Issue #529: Tampa Fireworks Guide, $5K Opera Contest, Hazardous Recalls of 2025 & Bucs Face QB Setback

12/31/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
31 Dec

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 

Please post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its easy to do.

— Fireworks Rules in Tampa Bay: What’s Banned and What’s Not

The Arts

— Free Opera Competition at Straz Center Offers $5K & Stage Role

Of Interest

— 2025’s Worst Recalls: 10 Everyday Products That Turned Dangerous

Sports

— Double Trouble: Bucs QB Mayfield Now Dealing with Two Injuries

Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:


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Fireworks Rules in Tampa Bay: What’s Banned and What’s Not

Dry weather and fire risk have prompted several burn bans across Tampa Bay, affecting personal fireworks use this New Year’s.

While Florida law permits consumer fireworks on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and July 4th, local governments can restrict them further.

Counties with burn bans:
Polk, Manatee, Citrus, Sarasota, DeSoto – Personal fireworks are prohibited.

Counties allowing fireworks:
Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando – Personal fireworks are still permitted, but safety is emphasized.

Officials urge residents to follow fire safety tips, including:

  • Soaking used fireworks in water before disposal

  • Keeping debris away from combustibles

  • Never re-lighting duds

  • Supervising children and pets

Professional shows remain allowed across the region.

Pinellas County may revise its fireworks ordinance in 2026 to clarify conflicting rules between county and state law.

Free Opera Competition at Straz Center Offers $5K
& Stage Role

The D’Angelo Young Artist Vocal Competition returns to Tampa on Sunday, Jan. 4 at 4 p.m., showcasing the next generation of opera talent at the TECO Theater inside the David A. Straz Center.

Launched by former Opera Tampa board chair Gina d’Angelo, the event was inspired by a long-running Pennsylvania competition founded by her parents. Its goal? To uncover and support emerging opera singers poised for the spotlight.

The stakes are high: the winner receives a $5,000 prize and a featured role in an upcoming Opera Tampa production.

Admission is free, but tickets are required.

This one-afternoon event promises an unforgettable blend of young talent and timeless vocal artistry, all set within one of Tampa’s most elegant venues.

Don’t miss the chance to witness opera’s future stars—today.

2025’s Worst Recalls: 10 Everyday Products That Turned Dangerous

More than 350 consumer products were recalled in 2025, marking the highest total in a decade, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Top recalls included:

  • HydroTech burst-proof hoses (3.6 million units) – Bursting caused injuries and hearing issues.

  • Air Vent attic fan motors (2.9 million) – Fire hazard from overheating.

  • SharkNinja pressure cookers (1.85 million) – Over 100 burn injury reports.

  • Midea air conditioners – Mold risks from water drainage issues.

  • Oster countertop ovens (1.2 million) – Burn injuries from faulty doors.

Other notable recalls:

  • Anker power banks – Fire risk from faulty lithium batteries.

  • Igloo coolers – Handle design linked to fingertip amputations.

  • Kirkland Prosecco – Bottles could spontaneously shatter.

  • Pura scent diffusers – Magnet ingestion hazard for kids.

  • Ozark Trail water bottles – Lids could eject forcefully, causing injuries.

Consumers are urged to stop using affected products and request refunds or replacements.

Double Trouble: Bucs QB Mayfield Now Dealing
with Two Injuries

After being injury-free last week, Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield has now appeared on the team’s first injury report of the week with two new issues: a throwing shoulder injury and a knee injury.

While no details were provided, the throwing shoulder concern is especially notable with just days to go before Saturday’s game. It's unclear if the knee issue is a recurrence of a previous injury or a new one.

Though the team didn’t hold a real practice, the report indicated Mayfield would have been “limited” had they practiced.

Mayfield has started every game this season, but with the Bucs losing 7 of their last 8, fans are questioning both performance and transparency.

Backup Teddy Bridgewater is the likely next man up, but his last appearance was underwhelming against the Rams five weeks ago.

Will Mayfield be ready—or will the Bucs gamble with Teddy?

30+ Free Holiday Events in Tampa Bay for a Festive Date

Source: tampabaydatenightguide.com

Things to do Around Tampa Bay this weekend
11/ - 11/
Source: wtsp.com


Things to do Around Pasco
11/ - 11/
Source: suncoastnews.com

Things to do Around
Tampa & WC:
1/1 - 1/7
Source: tampabeacon.com

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