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- Issue #426: Tampa Nets $21M for Water Cleanup | Rebates for Water-Saving Sprinklers | Calmer Storm Season Predicted | Rays Make Pitching Move
Issue #426: Tampa Nets $21M for Water Cleanup | Rebates for Water-Saving Sprinklers | Calmer Storm Season Predicted | Rays Make Pitching Move
7/25/2025
Ted Grellner
25 Jul
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
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Local News
— Cleaner Water Ahead: Tampa Nets $21M+ in Chemical Settlement
— Sprinkler Upgrades Earn Tampa Residents Rebates
Of Interest
— New Study: Why This Hurricane Season Looks Less Dangerous
Sports
— Struggling Bradley Demoted Amid Rays’ Skid
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Cleaner Water Ahead: Tampa Nets $21M+ in Chemical Settlement
Tampa Bay Water has secured over $21 million from a national lawsuit settlement to combat PFAS “forever chemicals” in the region’s drinking water. The money, mostly from 3M with contributions from DuPont and others, will help test, treat, and ensure safe water for 2.6 million residents across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.
PFAS, chemicals linked to cancer and environmental harm, were introduced over 70 years ago and don’t naturally break down. Tampa Bay Water joined the lawsuit early in 2019, earning them a 25% bonus in the final settlement.
The funds will allow proactive testing and upgrades to keep pace with EPA’s upcoming PFAS standards, taking effect in 2031.
Commissioner Harry Cohen called the win a “tremendous development” that shields residents from future cleanup costs. Eligible water systems still have until year’s end to claim part of the broader $13 billion settlement.
Read More: abcactionnews.com
Sprinkler Upgrades Earn Tampa Residents Rebates
Tampa homeowners now have a new way to save on water bills—and help the environment—thanks to a rebate program launched by the Tampa Water Department and Tampa Bay Water Wise.
The initiative rewards residents who upgrade inefficient sprinkler systems, offering rebates starting at $50 for improvements like capping unused sprinkler heads, installing rain sensors, and using high-efficiency rotary nozzles.
Lawn irrigation accounts for over half of residential water use in Florida, making it a major target for conservation. Tampa alone produces 82 million gallons of water daily.
To qualify, residents must work with a licensed irrigation contractor, complete the recommended upgrades, and submit rebate forms online by September 30, 2025.
Mayor Jane Castor praised the program as a way for homeowners to maintain lush yards while conserving water.
The program is co-funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and is available throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.
New Study: Why This Hurricane Season Looks Less Dangerous
A new USF study links hurricane strength to the Gulf’s loop current, revealing how deeper ocean temperatures can supercharge storms like Hurricane Ian.
USF’s College of Marine Science deployed buoys off Florida’s coast to measure not just surface water, but temperatures more than 50 feet deep on the continental shelf. The findings show that weaker loop currents lead to warmer subsurface waters, which in turn provide more fuel for hurricanes.
During Hurricane Ian, the loop current was weak, allowing water to remain hot and intensify the storm quickly. This summer, though, that deeper water is about five degrees cooler, suggesting less risk of explosive hurricane growth for now.
Dr. Yonggang Liu and Dr. Tom Frazer say this is encouraging, but the impact mainly applies to Gulf-originating storms northwest of the Florida Keys—exactly the path of recent catastrophic hurricanes.
“We deserve this good news,” Liu said.
Struggling Bradley Demoted Amid Rays’ Skid
The Tampa Bay Rays have optioned struggling pitcher Taj Bradley to Triple-A, following a brief outing against the Chicago White Sox where he allowed four runs in just 1 2/3 innings during an 11-9 loss.
Bradley, 24, holds a 6-6 record with a 4.61 ERA this season. Manager Kevin Cash cited the need for Bradley to refine his limited two-pitch mix and regain confidence in a less pressured environment.
"He’s massive to our success," Cash emphasized, expressing optimism for Bradley’s return.
Bradley acknowledged the demotion, noting his need to re-develop his changeup, a key pitch from last season.
Despite recent struggles, Bradley showed flashes of promise, including a dominant six-inning shutout of the Orioles last week.
The Rays are 53-50, currently fourth in the AL East and 7.5 games behind the Blue Jays. They begin a series against the Reds this Friday in Cincinnati.
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