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DayStarter

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Good Wednesday morning. Another cloudy day (high of 92, low of 75).

In today’s edition, read about why high schoolers are graduating before classes end; Florida’s delayed $115 billion budget; and a new look into the Tampa Theatre’s lore.

[DIRK SHADD | Times (2023)]

St. Petersburg purports to be a city of the arts — but the management of the city-owned Mahaffey Theater has an uncertain future.

Businessman Bill Edwards ended his contract with the city months early after he poured millions of his own money into running the aging waterfront theater over the past 15 years.

On top of all other unresolved projects, St. Pete will take over the Mahaffey's management. 

Read about why it may all work out for the better.

Thoughts and hopes: After non-binding approvals, the Rays’ stadium proposal has taken a step forward. But for future success, the team has to convince skeptical city council members to back their pitch. 

Sections at a time: Raymond James Stadium renovations could cost up to $1.3 billion.

Hey, drivers: Big changes are coming for the new Howard Frankland Bridge this week.

Proper disposal: Rechargeable batteries are found in everyday devices from phones to disposable vapes — and they've been the culprit behind dozens of fires destroying garbage trucks. That's why you shouldn't throw these batteries in the trash. Here's where to get rid of them.

Last day: High school seniors have already crossed the stage to get their diplomas. But the official last day of classes hasn't come yet. How does that work? 

Cops resign: Two Tampa police officers resigned this spring during an investigation into allegations that they engaged in sexual activity on duty with an emergency operator. 

In Ybor City: Double Six is a coffee and brunch concept, featuring breakfast burritos and burgers, that will soon share space with La Setima.

Even after a holiday weekend: There’s still so much to do in Tampa Bay.

Join us Thursday: Learn about the local food system at this week’s Spotlight Tampa Bay event, hosted by the Times in partnership with the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg.

Robin Reed was not your typical activist. The Old Northeast resident brought a new flock of flamingoes to Sunken Gardens and fought the demolition of older homes. She died in March at age 81. The St. Pete City Council passed a resolution honoring her legacy. 

FIND MORE AT TAMPABAY.COM/POLITICS

Money toward AI: Here’s what lawmakers did and didn’t include in the final budget of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration.

Staying for 2026: Your new Congressional district will be the one you're likely voting in come August and November. A Tallahassee judge on Tuesday denied voting groups their request to block the governor's new map.

In campus news: The Florida legislature reached a deal on the plan to transfer USF Sarasota-Manatee to New College. It isn't final yet.

Applying for permanent residence: Immigrants living temporarily in the U.S. who want to apply for a green card will have to leave and complete the process in their country of origin. Here’s what we know.

A victim? The second sexual assault trial of Wander Franco ended with another conviction. That would seemingly be the final nail in his MLB coffin, writes sports columnist John Romano. So why did the Rays shortstop sound upbeat afterward?

“It was a great day”: Bucs right guard Cody Mauch returned to the practice field on Tuesday for the first time in more than nine months.

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

Just in time for the landmark’s upcoming 100th birthday, “Tampa Theatre: A Century of Stories” features hundreds of illustrations, newspaper clippings and old photographs, plus interviews with over 30 theater employees, volunteers and patrons.

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

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