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- Issue #427: 100° in Tampa! | Local Toddler Eyes National Crown | Robotic Allies vs. Pythons | Díaz on Mariners' Radar
Issue #427: 100° in Tampa! | Local Toddler Eyes National Crown | Robotic Allies vs. Pythons | Díaz on Mariners' Radar
7/28/2025
Ted Grellner
28 Jul
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THIS WEEK: MacDill AFB: From Swampland to Military Powerhouse
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar — taking submissions w/o phone confirm required
Local News
— From MacDill to the Spotlight: Tampa Toddler Seeks National Title
— Tampa Breaks All-Time Heat Record, Hits 100 Degrees
Of Interest
— Robotic Rabbits Join Florida’s Fight Against Invasive Pythons
Sports
— Mariners Predicted to Pursue Yandy Díaz in Strategic Trade Deadline Move
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From MacDill to the Spotlight: Tampa Toddler Seeks National Title
James Jackson, a Leap Day baby born in 2024, is competing for the national title of ‘Toddler of the Year’, a contest celebrating the charm and joy of toddlers across the U.S.
His parents, Julie and Garrett Jackson, are proud to share his journey. Garrett is a 19-year Air Force veteran currently stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.
Hosted by Colossal Impact in partnership with Hasbro, the contest awards $25,000 and a national ad spot to the winner. James currently ranks 7th in his group.
Julie shared their journey through IVF and fertility treatments, which left the family with tens of thousands in medical debt. “James is truly a dream come true,” she said. “Winning would help us focus on enjoying our miracle.”
Voting is open now through the contest’s website.
Tampa Breaks All-Time Heat Record, Hits
100 Degrees
Tampa reached a record-breaking 100 degrees on Sunday, the highest temperature ever recorded in the city’s history, according to the National Weather Service. The previous high was 99 degrees, set in June 2020.
Official records date back to April 1, 1890, making this milestone especially significant. In response, a Heat Advisory was issued across several counties in the region.
Despite the historic heat, Tampa General Hospital and John Hopkins report no unusual surge in heat-related ER visits—though they remain cautious. AdventHealth officials warn that emergency rooms are preparing for potential increases in cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke as high temperatures continue in the coming days.
Dr. Alex Waldman of AdventHealth Tampa ER reminded the public to watch for symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and rapid heartbeat, and to hydrate, stay indoors, and seek shade when possible.
Robotic Rabbits Join Florida’s Fight Against
Invasive Pythons
Florida scientists have introduced robotic rabbits to help detect and remove Burmese pythons—one of the most destructive invasive species in the Everglades.
The mechanical decoys mimic real rabbits’ movement, heat, and scent, tricking pythons into revealing their locations. Since the 1990s, python infestations have caused wildlife population drops of up to 99% for species like raccoons, possums, and bobcats.
Live rabbits were originally used, but required high maintenance. Now, robotic versions offer a sustainable alternative. Each bunny is paired with AI-powered cameras that notify wildlife officials when a snake appears.
More than 19,000 pythons have been removed since 2000, but the species remains elusive in dense vegetation.
Lead biologist Mike Kirkland hopes to expand the program by next summer, focusing on areas most vulnerable to python predation.
Mariners Predicted to Pursue Yandy Díaz in Strategic Trade Deadline Move
With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, the Seattle Mariners are reportedly eyeing Tampa Bay Rays slugger Yandy Díaz in a potential blockbuster deal. Though not official, this trade prediction suggests Seattle could pair Díaz with recently acquired Josh Naylor to bolster their offense for a postseason push.
At 55–49, the Mariners trail the AL West-leading Astros by six games, yet hold a promising 75.1% playoff chance per Fangraphs. Acquiring Díaz, who’s batting .287 with 17 home runs and a 1.7 WAR, would give Seattle an impactful designated hitter upgrade over the underperforming Jorge Polanco.
The Rays, sitting at 53–51 with fading playoff hopes (23.5% chance), may consider selling while Díaz still carries value. In this scenario, Tampa Bay would receive two top Mariners prospects: infielder Michael Arroyo and switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje.
While the Mariners’ +2300 World Series odds make them long shots, adding Díaz could shift momentum, helping them surpass teams like the Cubs and Brewers — and potentially make a deep October run.
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