5 things you need to know happening in Florida on Tuesday, July 17

TAMPA - Here are five things you need to know happening in Florida on Tuesday, July 17.

(1) Kevin Kyne murder trial

Kevin Kyne's murder trial begins in Pinellas County on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old is charged with first degree murder for the August 2010 death of his mother, Diane Kyne.

Detectives say Kevin was abusive with his mother and he strangled her when she attempted to throw him out of the house.

Kevin accused his stepfather, Bill Kyne, of the murder. Authorities say both men called 911 and originally looked at the possibility either one could be responsible for Diane's death.

It was only after a months-long investigation that involved obtaining DNA evidence, did a grand jury indict Kevin for murder.

If convicted, Kevin Kyne faces a minimum of life in prison without parole.

(2) Pinellas County Sheriff candidates debate

Dunedin's National Armed Services & Law Enforcement Memorial Museum hosts a debate for Pinellas County Sheriff candidates on Tuesday.

Debate chairman and organizer Harvey Smith says this is the first time a non-partisan candidate debate for qualified candidates for Sheriff has been held in Pinellas County.

"Given the size and scope of the sheriff's office," said Smith, "it's important for voters to hear candidates weigh in on key issues that impact the community when shrinking budgets are challenged by crime, high drug use and other law enforcement issues."

The debate will take place from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater's Octagon Arts Center at 2470 Nursery Road in Clearwater.

You can submit questions for the candidate in advance by e-mailing hsmithconsulsv@aol.com .

(3) Fallen soldier escort

Hillsborough County deputies will escort a fallen hero on Tuesday.

The body of Staff Sergeant Ricardo Seija will arrive at MacDill Air Force Base at 11:00 a.m. His family and friends will be there for the dignified transfer. Seija was a 1999 graduate of Leto High School.

After a ceremony on the tarmac, deputies will begin an escort around 11:30 a.m. from MacDill's Bayshore Gate.

The escort will go north on Bayshore Boulevard to east on Platt Street, to north on Florida Avenue, to east on Jackson Street to north on Jefferson Street to the 1-275 connector.

From there the escort will exit on Sligh Avenue to Manhattan Avenue to east on Broad Street to north on Dale Mabry Highway before finally arriving at the Gonzalez Funeral Home.

Staff Sgt. Seija and Specialist Clarence Williams III both died in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan on July 8. Three other soldiers were also killed in the attack.

Williams, a 2008 Hernando High School graduate, will arrive at MacDill Air Force Base on Wednesday. Deputies will escort his body to the Carnegie Funeral Home in Chiefland.

(4) Northwest Skateboard Park public meeting

Hillsborough County is holding a public meeting on Wednesday to discuss the proposed construction of the Northwest Skateboard Park Project within Jackson Springs Park.

The proposal includes the construction of a 10,000-square-foot outdoor concrete skateboard park. The cost of the project is approximately $600,000 and would be paid for through Parks Impact Fees.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Jackson Springs Recreation Center at 8620 Jackson Springs Road in Tampa. County staff will be on hand to answer any questions residents may have.

The meeting was rescheduled from June 26 due to Tropical Storm Debby.

The estimated design and construction cost for is approximately $600,000, to be paid for through Parks Impact Fees

(5) Rays Dugout Club

Three Tampa Bay Rays players will visit a total of seven St. Petersburg recreation centers on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the 2012 Dugout Club.

This year's Dugout Club message is Stay Healthy, Stay Positive, Stay Involved, Stay Smart.

Pitcher David Price and outfielders B.J. Upton and Desmond Jennings will visit the centers the "adopted" to reinforce this year's program laid out by Raymond, hand out Dugout Club T-shirts featuring each player's club name and present each center with an "angel fund" to be used to meet the needs of the children and families.

Price is sponsoring "Price's Pals" at Campbell Park Recreation Center and Gladden Park Recreation Center.

Upton is sponsoring "B.J.'s Bunch" at Childs Park Recreation Center and Wildwood Recreation Center.

Jennings is sponsoring "Jennings' Juniors" at Lake Vista Recreation Center, Frank Pierce Recreation Center and Sanderlin Neighborhood Family Center.

The three players will host the children from the Dugout Club on July 19 during the Rays-Indians game at Tropicana Field and invite them out for an activity day while the team is away.

For more information on the Rays Dugout Club, visit tampabay.rays.mlb.com/tb/community/dugout.jsp .