Issue #423: Clearwater Students Win Global Robotics Prize | Pasco Gets Int’l Buzz | Bucs Sign Morrison

7/22/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
22 Jul

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Dr Ted
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

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Local News

— Scallops & Skies: Colombian Influencer Draws Global Eyes to Pasco County

OMG!

— Lime + Sun = Burn? Florida Doctors Warn of ‘Margarita Burns’ This Summer

Of Interest

— Clearwater Middle Schoolers Win Global Robot Design Award

Sports

— Bucs Ink Morrison, Ending League-Wide Rookie Contract Standoff

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Scallops & Skies: Colombian Influencer Draws Global Eyes to Pasco County

Colombian travel influencer Milena Lopez is helping bring global attention to Pasco County, Florida, through her Instagram account @smilelopez, followed by 1.8 million fans. Known for her vibrant lifestyle and travel content, Lopez recently showcased scalloping adventures in Pasco’s Gulf waters — an activity unfamiliar to many in Colombia.

Her visit is part of a broader initiative by Florida’s Sports Coast, which is expanding tourism outreach to Latin American markets, including Colombia, Brazil, and Chile. New direct flights from Bogotá to Tampa are making this region more accessible than ever.

Rather than competing with major hubs like Orlando, officials aim to make Pasco a fresh, adventurous addition to international travelers' Florida itineraries — offering everything from skydiving to crystal lagoon resorts.

With strategic international efforts already showing results, 2024 brought over $985 million in tourism impact to the county, marking near-record success.

Lime + Sun = Burn? Florida Doctors Warn of ‘Margarita Burns’ This Summer

Enjoying a margarita poolside? Be cautious — you could end up with more than just a sunburn.
Doctors are warning of phytophotodermatitis, commonly known as a “margarita burn,” caused when citrus juice — especially from limes or bergamot oranges — interacts with sunlight. The Cleveland Clinic says the reaction is triggered by furocoumarins, natural chemicals that heighten sun sensitivity.

Symptoms often appear 24–48 hours after exposure, and include tingling red patches and painful blisters.
Even ingredients like celery, figs, carrots, and wild herbs can spark the same painful reaction when combined with UV rays.

To stay safe:

  • Wash hands and skin thoroughly after handling citrus

  • Keep exposed areas out of the sun

  • If blisters form, avoid popping them, apply cold compresses, and keep the area clean, covered, and protected from sunlight.

A little lime could lead to a lot of pain — prep smart, sip safe.

Clearwater Middle Schoolers Win Global Robot Design Award

See article for photos

Five students from Discovery Academy of Science in Clearwater have earned international recognition after winning the Robot Design Award at the Sunshine Florida Invitational in Daytona Beach.

Competing against 96 teams from 46 states and 23 countries, the “Captivating Construction Crew” impressed judges with a robot designed to combat coral bleaching, a critical environmental issue. Their solution? Shading devices to reduce coral bleaching by up to 60% — an idea they developed and programmed themselves.

Teacher Julie Bradbury says the team has been working on this project for three years, dedicating nearly 15 hours a week to refining their creation. Their commitment was put to the test when they were partnered with a team from Macedonia, managing dual robot operation in a collaborative challenge.

“It was so crazy, none of us expected we would get that far,” said student Bryce Baker.

Hard work, global teamwork, and innovation paid off.

Bucs Ink Morrison, Ending League-Wide Rookie Contract Standoff

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially signed second-round pick Benjamin Morrison to a four-year contract, just one day before rookies report to camp. 96% of his deal is guaranteed, resolving a contract standoff that had delayed signings across the league.

This deal was part of a larger drama surrounding 2025 second-round picks, as agents pushed for fully-guaranteed contracts. The logjam finally broke when 49ers’ Alfred Collins signed last week, clearing the way for teams like Tampa Bay to finalize their rookie deals.

Morrison is recovering from hip surgery and didn’t participate in minicamp, but head coach Todd Bowles expects him ready for training camp. He’s expected to compete as the primary backup to Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum.

Practicing against Tampa Bay’s deep receiver corps — including Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Sterling Shepard — should help accelerate Morrison’s growth.

Now officially signed, Morrison can finally hit the ground running.

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