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- Issue #487: 2029 College Playoff Coming to Tampa | Tiki Gardens’ Polynesian Past | Years-Lost Dog Found | USF Coach Moves to WNBA
Issue #487: 2029 College Playoff Coming to Tampa | Tiki Gardens’ Polynesian Past | Years-Lost Dog Found | USF Coach Moves to WNBA
10/28/2025
Ted Grellner
28 Oct
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
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Local News
—Tampa to Host 2029 College Football Playoff National Championship
Of Interest
— When Polynesia Came to Pinellas: The Story of Tiki Gardens
OMG!
— Florida Officer’s Chance Encounter Ends Years-Long Dog Search
Sports
— Jose Fernandez Leaves USF for WNBA’s Dallas Wings
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Tampa to Host 2029 College Football Playoff National Championship
Tampa has officially landed the 2029 College Football Playoff National Championship, set for Jan. 22 at Raymond James Stadium.
A formal announcement will be made Wednesday by city and sports leaders including Mayor Jane Castor, Derrick Brooks, and USF’s Rob Higgins.
This marks the second time Tampa will host the title game, following the thrilling 2017 showdown where Clemson edged Alabama 35-31 in front of over 74,000 fans.
At the time, the event delivered an estimated $300 million economic impact to the region.
Tampa, already a veteran host of five Super Bowls and four Women’s Final Fours, was previously on standby as a backup location before being selected to replace Dallas due to scheduling conflicts.
The announcement reinforces Tampa’s growing profile as a major player in national sports tourism, with Raymond James Stadium once again taking center stage.
When Polynesia Came to Pinellas: The Story of
Tiki Gardens
Before theme parks took over Florida’s tourism scene, Tiki Gardens in Indian Shores was a must-see destination.
Opened in 1964 by Frank and Jo Byers, the 12-acre attraction transformed a souvenir shop into a Polynesian wonderland, complete with tiki torches, exotic birds, and Trader Frank’s tropical restaurant.
Guests wandered along lush trails, admired hand-carved statues, and listened to live organ music while sipping from coconuts under palm trees.
At its peak, Tiki Gardens drew half a million annual visitors, capturing the nation's 1960s fascination with South Pacific culture.
But by the late 1980s, interest waned. The park closed, and in 1990, Pinellas County purchased the land. Today, it’s a parking lot named Tiki Gardens Park — with little remaining of its festive past.
“In 1964, there was nothing like it,” says local historian Bill DeYoung, who views the site as a symbol of Florida’s lost roadside charm and creativity.
Florida Officer’s Chance Encounter Ends Years-Long Dog Search
Luca the husky is finally home — seven years after he first went missing.
While responding to a call, Tampa Police Officer Bishop spotted the friendly dog wandering alone. As soon as he opened the patrol car door, Luca eagerly jumped in, tail wagging.
The officer took the dog to a South Tampa veterinarian, where a scan of Luca’s microchip revealed the incredible news: his owner Gabrielle had never stopped searching.
For seven long years, Gabrielle kept Luca’s microchip account active, paying annual fees in the hope of one day being reunited.
That hope paid off.
The emotional reunion was celebrated by the Tampa Police Department on social media, where the video has touched thousands of viewers.
“Who’s a good boy?” Officer Bishop asks in the video — a simple question that led to a miracle reunion built on hope, patience, and technology.
Here’s an astonishing but little-known fact about lost animals:
Many indoor cats that go missing are found within just 3–5 houses of their home — often hiding silently.
Unlike dogs, lost cats tend to hide in silence out of fear, especially if they’re indoor-only and suddenly find themselves outside. Studies show that the majority of lost indoor cats are discovered within a 17-house radius, and most are much closer — sometimes even in the homeowner's own garage, under a deck, or inside a neighbor’s shed.
Because of this behavior, silent physical searching (not just calling out their name) — especially at night when it's quiet — dramatically increases recovery chances. Many cat owners give up too early, assuming their cat has wandered far, when in fact it may be mere feet away and too frightened to respond.
Lesson: Don’t just call. Crawl and look — thoroughly, and close to home.
Jose Fernandez Leaves USF for WNBA’s Dallas Wings
After 25 groundbreaking seasons, Jose Fernandez is stepping down as USF women’s basketball head coach to take over the WNBA's Dallas Wings.
“This is professional basketball, the highest level,” Fernandez said, calling it the right time for the move.
During his tenure, Fernandez won 485 games, led USF to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, and produced numerous WNBA and international pros. He built the program from irrelevance into a national contender, emphasizing player development and academic success.
Michele Woods-Baxter, his longtime assistant, now leads the Bulls as interim head coach.
Fernandez leaves behind a legacy of relentless passion, international recruiting, and a team culture that blended competitiveness with community impact.
Though he imagined retiring at USF, Fernandez sees the Dallas opportunity as a chance to “coach the world’s best” and chase a championship.
“Plain and simple,” said alum Courtney Williams, “Jose Fernandez is a winner.”
What’s New In Tampa Bay
Oct 2025
Source: tampamagazines.com
Top Things to do in Tampa Bay |
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🎭 Tonight in Wesley Chapel & New Tampa (& TB): Entertainment Spotlight
Date (Day) | Time | Act | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
The Arts
- The Exhibiting Society of Artists (new)
- 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
- Carrollwood Center Events
- Craft Festivals (new)
- Fall (Farmer’s) Market Guide for Tampa Bay (new)
- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC
- visitflorida.com
For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids
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