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- Issue #562: Boat Incident Near Cuba Leaves Four Dead | Nebraska Avenue Dining Spotlight | Tampa’s Hobby Revival | USF Softball Hosts Czech Team
Issue #562: Boat Incident Near Cuba Leaves Four Dead | Nebraska Avenue Dining Spotlight | Tampa’s Hobby Revival | USF Softball Hosts Czech Team
2/26/2026
Ted Grellner
26 Feb
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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
— Florida-Registered Boat Clash With Cuban Forces Leaves Four Dead
Food
— Where Comfort Meets Cuisine on Nebraska Avenue
Of Interest
— Tangible Trends: Old Hobbies Gain New Fans in Tampa
Sports
— USF Bulls Softball Welcomes Czech National Team for International Showdown
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Carrollwood Players Theatre Presents
A Special Offer For Our Readers
To See Their Upcoming Show
Disaster! The Musical
Feb 27 - Mar 21
“Disaster” is a fantastic show featuring lots of songs from the 70s and promises
to be a hilarious and nostalgic evening.
Click HERE for more information on the show.
CLICK: GET TICKETS
and put PresSpecial in the code box for $5 off
Florida-Registered Boat Clash With Cuban Forces Leaves Four Dead
Four people were killed and six others injured after a speedboat registered in Florida entered Cuban territorial waters and a deadly confrontation unfolded, Cuban officials say. Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior reported that the vessel was detected near the El Pino channel off Cayo Falcones before Cuban Border Guard troops approached it for identification on Wednesday morning. According to the Cuban government, those aboard the boat opened fire, wounding the Cuban patrol commander, and Cuban forces returned fire.
It remains unclear who was on the boat or why it entered Cuban waters. Cuban authorities say the injured were evacuated and received medical care, but details about their identities and nationalities have not been released.
The incident quickly drew political reaction in the U.S., with Florida officials calling for a thorough investigation. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier directed prosecutors to begin probing the case, and some lawmakers urged authorities to determine whether any of the victims were U.S. citizens or legal residents.
Where Comfort Meets Cuisine on Nebraska Avenue
At Mr. B’s Southern Kitchen, customers find comfort beyond the plate. Located at 3401 N. Nebraska Ave. in Tampa, the restaurant blends homestyle cooking with a mission rooted in family and community. Owner Ninkia Green says many guests walk in after a tough day simply seeking warmth and familiarity — and that’s exactly what she aims to provide.
The restaurant’s name reflects resilience. The “B” symbolizes a bee’s nest that rebuilds no matter how many times it’s knocked down — a spirit Green says mirrors both her journey and the surrounding neighborhood.
The menu features made-from-scratch Southern staples, including honey hot chicken, turkey wings, catfish, short ribs and smothered pork chops, paired with collard greens, mac and cheese and candy yams.
Green credits her mother for inspiring both the recipes and the restaurant’s mission: creating a space where people feel cared for, connected and at home.
Read More: fox13news.com — check out the picture of the food!
Tangible Trends: Old Hobbies Gain New Fans
in Tampa
Old hobbies are stitching their way back into the spotlight, especially among Millennials and Gen Z looking to unplug from constant screen time. In Tampa, needlepoint is seeing renewed interest, with local shop owner Brittany Leiser of Knot the Point Needleworks reporting a noticeable uptick in younger customers this year.
While crocheting, mahjong and baking are also resurging, needlepoint stands out for its stress-relief benefits and strong sense of community, with 69% of stitchers being female. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have fueled the revival, spotlighting modern designers and creative finishing ideas.
Though canvases can be costly because many are hand-painted works of art, shoppers can save through trunk shows offering limited-time discounts. For beginners, starter kits priced around $95 include all essential supplies.
For many young adults, the appeal is simple: creating something tangible and meaningful in a connected, in-person community.
USF Bulls Softball Welcomes Czech National Team for International Showdown
USF Softball will host the Czech National Team on March 10 at 4 p.m. in a special international exhibition at USF Softball Stadium. The matchup marks the second time in less than a year the Bulls have faced a national team, offering players exposure to international competition while continuing their non-conference slate.
Head Coach Ken Eriksen said the opportunity highlights softball’s global reach and gives student-athletes experience against different playing styles. The Czech National Team, which competes on the world stage, brings veteran international talent to Tampa.
The exhibition is included for season ticket holders, with season packages starting at $65. Fans can also bundle baseball season tickets for an additional $25.
USF’s program enters 2026 with 18 NCAA Tournament appearances and a Women’s College World Series trip in 2012. Eriksen begins his 29th season with 1,171 career wins.
Top Events in Tampa Bay for week of | Weekend Events in Tampa Bay this weekend |
|
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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