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  • Issue #598: Rays CEO Calls Stadium Talks “Exhausting” + Wesley Chapel Bakery Buzz + NASA’s Artemis 2 Photos + USF Star Earns Top Honor

Issue #598: Rays CEO Calls Stadium Talks “Exhausting” + Wesley Chapel Bakery Buzz + NASA’s Artemis 2 Photos + USF Star Earns Top Honor

5/7/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
07 May

GOOD MORNING

This issue was a most difficult one to put together, both for the lack of interesting stories as well as the presence of truly disgusting ones. I almost put one in that involved cruelty to a small animal because I couldn’t believe that a Tampa resident could do what she did. It upset me so much I almost couldn’t finish this issue; there is a special place in hell for her. (I had to vent).

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 CEO Says Stadium Talks Are Exhausting as Tampa Weighs Massive Deal

Of Interest

— Why Locals Are Obsessed With This Wesley Chapel French Bakery

Special

— NASA Releases Stunning Artemis 2 Photos From Historic Moon Mission

Sports

— USF’s Wilhelm Ryding Named American Conference Player of the Year

Rays CEO Says Stadium Talks Are Exhausting as Tampa Weighs Massive Deal

The Tampa Bay Rays presented plans Tuesday night for a proposed $2 billion stadium and mixed-use development project near Dale Mabry Highway during a special Tampa City Council meeting.

Rays CEO Ken Babby described the ongoing negotiations as exhausting while emphasizing the project’s long-term impact on the region. Team officials promoted the proposal as more than a baseball stadium, highlighting plans for restaurants, entertainment spaces, and affordable workforce housing surrounding the domed venue.

Ken Atwater said the partnership could create valuable career pathways for students in fields such as hospitality, cybersecurity, marketing, and culinary arts.

Under the current framework, the Rays would cover approximately 54% of stadium-related costs, including overruns and maintenance. The remaining 46% would come from public funding sources, including the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the state of Florida.

Several council members questioned whether taxpayers should contribute heavily to the project, raising concerns about the team’s financial resources and long-term commitments.

Why Locals Are Obsessed With This Wesley Chapel French Bakery

Tucked near Wiregrass Mall in Wesley Chapel, Le Macaron French Pastries is quickly becoming one of the area’s most talked-about dessert destinations. Known for its authentic French pastries and cozy café atmosphere, the family-owned bakery has earned glowing reviews from both locals and visitors.

Its standout favorite may be the chocolate croissant, praised for its flaky layers, rich chocolate filling, and bakery-fresh texture. Customers frequently describe pairing it with a mocha latte for the perfect café experience.

The bakery is also known for offering more than 100 macaron flavors, ranging from classic raspberry to rotating seasonal creations. Guests rave about the delicate shells, vibrant fillings, and elegant presentation, with many purchasing gift boxes for special occasions.

Another crowd favorite is the almond croissant, packed with rich almond cream and topped with toasted almonds for extra crunch. Combined with fresh coffee and Parisian-inspired décor, the bakery delivers a little slice of France right in Wesley Chapel.

NASA Releases Stunning Artemis 2 Photos From Historic Moon Mission

(not one of the NASA photos)

NASA has released more than 12,000 photographs captured during the historic Artemis 2 mission, giving the public an unprecedented look at humanity’s return to deep space. The images were taken by astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen during their 10-day journey around the moon aboard the Orion capsule “Integrity.”

The collection includes breathtaking shots of Earthrise, lunar craters, star trails, and a rare eclipse view from beyond the moon’s far side. Several photos also captured subtle brown and green tones on the lunar surface, offering a perspective astronauts described as unlike anything seen from Earth.

One emotional image highlights two lunar craters nicknamed by the crew, including one named after Wiseman’s late wife. Another dramatic series shows the sun’s corona glowing behind the moon during a solar eclipse witnessed from deep space.

The mission marked humanity’s first crewed voyage beyond low Earth orbit in more than 50 years.

Read More: space.com — incredible photos

USF’s Wilhelm Ryding Named American Conference Player of the Year

(a golfer)

Wilhelm Ryding delivered one of the best seasons in college golf this year, earning American Conference Men’s Golf Player of the Year honors and a unanimous spot on the All-Conference team. The recognition marks the second straight season the USF standout has earned All-Conference honors.

Currently ranked No. 61 nationally, Ryding is the highest-ranked golfer in the American Conference according to Clippd. The junior competed in 10 tournaments and 29 rounds this season while leading the Bulls with a remarkable 69.90 scoring average.

The Sweden native recorded six top-10 finishes, earned conference Player of the Week honors three times, and posted 13 rounds in the 60s. His best performance came at the Gators Invitational, where he finished second with a 7-under 203.

Ryding also finished runner-up at the Calusa Cup and placed eighth at the American Championship. The Bulls now await their NCAA Regional fate, which will be announced Wednesday on the Golf Channel.

Top Events
in Tampa Bay for the
week of May 4
Source:
tampabay.com

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


Things to do Around
Tampa & WC
5/7- 5/13
Source:
tampabeacon.com

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