Issue #355: Innovation at USF | High-Speed Bride Story | Must-See Tampa Bay Art | Aranda's Big League Surge

4/16/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
16 Apr

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
USAF Retired


Tampa Bay Tidbits: Local and Beyond - new podcast episodes on Mondays
THIS WEEK: Discover Hidden Art Gems: Underground Art Venues in Tampa Bay

Spotify
Apple Podcasts 

If you have any topics you’d like explored in our Tampa Bay Tidbits podcast, please send your suggestions to [email protected]

 
SUBSCRIBE (& Access Past Issues):
Share with your friends here —> https://www.NTWCLP.com

NOTE to New Subscribers:
— If Gmail cuts off your newsletter, click “Read Online” in UR corner
— Despite minimizing sources that require a 3rd party subscription to read, we’ll use stories from these sources that are very informative: ($) tampabay.com 

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

Local News

— USF Showcases Florida’s Next Generation of Inventors

OMG!

— Racing to the Altar: Florida Bride Caught at 105 MPH

The Arts

— 4 Must-See Art Experiences in Tampa Bay Right Now

Sports

— Aranda's Red-Hot Start Rockets Him to Top of MLB OPS Rankings

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links


Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:

—>**NOTE: Event Calendar may be unavailable for use while some software errors are being corrected.**

https://pxl.to/NTWC-LIVE-event or click the image below:
Problems submitting? Email me by replying to your newsletter

LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Brought to You By:
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Support Your Daily Newsletter
& Get 36,000* views of your business logo over 4 weeks:
—>Click Here to Become a monthly Business Directory Subscriber

*# daily email opens x 20 business days/mo

USF Showcases Florida’s Next Generation of Inventors

The University of South Florida hosted 147 K-12 students for the Invention Convention, the state’s official affiliate of a global innovation program from The Henry Ford Museum. Students presented 93 inventive solutions, from environmental tech to everyday problem-solvers.

Among them, Tampa seventh grader Mahi Patel won Best Prototype for AquaSonic, a filtration system using ultrasonic waves to remove microplastics. Zoe Kidd, a fourth grader from Hunters Green, returned with Sanitizing Slime after earning a licensing award last year for her softball invention Pitch Protect.

Former Best in Show winner Daniel Park attended as a mentor, continuing his research on perchlorate contamination. And second grader Hailey Crotteau stole the show with Pee Brave, a device easing kids’ fears of automatic toilets.

The convention not only fosters creativity but also cultivates future innovators. Nearly 80 students will move on to the national finals June 4-6 in Michigan.

Racing to the Altar: Florida Bride Caught at 105 MPH

A Florida bride’s rush to the altar took a wild detour when police stopped her driver for speeding at 105 mph in a 45 mph zone on April 12 in Port St. Lucie. According to the Port St. Lucie Police Department, the officer pulled over the car on Crosstown Parkway shortly after 2:42 p.m., 12 minutes past the scheduled wedding time in Stuart.

Inside the vehicle were the bride and a guest, desperately trying to make up for lost time. While the officer remained calm, the driver is now facing a mandatory court appearance for the excessive speed.

Police later joked, “This stop gives a whole new meaning to racing to the altar… not exactly the best way to start your wedding.” Fortunately, no one was injured, and the only thing late to the ceremony—was the bride.

(Ad)

*This weekend I witnessed an AI Agent (virtual assistant) utilize another specialized AI Agent to create an Instagram short in just minutes that was very well done.

If this rapid progress in AI capabilities concerns you, as it does many others,
click THIS to learn why its critical now to jump on the AI train before it leaves the station without you!

Dr Ted

4 Must-See Art Experiences in Tampa Bay Right Now

From surrealist photography to immersive installations, Tampa Bay’s spring arts season is thriving:

  • Ya La’ford’s “Survey the West” at The James Museum (through May 18) fuses abstraction and video inspired by her time in Utah. Visitors can add their handprint to a community mural.

  • “The Subversive Eye” at The Dalí Museum (through May 4) features over 100 surrealist photos from artists like Man Ray and Lee Miller, plus an interactive photo studio.

  • Nathan Beard’s “Ten Measure Tune” at The Werk Gallery (through May 11) merges art, mythology, and music with a 70-piece sculptural tribute to Miles Davis and touching works honoring his daughter.

  • “Hair” at Demens Landing Park (through April 27) brings groovy energy and urgency, as American Stage’s future in the park faces uncertainty due to rising costs.

Aranda's Red-Hot Start Rockets Him to Top of MLB OPS Rankings

Jonathan Aranda is proving he belongs. The 26-year-old Rays first baseman is off to a scorching start, leading all qualified MLB hitters with a 1.242 OPS through 15 games — ahead of even Aaron Judge. Aranda went 2-for-3 with his third homer in Tuesday’s 7-4 loss to the Red Sox, lifting his slash line to .413/.481/.761.

Long a Triple-A standout, Aranda has finally found his groove in the Majors, with 10 extra-base hits, tied for second in the AL. After battling injuries last year, he’s now thriving with regular at-bats.

Manager Kevin Cash credits Aranda’s hard-hitting consistency, while teammates say this breakout was only a matter of time. His advanced metrics support the surge — he's in the 94th percentile or higher in most key hitting categories.

Aranda says the results stem from confidence, opportunity, and staying aggressive. The Rays' patience is paying off — and the league is on notice.

​

Reader Comments

“Always has good info and to the point.”
“Read this in the am. I like the new restaurants feature so I know when things will open. ”
“Keep up on the great information.”
“Good local coverage. Great job.”
“I’m not big on reading. But your news is short and right to the point! Very informative and quick and easy to read!”
“Good mix of Information.”
“Happy to read something other than politics. Great job.”
“This is my daily morning read. Great info. ”

Any suggestions are always welcomed - Thanks

Top Things to do Around Tampa & WC
4/17 - 4/23
Source: tampabeacon.com

This Weekend in TB:
4/ - 4/
Source:


This Week in Pasco
4/ - 4/
Source:

This Week in TB area:
4/8 - 4/15
Source: tampabay.com

Major Events in Florida
Mar - Apr
Source: visitflorida.com

Things to Do Brought to You By:
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

What Did You Think of This Issue?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

—> Comments are welcomed after voting

If you enjoy starting your day with these short daily news summaries, please refer your friends:

fox