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DayStarter

Friday, Jul 31, 2026

Good Friday morning. Expect showers through the weekend.

In today’s edition, read about how to vote in Florida; the Mahaffey Theater’s next operator; and under $5 Pub subs. Yes, really!

[Courtesy of Eric Domège]

Vogue asked fashion designers to reimagine Florida's state flag.

Designers from Miami aimed to evoke "rhythm, light, and energy.”

What do you think?

The voting process, with its ever-evolving rules and options, can feel opaque to even the most practiced voter. There’s no shame in asking questions. Find your answers here.

Know your candidates: Who’s running in Florida’s primary election? Check out our voter guide.

FIND MORE AT TAMPABAY.COM/POLITICS

Help revitalize market: Florida’s budget includes nearly $196 million for the citrus industry. See a breakdown of where that money is going.

Charlie Crist, one of Florida’s most prominent Democrats, has raised a lot of cash in his bid to become St. Pete’s mayor — much of which has come from the political party he left 16 years ago.

President Donald Trump waived The Jones Act, which requires U.S. made, licensed and crewed ships be used in domestic trade, to save money on gas. Does it work?

Upped the ante: For three years, the Bucs have rallied behind Baker Mayfield's fire on the field. On Thursday, they were the target of their quarterback's passion in a contract dispute, writes sports columnist John Romano. 

Mayfield was offered only a two-year deal worth less than $50 million per year and said he feels “disrespected” and “undervalued.”  

Potentially deal-derailing obstacle: Hillsborough County Commission chairperson Ken Hagan says "there’s no way to completely carve the city (out of a Rays stadium deal)."

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

Through Aug. 5, customers can get a Publix Italian, ultimate or turkey sandwich for the discounted price of $3.99. Get the deets.

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

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