• NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
  • Posts
  • Issue #585: Mother’s Day Across Tampa Bay + 1,100 Players Hit Adult Hockey Nationals + Lakeside Shooting Probe + Rays’ Simpson Heats Up

Issue #585: Mother’s Day Across Tampa Bay + 1,100 Players Hit Adult Hockey Nationals + Lakeside Shooting Probe + Rays’ Simpson Heats Up

4/15/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
15 Apr

In partnership with

Your Dog Deserves Better Than Mystery Kibble

Most kibble is cooked at extreme temperatures that strip out the nutrients your dog actually needs. Your dog deserves better than that.

Spot & Tango's UnKibble is the only human-grade dog food that delivers all the benefits of fresh food without taking up fridge space. Made with USDA-grade meats, plus fresh fruits and vegetables, then gently dried at low temps to lock in up to 99% of nutrients. As vets say: "This is the food dogs were born to eat."

It's pantry-friendly, delivered to your door, and comes with a personalized scoop sized to your dog's exact needs. No guesswork, no prep, no refrigeration.

350,000+ dog parents have already made the switch — and 87% saw health improvements in their pup after switching.

A little gift your dog deserves. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee and get 60% off with code DESERVES60

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

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

— Celebrate Mom in Style Across Tampa Bay This May

Of Interest

— From 40 to 75+: Adult Hockey Nationals Draw 1,100 Players to Florida

OMG!

— Four Face Danger as Shots Fired From Lakeside Home

Sports

— Catch Him If You Can: Simpson Ignites Rays’ Offense

Celebrate Mom in Style Across Tampa Bay This May

Tampa Bay is pulling out all the stops for Mother’s Day 2026, offering everything from luxury spa days to waterfront brunches and hands-on experiences.

At JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, guests can enjoy six signature dining options, exclusive spa treatments and a complimentary bouquet-building experience, blending relaxation with creativity.

Brunch remains a highlight, with spots like Predalina serving bubbly and signature towers, while venues across the region offer chef-driven menus, live music and bottomless mimosas.

Beyond dining, interactive events add a personal touch. Guests can join floral workshops, candle-pouring classes, cookie decorating sessions and even champagne and caviar tastings.

Family-friendly options like high tea experiences and cooking classes round out the offerings.

From elegant indulgence to creative activities, Tampa Bay delivers a well-rounded celebration designed to make Mother’s Day memorable for every kind of mom.

From 40 to 75+: Adult Hockey Nationals Draw 1,100 Players to Florida

The 2026 USA Hockey Adult Men’s National Championships brought 64 teams and 1,100 players to Wesley Chapel, Florida, spanning 10 divisions from 40+ to 75+.

The Metro Merchants (50+ Tier 3) captured their first title with a 5-3 win over Sylvania, fueled by resilience—including a comeback from a 5-0 deficit earlier in the tournament.

Captain Steve Carter (51) called the win “emotional,” with family—including grandkids—celebrating rinkside.

In the 60+ Tier 3 division, the SoFlo Tropics dominated, outscoring opponents 31-4 en route to a 3-0 championship victory. Despite injuries, the Florida-based squad leaned on speed and chemistry.

Meanwhile, the Ironworkers (70+) narrowly missed repeating, falling 3-2 in the final.

Across all divisions, one theme stood out: competition, camaraderie, and passion for hockey continue well beyond the game’s traditional prime.

Four Face Danger as Shots Fired From Lakeside Home

A quiet evening on Lake Wimauma turned dangerous after deputies say a 60-year-old man fired multiple shots at four people fishing.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the victims were on a boat Monday night when Leo Palacios began yelling at them from his lakeside home before retrieving a firearm and opening fire.

Authorities responded around 8 p.m. on State Road 674 and later arrested Palacios at his residence. One victim reportedly recognized the suspect.

Palacios now faces multiple charges, including four counts of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Officials say no one was injured, despite the severity of the incident.

“This was a very dangerous situation,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister, emphasizing that the investigation remains ongoing.

Catch Him If You Can: Simpson Ignites Rays’ Offense

Chandler Simpson is quickly becoming one of baseball’s most dynamic players, delivering speed, consistency, and relentless pressure on opposing defenses.

The 25-year-old Tampa Bay Rays outfielder enters this week leading the American League with a .411 batting average and boasting a .482 on-base percentage. His seven stolen bases rank second in the league, underscoring his elite speed.

Simpson played a key role in Tampa Bay’s recent sweep of the Yankees, going 5-for-10 with five runs and three stolen bases, including a standout three-hit performance in the finale.

Known for his contact hitting and discipline, Simpson has struck out just three times in 56 at-bats this season. His ability to reach base and disrupt defenses has made him a vital piece of the Rays’ lineup.

With momentum building, Simpson’s early-season performance signals he could be one of MLB’s most exciting breakout stars.

Top Events in Tampa Bay for week of
Mar
Source:

 
Things to do Around Pasco this coming week:
4/16 - 4/22
Source:

Things to do Around
Tampa & WC
4/9- 4/15
Source:
tampabeacon.com

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 

6