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  • Issue #454: Tampa Honors Andy Huse • Pregnant Parking Law Passes • USF’s Horse History Discovery • Odesza, Kaskade to Headline Fest

Issue #454: Tampa Honors Andy Huse • Pregnant Parking Law Passes • USF’s Horse History Discovery • Odesza, Kaskade to Headline Fest

9/11/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
11 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

— Tampa Bay Remembers Historian, Storyteller & Archivist Andy Huse

— New Law Lets Pregnant Women Park in Disabled Spots Statewide

Of Interest

— USF Discovery Pushes Horse History in Sicily Back 1,000 Years

Entertainment

— Odesza, Kaskade to Headline Waterfront Festival in Tampa Bay

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Tampa Bay Remembers Historian, Storyteller & Archivist Andy Huse

Andy Huse, the beloved University of South Florida librarian and foodways historian, passed away on Aug. 20 at age 52.

A pillar in Tampa’s cultural and academic life, Huse co-authored The Cuban Sandwich and documented local food history in From Saloons to Steakhouses. He was known for generosity, curiosity, and storytelling—both on the page and in person.

He was completing a definitive history of Tampa Theatre, set for release during its 100th anniversary.

Though he died by suicide, friends and colleagues remember his passion and brilliance, with memorial events planned Sept. 12 and 14. His legacy lives on through his archives, writing, and the lives he inspired.

“We won’t have another Andy,” said Tampa Theatre’s Jill Witecki, “but we’ll have the next generation of Andys.”

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call 211 or 988 for 24/7 help.

Read More: cltampa.com — Excellent article

New Law Lets Pregnant Women Park in Disabled Spots Statewide

A new Florida law now allows pregnant and postpartum women to use disabled parking spots for up to one year, provided they obtain a medical pass.

The change was inspired by Rep. Fiona McFarland of Sarasota, who experienced the difficulty of late-pregnancy mobility firsthand during a hot Florida summer. Her research revealed that while states like Illinois offered temporary disability permits, Florida did not — until now.

To qualify, expectant or postpartum mothers must submit a doctor-completed form to their local tax collector’s office. The pass costs $15 and lasts up to one year, depending on the doctor's recommendation. Some clinics may also charge a small paperwork processing fee.

Supporters argue that pregnancy brings real mobility challenges — from swollen feet to juggling toddlers — and this change brings much-needed relief.

The law took effect this summer, making Florida one of the few states offering this form of accessibility support for mothers.

USF Discovery Pushes Horse History in Sicily Back 1,000 Years

Historians have long believed horses arrived in Sicily around 3,000 years ago — but new evidence shows they were there 1,000 years earlier.

Led by Dr. Davide Tanasi at the University of South Florida, researchers analyzed 4,000-year-old pottery from Monte Polizzello, Central Sicily. Thanks to modern residue analysis, the team detected proteins and lipids only found in horses — proving not only the animals’ presence but likely their consumption and ritual use.

“It was a collective jaw-dropping moment,” said Tanasi, who began the project 20 years ago. He believes this breakthrough reshapes our understanding of mobility, trade, warfare, and agriculture in early Sicilian societies.

The porous pottery preserved ancient residue, making this a textbook case for how scientific advancements are revolutionizing archaeology.

Tanasi’s conclusion: Sicily’s Bronze Age inhabitants were far more advanced than previously believed — and now, history books must be rewritten.

Odesza, Kaskade to Headline Waterfront Festival in Tampa Bay

The acclaimed electronic music festival “We Belong Here” will make its Tampa Bay debut Dec. 13–14, 2025, at the scenic St. Pete Pier.

Headliners include Odesza, Elderbrook, Kaskade, and Lane 8, with Odesza returning to Florida for the first time in two years for a rare, intimate DJ set on the festival’s signature 360-degree stage.

Kaskade and Lane 8 will perform back-to-back for the first time, with Lane 8 delivering a three-hour sunset set. Supporting acts include Joel Corry, Kelila, Aneya Rose, and over 30 additional performers across three immersive stages.

Festival co-founders Justin Dauman and Charles Hochfelder say Tampa Bay was a natural next stop, blending music, connection, and coastal culture in a city experiencing serious cultural momentum.

Tickets go on sale Sept. 12 at noon at webelonghere.world/tampabay.

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

. New Tampa Performing Arts Center – Annual Arts Festival

  • What’s happening: The 2025 Annual Arts Festival kicks off tomorrow night, running from Friday, September 12 to Sunday, September 14, at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center located at 8550 Hunters Village Rd, Tampa. New Tampa Performing Arts Center

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