• NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
  • Posts
  • Issue #465: Tax Cuts & Audit in Hillsborough • Clearwater Seeks Autism Certification • HPV Vaccination Drive • Wheelchair Bucs Take the National Stage

Issue #465: Tax Cuts & Audit in Hillsborough • Clearwater Seeks Autism Certification • HPV Vaccination Drive • Wheelchair Bucs Take the National Stage

9/26/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
26 Sep

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
USAF Retired


Tampa Bay Tidbits: Local and Beyond - new podcast episodes on Mondays
THIS WEEK: n/a

 
SUBSCRIBE (& Access Past Issues):
Share with your friends here —> https://www.NTWCLP.com

NOTE to New Subscribers:
— If Gmail cuts off your newsletter, click “Read Online” in UR corner
— Despite minimizing sources that require a 3rd party subscription to read, we’ll use stories from these sources that are very informative: ($) businessinsider.com, tampabay.com 

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar 

—> Feel free to post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its quite easy to do.

Local News

— State Audit Flags $279M in Hillsborough Spending; Tax Cuts Proposed

— Clearwater Launches Bid to Become Florida’s First Autism Certified City

Of Interest

— Major Cancer Centers Urge Action to Boost HPV Vaccine Rates

Sports

— Wheelchair Buccaneers Host National Showdown in Tampa


Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:


https://pxl.to/NTWC-LIVE-event or click the image below:
Problems submitting? Email me by replying to your newsletter

State Audit Flags $279M in Hillsborough Spending; Tax Cuts Proposed

Florida’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Task Force has flagged nearly $279 million in questionable spending from Hillsborough County’s general fund, citing growth in the budget that far outpaces population increases.

CFO Blaise Ingoglia said the county’s budget rose more than 50% since 2019, while population grew by roughly 124,000. He believes this could justify cutting property taxes by a full mill, potentially saving homeowners hundreds annually.

County leaders expressed openness to feedback but criticized the audit’s lack of specifics. Commissioner Harry Cohen emphasized that 83% of property tax revenue supports public safety and infrastructure, urging the state to provide concrete examples of waste.

Hillsborough is one of several counties being audited, alongside Orange and Jacksonville. A full report is expected in the coming weeks, and voters may weigh in on tax changes in 2026.

Clearwater Launches Bid to Become Florida’s First Autism Certified City

Clearwater is aiming to become the first city in Florida—and only the second in the nation—to achieve Autism Certified City status, following Mesa, Arizona.

The effort, launched September 25, is led by Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT) and supported by city leaders and community partners. Certification, issued by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), requires specialized training in hospitality, healthcare, education, entertainment, and small businesses.

The goal is to build a community that’s welcoming, supportive, and accessible to residents and visitors with autism and other neurodiversities.

Executive Director Matt Spence said the initiative fosters acceptance and inclusion, ensuring people with unique needs feel understood and respected.

Mayor Bruce Rector praised the initiative as a step toward making Clearwater a city where all families, regardless of needs, can thrive.

Autistic girls are frequently underdiagnosed because they tend to “mask” their traits.

Unlike many autistic boys, who may display more visible social or behavioral differences, autistic girls often consciously or unconsciously imitate the social behaviors of peers — copying speech patterns, gestures, or interests — in order to blend in. This phenomenon, called camouflaging or masking, can delay diagnosis by years.

Research suggests that because of this, many autistic girls aren’t identified until adolescence or adulthood, meaning they may miss out on early support. Masking also takes a heavy toll: it can lead to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout later in life.

So while autism is often thought to be more common in boys, experts now believe the gender gap is narrower than once assumed — it’s just that girls are being overlooked.

Major Cancer Centers Urge Action to Boost HPV Vaccine Rates

n a united effort, 62 National Cancer Institute-designated centers, including VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, along with national organizations like the American Cancer Society, are calling for immediate action to increase HPV vaccination rates across the U.S.

The vaccine protects against six preventable cancers, including cervical, oropharyngeal, and anal cancer. Despite its proven effectiveness, HPV vaccination rates remain low, with no recent progress, according to new CDC data.

Doctors emphasize the vaccine’s importance during early adolescence (ages 9–12). HPV causes nearly 40,000 cancer cases annually in the U.S., yet coverage lags behind other recommended vaccines.

The campaign urges health systems, providers, and caregivers to prioritize outreach, scheduling, and conversations about HPV vaccination.

“Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable,” said Dr. Jaclyn Wall of VCU Massey. “We have the tools to eliminate it.”

The statement launches during Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month and the back-to-school vaccination season.

Wheelchair Buccaneers Host National Showdown
in Tampa

This weekend, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wheelchair Football Team will host a national wheelchair football tournament at the Tampa Convention Center, beginning 8 a.m. Saturday, September 28.

The event, part of the USA Wheelchair Football League, will bring together 10 elite teams from across the country for two days of fast-paced competition. The Wheelchair Buccaneers will face the Cleveland Browns at 10 a.m. Saturday, with a second game in the afternoon.

Admission is free and open to the public at 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa, FL.

The tournament is a signature event of Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports, which promotes health, independence, and inclusion through competitive sports for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Playoffs will take place on Sunday, wrapping up an inspiring weekend of athletic achievement and community engagement.

Top Things to do in Tampa Bay
9/ - 9/
Source:


Things to do Around Tampa & WC
9/25 - 10/1
Source: tampabeacon.com

This Weekend in
Tampa Bay:
9/26 - 9/28
Source: axios.com

Reader Comments

“Love seeing all the community events in one place. The calendar is getting crowded. ”“Always has good info and to the point.”
“Read this in the am. I like the new restaurants feature so I know when things will open. ”
“Keep up on the great information.”
“Good local coverage. Great job.”
“I’m not big on reading. But your news is short and right to the point! Very informative and quick and easy to read!”
“Good mix and balance of interesting, newsworthy and entertaining content.”
“Happy to read something other than politics. Great job.”
“This is my daily morning read. Great info. ”
“Love the attention grabbing topics that encompass what’s going on now as well as future implications. Great job. ”
“I get Information here that I might otherwise miss.”
“I love this newsletter, the type of information without the useless fillers.”

Any suggestions are always welcomed - Thanks

What Did You Think of This Issue?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

—> Comments are welcomed after voting

If you enjoy starting your day with these short daily news summaries, please refer your friends: