Pasco County

Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a line item in the upcoming state budget that would have provided about $600 million in recurring money over the next 30 years for the project.

The Pasco trial is expected to last a couple of months. The state says Walgreens ignored red flags and filled millions of suspicious prescriptions. Walgreens says drugmakers misled pharmacies about risks.

Florida contends Walgreens has been an integral part of the opioid epidemic. Opening statements are set for early next week. The pharmacy chain says it will not settle.

The planned life sciences innovation district will serve as a hub for cancer research, education and patient care.

Fish kills continue to pollute the waters around downtown St. Petersburg and smaller die-offs were reported in Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Tons of dead fish have washed ashore in the wake of Tropical Storm Elsa. On Sunday, Pinellas health officials recommended that anyone with respiratory problems consider avoiding county beaches.

Officials cite a downward trend in the positivity rate and number of cases, as well as a decrease in demand for tests. Testing is still available at pharmacies and other providers.

Browning said masks will continue to be required in Pasco schools, and that the district will reevaluate the decision closer to the fall semester.

Superintendent Kurt Browning told a Tuesday board meeting that once Gov. Ron DeSantis' order declaring a state of emergency expires, mask wearing in schools will be optional.

County officials point to lower hospitalization rates and an increase in residents getting vaccinated in relaxing the mandate. The change does not apply to Pasco public schools.