Property tax amendment; St. Pete Pier contract; Red Bull cliff dive competition

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Wednesday, Jun 03, 2026

 
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Good Wednesday morning. Skies are cloudy (high of 84, low of 68).

In today’s edition, read about Florida’s property tax amendment passing the Legislature; St. Petersburg discussing a new contract with a promoter for the pier; and a 90-foot cliff diving competition this weekend.

[DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times]

Public transit to shift in Hillsborough

The Hillsborough Transit Authority is set to discontinue three routes that stretch into the unincorporated county. 

Transit advocates say the changes strike at the core of a debate around the future of the regional bus agency, especially for residents who rely on public transportation. 

Read about the changes — and the tension — here.

 
 

AROUND THE BAY

While frustration lingers: After sounding the alarm on a potential $75 million loss if voters approve property tax cuts proposed by the governor, St. Pete is bringing forward a new contract with a promoter of the St. Pete Pier that nearly triples in cost.

“Legacy lives on in every rescue”: Dennis Kellenberger, a co-founder of the nonprofit Clearwater Marine Aquarium and chief executive officer for its first 25 years, died May 23 after a brief illness.

“Everybody deserves a second chance": Anthony Collins, the former chief deputy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office who resigned last year amid academic cheating allegations, has been hired to be the school district’s chief of security.

Leadership changes: Five Pasco schools will have new principals, including Wiregrass Elementary. Eight Hillsborough schools will also welcome new principals. 

Sorry Sting fans: Instead of playing at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, the singer is headed to a different venue — 70 miles away. 

After a “teen takeover”: A 16-year-old boy from Polk County was arrested. He faces charges of attempted second-degree murder, discharging a firearm in public and unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor.

In custody: A 25-year-old man faces a second-degree murder charge after a fatal shooting in downtown St. Pete last month, police said.

Predicting power and paths: AI could help save lives this hurricane season. Here’s how.

 

FOOD

[Courtesy of Mozza]

Mozzarella Mike is bringing an Italian sandwich shop to St. Pete

Mike Deininger went from pop-ups to establishing a brick and mortar in St. Pete in under a year. Get hungry reading about his hand-stretched soft Italian cheeses and artisan sandwiches.