Key West with his dark mustache and a “lucky sweater” from a previous champion. This was his seventh year competing at the annual Hemingway Look-Alike Contest. 

FIND MORE AT TAMPABAY.COM/POLITICS

Cast your ballot: Early voting for Hillsborough County begins today. Pinellas and Pasco counties open their polls Saturday. Here’s what you need to know about when, where and how to vote before the Aug. 18 primary.

Florida Democrats are asking a familiar question: Should they back a Black progressive or a well-funded moderate?

In a video posted to social media, Charlie Crist spoke with the St. Petersburg High football team and their coach before cutting to a campaign logo. Crist said he dropped the logo from the video at the request of the Pinellas County School Board, whose policies prohibit the use of school property in political advertisements.

While many schools don’t recognize religious exemptions, Florida's attorney general is pushing for the state’s Catholic schools to accept religious opt-outs for school vaccines or potentially lose their state tuition money. 

Housing records: The Hope Florida Foundation has moved its financial records to an Alabama firm linked to a Super PAC backing former Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody's U.S. Senate election campaign.

Take a look around: Since 2013, the Bucs have had five players/coach elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Who on the current Tampa Bay roster has the best chance to join them in Canton?

Trades happened: Rays fans woke up Sunday morning hoping for Tarik Skubal. Instead, they got Freddy Peralta. Sports columnist John Romano dives into the decision.

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

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.

St. Pete’s ballot: The Times candidate recommendations for the city’s mayor and city council.