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Friday, May 22, 2026

Good Friday morning. It’ll be partly cloudy with a high of 93.

In today’s edition, read about the Tampa City Council’s vote on the Rays stadium deal and the National Hurricane Center’s early season forecast. Plus, viewpoints editor Graham Brink writes that Florida’s drought is a stress test for increasing demand. 

[MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times]

Swedish chef Ebbe Vollmer’s downtown restaurant, Ebbe, offers a high-end experience — and it impressed the Michelin Guide enough to earn a coveted one-star rating within its first year of business.

But inside the restaurant, a different story was unfolding.

The Times spoke with 11 former and current Ebbe employees. Many described a chaotic work environment: long hours, discrepancies and delays with their paychecks, and nights where about half or more of the upscale menu’s produce came from Walmart. 

Vollmer said he was “surprised by the overall characterization” relayed by his former employees but noted the challenging work environment at his restaurant. 

The rocky reality of fine dining hinges on precision and the appearance of excellence. Ebbe’s trajectory highlights how easy it is to reach the breaking point.

Another hurdle cleared: The Tampa City Council voted 4-3 to approve the Rays' nonbinding stadium agreement. Here’s a look at how each council member voted, and what they had to say.

Minimal effects: After Florida barred local governments from having net-zero goals, it raised questions about how dramatically the new law would shape climate change programs in Tampa Bay. But St. Petersburg leaders said they're optimistic. 

After months of drama: The Pinellas Juvenile Welfare Board will restart its CEO search.

Staying open: Popular Mexican food restaurant Chicken and Taco Loco Bar and Grill in Brandon was going to close for good after its Cinco de Mayo party, but circumstances changed.

9 days left: If a new contract isn’t signed between BayCare and UnitedHealthcare, nearly 150,000 patients could lose in-network rates next month.

Free beer, anyone? Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay kick off today. Here’s what guests can expect.