Property tax amendment; Hog Trail murders; Barry Melrose

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Friday, Sep 11, 2026

 
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Good Friday morning. It’ll be partly cloudy with afternoon thunderstorms (high of 90).

In today’s edition, read about Pinellas County’s plan to close seven schools; Bruno Mars’ Hello Kitty pop-up; and ways Tampa Bay is honoring 9/11.

[MARTY LEDERHANDLER | AP]

He survived 9/11. Now in Tampa, he’ll never stop telling his story

Twenty-five years ago this morning, Tampa resident Ken Greene walked into the World Trade Center and took the elevator to his office on the 65th floor for the last time.

Greene’s life, and the modern world, changed forever on Sept. 11, 2001.

Here’s what a 67-year-old survivor who will never stop telling his painful story wants you to know.

Never Forgotten: How Tampa Bay is commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

 
 

AROUND THE BAY

  • Pinellas unveils plan to close 7 schools, combine several others

  • ‘It’s never easy’: Pinellas education leaders weigh in on school closures

  • Brandes, Jacques take property tax amendment debate to Largo

  • Bruno Mars’ Hello Kitty merch pop-up hits Ybor ahead of Tampa concerts 

  • Tampa officials delay Rays-related redevelopment area changes 2 months

  • Tampa ranks among America’s top 5 boomtowns in new study

  • St. Petersburg explores 12-acre park under I-275

  • Carnival Cruise Line launches rewards program

  • The Violet Stone is opening a second location next month. Here’s where

  • Hernando man arrested after shooting 2 deputies, sheriff says

  • Lightning strike sparks fire at Brooksville apartment complex

  • Florida man faces execution for 1996 killing linked to ‘Hog Trail Murders’
 

HISTORY

[AMY SANCETTA | AP]

The hunt for Sept. 11 attackers started near Tampa

Rod Huff and Jeff Adams were federal agents working in Sarasota 25 years ago when the Sept. 11 attacks unfolded. Within a day, they were both on the front lines of efforts to track down the terrorists responsible.

 
 

SPORTS

Former Lightning coach Barry Melrose, a hockey player-turned-coach who led the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final before going on to a long career in broadcasting the sport, died at 70.

The rookie from Georgia State: The Bucs planned to ease Ted Hurst into the complexity and demands of the NFL. Hurst apparently didn’t get the memo. 

First-game jitters gone: USF's offense failed to find a rhythm in the Bulls' win over FIU. Will their American Conference opener at Army go better?

After a 3-1 loss to the Braves, the Rays still have the opportunity to clinch a playoff berth at Tropicana Field and celebrate with their fans, potentially as soon as Friday night.

 

PHOTOS

[AP]

From the archives: The iconic images of 9/11 

Most people remember where they were the moment they heard about the first crash 25 years ago — news photographers were on the ground capturing the terror of every minute. Take a look at the images from that day.

Another look back: Times front pages from the week that changed America.

Today's DayStarter was compiled by Alisha Durosier, Kiley Petracek and Hannah Farrow.

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