We are a weekly compilation of local and national notes along with a smattering of sports, history and the oft-borrowed piece of wisdom from the 5:05 Newsletter – all from a politically incorrect slant.

First thing on our mind:

We apologize for a very late, unedited edition. Our PC was in ICU at Ray’s Connecting Point in Dunedin. As always, many thanks to Jamie Steffens who pulled it back from the brink.

Leading off: This is hard to understand

Last week, the city of St. Petersburg voted to spend nearly $600,000 to see if it would make sense to move away from Duke Power and create its own electric utility. The city of Clearwater has already done such a study claiming residents could “save millions” with the city running the electrical system. This from a municipality that last year moved to increase its other utility rates (water, sewer and such) 8% every year for the next five years. And that completely ignores the recycling fiasco of last year. We’d only ask you to review your bills. For the first five months of 2026, our Duke Power bill is down 4% while, sure enough, our Clearwater utility bill is up just over 8%. Oh, and there’s that estimated $1 billion (yes with a b) cost of buying out Duke’s infrastructure. Pay close attention to how the candidates answer the utility question at Clearwater’s candidate forums.

Tampa Bay, politics and notes:

Dennis Kellenberger, a major figure in early days of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, passed away late last month. He was one of the most likeable people you’d ever want to meet.

More blowback to Ron DeSantis’ proposed property tax amendment with Florida Tax Watch and The Wall Street Journal joining the prestigious Tampa Bay Rants and Raves (TBRR 1/25/26).

Here we go. With the new districts passing judicial muster, Democrats and Republicans scramble to keep (or gain) U.S. House seats.

It was the legendary radio talk show host Bruce Williams who first said Presidents should stay at the White House rather than gum up the works at events like last week’s NBA contest at Madison Square Garden.

Watching the free- for -all St. Pete mayoral debate, a word of advice for potential political candidates: stay out of crowded races. Five, including high profile candidates Ken Welch and Charlie Crist, are contesting the race.

Meanwhile, the current favorite in the GOP gubernatorial race, Byron Donalds, says he won’t participate in any GOP debates, a typical strategy for someone perceived as the leader in the race. Donalds is the leader, but he’s far from the finish line.

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw is moving to USF. Here’s hoping finding a permanent replacement is not as messy as last time.

The iconic St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral has launched a $6 million capital campaign to make needed improvements to the spiritual center of Greek life in Tarpon Springs. It’s off to a good start with $3 million already pledged.

CBS is shaking up 60 Minutes appointing a non-traditional news person, Nick Bilton as its new executive producer. The long running series which was a must see part of Sunday night viewing has slipped badly in the past few years.

Gas prices are driving up demand for hybrid vehicles – EVs not so much.

Factoid: With a population of just over 116,000, Clearwater is larger than 19 U.S. state capitals with Montpelier VT being the smallest at just under 8000 residents. Phoenix AZ is the largest at 1.6 million.

Congressional news from the 5:05 Newsletter: New polls shows only 30% of Americans have a favorable opinion of Congress. In a related story, the reelection rate remains at 98%.

This week in 1972 (June 17) five men are arrested trying to break into Democratic headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, DC.

Sports and random notes:

The University of Tampa Spartans become the first Division II baseball team to win three consecutive National Championships.

Ned Jarrett, a two-time NASCAR champion and later, an authoritative voice in the broadcast booth, died last week at 93. He was one of the most respected men in the sport.

Cherie DeVaux and Golden Tempo repeat at Belmont.

Ad blast from the past: American Express commercials that ran for almost 20 years featuring Karl Malden – “Don’t leave home without it.”

Number of the week: four minutes. That’s the increase in the length of MLB games due to the new automatic balls and strikes system (ABS). Well worth it.

Idle thought: Old stuff really appeals to us – especially old wooden trawlers, vintage 1930’s stock cars and abandoned buildings out in the country. Guess that’s because we’re old.

One last thing: You want how much?

Imagine a minimum starting salary of $1.5 million. That’s in the latest proposal from the MLB player’s union for a new bargaining agreement. We can only imagine the reactions from folks like ace reliever Roy Face (who had to work off-season as a carpenter), stellar third baseman Richie “Digger” Hebner (grave digger) or Hall of Famers Yogi Berra (Sears’s hardware salesman) and Jim Palmer (men’s clothing salesman) to such an outrageous salary.

Next Week: Typewriters; Grand Hotels; Grand Pianos

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