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- Issue #519: Pasco, Hillsborough Pause School Plans | Cookie Plug Debuts | TSA REAL ID Now $45 | A Memorable Gift | Bucs Struggle in Standings
Issue #519: Pasco, Hillsborough Pause School Plans | Cookie Plug Debuts | TSA REAL ID Now $45 | A Memorable Gift | Bucs Struggle in Standings
12/12/2025
Ted Grellner
12 Dec
Keep your finger on the Pulse!
GOOD MORNING
BTW, in case you ever look for the Carrollwood Players Theater to attend a performance, a reader let me know that the address posted on their website is labeled on location as a rehearsal space. Turns out it contains their performance space as well. A bit confusing.
Dr Ted
USAF Retired
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Please post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its easy to do.
Local News
— Pasco, Hillsborough Delay Charter Co-Location Decisions
— Cookie Plug Launches in Wesley Chapel with Big Grand Opening
Of Interest
— No REAL ID? TSA to Charge $45 Starting February
— A Holiday Gift They’ll Never Forget
Sports
— Bucs Fans Losing Faith as Division Race Tightens
Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:
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Pasco, Hillsborough Delay Charter
Co-Location Decisions
Pasco and Hillsborough school districts are hitting pause on requests from Mater Academy, a Schools of Hope charter operator, to use space in dozens of public schools rent-free.
Pasco requested — and received — a March 1 deadline extension to decide on six school sites, while Hillsborough extended to February 1 for 22 campuses.
Superintendent John Legg said the delay helps avoid rushing into decisions while navigating new state rules that gave districts just 20 days to respond.
Other districts like Pinellas and Sarasota acted quickly, with Pinellas rejecting 56 co-location requests, citing its status as a high-performing district and the impracticality of sharing campuses amid consolidation plans.
Legislative changes may also be on the horizon. Lawmakers are under pressure to clarify or overturn parts of the law during the 2026 session, with growing public opposition and bills already filed.
“This isn’t a partnership if one side freeloads,” said Pasco board member Jessica Wright.
Cookie Plug Launches in Wesley Chapel with Big Grand Opening
Cookie Plug, a bold cookie shop known for its hip hop-inspired vibe and graffiti-themed décor, is opening its third Florida location in Wesley Chapel on Saturday, June 28.
The grand opening party runs from 11 a.m. to midnight and features free samples, music, and a special deal: buy four single cookies, get eight free with the purchase of a drink.
Founded in California in 2019, Cookie Plug serves fresh, thick-cut cookies made with a mix of cake, brownie, and cookie textures. Popular flavors include s’mores, strawberry cheesecake, red velvet, and Fruity Pebbles, with keto options and ice cream sandwiches also available.
Franchise owner David Johnson says the shop is excited to connect with the local community, while Cookie Plug’s president adds the goal is to expand across Florida.
The Wesley Chapel store is located at 6013 Wesley Chapel Grove Blvd., Suite 102.
No REAL ID? TSA to Charge $45 Starting February
Starting February 1, 2026, air travelers without a REAL ID will be required to pay a $45 fee to use an alternative identity verification system at TSA checkpoints.
REAL IDs include state-issued licenses with a star or U.S. passports. Without one, passengers must undergo a more intensive identity screening involving personal history questions — a process that has caused some to miss flights.
To modernize the process, the TSA is launching a system called ConfirmID, though full details are still emerging. Travelers will have the option to prepay the $45 fee online, valid for 10 days.
94% of Florida travelers already have REAL IDs, and TSA hopes the fee will push remaining passengers to comply, improving security and reducing delays.
Miss the REAL ID deadline? You'll pay—and possibly stay grounded.
A Holiday Gift They’ll Never Forget
This holiday season, give your family something truly meaningful — the voices, stories, and wisdom of the people you love most.
Heirloom Stories is a simple memory assistant that helps you gently preserve your loved ones’ life stories — before they’re gone forever.
Whether it’s a grandparent’s early adventures or a parent’s life lessons, these stories can become cherished keepsakes for generations.
🎁 Perfect for holiday gatherings
💬 Guided questions + audio-to-story conversion
📖 No writing skills needed
Bucs Fans Losing Faith as Division Race Tightens
At 7–6, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves tied with the Carolina Panthers atop the NFC South, but many fans aren’t optimistic about how it ends.
According to the latest SB Nation Reacts poll, more than half of Bucs fans believe the team will not win the division. Even more concerning, only 15% say they’re confident in the direction the franchise is heading.
That uncertainty looms large heading into a crucial Thursday night game against the Falcons. With just four games left — two against Carolina — every matchup now carries major playoff implications.
The Bucs have little margin for error if they hope to stay in contention for a postseason spot, let alone secure the division title. The fans’ fading faith reflects the pressure the team is under.
One misstep, and the playoffs could slip away.
30+ Free Holiday Events in Tampa Bay for a Festive Date
Source: tampabaydatenightguide.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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