Issue #626: Destin Conrad Earns National Buzz, Tampa Fee Frustrates Diners, Breeze Adds Flights, USF Star Nelson Heads To Magic

6/26/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
26 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 Native Destin Conrad Blends Jazz and R&B While Earning National Recognition

OMG!

— Unexpected 3% Restaurant Fee at Tampa Eatery Sparks Customer Complaints

Of Interest

— Breeze Adds New Tampa Flights as Florida Becomes Nearly Half Its Network

Sports

— USF Star Izaiyah Nelson Drafted by Orlando Magic After Historic Season

$1.1 Billion in Art Sold in Less Than Three Hours

A single evening only brought in $1 billion at auction one other time, Paul Allen’s estate in 2022.

Christie’s May 18 evening sale was headlined by:

  • Pollock: $181.2M, nearly 3x his previous record

  • Brancusi: $107.6M, second highest sculpture price ever

  • Rothko: $98.4M, a new record for the artist

Obvious outliers, but the evening capped a spring auction season that totaled $2.5 billion (roughly 2x last year). This follows a Q1’26 that saw the postwar contemporary art market grow 23.1%.

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*According to Masterworks data. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Investing involves risk. See important disclosures at masterworks.com/cd

Tampa Native Destin Conrad Blends Jazz and R&B While Earning National Recognition

Tampa native Destin Conrad says his latest album, wHIMSY, reflects his commitment to pushing creative boundaries. The 26-year-old Grammy nominee and BET Award Best New Artist nominee told WUSF's Florida Matters Live & Local that he intentionally stepped beyond his R&B roots by embracing jazz influences.

Conrad credits Tampa's diverse music scene for shaping his sound, saying the 813's blend of hip-hop, R&B, Latin music and reggae continues to influence his work. His passion for jazz began in high school choir and inspired collaborations with acclaimed musicians on the new album.

After first gaining attention on Vine, Conrad originally planned to become a songwriter before launching his own recording career. Looking ahead, he says he plans to explore dance, reggae and other genres, following his creative instincts rather than fitting into a single musical style.

Read More: wusf.org — great article

Breeze Adds New Tampa Flights as Florida Becomes Nearly Half Its Network

Breeze Airways is dramatically expanding its Florida footprint, adding 38 new routes as the Sunshine State becomes the centerpiece of the airline's growing network.

Nearly half of Breeze's flights this summer will operate to, from or within Florida, a 51% increase over last year. The expansion includes 36 new domestic routes and two international destinations.

For Tampa travelers, the biggest additions are new nonstop service to Nassau, Bahamas, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, along with new domestic flights to Atlantic City and Columbus. Breeze also continues expanding at Fort Lauderdale, where it has added 14 new routes since launching service there last year.

The airline says Florida now accounts for 48% of its entire flight schedule during July and August, underscoring the state's importance to its growth strategy.

The expanded service gives Tampa Bay travelers more nonstop vacation options while strengthening Florida's position as Breeze Airways' largest and fastest-growing market.

Unexpected 3% Restaurant Fee at Tampa Eatery Sparks Customer Complaints

 A Tampa restaurant is drawing attention after a customer discovered an unexpected 3% surcharge on her bill while dining at RO in Hyde Park. The customer said the fee was not listed on the menu and was only explained after she questioned staff.

A visit to nearby restaurants found RO was the only location charging the additional fee. Consumer advocates argue operational costs should be built into menu prices rather than added as separate charges.

Beginning July 1, Florida's SB 606 will require restaurants that impose operations charges, automatic gratuities, or service fees to clearly disclose them on menus, contracts, and online ordering platforms.

RO's parent company, Three Oaks Hospitality, told reporters the surcharge is a "venue fee" specific to that location, but had not provided additional details before publication. Hyde Park Village declined to comment.

USF Star Izaiyah Nelson Drafted by Orlando Magic After Historic Season

University of South Florida standout Izaiyah Nelson is officially NBA-bound after being selected 51st overall in the 2026 NBA Draft and landing with the Orlando Magic through a draft-night trade.

The 6-foot-10 forward capped a remarkable season by leading USF to American Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships and its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2012. Nelson averaged 15.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, recorded 18 double-doubles, led the nation with 89 dunks, and earned American Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year honors.

Magic executives praised Nelson's blue-collar work ethic, athleticism and relentless rebounding, calling him a player who creates winning opportunities beyond the box score. Nelson, USF's first NBA draft pick since 2010, said he planned to arrive at the Magic's practice facility early the very next morning to begin work.

Tampa Bay Area Best Live Music Events this week

Things to Do in Tampa Bay this W/E

TB Weekend Entertainment Guide

June 25- July 9

June 19-21

May

Source: cltampa.com

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