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DayStarter

Monday, Apr 27, 2026

Good Monday morning. It'll be partly cloudy with a high of 88. 

In today’s edition, read about the Rays expressing its concerns to Hillsborough County; Florida ranking among the top states for electricity shutoffs; and our favorite parts of BTS performing in Tampa. 

Kevin Herrick, left, poses for a photo with Leo Schofield, right, and Schofield's wife, Crissie. [Courtesy of Allison Miller]

For 36 years, Kevin Herrick has been imprisoned for an attempted sexual battery in Largo. He’s always maintained he didn’t do it.

After years of failed appeals, a new defense team is seeking another trial, citing DNA evidence that doesn’t match his and arguing that prosecutors withheld evidence that could have pointed to another suspect. 

Here’s what to know about the case.

Contract talks in the fall: The Clearwater City Council on Thursday approved a term sheet for a $205 million revamp of the Philadelphia Phillies' spring training complex. 

Rays respond: The team is still striving for a Hillsborough County stadium vote in May but has concerns about shortfalls in proposed public funding, the Rays informed the county on Friday.

Split-screen of financial stats: Floridians had their power turned off more than 2 million times because of unpaid bills in 2024, according to a first-of-its-kind federal report. Meanwhile, a separate analysis released by a watchdog group found that utility CEO pay nationwide has been rising faster than inflation. So how much are Florida utility executives paid?

Is the proposal dead? The backlash to a data center campus proposal in rural Florida went all the way to the DeSantis administration, as state officials claimed they were tricked into providing funding to the project. Here's what we know.

Over in Polk County: A portion of the upper Peace River is likely to run dry soon after water management officials decided to cut the flow of water from nearby Lake Hancock. Here's why.

In a civil complaint: A family is suing the Pinellas County school district, contending it didn’t prevent a sexual predator from harming their daughter.

Missing since April 16: The body of one missing USF doctoral student was found Friday on the Howard Frankland Bridge. As authorities continued to look for another, they arrested a man who now faces two charges of first-degree murder with a weapon. 

Resource: Learn how Florida survivors of sexual assault can get help. 

BTS kicked off their North American comeback tour at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday night. Here's what stood out to us at the sold-out show.

Long lines and sold-out merch: Check out our photos of fans and more at the Tampa concert. 

FIND MORE AT TAMPABAY.COM/POLITICS

Field is set: U.S. Senate incumbent Ashley Moody faces six candidates who want her job. The GOP senator is a heavy favorite to win a seat that she was appointed to last year. Only one challenger has a shot to beat her. Who's the contender and who are the pretenders? Check it out.

Looked the part: U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds visited Caddy's Treasure Island on Saturday and talked about Florida's insurance market.

Security incident: A suspect is in custody after top leaders of the United States were evacuated from an annual White House correspondents dinner on Saturday night. 

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.

Could be improbable: Considering state money and land approval could disappear in May without a Rays stadium agreement, it's probably wise for the team and Hillsborough County officials to come up with a non-binding memo of understanding in a hurry, sports columnist John Romano writes. 

First-round pick: Rueben Bain Jr. helped return the Miami Hurricanes to national prominence, Miami coach Mario Cristobal says. The Bucs hope he can do the same for their once-proud defense. 

Unparalleled playoffs: Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh reached a big milestone — his 200th career postseason game was on Sunday. 

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

Sunshine State screenings: The new movie “Mermaid,” filmed in St. Pete Beach in 2023, comes out this week, and columnist Stephanie Hayes got an early look. She writes that it might just be the most Florida movie to have ever Florida'd. 

Publix has just rolled out a series of sandwiches, including Pub Subs, with a filling it has never used before. What is it?

A. Grouper

B. Brisket

C. Tropical fruit

D. Lubbers

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

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