A rare offering in Tampa Bay: Free swim lessons for kids with disabilities

Fifty-eight children have drowned in Florida this year, continuing an upward trend. The danger is acute for children with autism, who are drawn to water.

Last year, a 3-year-old boy with autism drowned in a pond in Palm Harbor after wandering off. “It really impacted this community,” said Mindy Taylor, the Juvenile Welfare Board’s child safety and prevention initiative lead.

This week, a Palm Harbor YMCA offered free swim lessons to children with disabilities and their families with funding from the welfare board. Here’s why it matters to parents.

AROUND THE BAY

Over Garden Avenue: Disagreement over a major Clearwater City Council vote led to a candidate for Seat 4 losing an endorsement from a sitting council member.

Lifeguards on duty: Over the past three weeks, lifeguards rescued 35 people from the water at Clearwater Beach after a streak of rip currents caused dangerous conditions.

Massive garage on Central Avenue? It’s part of a new mixed-use project in St. Pete by Ellison Development. But it's faced several hurdles over the course of nearly seven years. What’s going on?

Stances clash: The chairs of the University of Florida and the Board of Governors argued over trustee governance and authority at a meeting on Wednesday. Also, the state board voted to start the process of banning immigrants without legal status from state universities.

Pivot to sports: The Florida Board of Governors gave New College the go-ahead to use $2.5 million in housing funds to help build a baseball stadium.

Ye in Tampa: Are tickets available? What if the concert gets canceled? What about parking? Here’s what to know.

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