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- Issue #630: $70M MOSI Sports Complex Planned, Florida’s Revolutionary Sites Spotlighted, Missing Dog Returns From New York, Big Ray’s Earns Michelin Seafood Honor
Issue #630: $70M MOSI Sports Complex Planned, Florida’s Revolutionary Sites Spotlighted, Missing Dog Returns From New York, Big Ray’s Earns Michelin Seafood Honor
7/3/2026
Ted Grellner
03 Jul
In partnership with
GOOD MORNING
Wishing a Happy July 4 and 250th Birthday to our country.
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
— $70 Million Sports Complex Set to Transform MOSI Campus and Surrounding Area
Of Interest
— Florida’s Revolutionary Past: Four Historic Sites Worth Visiting During America’s 250th
OMG!
— Missing Florida Dog Found 1,000 Miles Away Near New York Finally Returns Home
Food
— Tampa’s Big Ray’s Fish Camp Named One of America’s Best Seafood Shacks by Michelin
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$70 Million Sports Complex Set to Transform MOSI Campus and Surrounding Area
The Hillsborough County Commission voted unanimously to begin negotiations on a $70 million indoor tournament field house planned for the Museum of Science & Industry campus in northeast Tampa. The 178,000-square-foot facility would anchor a broader redevelopment effort expected to generate as much as $2 billion in investment.
County leaders envision a new entertainment and tourism district featuring a hotel, restaurants, attractions and other amenities surrounding MOSI and the future USF stadium area.
Museum officials emphasized that MOSI is not receiving the $70 million funding and will not operate the sports facility. Instead, the county-owned project is designed to complement the museum and attract new visitors.
The plan also includes renovations to the adjacent MOSI West building. While construction could create temporary disruptions, museum leaders say MOSI will remain open throughout the estimated two-year building process.
Florida’s Revolutionary Past: Four Historic Sites Worth Visiting During America’s 250th
When Americans think about the Revolutionary War, they usually picture Boston, Philadelphia, or Yorktown — not Florida. Yet the Sunshine State played a fascinating role in the conflict, even though most Floridians at the time remained loyal to Britain.
History enthusiasts can still visit several sites tied to the Revolutionary era. In St. Augustine, the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, housed British troops and Patriot prisoners during the war.
Nearby, the Governor’s House Cultural Center & Museum features a new exhibit highlighting East Florida’s role in the Revolution.
In Jacksonville, visitors can explore Thomas Creek Battlefield, the site of the war’s southernmost battle in 1777.
Meanwhile, in Pensacola, Fort George marks the location where Spanish forces defeated the British in 1781, helping shift the course of the war.
Together, these landmarks preserve a little-known chapter of America’s founding story.
Missing Florida Dog Found 1,000 Miles Away Near New York Finally Returns Home
A Florida family is celebrating after their beloved dog Apollo returned home following an extraordinary journey spanning more than 1,000 miles.
The 13-year-old dog disappeared from his family's home in Ocala in April, leaving owner Nicholas Josey worried but hopeful that Apollo would eventually be found.
Months later, Apollo unexpectedly surfaced at a police station on Long Island, New York, baffling both his family and authorities. Josey traveled to New York on Friday to bring his longtime companion back to Florida.
"I had no doubt the whole time he'd make it back home," Josey told WKMG. "It's just mind-blowing that he was all the way in New York."
The family still has no explanation for how Apollo ended up so far from home. Despite the mystery, they're simply grateful for his safe return.
Now back in Florida, Apollo is preparing for another milestone as the family plans to celebrate his 14th birthday in August.
Read More: mor-tv.com ← checkout accompanying video story
Tampa’s Big Ray’s Fish Camp Named One of America’s Best Seafood Shacks by Michelin
A beloved Tampa seafood spot is making waves nationwide after Big Ray’s Fish Camp was named one of America’s best seafood shacks by the prestigious Michelin Guide.
The Ballast Point restaurant joined a select group of celebrated seafood destinations across the country following a feature highlighting standout casual seafood eateries. The recognition builds on Big Ray’s growing reputation after earning Michelin’s “recommended” designation in both 2025 and 2026.
Michelin described the restaurant as a “beachy gem” and singled out several customer favorites, including its smoked fish dip, shrimp corn dogs, key lime pie, and doughnuts.
Chef and owner Nick Cruz called the honor “incredibly meaningful,” noting that being recognized alongside some of the nation’s most iconic seafood restaurants is both humbling and rewarding.
The latest accolade further elevates Tampa’s culinary profile and shines a national spotlight on one of the city’s most popular locally owned seafood restaurants.
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 | Source: |
Tampa Bay’s Best Things to do this week of July 4 | |
|
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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