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Wednesday, Jul 15, 2026

Good Wednesday morning. Expect afternoon thunderstorms (high of 94, low of 78).

In today’s edition, read about Busch Gardens’ fan-favorite roller coaster closing; the best local screens to watch "The Odyssey"; and dogs helping children read.

[DIRK SHADD | Times]

A car wash, a trucking company parking lot and a 200-plus-unit apartment building have replaced swampy Florida's natural sinks.

And it's due to a state law that passed last summer with little fanfare. 

Environmentalists worry it could harm imperiled species and worsen flood risk across Florida.

Wetland mitigation banking program: An MIT researcher proposed a tax on developers that’d go directly to residents who lost flood-reducing wetlands nearby. That's after a study found decades of development has cost flood victims $1.6 billion in damages.

Big role in maintaining lifestyle: This program delivers more than just food. Delivery drivers check in with Pinellas seniors to ensure they’re healthy and keeping socially active.

Principal appointments: Three Pinellas elementary schools have new leaders.

Boiled peanuts, anyone? It’s a must for author Sarah Gerard when she visits Florida.

Kumba’s Revenge