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- Issue #434: Van Gogh Immersive in Tampa • Perseid Viewing Tips • Bucs’ GM Regret & Preseason Takeaways
Issue #434: Van Gogh Immersive in Tampa • Perseid Viewing Tips • Bucs’ GM Regret & Preseason Takeaways
8/13/2025
Ted Grellner
13 Aug
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
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Local News
— Van Gogh Comes Alive in Tampa’s Immersive Art Exhibit
Of Interest
— How to See the Perseid Meteor Shower Despite the Moon
Sports
— Bucs GM Regrets 2019 Pick—Even After a Super Bowl Win
— Bucs’ Preseason Opener: Big Win, Bigger Questions
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Van Gogh Comes Alive in Tampa’s Immersive
Art Exhibit
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience opened July 23 (appeared in local news feed Aug 12) in Tampa, just days before the 135th anniversary of the artist’s death. This multi-sensory exhibit invites visitors to step inside Van Gogh’s world through 360-degree projections, animation, and virtual reality, featuring works like The Starry Night and Sunflowers.
Executive Producer John Zaller says the goal is to connect audiences with Van Gogh “as a human being” — exploring not only his artistic brilliance but also his struggles with mental health, now believed to include bipolar disorder and depression.
Despite creating over 2,000 works in a decade, Van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime. His resilience and emotional honesty have since inspired millions.
Located at 4636 N Dale Mabry Hwy, the exhibit offers a family-friendly, educational experience perfect for students, blending art history with modern technology to make timeless works newly accessible.
How to See the Perseid Meteor Shower
Despite the Moon
The Perseid meteor shower, one of summer’s brightest sky events, will peak early Wednesday, accompanied by a rare Venus–Jupiter conjunction appearing as a single bright star.
Under dark skies with no moon, the Perseids can produce 60–100 meteors per hour. This year, however, the moon will be 84% full during peak viewing, reducing visibility to around 10–20 meteors per hour.
Astronomy experts suggest waiting a week after the peak for darker skies and better viewing. The shower continues until August 23.
The Perseids originate from comet 109P/Swift–Tuttle. As Earth passes through its debris, particles burn up in the atmosphere, creating fiery streaks.
Best viewing is during early predawn hours, away from city lights, and without checking your phone so eyes stay adjusted.
Bucs GM Regrets 2019 Pick—Even After
a Super Bowl Win
Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Jason Licht has rarely singled out a draft choice he regrets—until now. In an interview with The Athletic, Licht revealed that selecting linebacker Devin White 5th overall in 2019 wouldn’t align with his current draft philosophy.
“Knowing what I know now, he would have been off my board,” Licht said, noting he was swayed by traits that ultimately didn’t fit the team’s culture.
While White was pivotal in the 2020 Super Bowl run, his inconsistent play, coverage struggles, and trade request in 2023 strained his standing. The Bucs declined to re-sign him, and brief stints with the Eagles and others followed.
Licht credits the White experience with refining his player evaluation process, now focused on team-first mentality and consistency. Still, White’s early contributions—especially in the playoffs—remain a vital part of Tampa Bay’s championship history.
Bucs’ Preseason Opener: Big Win, Bigger Questions
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened preseason with a 29–7 rout of the Tennessee Titans, showcasing standout performances and a few concerns.
The Good:
QB Kyle Trask ran the offense with poise, looking like a strong QB2. RB Sean Tucker impressed with explosive runs, including a touchdown. Shilo Sanders and the young secondary showed energy and playmaking, while the offensive line stayed consistent and penalty-free.
The Bad:
Edge rusher Chris Braswell had a quiet debut. WR Jacob Harris struggled with a penalty and costly fumble. The return game lacked spark without Tez Johnson.
The Ugly:
RB Rachaad White left early with a possible lower-body injury. Early red zone struggles forced field goals — an area needing improvement before Week 1.
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Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
The Arts
- USF College of the Arts
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Theater
-NTPAC - New Tampa Performing Arts Center
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Misc
For Kids
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