Issue #501: Tensions Rise Over Charter Co-Locations | Pasco’s Cheesecake Factory Opens Big | Bucs Defense Falters | USF’s Playoff Bid Stumbles

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

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WEATHER 

Local News

— Tampa Bay School Districts Push Back on Charter Co-location Requests

— Wesley Chapel’s Cheesecake Factory Opens to Packed Crowds

Sports

— Bucs’ Defense Implodes in Buffalo Blowout

— USF’s Playoff Hopes Derailed by Stunning Loss to Navy

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

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Tampa Bay School Districts Push Back on Charter
Co-location Requests

A wave of new requests has hit Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco County school districts following a recent state law allowing charter "Schools of Hope" to co-locate in underused public school spaces.

District officials are voicing concern after receiving dozens of letters from operators like Mater Academy, Somerset Academy, and BridgePrep Academy, seeking access to public facilities, including transportation, meals, and custodial services.

Hillsborough County received 44 requests, while Pinellas saw 44 combined from Somerset and BridgePrep. Pasco received 6 from Mater.

Critics argue the law, passed during a special legislative session, opens doors for for-profit charter chains to move into even high-performing schools, like Sandy Lane and Madeira Beach.

School leaders raised issues over student safety, governance conflicts, and taxpayer accountability, with Hillsborough officials vowing to object to any inaccurate or impractical requests.

Read More: tampabay.com

Wesley Chapel’s Cheesecake Factory Opens to
Packed Crowds

The long-rumored Cheesecake Factory has officially opened at Tampa Premium Outlets, ending years of anticipation — and punchlines — for Wesley Chapel residents. The grand opening on Nov. 11 drew large crowds excited for a first taste of the restaurant's famously huge menu and indulgent desserts.

With over 250 freshly prepared dishes, the chain offers something for nearly every taste and dietary preference, even if its calorie counts remain the stuff of legend. Diners are already packing the dining room, despite some gripes about parking and traffic, which are nothing new to locals.

Just in time for the holiday shopping rush, the Cheesecake Factory is poised to become a major draw for both residents and out-of-town shoppers visiting the outlet mall.

Read More: tampabeacon.com

Bucs’ Defense Implodes in Buffalo Blowout

The Buccaneers’ defense imploded in a 44–32 loss to the Buffalo Bills, despite forcing three takeaways — a stat that usually signals success under Todd Bowles’ philosophy. But the effort was far from enough, as the defense gave up 44 points and looked lost against Josh Allen’s offense.

One of the most head-scratching moments came when edge rusher YaYa Diaby was asked to cover a receiver 30 yards downfield, resulting in a 43-yard touchdown to Tyrell Shavers.

The Bucs’ edge rush remains toothless, with no consistent pressure or presence, and it’s clear the defensive game plan isn’t working. Even Baker Mayfield’s fiery postgame comments calling out the team’s “attitude problem” might not be enough to shake this unit awake.

Tampa Bay’s defense is floundering under a coach who was supposed to be its strength.

Read More: joebucsfan.com

USF’s Playoff Hopes Derailed by Stunning Loss
to Navy

A season that once shimmered with College Football Playoff hope ended in gut-wrenching fashion Saturday as USF fell 41–38 to Navy, dashing its shot at a conference title and national spotlight.

Favored by 10.5 points, the Bulls were poised to win out and claim their first AAC championship. Instead, they collapsed again under the weight of expectations — a recurring theme in program history.

USF’s rise under coach Alex Golesh has been impressive since his 2023 arrival, but this loss, paired with a recent stumble against Memphis, revived criticism that Group of Five teams can’t handle the spotlight.

Saturday’s defeat likely ends USF’s title run and playoff hopes. And while the season marked growth — including wins over ranked opponents — it also continued the Bulls’ long-standing trend of fading just when it matters most.

 Read More: tampabay.com

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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