Issue #640: Robotaxis Arrive in Tampa, Orlando | Florida School Shopping Savings Continue | Ellen Harvey Comes to Tampa | USF Scientists Advance Skin Cancer Study

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.) - Sorry - Out of Order

WEATHER 

Local News 

— Tesla Expands Robotaxi Service to Tampa and Orlando

— Florida Families Can Save on Computers, Clothes and School Supplies Through Aug. 20

The Arts

— Internationally Acclaimed Artist Ellen Harvey Brings 25 Years of Work to Tampa

Of Interest

— From Antarctica to Tampa: USF Scientists Explore Promising Skin Cancer Discovery

Tesla Expands Robotaxi Service to Tampa
and Orlando

Tesla has expanded its Robotaxi service to Tampa and Orlando, marking its latest push into Florida ahead of the company's quarterly earnings report. The announcement adds two new cities to Tesla's autonomous ride-hailing network, although the company has not disclosed how many vehicles will operate in either market.

The expansion comes as Tesla continues testing its driverless technology while emphasizing safety. CEO Elon Musk has said rigorous validation remains the biggest hurdle before the company can significantly increase the number of autonomous vehicles on the road.

Industry observers note that Tesla's existing Robotaxi fleet remains relatively small compared with competitors, despite operating in Austin for more than a year. Supporters view the Florida launch as another step toward broader deployment, while critics argue the company must first prove it can safely scale its autonomous fleet.

For Tampa Bay residents, the rollout signals that driverless ride services are beginning to arrive in the region.

Read More: electrek.com

Florida Families Can Save on Computers, Clothes and School Supplies Through Aug. 20

Florida shoppers can now take advantage of the state's month-long Back-to-School Tax Holiday, which runs July 20 through Aug. 20, offering savings on a wide range of school essentials.

Families can purchase personal computers and related accessories priced up to $1,500 tax-free, along with clothing, shoes and accessories costing $100 or less per item. School supplies priced at $50 or less and learning aids and puzzles costing $30 or less also qualify for the sales tax exemption.

Parents across the Tampa Bay area say the annual tax holiday provides meaningful relief as they prepare children for the new school year, especially those with students entering college.

Consumer savings experts recommend shopping at home first to avoid buying supplies you already own. Reusing notebooks, pens, markers and other leftover items can stretch your budget even further while maximizing the savings available during Florida's annual tax-free shopping event.

Read More: fox13news.com

Internationally Acclaimed Artist Ellen Harvey Brings 25 Years of Work to Tampa

The University of South Florida's Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) will present "PICTURE(SQUE): Ellen Harvey Works, 1999–2025" from Aug. 24, 2026, through March 6, 2027, offering visitors a free look at more than two decades of work by the acclaimed Anglo-American artist.

The exhibition features four major bodies of work exploring themes of travel, memory, monuments and history, while encouraging audiences to reconsider humanity's relationship with the places we inhabit. Harvey's art reflects on both lost landscapes and familiar environments, inviting viewers to imagine new possibilities for the future.

Admission is free, and the museum is open Monday through Friday, with extended Thursday evening hours and Saturday afternoons. Located on the USF Tampa campus, the exhibition provides Tampa Bay residents with an opportunity to experience internationally recognized contemporary art without an admission fee throughout its six-month run.

Read More: usf.edu

From Antarctica to Tampa: USF Scientists Explore Promising Skin Cancer Discovery

A University of South Florida research team is continuing groundbreaking work that could one day lead to a new treatment for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Led by USF organic chemistry professor Bill Baker, researchers have spent years studying tiny Antarctic sea creatures known as sea squirts. These organisms contain bacteria that naturally produce a toxic compound capable of killing melanoma cells while leaving healthy human cells unharmed.

Following a six-week Antarctic expedition earlier this year, scientists are now analyzing samples in Baker's USF laboratory. Their efforts recently received a $2.5 million National Institutes of Health grant to continue the research.

Although a treatment is still years away, researchers hope a new partnership with the Joint Genome Institute will help overcome challenges in growing the bacteria in the lab.

The project highlights how discoveries in one of Earth's most remote environments could someday benefit patients around the world.

Read More: fox13news.com

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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