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Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026

Good Wednesday morning. Expect scattered thunderstorms (high of 91, low of 78).

In today’s edition, read about Tampa Bay’s watering restrictions extension and where to eat during St. Pete Pride festivities. Plus: Sports columnist John Romano dives into the Rays being near the bottom of the league in offensive stats for outfielders.

[Courtesy of Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office]

Just after 3 p.m. Friday, Amanda Roark called 911. The 37-year-old didn’t answer any questions, court records state, but dispatchers heard her begging for her life.

The last thing they heard before the call became inaudible: “Please, please, please, please.”

Twelve minutes later, Kyle Sanchez called 911. He said he’d killed his girlfriend.

Order extended: The tightened water restrictions of the past few months will continue through October.

Data center scrapped: Days after scores of residents testified against a rezoning plan designed to attract data centers to Citrus County, the developer withdrew its proposal.

Would be banned from teaching: Florida's education commissioner filed a complaint after a Pasco teacher admitted telling students Trump “deserves a bullet through the head.”

Coming this fall: Two Pinellas County elementary schools will have new principals. 

Amid a brewing conflict between school and state leaders, UF’s board of trustees voted unanimously to name Stuart Bell interim president.

Welcome, Two Fold: A sleek, curated coffee shop, cafe and bar is opening Thursday near Brandon. 

Depends on who you ask: It’s been 10 years and a lifetime of scandals since the rapper formerly known as Kanye West performed in Tampa. With his shows coming up, music fans are running out of time to make a decision: Is it OK to still support Ye?

Florida’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebration brings a stacked schedule of events this weekend. Whether you’re planning to enjoy the Friday night concert, attend the big parade Saturday or explore the Sunday street fair, these restaurants, bars and cafes are close to the action.

FIND MORE AT TAMPABAY.COM/POLITICS

5 years after Surfside collapse: In the months after, the affected parties reached a nearly $1 billion court settlement. A receiver sold the site to a developer to help compensate families, survivors and condo owners. Legislators passed new state laws regarding condo safety and financial reserves. Still, much remains unresolved.

Problems persist: The Rays overhauled their roster, spent a little money on free agents and still have one of the weakest-hitting outfields in the major leagues, sports columnist John Romano writes. 

Listen for this voice: Veteran broadcaster Tony Castricone was announced Tuesday as the Bucs’ new radio play-by-play announcer, succeeding Gene Deckerhoff.

Prepared for all scenarios: For the sixth time in the past seven years, the Lightning won’t have a first-round pick in the NHL draft. But there are still plenty of good finds on Day 2. 

Caviar or spa treatments before a flight, anyone? PS MIA, a private terminal at Miami International Airport, allows commercial flight passengers to bypass the main airport crowds. Take a look inside the 34,000-square-foot space.