Issue #572: Spring Break Boost Puts Tampa in Top 5 | Pasco Expands Fire Rescue | Jobsite Theater Shines | Bulls Face Coaching Change

3/24/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
24 Mar

In partnership with

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

I made it back from my meeting w/o incident (except for falling on the ski slope just 20 feet from where I started - one of my ski boots absolutely fell apart on my first turn, ending my one day of skiing! :-(

I did, however, learn of a new way to get thru TSA PreCheck. If you have a current passport and are asked whether you wish to join their Touchless ID program, they just scan your face to match you up with your passport and you’re done. It was the fastest I’ve ever gotten thru security and worth every penny I paid for TSA PreCheck. Otherwise, the general security line at the Denver Int'l Airport was almost the length of the terminal.

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

 
SUBSCRIBE (& Access Past Issues):
Share with your friends here —> https://www.NTWCLP.com

NOTE to New Subscribers:
— If Gmail cuts off your newsletter, click “Read Online” in UR corner
— Despite minimizing sources that require a 3rd party subscription to read, we’ll use stories from these sources that are very informative: ($) businessinsider.com, tampabay.com 

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

— Tampa Lands Top 5 Spot as Spring Break Crowds Flood Beaches

— Pasco County Expands Fire Rescue with Six New Stations

Entertainment

— Jobsite Theater Hooks a Hit with ‘The Shark Is Broken

Of Interest

— Bulls Lose Head Coach Following Landmark Basketball Season

Men, Say Goodbye to Eyebags, Dark Spots & Wrinkles

Reduce eyebags, dark spots and wrinkles with the first of its kind anti-aging solution for men.

Based on advanced dermatological research, Particle Face Cream helps keep your skin healthy and youthful, ensuring you look and feel your best every day.

Get 20% off and free shipping now with the exclusive promo code BH20!

Tampa Lands Top 5 Spot as Spring Break Crowds Flood Beaches

Tampa ranks among the nation’s top spring break destinations, coming in fifth on AAA’s latest list as tourism surges across Florida’s Gulf Coast. The region is experiencing a significant influx of visitors, with Clearwater Beach once again serving as a central draw thanks to its white الرمال and scenic waterfront.

Crowds have swelled along the shoreline, with travelers citing warm weather, coastal views, and diverse attractions as key reasons for choosing Tampa Bay. The seasonal spike is also evident at Tampa International Airport, where daily passenger traffic has reached about 81,000, reflecting peak travel demand.

Congestion has increased across local roads and beach access points, განსაკუთრებით during high-traffic hours near popular الساحلية areas. Residents and officials note these conditions are typical for the season.

Spring break activity is expected to continue through mid-April, with elevated tourism levels likely to persist as more visitors arrive.

Pasco County Expands Fire Rescue with Six
New Stations

Pasco County Fire Rescue is rapidly expanding, adding six new fire stations in under two years to keep pace with booming population growth and rising emergency call volumes. Officials say the investment is critical to improving response times, firefighter safety, and overall community protection.

Three stations opened in 2025, while three more are currently under construction, including the flagship Station 1 in Land O’ Lakes. The $10 million, 13,480-square-foot facility will replace an aging station and feature modern safety design, updated equipment, and space for multiple emergency units.

Additional stations in Wesley Chapel and New Port Richey are also nearing completion, further strengthening coverage in fast-growing المناطق.

The expansion builds on recent upgrades, including new and converted stations in 2023 and 2024 aimed at closing service gaps.

County leaders say the effort ensures long-term readiness as Pasco continues to grow, with full buildout expected by early 2027.

Jobsite Theater Hooks a Hit with ‘The Shark
Is Broken

Jobsite Theater scores a hit with “The Shark Is Broken,” a witty, behind-the-scenes look at the troubled filming of Jaws. The 90-minute comedy-drama delivers sharp performances and strong audience appeal, suggesting a potential spring standout in Tampa.

Set aboard the Orca, the play explores tensions between actors Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw during production delays caused by the famously malfunctioning mechanical shark. The cast—Christopher Marshall, Cody Farkas, and Paul Potenza—captures the spirit of these icons, balancing humor, conflict, and camaraderie.

Production design stands out, with detailed sets, costumes, and sound immersing audiences in the 1970s film set. While minor pacing issues arise, they do little to detract from the overall experience.

Running through April 5, the show offers a highly entertaining and nostalgic theatrical escape that continues to draw strong crowds.

Bulls Lose Head Coach Following Landmark Basketball Season

USF faces a sudden coaching change as men’s basketball head coach Bryan Hodgson departs after just one season to take the top job at Providence College. The move follows one of the most successful seasons in program history, leaving the Bulls searching for new leadership.

Under Hodgson, USF captured a conference regular-season title and its first tournament championship in 36 years, earning two banners at the Yuengling Center. Despite a narrow first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Louisville, the season marked a major step forward for the program.

Athletic Director Rob Higgins praised Hodgson’s impact, noting he fulfilled his promise to bring championships to South Florida. While USF made efforts to retain him, officials had anticipated the possibility of his departure.

A national search is now underway, as the university looks to build on the momentum Hodgson leaves behind.

Top Events in Tampa Bay for week of
Mar 25th
Source:

tampabay.com

 
Things to do Around Pasco
3/ - 3/
Source:

Things to do Around
Tampa & WC
3/- 3/
Source:

Reader Comments

“My favorite morning coffee companion!”
“As always! Appreciate the positivity!! Best morning read.”
“I always enjoy these issues. Thanks so much!”
“Best local newsletter!”
“Love seeing all the community events in one place. The calendar is getting crowded. ”“Always has good info and to the point.”
“Read this in the am. I like the new restaurants feature so I know when things will open. ”
“Keep up on the great information.”
“Good local coverage. Great job.”
“News is concise and no nonsense. I always appreciate it!”
“Good mix and balance of interesting, newsworthy and entertaining content.”
“Happy to read something other than politics. Great job.”
“This is my daily morning read. Great info. ”
“Love the attention grabbing topics that encompass what’s going on now as well as future implications. Great job. ”
“I get Information here that I might otherwise miss.”
“I love this newsletter, the type of information without the useless fillers.”

Any suggestions are always welcomed - Thanks

What Did You Think of This Issue?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

—> Comments are welcomed after voting

If you enjoy starting your day with these short daily news summaries, please refer your friends:

1 

2 

3 

4 

5