Issue #635: Kids Build STEM Skills This Summer, Nine New Wiregrass Stores Arrive, Hero Road Ranger Lost On I-75, USF Stars Drafted

7/14/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
14 Jul

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.) - Out of Order

Local News 

— Team Duct Tape Turns Summer Break Into Hands-On STEM Adventure

— The Shops at Wiregrass Welcomes Nine New Stores as Major Expansion Takes Shape

OMG

— Pasco Road Ranger Killed While Protecting Crash Scene on I-75

Sports

— Three USF Baseball Players Selected in 2026 MLB Draft

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Team Duct Tape Turns Summer Break Into Hands-On STEM Adventure

A longtime Tampa youth robotics team is inspiring the next generation of engineers through its first-ever summer camp, combining hands-on STEM education with fundraising for the upcoming competition season.

Team Duct Tape, a community-based robotics organization entering its 19th year, welcomed campers to learn the fundamentals of robot design and engineering. Participants explored 3D modeling, 3D printing, motors, servos and problem-solving techniques while building skills used in real-world robotics competitions.

Based at AMRoC Fab Lab in University Mall, the team competes in the FIRST Tech Challenge, where students design, build and program custom robots to compete against teams from across the state.

Team members say robotics teaches persistence and creativity, helping students learn through trial and error while gaining confidence in their abilities.

The camp also serves as a fundraiser for the team's next season. Team Duct Tape is currently seeking mentors, sponsors and new members as it prepares to build another competition robot and continue expanding STEM opportunities for local students.

The Shops at Wiregrass Welcomes Nine New Stores as Major Expansion Takes Shape

The Shops at Wiregrass is expanding its lineup with nine new retailers, restaurants and wellness concepts, giving Wesley Chapel residents even more reasons to visit the popular open-air lifestyle center. The additions follow a major revitalization project completed last year that enhanced gathering spaces, landscaping, fountains and shaded seating throughout the property.

Several newcomers are already open, including Drybar, LaserAway, OddFellows Ice Cream Co., Portland Leather Goods and FACE FOUNDRIÉ. Notably, Portland Leather Goods chose Wiregrass for its first Florida location.

More high-profile brands are on the way. Kendra Scott, lululemon, Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine and Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café are all expected to open soon, though exact dates have not yet been announced.

The center now features more than 100 brands, boutiques and eateries and continues to evolve into a community gathering place. Existing tenants are also growing, with Monster Games reopening in a permanent location, Nikki's Glitz & Glam Boutique expanding, and Fan Outfitters rebranding as Lids. Additional announcements are expected in the coming months.

Pasco Road Ranger Killed While Protecting Crash Scene on I-75

A tragic crash on Interstate 75 in Pasco County claimed the life of a young Florida Department of Transportation Road Ranger who was working to protect motorists and first responders at an earlier accident scene.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, FDOT Road Rangers responded to a crash near mile marker 274 on I-75 around 8:28 p.m. Sunday. While setting up a lane closure, a 24-year-old Brandon man was outside his vehicle when an Acura MDX drove between two Road Ranger vehicles and struck him.

The Road Ranger suffered fatal injuries at the scene.

FHP said the driver, 40-year-old Darren Christopher Jenkins of Bradenton, was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter. Investigators reported he later provided a breath sample measuring 0.334, more than four times Florida’s legal limit.

FDOT called the loss heartbreaking, noting that Road Rangers have provided more than 6.1 million roadside assists since 2000 while helping keep Florida’s highways safe for travelers and emergency responders.

Three USF Baseball Players Selected in 2026
MLB Draft

The University of South Florida continued its recent baseball resurgence by producing three selections in the 2026 MLB Draft, marking the second consecutive year multiple Bulls have heard their names called.

Outfielder Ryan Pruitt led the way, going to the Houston Astros in the ninth round after pacing the Bulls in games played, at-bats and runs scored during the 2026 season. Pitcher Edwin Alicea followed in the 14th round to the Detroit Tigers, finishing the year as USF's strikeout leader with 60 strikeouts.

The Los Angeles Dodgers selected reliever Ethan Sutton in the 16th round after he emerged as the Bulls' top bullpen arm, recording nine saves and earning national recognition on the NCBWA Midseason Stopper of the Year Watch List.

Adding to the program's success, catcher Lance Trippel signed a free-agent contract with the Tigers following the draft.

The selections bring USF's total to six MLB Draft picks over the last two years, underscoring the program's growing momentum under head coach Mitch Hannahs.

Top Events in Tampa Bay this week of:

Things to Do in Tampa Bay this W/E

TB Weekend Entertainment Guide

July 13

July 10-12

May

Source: tampabay.com

Source: tampabay28.com

Source:

Tampa Bay’s Best Things to do this week of July
Source:

 
Things to do Around Pasco this coming week:
6/ - 6/
Source:


Things to do Around
Tampa & WC
7/16- 7/22
Source:
tampabaybeacons.com

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