RFK Jr. visits Tampa; Bolts’ 2026-27 schedule; chicken wings

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Friday, Jul 17, 2026

 
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Good Friday morning. Today’s thunderstorms will lead into the weekend. 

In today’s edition, read about Clearwater Beach lifeguards and the speed cameras coming to school zones across Tampa. Plus, check out your favorite spots to get chicken wings.

[SEAN KRISTOFF-JONES | Times]

Do you know who’s running in Florida’s primary election? You do now

Florida’s primary is Aug. 18, and ballots are already in the mail. 

Floridians will pick their Republican and Democratic nominees for governor, the U.S. Senate, Congressional races in newly redrawn districts and more. Local races for school board and judge are also up for grabs.

Times reporters researched and surveyed more than 130 candidates to find out who they are and where they stand on the issues that matter most. 

How do candidates feel about data centers? Vaccines? The potential property tax amendment?

Find out here.

 
 

AROUND THE BAY

New service agreement: In a dramatic reversal, Clearwater leaders are now poised to sign a 30-year agreement with Duke Energy for electricity, despite the fact that an analysis found residents would likely save money if the city dropped Duke.

Are speed cameras coming to Tampa? Yes — but not without questions from residents and city council members about mass surveillance.

Much-anticipated adaptation: Where’s the best place to watch “The Odyssey” in Tampa Bay? Here’s a quick look at theaters’ screens, projectors, sounds and seating.

Defendant takes the stand: The 2.5-hour testimony, at times contradictory, shed light on how Stuart Beck’s recollection of the fatal shooting of Michael Conrad has changed in the four years he’s been incarcerated.

In Ruskin: Two Hillsborough sheriff’s deputies and a suspect were shot on Thursday, officials said.

Student leaves jail: The former University of Tampa student accused in the death of her newborn daughter left jail Wednesday after posting bonds to secure her release while awaiting trial.

A skeleton was found in the Florida Everglades in 1983. Cops finally know who she is.

 

BRIGHT SPOT

[MEAGHAN HABUDA | Times]

What’s your favorite wing joint in Tampa Bay?

We created a roundup of 14 spots that received shoutouts from readers for their wings. Grab a napkin and some hand wipes — and dig in. 

Restaurant review: Another upscale Japanese restaurant? Tampa’s O-Ku says yes.

Do & Dine: If you haven’t already, sign up for our free, weekly newsletter from the team behind our Food Hub.

 

POLITICS

FIND MORE AT TAMPABAY.COM/POLITICS

Eliminating highly processed foods: About a week after U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launched the "Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge," he visited Tampa General Hospital.

25% tariff: Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez faced a confirmation hearing in Congress as he seeks to become ambassador to Brazil.

 
 

SPORTS

Mark your calendars⚡: Here’s when you can see a Lightning game during their 2026-27 season.

Looking for a new pack of cards? At Baseball Card Clubhouse, you might run into a pro doing the same thing.

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

 

VIEWPOINTS

Change in format, not in mission: Times chairman and CEO Conan Gallaty shares that the Times is changing the way it makes ballot recommendations.

 

TODAY'S TALKER