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  • Issue #533: New Face in Rays’ Stadium Talks | High-Tech 911 Debuts | Hip-Hop Storytelling in “Cuban Links” | USF QB Brown Transfers

Issue #533: New Face in Rays’ Stadium Talks | High-Tech 911 Debuts | Hip-Hop Storytelling in “Cuban Links” | USF QB Brown Transfers

1/07/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
07 Jan

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

A quick comment on the subscriber who took the time to let me know that this newsletter needs work. I am appreciative of all comments submitted in the poll at the bottom, especially if I’d made a mistake (rare, fortunately). Suggestions are always welcome, but in this case, no comment was added; a blank testimonial. Hmm……………. Thanks ;-)

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

— Rays Bring In Ex-Airport Chief as Stadium Talks Take Flight

— See It, Stream It: Tampa Police Launch High-Tech 911 Overhaul

Entertainment

— Tampa’s Hip-Hop Generations Collide in “Cuban Links” Video Release

Sports

— USF QB Byrum Brown Reunites with Golesh at Auburn

Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:


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Rays Bring In Ex-Airport Chief as Stadium Talks Take Flight

The Tampa Bay Rays have hired Joe Lopano, the retired CEO of Tampa International Airport, as a consultant in their search for a new stadium site—a strong signal the team is eyeing Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus.

The site, adjacent to the airport, offers over 100 acres of land. Lopano’s deep knowledge of aviation regulations and local authority coordination is seen as critical in navigating FAA height restrictions and agreements with groups like the Tampa Sports Authority and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Commissioner Ken Hagan and Mayor Jane Castor praised Lopano’s role, calling him a respected leader with proven vision. The Rays are also reportedly working again with Populous, the firm behind the team’s previous stadium plans.

While no deal is finalized, college board chair Gregory Celestan says talks are ongoing, with updates expected in six months. The Yankees’ proximity remains a potential factor in negotiations.

See It, Stream It: Tampa Police Launch High-Tech
911 Overhaul

Tampa Police have launched a groundbreaking 911 system allowing callers to stream live video from their phones during emergencies. The new tech, part of the Prepared 911 platform, lets dispatchers send a link enabling real-time visuals, giving officers crucial context before arrival.

Live streaming, instant translation in 54 languages, and an AI chatbot for policy guidance are central to this overhaul. The body-worn camera translator is especially impactful in Tampa’s diverse communities and tourist zones, offering hands-free, real-time communication with non-English speakers.

The AI tool, accessible via mobile, helps officers quickly reference procedures on calls like domestic violence or active crime scenes.

Privacy is protected—callers must approve video use, and footage is stored securely for case records.

Funded by Hillsborough County 911 services and Axon, the upgrade marks a bold shift in emergency response, aiming to improve officer safety, public trust, and response precision citywide.

Tampa’s Hip-Hop Generations Collide in “Cuban Links” Video Release

Tampa rap icon Tom G teams up with rising lyricist Sam E Hues for their new track “Cuban Links,” premiering Friday at midnight alongside a high-style music video.

Filmed at Alter Ego, the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory, and Ybor City’s dry docks, the video blends Tampa’s grit and glamour. The collaboration was brokered by Major Plays Only, with DJ Casper on scratches and producers Guy Average, Score, and ska musician Noel Rochford on instrumentation. Tampa’s Maxx Forman handled the final mix.

Hues, known for his distinct baritone, said the track was built to bridge generations and styles in Tampa’s rap community, fusing legacy and new energy.

The release party happens Thursday, Jan. 8 at Alter Ego in downtown Tampa. Admission is free, but table reservations are encouraged. The track and video debut on YouTube at midnight.

Motion Minds produced the cinematic visuals over several months of work alongside Hues.

USF QB Byrum Brown Reunites with Golesh
at Auburn

USF quarterback Byrum Brown is transferring to Auburn, following his former coach Alex Golesh, who was hired away from South Florida just over a month ago.

Brown confirmed the move by reposting a social media update from On3 announcing his transfer. Over four seasons at USF, Brown amassed 7,690 passing yards and 61 touchdowns, while also rushing for 2,265 yards and 31 scores, showcasing dual-threat versatility.

This past season, he completed 66.3% of his passes for 3,158 yards, 28 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He added 1,008 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, leading the Bulls to a 9-3 regular-season record.

Brown skipped the Cure Bowl loss to Old Dominion and entered the transfer portal. His 2023 season was similarly productive, though shortened by a leg injury.

At Auburn, he’ll likely compete for the starting role and reunite with Golesh in hopes of energizing a Tigers offense looking for playmaking consistency.

Top Events in Tampa Bay for week of
January 5
Source: tampabay.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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