Issue #597: Pasco Schools Face Potty-Training Challenges + Mother’s Day Fun Around Tampa + Residents Invited to “Art of the Pen” + Rays Win with Small Ball

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

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WEATHER  

Local News

— Pasco District Addresses Growing Problem of Non–Potty-Trained Students

Of Interest

— From Tea to Shuffleboard: Creative Ways to Celebrate Mom This Weekend

Special

— Tampa Residents Encouraged to Share Their Voices Through “Art of the Pen”

Sports

— Small Ball, Big Results: Rays Surge Behind Old-School Offense

Pasco District Addresses Growing Problem of Non–Potty-Trained Students

Pasco County school leaders are sending a firm message to parents ahead of the upcoming school year: children entering kindergarten must be able to use the restroom independently unless they have documented special needs.

Superintendent John Legg said district teachers are hired to educate students, not handle diaper changes during class time. District officials report the issue has increased noticeably since schools reopened after the pandemic, with some campuses seeing roughly 10 students per school arrive without proper potty training.

School board members said they were surprised by how common the problem has become, with some reports extending into first grade. District leaders stressed they are not referring to occasional accidents, but to students who routinely require diaper changes during the school day.

Officials emphasized that children with disabilities or developmental delays will continue receiving appropriate accommodations and support services.

Read More: tampabay.com

From Tea to Shuffleboard: Creative Ways to Celebrate Mom This Weekend

Mother’s Day is arriving with plenty of creative ways for Tampa Bay families to celebrate beyond the traditional brunch reservation. From relaxing yoga sessions to lively dance nights, local venues across Tampa and St. Petersburg are offering experiences designed to make the weekend memorable.

Families can enjoy free shuffleboard games for moms at St. Pete Shuffle, explore marine life during a special brunch event at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, or browse more than 50 local vendors at 3 Daughters Brewing’s Mom’s Market. Those looking for a more active outing can join free bachata lessons at Outcast Brewing Company or unwind with complimentary Yin yoga and sound bath classes at Half Pigeon Yoga Studio.

Creative options include a candle-making and paint-pour vase workshop in Tampa, while several venues on both sides of the bay are hosting elegant afternoon tea experiences complete with pastries, scones and finger sandwiches.

Many events take place throughout Mother’s Day weekend, with several requiring advance reservations.

Read More: axios.com

Tampa Residents Encouraged to Share Their Voices Through “Art of the Pen”

As America approaches its 250th birthday, the City of Tampa is inviting residents to help commemorate the milestone through a community-wide writing initiative called “The Art of the Pen.”

The project encourages people of all ages and experience levels to submit original poems, essays or short stories inspired by the ideals and language of the Declaration of Independence. Organizers say the goal is to capture personal reflections on what America at 250 years means through the voices of the Tampa community.

Participants may respond to prompts built around historic phrases such as “When in the course of human events” or themes including justice, honor and happiness. Essays and short stories are limited to 500 words, while poems may contain up to 150 words.

The initiative leads into Tampa’s annual Liberty by the Bay Fourth of July celebration, which will feature fireworks, live entertainment, community activities and a waterfront drone show.

Read More: tampa.gov

Small Ball, Big Results: Rays Surge Behind
Old-School Offense

The Tampa Bay Rays are proving there’s more than one way to win in Major League Baseball. Despite ranking near the bottom of the league in extra-base hits, the Rays have surged to a 22-12 record by embracing an old-school style built around speed, defense and situational hitting.

Tampa Bay has won 10 of its last 11 games, relying on what players call “Ray Ball” — manufacturing runs through bunts, aggressive base running and timely contact hitting rather than depending on home runs.

The Rays currently lead Major League Baseball in sacrifice bunts, a skill the team practices daily. That approach paid off Sunday when Ryan Vilade delivered a perfectly executed squeeze bunt that brought home the winning run.

Players say the lineup’s versatility makes the offense dangerous in multiple ways. Combined with strong defense and disciplined pitching, the strategy has helped Tampa Bay climb near the top of the American League standings heading into Tuesday’s matchup against division rival Toronto at Tropicana Field.

Read More: tampabay28.com

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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