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- Issue #603: Rays Stadium Framework Moves Forward | Gulf Middle Gets New Plan | Teen Earns Law Degree | Why Hartline Picked USF
Issue #603: Rays Stadium Framework Moves Forward | Gulf Middle Gets New Plan | Teen Earns Law Degree | Why Hartline Picked USF
5/15/2026
Ted Grellner
15 May
Sponsored by
GOOD MORNING
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
— Tampa and Hillsborough Release Framework for Proposed Rays Stadium
— Pasco’s Gulf Middle School Gets New Improvement Plan After Years of D Grades
Of Interest
— Mississippi Teen Graduates Law School After Becoming CPA at 15
Sports
— Why Brian Hartline Chose USF—and Why College Football Is Paying Attention
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Tampa and Hillsborough Release Framework for Proposed Rays Stadium
A proposed agreement between the Tampa Bay Rays, Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa would commit $967 million in public funding toward a planned $2.3 billion stadium project near the Dale Mabry campus of Hillsborough College.
The non-binding memorandum of understanding was released Thursday ahead of expected votes by county commissioners and Tampa City Council next week. If approved, the deal would represent a major step toward keeping the Rays in Tampa Bay long term.
Rays officials say the timeline is critical because the project depends on securing $150 million in potential state funding tied to redevelopment of the college property. Team leaders warned delays beyond the June 1 target date could jeopardize the plan’s financial viability.
Supporters believe the project could create jobs, housing, and a new entertainment district, while critics continue questioning the scale of taxpayer investment and unresolved infrastructure concerns.
Pasco’s Gulf Middle School Gets New Improvement Plan After Years of D Grades
Florida education officials have approved a contract allowing Tampa-based consulting firm MGT to help improve academic performance at Gulf Middle School in New Port Richey after the campus received four consecutive D grades.
State law requires districts to submit turnaround plans after repeated low school grades. Pasco County leaders partnered with MGT earlier this year to develop a long-term strategy aimed at improving student achievement and campus performance.
Superintendent John Legg told the State Board of Education that preliminary data suggests Gulf Middle School may already be on track to improve to at least a C grade, with the possibility of reaching an A when official school grades are released later this summer.
Even with signs of progress, district leaders said having a formal improvement plan in place remains critical. Pasco County has also begun a $70 million campus expansion project as part of the broader effort to support the school and surrounding community.
Mississippi Teen Graduates Law School After Becoming CPA at 15
While most teenagers are preparing for high school graduation, Jimmy Chilimigras has already earned a law degree with the highest honors. The Mississippi Gulf Coast native graduated summa cum laude from Loyola Law School at just 18 years old after an extraordinary academic journey.
Chilimigras completed high school at home by age 12, then earned both a college degree and master’s degree in accounting by 14. At 15, he became the youngest person in the United States to pass the four-part CPA exam before entering law school the same year.
During his time at Loyola, he earned five legal concentration certificates in tax, immigration, social justice, technology, and international law while also competing nationally in moot court competitions.
This fall, Chilimigras will attend Northwestern University to pursue an advanced tax law degree before eventually returning to practice law and possibly teach in New Orleans.
Why Brian Hartline Chose USF—and Why College Football Is Paying Attention
It has been nearly six months since Brian Hartline shocked college football by leaving Ohio State to become head coach at the University of South Florida. Now, many around the sport are taking a fresh look at the Bulls program.
During a recent podcast appearance, Hartline said USF appealed to him because of the South’s deep passion for football and the university’s commitment to athletics. He also credited his wife’s support as a major factor in accepting the job.
Hartline arrives with an elite reputation after helping develop six first-round NFL draft picks at Ohio State since 2022. At USF, he has already reshaped the roster, bringing in 41 transfer portal players and 16 freshmen as part of a massive rebuild.
While questions remain about the Bulls’ starting quarterback, Hartline believes success begins with mentality, discipline, and player development—principles he hopes will elevate USF onto the national stage.
Tampa Bay’s Best Live Music | Things to Do in Tampa this W/E | TB Weekend Entertainment Guide |
|---|---|---|
May 8 - May 14 | May 15 - 17 | May 15 - 17 |
Source: cltampa.com | Source: thatssotampa.com | Source: wmnf.org |
Top Events | |
|
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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