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DayStarter

Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026

Good Tuesday morning. It’ll be partly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms (high of 93).

In today’s edition, read about the trial of a Pinellas doctor facing the death penalty; a Palestinian-owned restaurant in Tampa; and a Florida judge who questioned surrogacy appointed to a higher court.

[Times]

Facing steeply declining student enrollment, the Pinellas County school district has announced its plan to eliminate nearly 5,000 unused classroom seats. It involves closing seven schools and reconfiguring several others.

With so many moving parts, the impact can be confusing. The Times answered a few of the most pressing questions of parents and staff. It didn't take long for some parents to launch their opposition to the proposals, which come to the school board for a vote in October.

Officials said when all is said and done, all students should have schooling as good or better than before. They look to the successes of five south Pinellas elementary schools as proof. 

Our senior food and dining critic recently reviewed Darna, a new Palestinian-owned Temple Terrace restaurant, and found a lot to love. The restaurant specializes in Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, with several Lebanese, Jordanian and Palestinian staples on the menu. Read the full review.

European-inspired bistro Marcel opened quietly in St. Petersburg Friday. It's the sister restaurant to Marcel in Sarasota.

For dessert: There's a new spot for froyo in town. Here's everything to know before you go.

FIND MORE AT TAMPABAY.COM/POLITICS

"Unprecedented among detention sites": Nearly 80 detainees were held in small metal cages at Alligator Alcatraz, according to a new report.

President Donald Trump said he would give $5,000 to every adult citizen in the U.S. if Republicans maintain control of the House and Senate in November’s elections. How expensive would this proposal be?

A Florida judge who took unusual steps to question the practice of surrogacy is getting a promotion. Judge Marlon Weiss' order caught the eye of Florida's AG, and this month Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed the judge to a higher court.

Donalds’ and Jolly’s proposals: The candidates for governor are pitching plans they say will bring down property insurance costs.

Top headlines: Nikita Kucherov's contract, Victor Hedman's playing time, the youth movement and how a shorter training camp impacts players will all be front and center as a new Bolts season kicks off.

"We can play better": The Bucs spent the offseason reshaping its defense, but the biggest pieces failed to deliver Sunday in Cincinnati.

Stepped up: Outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. lacked a clear role when he was acquired from the Marlins in a spring trade, but he's now indispensable to the playoff-bound Rays.

FSU's athletic director, Michael Alford, was fired yesterday. 

A recent survey found that Hawaii is the happiest state in the nation. Between parks and beaches, Florida may seem like paradise for some people. Can you guess where the Sunshine State landed on the list?

A. No. 3

B. No. 7

C. No. 14

D. No. 21

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