Issue #464: USF, UF, FSU Rise in Rankings | Milk Saved | $97K ER Shock | Desmond Watson Spotlight

9/25/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
25 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 

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Local News

— USF, UF & FSU Earn Bragging Rights in Latest College Rankings

— No More Spoiled Supply: 500 Truckloads of Milk Saved

OMG!

— A Broken Arm, No Insurance — and a $97K Bill

Sports

— Tampa Bay Bets Big (Literally) on Desmond Watson


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USF, UF & FSU Earn Bragging Rights in Latest College Rankings

Florida universities made major gains in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, with USF, UF, FSU, and Florida Poly among the top-performing schools.

USF hit a record-high No. 36 among public universities and No. 88 overall. It also ranked No. 12 for best value, No. 17 for social mobility, and No. 19 most innovative.

UF held steady at No. 7 among publics, while FSU climbed to No. 21, its highest ranking ever. Florida Polytechnic University maintained its No. 1 ranking as the top public college in the South for the fifth year running.

Other schools like UCF, FAU, FIU, and Florida A&M also saw upward movement. Rankings emphasize academic quality, affordability, social mobility, and innovation, offering key insights for prospective students.

No More Spoiled Supply: 500 Truckloads of Milk Saved

Feeding Florida’s new “Farmers Feeding Florida” initiative is tackling food waste and hunger by connecting farmers with families in need.

The program has already rescued over 170,000 gallons of milk that would have otherwise gone to waste. Dale McClellan, president of M&B Dairy, says in the past he’s had to dump milk due to lack of demand, especially during summer or emergencies.

“We're not pouring milk out, and kids are not going hungry,” McClellan said.

Despite Florida being a milk deficit state, local dairies still face seasonal overproduction. This program steps in to save food—milk, fruit, beef, and more—that would normally be discarded.

As of mid-August, milk was distributed to 41 counties and 270 agencies. CEO Robin Safley said current funding could save 500 truckloads of milk this year.

A Broken Arm, No Insurance — and a $97K Bill

Deborah Buttgereit slipped on ice and fractured her elbow in Bozeman, Montana. With no health insurance, she was quoted $50,560 for surgery. But after complications mid-surgery, her bill soared to $97,998.

The hospital applied a 20% self-pay discount, leaving her with $78,398.40 owed. Despite seeking clarity, she received misleading information about her rights under the No Surprises Act.

Buttgereit declined financial aid, arguing the charges were inflated. She found online estimates ranging from $8,000 to $40,000, vastly below her own bill.

Now on a $100 monthly payment plan, she’s begun pursuing a formal federal dispute process, which may reduce the charges if the costs are found unreasonable.

“You’ve got to fight for yourself,” she said.

Her case highlights the financial dangers of being uninsured and the lack of transparency in U.S. hospital billing.

Tampa Bay Bets Big (Literally) on Desmond Watson

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have re-signed Desmond Watson, a 6-foot-6, 400-plus-pound defensive tackle, to their practice squad. A former Florida Gator, Watson impressed during a workout last week, showing notable physical progress.

Head coach Todd Bowles emphasized Watson wasn’t signed just to counter the Eagles’ “tush push” tactic. “If we bring him in, we think he can play,” Bowles said.

Watson originally joined Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent but was released after failing to meet an undisclosed target weight. Due to being placed on the non-football illness list, he didn’t practice during training camp.

If he suits up, Watson could become the heaviest player in NFL history, having previously weighed in at 449 and 464 pounds—surpassing the current record of 410.

The Bucs continue to reinforce their defensive front following Calijah Kancey’s season-ending injury, recently adding Elijah Simmons from Arizona’s practice squad.

Top Things to do in Tampa Bay
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Things to do Around Tampa & WC
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