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- Issue #623: Tampa Stadium Conflict Claims, Top Pickleball Star Lives Local, Food Park Planned At Nebraska Site, Dangerous Surf Returns To Gulf Beaches
Issue #623: Tampa Stadium Conflict Claims, Top Pickleball Star Lives Local, Food Park Planned At Nebraska Site, Dangerous Surf Returns To Gulf Beaches
6/19/2026
Ted Grellner
19 Jun
In partnership with
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 Sports Authority Faces Conflict-of-Interest Allegations Over Stadium Decision
— One of the World's Top Pickleball Players Calls Tampa Home
Food
— New Food Park Planned for Former Nebraska Mini-Mart Site in Tampa
Of Interest
— Dangerous Surf Conditions Return to Gulf Coast Beaches Near Tampa Bay
The Wild World of the Van Gogh Truthers
In 1990, after years of practicing medicine and reviewing Van Gogh’s case history via his hundreds of letters, Arenberg published a paper in JAMA diagnosing Van Gogh as suffering not from epilepsy, as the artist’s physician claimed a century earlier, but from Ménière’s disease, an inner-ear affliction that can cause vertigo, of which Van Gogh complained, and tinnitus, a persistent ringing in the ears. Ménière’s, to Arenberg, could better explain Van Gogh’s decision to slice off his ear. After retiring, in 2017, Arenberg recommitted himself to studying Van Gogh and became convinced that art historians had made an even more alarming mistake: Van Gogh had not committed suicide. He’d been murdered.
Read the article for free on Air Mail, a lively digital read for the world citizen, with stories both foreign and domestic that you won’t find anywhere else, written by some of the world’s finest journalists.
Tampa Sports Authority Faces Conflict-of-Interest Allegations Over Stadium Decision
A growing dispute over the future of Tampa Bay sports facilities took another turn this week as Hillsborough County commissioners voted unanimously to pursue a state review of potential ethics concerns involving the Tampa Sports Authority (TSA).
The controversy stems from a June 2 TSA vote supporting upgrades to Raymond James Stadium over efforts to pursue a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. A local attorney and registered lobbyist alleges that four TSA board members had conflicts of interest and should have recused themselves from the decision.
Commissioner Christine Miller said county leaders have a responsibility to forward the allegations to officials with authority to investigate. However, Commissioner Joshua Wostal criticized the move, calling it unnecessary because TSA legal counsel has already concluded no ethics violations occurred.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Ken Hagan questioned whether the TSA vote would have any meaningful impact on future stadium negotiations.
County staff will now prepare formal letters to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the TSA outlining the concerns. Commissioners must approve the final drafts before any letters are sent.
One of the World's Top Pickleball Players Calls Tampa Home
Major League Pickleball is serving up elite competition in St. Petersburg this week, and one of the sport's biggest stars has deep Tampa Bay roots.
Rachel Rohrabacher, a Tampa native ranked No. 7 in the world in both women's doubles and mixed doubles, is competing with the Brooklyn Pickleball Team at the MLP St. Petersburg event held at St. Pete Athletic through June 21.
A former junior tennis standout, Rohrabacher returned to the Tampa area after playing collegiate tennis at the University of South Carolina and earning a master's degree through University of South Florida.
Known for her fiery competitiveness, Rohrabacher has become one of pickleball's fastest-rising stars, earning Major League Pickleball's Most Improved Player award in both 2023 and 2024. She also gained national attention through the Prime Video pickleball docuseries Partners.
Tickets for the St. Petersburg tournament remain available, with fans able to watch many of the sport's top professional players compete throughout the weekend.
New Food Park Planned for Former Nebraska Mini-Mart Site in Tampa
A new outdoor entertainment destination is headed to Seminole Heights as Nebraska Roadside prepares to transform the former Nebraska Mini-Mart property into a family-friendly food park.
The concept, announced this week, will occupy 4815 N. Nebraska Ave. and combine food, drinks, games, entertainment, and social gathering spaces in a largely open-air environment.
Developers describe Nebraska Roadside as a community-focused destination designed for families, friends, and neighborhood gatherings. The project is being designed and branded by Tampa-based Pep Rally Inc., which says the venue will feature a nostalgic 1960s-inspired atmosphere while preserving the character that longtime residents associate with the historic corner.
Renderings show shaded picnic areas, open green space, colorful public art, and a modern pavilion designed for dining and events.
Nebraska Roadside hopes to welcome its first visitors by fall 2026, giving Seminole Heights another unique gathering place in one of Tampa’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.
Dangerous Surf Conditions Return to Gulf Coast Beaches Near Tampa Bay
Beachgoers along Florida's Gulf Coast are being urged to use caution after the National Weather Service issued a high rip current risk for much of the Tampa Bay area on Thursday.
The advisory follows the movement of Tropical Storm Arthur's remnants, which have created hazardous surf conditions from Pinellas County south to Fort Myers. Beaches between Levy and Pasco counties remain under a moderate risk.
Rip currents are fast-moving channels of water that flow away from shore and can quickly carry swimmers into deeper water. According to state data, more than 170 people have died in Florida rip current incidents over the past decade.
Officials recommend checking beach warning flags, swimming near lifeguards, and avoiding rough surf.
If caught in a rip current, experts advise swimmers to remain calm, avoid swimming directly against the current, and move parallel to shore until free. Once out of the current, swimmers can safely angle back toward the beach and signal for assistance if necessary.
Tampa Bay Area Best Live Music Events this week | Things to Do in Tampa Bay this W/E | TB Weekend Entertainment Guide |
|---|---|---|
June 12-18 | June 19-21 | May |
Source: cltampa.com | Source: wmnf.org | Source: |
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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