SNAP benefits; lubber season; state wildfires

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Thursday, Apr 23, 2026

 
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Good Thursday morning. Today will be sunny (high of 84, low of 66). 

In today’s edition, read about Florida’s SNAP program changes; Gov. Ron DeSantis' signing of a bill to ban local DEI; and the biggest state wildfires to erupt so far this year. 

[DIRK SHADD | Times]

DeSantis officials claim trickery over data center funding

DeSantis has been taking a stand against data center proposals in Florida. So why did his administration give one $1.5 million in state funding? 

State officials say they were deceived by the college that pitched the center. The college says it's all a misunderstanding.

Read more.

 
 

AROUND THE BAY

Benefits change: These food items will no longer be available with Florida’s SNAP program. 

Biggest blazes: It’s been a record-breaking year for wildfires in Florida amid the ongoing drought. With months ahead of peak fire season, here are some of the biggest flames so far this year.  

Needs improvement: Changes are coming to Pasco County's largest elementary school a week after parents and teachers complained about mounting problems at the Wesley Chapel campus.

“Project Pizzo”: Students, teachers, parents and alumni pleaded with the Hillsborough County school board to keep Pizzo K-8 open. 

Construction begins: UTampa broke ground on its new Dickey Science Innovation Center, slated to open in Spring 2029. 

Gang war trial: Four men went before the same jury Wednesday as the trial opened in the murder case of rapper Julio Foolio. They face a possible death sentence if convicted.

Undergo treatment: A St. Petersburg woman accused of suffocating her 4-year-old son in January was found incompetent to proceed to trial, a judge decided Wednesday.

 

POLITICS

FIND MORE AT TAMPABAY.COM/POLITICS

Bill bundle: DeSantis signed two bills on Wednesday. They ban net-zero emissions policies and funding of diversity, equity and inclusion programs. 

Pending a plan: DeSantis has talked for a year about cutting property taxes. But when lawmakers return to Tallahassee for a special session next week, that issue won't be on the agenda.

 
 

SPORTS

A sweep? Nope. The Rays offense came back to life for a 6-1 win over the Reds on Wednesday afternoon at Tropicana Field.

The bully Bolts: As the Lightning's playoff series heads to Montreal, Tampa Bay is taking accountability for being the aggressors.

Bucs' best bet: Miami's edge rusher lands with Tampa Bay in many mock drafts, but inside linebacker and tight end could be targets, too.

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

 

VIEWPOINTS

Grew up together: Why did thousands of soccer fans make it to the early morning Premier League event at Armature Works? You can thank the Rowdies for building a soccer fan base here, columnist John Hill writes. 

 

TODAY'S TALKER

[DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times (2024)]

The lubbers are out

To kill, or not to kill … the gigantic grasshoppers are back for the summer to wreak havoc in your garden. Here’s what to know.

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

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