Issue #453: Suncoast Jazz Turns 35 | Tampa Airport’s Social Buzz | Arts Festival Returns | Rays Stadium Debate

9/10/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
10 Sep

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
USAF Retired


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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar —> Feel free to post events of interest to our community; its quite easy to do.

Local News

— From Jokes to Journeys: Tampa Airport’s Social Media Magic

Entertainment

— New Tampa Arts Festival Returns With Music, Dance & Culture

— Suncoast Jazz Festival Turns 35 with a Blowout Beach Bash

Sports

— Dale Mabry vs. Ybor: Rays Stadium Debate Heats Up

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From Jokes to Journeys: Tampa Airport’s Social Media Magic

C.J. Johnson, the creative mind behind Tampa International Airport’s (TIA) beloved social media accounts, is earning laughs and loyal fans with his witty, quirky posts — from spotlighting Phoebe the flamingo to joking that TIA is in “ALBANIA.” But his work isn’t just about humor — it’s also about humanizing the airport and engaging travelers meaningfully.

On this week’s episode of “Florida Matters,” Johnson shares how he crafts these viral moments and balances fun with informative content.

Also on the program:

New driver safety laws in Florida aim to better prepare teens for the road. Meghan Bowman and Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano explain what’s changing for learner’s permits.

Finally, Katie Baker from Dogs Inc. in Bradenton introduces Star, a service dog in training, and details the long road from puppy to professional helper.

Listen to the full episode on WUSF.

New Tampa Arts Festival Returns With Music, Dance & Culture

The third annual New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC) Arts Festival kicks off this Friday, Sept. 12, showcasing a wide variety of free performances across three full days of music, dance, theater, and culture.

Over 25 local performing arts groups, including the Rudram Dance Company, Tampa City Ballet, St. Pete Opera, and Wattaka Choir, will take the stage.

Rudram Dance Company will perform seven traditional and folk Indian dance pieces, featuring teens like Divya Vijeesh and Nayana Jayakumar, who emphasize dance’s power to share stories, culture, and identity.

From classical piano and musical theater to sketch comedy, film screenings, and even a Florida Orchestra instrument petting zoo, the weekend offers something for every age and taste.

All events take place at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Rd., Tampa. Doors open daily at varied times.

Suncoast Jazz Festival Turns 35 with a Blowout Beach Bash

Diego Figueirdo

The Suncoast Jazz Festival returns to Clearwater Beach’s Sheraton Sand Key Resort from Nov. 21–23, celebrating 35 years of music on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

What began in 1990 as the Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Classic has grown into a major cultural event, showcasing over 80 performances across three stages.

This year's diverse lineup features jazz legends and local stars, including Diego Figueiredo, Jason Marsalis, Tuba Skinny, John Lamb, and fusion trio La Lucha.

Expect a potential tribute to late vocalist Synia Carroll, who gave one of her final performances at last year’s festival.

Single-day tickets start at $53.80, with full weekend passes available for $316.05. Whether you're into traditional New Orleans brass or genre-bending fusion, this beachfront celebration offers it all.

Event runs Nov. 21–23 at 1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater Beach.

Dale Mabry vs. Ybor: Rays Stadium Debate Heats Up

As a sale of the Tampa Bay Rays nears finalization, Hillsborough County leaders are floating a bold new stadium site: Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Mabry campus, near Raymond James Stadium and Tampa International Airport.

County Commissioner Ken Hagan, lead stadium negotiator, says the location offers ready-made infrastructure — including parking, road access, and space for future development — making it a strong contender.

However, a long-discussed Ybor City site also remains in play, praised for its transit options and urban potential.

Hagan warns that Orlando investors pose a "serious threat" to keeping the team in Tampa Bay, but notes Major League Baseball prefers the team stay in the 11th-largest TV market in the U.S.

Talks are ongoing with MLB and new ownership, led by Patrick Zalupski, who could make the sale official in just weeks.

“It’s Tampa’s to lose,” Hagan said.

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🎭 Tonight in Wesley Chapel & New Tampa: Film & Arts Spotlight:

Live Entertainment — Wednesday, Sept 10

  • Jessie Murph — Worldwide Hysteria Tour
    • 8:00 PM
    • Yuengling Center, USF — A lively pop/R&B concert under the stars. SongkickAxios

  • Oso Oso + Born Without Bones
    • Evening performance (various times)
    • Crowbar, Tampa — Indie rock vibes for a cool night out. Songkick

  • Mic Nite at Funny Bone Comedy Club
    • Doors at 7 PM; Show at 8 PM; Free entry
    • Adults 21+ welcome — A local open mic comedy night. Tampa Funny Bone Comedy Club

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