Issue #179: Luxury Cruises Now Depart from Tampa | WC Tragic Crash | Fuel Dispute Arrest in Polk | Bay Area Photog Triumphs

08/13/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
13 Aug

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

— Tampa Joins Regent Seven Seas Cruise Ports, Bringing Luxury Travel Closer to Home

OMG!

— Wesley Chapel Motorcyclist Dies in US-301 Crash

— Polk County Man Arrested for Stabbing Roommate Over Fuel Dispute

The Arts

— Bay Area Photographer Wins Big in International Competition, Photo to be Displayed at Tampa Int’l Airport


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Tampa Joins Regent Seven Seas Cruise Ports, Bringing Luxury Travel Closer

to Home

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is adding new U.S. home ports in Tampa, Galveston, and Seattle as part of its 2026-2027 Voyage Collection. This expansion features 173 new itineraries, including 16 new ports of call and eight overnight sailings. Travelers can explore destinations like Alaska, Japan, and New Zealand in luxurious style, with all-suite, all-balcony accommodations and world-class dining.

Tampa residents can now start their cruise adventures locally, eliminating the need to travel to distant ports like Miami. This convenience allows for more time enjoying the journey and less time in transit.  

This addition of Tampa as a home port enhances travel options and brings world-class luxury cruising closer to home.

Wesley Chapel Motorcyclist Dies in

US-301 Crash

A tragic accident in Hillsborough County claimed the life of a 24-year-old motorcyclist on August 11. The young man from Wesley Chapel was riding his Kawasaki Ninja along US-301 when he lost control of the vehicle while passing other traffic. The incident occurred on a wet roadway, causing the motorcycle to overturn and veer off the road, where it struck a roadway sign. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) confirmed the fatality.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

To a non-motorcycle rider, this article might not surprise you because of the risks we see bikers taking too frequently: doing wheelies on the interstate, lane splitting, driving through a red light at an intersection (motorcycles can be much harder to stop quickly than a car at normal speeds), etc.

But as a fellow rider, this tragedy might have been avoidable.

If you are a biker, here’s a link to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website. Check out the courses they offer and search for what is offered locally.

—>The additional riding skill or tip you pick up might save your life, perhaps by improving your judgment.

Polk County Man Arrested for Stabbing Roommate Over Fuel Dispute

A heated dispute led to a stabbing incident in Polk County, resulting in the arrest of 36-year-old Maykol Fairnas Rodriguez. The altercation took place in Davenport, where Rodriguez and his roommate argued about who had contributed more money toward fueling their shared vehicle.

According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the argument escalated, prompting Rodriguez to grab a kitchen knife and stab his roommate four times. A witness intervened, restraining Rodriguez and halting the attack. The witness then transported the injured roommate to a local hospital, where he is currently in stable condition.

Rodriguez initially attempted to claim self-defense, but later admitted to the stabbing. He was arrested and is facing charges of attempted second-degree murder.

One particularly striking and little-known fact about motorcycle safety is that wearing brightly colored or reflective gear can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

Studies have shown that motorcyclists wearing high-visibility clothing are about 37% less likely to be involved in a crash than those wearing dark or non-reflective clothing. This is because brighter colors and reflective materials make it easier for other drivers to see motorcyclists, especially in low-light conditions or at night, which is a common factor in many motorcycle accidents.

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Bay Area Photographer Wins Big in International Competition, Photo to be Displayed at Tampa Int’l Airport

A Bay Area photographer, Andy Glogower, won first place in the nature/science/animals category at the 13th annual FMoPA 2024 International Photography Competition. His photo of three owls, taken near his workplace, is among 23 selected for display at Tampa International Airport until August 25.

Read More: fox13news.com — read article & see award-winning photo

Best Live Music in Tampa Bay 8/8 - 8/15

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The Ultimate Tampa Bay Summer Market Guide 

Things to do in New Tampa and WC 8/8 - 8/14

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