* Looks like the high-speed rail connection between Orlando and Tampa could finally happen. The $25-million Brightline project is estimated to take three years. But perspective matters. This should have happened more than a decade ago when Gov. Rick Scott, R-HCA, turned down more than $2 billion in federal (Obama) money to connect Orlando and Tampa—and ultimately Atlanta. He never even permitted bids—that could have reconciled doubts about “being on the hook.”
* “In America, today, 2024, women have fewer rights than their mothers or their grandmothers had, because of Donald Trump.”–President Joe Biden in his Tampa visit.
* “I’m running for election as state attorney to serve the people—all the people—of Hillsborough County.”–That was twice-elected but gubernatorially-ousted Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren.
* USF reached a record $692 million in research funding last year.
* The Democrats still have about 9,000 more active registered voters than Republicans in Hillsborough County. But the trend is concerning: The Democratic voter registration advantage was about 74,000 in 2020. In Pinellas County, the GOP now has an advantage of more than 32,000 active registered voters.
* USF will be offering an upper-level literature course on Swift: Taylor—not Jonathan.
* Macy Mall: WestShore Plaza will be demolished—except for Macy’s. A mixed-use development will span the 52 acres. There’s no definitive time line yet.
* Forbes’ ranking of the top 25 worst cities to drive in includes three from Florida. Miami: 2nd; Jacksonville, 16th; and Tampa: 24th. The rankings covered four categories: safety, cost of car ownership, access to car maintenance and driving experience.
* The late Senator (and Governor) Bob Graham was known for his “work days.” They included teaching classes at Plant High.