Happy Earth Day! 🌎 Expect partly cloudy skies (high of 88, low of 67).

Catch up on what's next for Derby Lane, which was just sold; Tampa Bay’s Cross Bay Ferry's future; and how Florida schools plan to improve students’ math skills. Plus: The Lightning begin playoffs today, and the fun is about to begin.

[DIRK SHADD | Times]

Tampa Bay honors Pope Francis

Pope Francis died Monday at the age of 88, a day after Easter and meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance, 38 days after he was treated for double pneumonia, and years after taking bold stances on issues from the environment to migrants.

World and Florida leaders, from Gov. Ron DeSantis to U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, remembered him as a humble leader who impacted millions around the world. 

Tampa Bay churches held Masses to mourn Francis’ death and to reflect on his life and legacy.

For Earth Day: The Times sat down with elementary to high school students to discuss the state of Tampa Bay’s environmental issues, including what gives them hope and what they’d like to see changed. Read more.

Highly coveted property: Derby Lane, which has been overseen by the same family for a century, sold to a Connecticut company. What’s next for the race track?

Weighing options: The historic Tramor building in St. Petersburg was pegged as a future social club with golf courses and high-end dining. Now, the plans are stalled.

Plans dropped: St. Pete may keep Albert Whitted as an airport for 20 more years.

No-show in DUI manslaughter case: An ex-sheriff’s deputy accused of killing two men in a drunk-driving crash on the Courtney Campbell Causeway is now a wanted man. Joshua Kyle Roelofs failed to appear in court Monday morning for his trial.

Guilty on all charges: Francis Simpson’s household has been “like a hurricane” ever since a motorcyclist struck and killed her 13-year-old son more than two years ago. The driver was found guilty of vehicular homicide Monday afternoon.

Over $1M in damages: Firefighters responded to a fire at Clearwater’s Fairwinds Treatment Center early Sunday morning. Seventeen residents and five staff members were able to evacuate from the blaze, and no injuries were reported.

At a Tampa apartment complex: A 19-year-old man is facing a murder charge in connection with a deadly shooting early Sunday.

Bookmark this 🔖: The Breakaway Music Festival is coming to Tampa, and St. Pete’s popular annual Arbor Day celebration returns. Check out more local events this week.

EDUCATION 

[DIRK SHADD | Times]

Math scores in Florida schools are down. How will grades improve?

Florida eighth graders recently hit a 20-year low on the Nation’s Report Card, ranking 41st among the states. Its average SAT score in math dipped 8 points, with just 26% of takers considered “college ready” in the exam’s portion. While Tampa Bay schools are taking action on their math curricula, experts say the state needs a stronger focus on the subject.

Pronoun dispute: A former Pinellas teacher who is transgender is suing the school district, saying officials were unwilling to call him mister after Florida changed its pronoun law in 2023.

POLITICS

FIND MORE AT TAMPABAY.COM/POLITICS

Increasingly worrisome question: In short, yes, U.S. border officials can search your phone without a warrant. Learn more.

Ready to annoy: It's been three years since the Lightning last won a Stanley Cup. It's also been three years since Yanni Gourde last played for Tampa Bay in the postseason. Gourde is back, the playoffs are about to start and, dare we say, the fun is about to begin, writes sports columnist John Romano.

22 games in: In the early going, there’s been some good, some bad and some reasons for significant concern. Here are 22 things we think we know about the Rays.

Needed them yesterday: The Bucs only intercepted seven passes last season. Fortunately, the team is in a good position to draft a cornerback.

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

Swift fallout: In a guest column, former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine writes that Florida could be the biggest loser in President Donald Trump’s fight with Canada.

[LUIS SANTANA | Times (2022)]

Goodbye forever to the Cross Bay Ferry?

Hillsborough County last week terminated its contract with the service that’s linked both sides of the bay for nearly a decade. But don’t fret — something new is expected to take its place.

Today's DayStarter was compiled by Neha Seenarine, Hannah Farrow, Jenna Duncan and Emily Wunderlich.

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