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DayStarter

Thursday, Jun 11, 2026

Good Thursday morning. Scattered thunderstorms coming in the afternoon (high of 89, low of 77).

In today’s edition, read about the next Tampa police chief; concerns from retailers as St. Petersburg considers more resident-only parking; and whether a data center is coming to Pinellas County. 

[DANIEL WALLACE | Heart Gallery of Tampa]

When some kids in foster care complained about their photos being public, the Florida legislature changed the law. 

Now, if you’re interested in adopting a child, you have to wait to see their face. 

The change has affected inquiries and caused adoption advocates to share the children’s stories in different ways.

"Inclusive Family and Faith Month": St. Pete received a proclamation from groups that believe marriage is between a man and a woman.

Parking restrictions: As St. Pete weighs more resident-only parking, retailers' concerns grow.

Public’s opinion: A new poll shows Hillsborough voters think a Rays stadium will bring positive energy to the region — but feel they’ve not been given a meaningful say in decisions over how it will be built and paid for.

Reconsider finances: Hillsborough County commissioners will receive a presentation on how Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax proposal could affect the county’s finances, according to documents obtained by the Times.

Candidates attacked: St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch was a target from all sides in the first mayoral debate of the year.

"There was no doubt": The board of trustees approved Stuart Bell as the University of Florida's 14th president. He faces one last hurdle. 

$3M grant: Pasco-Hernando State College received millions from the state for a new aviation program.

“Humbled and honored”: Brett Owen was named the acting chief of the Tampa Police Department on Tuesday in light of Chief Lee Bercaw’s retirement. Here’s what to know about Owen. 

Footage went viral: Tampa police launched an internal investigation after a viral video showed an officer forcefully taking a man to the ground during an arrest in Ybor City last month.

Property damage: Police have arrested a 37-year-old man after a hit-and-run crash that severely damaged a St. Pete home early Monday.

Local governments in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas echoed a similar message: Shelters welcome everyone, no immigration questions asked. Still, the decision to go to a shelter during a storm is not easy.

Bookmark this: Find hurricane tips, updates and more at tampabay.com/hurricane.

FIND MORE AT TAMPABAY.COM/POLITICS

Joining the ticket: Former Florida gubernatorial candidate Gwen Graham will be Democrat David Jolly's running mate for governor.

Now entering the race, AI: Videos promoted by Lt. Gov. Jay Collins' campaign for governor use AI-generated content, even as he has made opposition to data centers a signature campaign issue.

Map stays: Florida's new congressional district map will remain in effect for the midterm elections despite a push to block the map.

Feeling good: Drew Rasmussen delivered one of his best-ever starts Wednesday at Tropicana Field, striking out a career-high 13 in the Rays’ 7-5 win over the Red Sox.

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

618 dead walkers: Tampa Bay and five other Florida metro areas are, once again, among the worst in the country for pedestrians. Viewpoints editor Graham Brink asks: What’s the excuse?

Have you heard the rumors about a data center coming to the Pinellas side of Gandy Boulevard? Our energy reporter followed the bread crumbs to find out if they're true. Here's what she found.

Today's DayStarter was compiled by Neha Seenarine, Hannah Farrow and Kiley Petracek.

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