For a year, sexual assault survivors seeking a rape kit after midnight were forced to wait.
The forensic exams are a critical tool for protecting victims’ health and enabling criminal investigations. But the Suncoast Center, which gets public funding to offer rape kits in Pinellas County, quietly stopped staffing nurses between midnight and 8 a.m., the Tampa Bay Times found.
The decision led survivors to wait for hours for a kit, even if they went to emergency rooms.
After the Times asked questions about the gap, Suncoast began staffing overnight, an agency leader said. Read more here.
AROUND THE BAY
Wrench in the plan? Hillsborough County has told the Rays it is unlikely to meet the team’s deadline for the completion of a stadium deal, which could jeopardize the entire proposal.
Safety concerns rise: Plant City High School has implemented a new policy: no backpacks or lunch bags allowed on campus for the rest of the year unless they’re clear.
“Failure was just unthinkable’’: Andy Barnes, the longtime former chairman of Times Publishing Co., died at the age of 86. He guided the Times through a takeover bid and led the news organization at a time of unprecedented growth.
Near a wastewater treatment plant: A Lutz caregiver told investigators that she dumped her aunt's body in the woods because of finances and her aunt's own wishes.
BTS fans are ready for the kickoff of the highly-anticipated Arirang World Tour at Raymond James Stadium this week. Some are crafting Florida-inspired merch, and what’s more Florida than a Publix sandwich?
Food to set the vibe: Dishes like hot pot, Korean-style fried chicken and a bounty of soups and stews can be found at Korean restaurants across the Tampa Bay area.
Taking effect July 1: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a measure intended to increase public notice before the state or water management districts consider selling or exchanging conservation lands.
SPORTS
"Hagey being Hagey": The Lightning's Brandon Hagel will jaw, fight, defend and score. Even with three goals so far in the playoffs, the emotional edge he's brought to the ice has been the most impactful.
Hey, again: Taj Bradley will look different when he steps on the Tropicana Field mound tonight, wearing Twins colors and sporting a 3-0 record and 1.63 ERA that are among the majors’ best. The last time the Rays saw Bradley pitch, he was near his worst.
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A group of “seagrass hunters” and Times reporters were along for the boat ride to get a first-hand glimpse at the health of the estuary. Here's what we saw.
