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- Issue #436: USF’s New AI & Cybersecurity College, Epic Lost Wallet Return, 2025 Seafood Must-Trys & Green’s LPGA Debut
Issue #436: USF’s New AI & Cybersecurity College, Epic Lost Wallet Return, 2025 Seafood Must-Trys & Green’s LPGA Debut
8/15/2025
Ted Grellner
15 Aug
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
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Local News
— USF to Launch Florida’s First College for AI & Cybersecurity with Major Donation
OMG!
— Lost Wallet Travels 151,000 Miles Before Miracle Discovery
Food
— Tampa Bay’s 2025 Seafood Scene: 6 Must-Try Spots
Sports
— From USF to the LPGA: Green’s Rookie Rise
🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
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USF to Launch Florida’s First College for AI & Cybersecurity with Major Donation
The University of South Florida (USF) is launching a new college focused on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, backed by a multi-million-dollar donation from tech entrepreneur Arnie Bellini.
Over 3,000 students are already enrolled for fall courses, which will begin in existing facilities until the new building is complete.
Bellini, who sold ConnectWise for $1.5 billion, aims to transform Tampa into “Cyber Bay,” leveraging USF’s location near MacDill Air Force Base, home to SOCOM and CENTCOM cyber operations.
His vision is to create a tech ecosystem connecting the military, industry, and education, generating high-paying jobs and innovation across the region.
By 2028, enrollment is expected to reach 5,000. USF will also seek state funding to support the effort. The college will be Florida’s only center of its kind, and among just a few nationwide.
Lost Wallet Travels 151,000 Miles Before
Miracle Discovery
Richard “Big Red” Guilford, a retired Ford autoworker from Petersburg, Michigan, got the surprise of a lifetime: a Facebook message from a Minnesota mechanic who found his wallet inside a car engine bay, 11 years and 151,000 miles later.
The wallet, lost in 2014 while Guilford worked at a Ford plant in Wayne, was wedged between the transmission and air filter of a 2015 Ford Edge. It still held $15, gift cards worth $275, ID cards, and old lottery tickets.
Mechanic Chad Volk found it while doing repairs, tracked Guilford down via Facebook, and returned it. Despite enduring snow, heat, and years of driving, the wallet remained intact.
“It restores your faith in humanity,” said Guilford, who plans to display it as a family keepsake.
Ford called it a ‘repair that’s right on the money.’
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Tampa Bay’s 2025 Seafood Scene: 6 Must-Try Spots
Framed by the Gulf and Tampa Bay, the region’s seafood scene thrives in freshness and variety.
Ro Hyde Park blends modern Asian flavors with sushi flown in from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market, offering standout dishes like the Chūtoro Truffle Roll and Lunch Omakase.
Big Ray’s Fish Camp is a local legend, best known for its Michelin-approved grouper sandwiches, po’boys, and lobster corndog.
Over in St. Pete Beach, Snapper’s Sea Grill serves stuffed grouper and blueberry teriyaki tuna, sourced via local captains.
Watervüe Grille, with its Harbour Island view, features coastal classics like Parmesan-crusted swordfish and seafood pasta.
Happy Fish Peruvian Fusion offers bold ceviches, especially the Cebiche Carretillero Mixto with calamari, avocado, and sweet potato.
Finally, Welton Brewing Co. & Oyster Bar serves oysters and lobster rolls, bringing New England flavor to Pinellas Park.
Read More: tampamagazines.com - “got to see” photos (Yum)
From USF to the LPGA: Green’s Rookie Rise
Melanie Green, a standout golfer from USF, has officially earned her LPGA Tour card for 2026 during her rookie season on the Epson Tour.
A former No. 1 recruit from New York, Green made history at USF, becoming the school’s first AAC Women’s Golf Player of the Year and leading the Bulls to back-to-back NCAA Regionals.
After narrowly missing LPGA qualification in 2024, Green embraced the Epson Tour as a chance to grow. Despite early-season struggles, she rebounded with 11 made cuts in 15 starts, eight top-10 finishes, and a breakthrough win at the Island Resort Championship.
Now ranked No. 1 in the Race for the Card, Green has secured her spot among the sport’s elite.
Sharing the journey with USF teammate Leonor Medeiros as her caddie made the experience even more meaningful. Green is set to compete in the 2026 Florida swing, cheered on by her “USF family.”
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Top Things to do in Tampa 8/15 - 8/17 |
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Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
The Arts
- USF College of the Arts
- USF Steinway Piano Concert Series
Theater
-NTPAC - New Tampa Performing Arts Center
- New Tampa Players
- USF School of Theatre & Dance
- Wesley Chapel Theater Group
- Carrollwood Players Theatre
Misc
For Kids
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