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The Daystarter: Cruises to Cuba still a go; Rays employee helps thwart suicide; do the Stingray Shuffle; school social worker arrested for threatening mother-in-law

 
See that thing in the water? No? That's the point. It's that time of the year when stingrays are often lurking in the sand, often not visibly. Remember to do the stingray shuffle if you're out at the beach this weekend. [JIM DAMASKE | Times]
See that thing in the water? No? That's the point. It's that time of the year when stingrays are often lurking in the sand, often not visibly. Remember to do the stingray shuffle if you're out at the beach this weekend. [JIM DAMASKE | Times]
Published June 29, 2017

Catching you up on overnight happenings, and what you need to know today.

• Another scorcher with highs in the low 90s and late afternoon scattered storms, according to 10Weather WTSP.

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• As you head out for your morning commute, check out our live blog for the latest traffic updates and road conditions across Tampa Bay.

• Even with the rules changing under President Donald Trump, cruises from Tampa to Havana, Cuba are still free to sail. It's Tampa's pitch — that cruise passengers will spend a day in the city educating themselves on its historic link to Cuba — that should protect them under new rules.

• The number of people who have been stung by stingrays has been low this year. But experts say beach-goers should still watch out: They expect numbers to increase soon, especially with the upcoming holiday weekend. Don't forget the stingray shuffle!

• Hillsborough County schools social worker Marissa Mitchell is in trouble, accused of stalking and threatening her mother-in-law and police officials in Clearwater and Tarpon Springs. One of the threatening documents used as evidence was on a school social worker form with the district logo. She typed the header "Life Termination Plan" and addressed it to her mother-in-law.

• Rick Baker gave himself a "B" in his first debate against Mayor Rick Kriseman. Some supporters and advisors at Baker's fundraiser at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club on Wednesday evening might have graded him a tad lower, but the consensus was that the former mayor had his moments, good and meh, in his return to debating for public office. Read more from Charlie Frago.

• Dirt, wood and concrete filling the 24-acre Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park will become lawns, athletic facilities and dog parks by March, city officials say. The $35.5 million redevelopment project broke ground in July. When it's open, visitors will be able to walk up a ramp toward an all-glass River Center building looking out across the Hillsborough River and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

• Zephyrhills will begin offering a new residential lien forgiveness program in an effort to encourage improvements to properties and home ownership.

• Degradation of the Weeki Wachee River is a complex mix of circumstances, with a variety of jurisdictions holding the authority to fix the problems. That has made finding solutions over the years more about frustration than success. But since last year, as river usage has continued to rise, a new push from those looking for solutions has gotten the attention of local leaders. Barbara Behrendt has the details.

• A Rays front-office employee joined umpire John Tumpane in saving a woman threatening to jump from a bridge near PNC Park on Wednesday afternoon in Pittsburgh. Marc Topkin has the details.

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• Meanwhile, Blake Snell had a brutal first inning and a bad night overall, not showing much of the improvements he was touting and the Rays were expecting to see after his six-week exile to Triple-A Durham. The four-run, 36-pitch first inning was a bad start as he lasted only five total in the 6-2 loss to the Pirates, allowing six runs, walking a season-high-matching five and throwing 98 pitches, 42 for balls.

• Sacks are box score scouts' go-to measure of pressure. That makes sense — they're easy to count. The Buccaneers had 38 of them last season, one every 14.4 opponent pass attempts, which ranked ninth. Sacks, though, don't tell the whole story. Pressure, even if it doesn't result in a sack, can be just as — if not more — effective. Thomas Bassinger explains why.

• Here are the top things to do today in Tampa Bay, including a Chicago and Doobie Brothers concert.

• This year's Tampa Pig Jig will have a little bit of country and a little bit of soul. See who's on tap to perform.

• Pam Prasad, who is originally from Guyana, runs Pam's Roti Shop and Caribbean Market on 38th Avenue N in St. Petersburg with her two sons. Prasad loves to educate her customers about her food, customs and culture. The place is known for its variety of roti combinations, goat dishes and spices. Check out the latest video in our Taste of Tampa Bay series.

• Here's everywhere to see Fourth of July fireworks in Tampa Bay.