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- Issue #642: Rays' $2.3B Tampa Vision Advances, Gulf Coast Rip Current Threat Remains, Rare Master Photographs Arrive at FMoPA, Saban Stirs Florida Gators Conversation
Issue #642: Rays' $2.3B Tampa Vision Advances, Gulf Coast Rip Current Threat Remains, Rare Master Photographs Arrive at FMoPA, Saban Stirs Florida Gators Conversation
7/24/2026
Ted Grellner
24 Jul
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.) - Sorry - Out of Order
Local News
— Rays Unveil Vision for Modern Office Hub in Proposed $2.3 Billion Tampa Ballpark District
— High Rip Current Alert Continues Along Florida Gulf Coast After Multiple Beach Rescues
The Arts
— Rare Works by World-Famous Photographers Debut as FMoPA Marks 25th Anniversary
Sports
— Nick Saban's Unexpected Gators Comment Has Florida Fans Buzzing Ahead of 2026
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Rays Unveil Vision for Modern Office Hub in Proposed $2.3 Billion Tampa Ballpark District
The Tampa Bay Rays have released new renderings showcasing the office spaces planned as part of their proposed $2.3 billion "Forever Home" ballpark and mixed-use district in Tampa. The office building would sit just beyond the outfield of the proposed stadium across Dale Mabry Highway from Raymond James Stadium.
The 8-million-square-foot development would include premium office space, retail shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels, residential housing, public gathering areas, and a rebuilt Hillsborough College campus. The master plan is divided into four districts: Champions Quarter, Innovation Edge, The Canopy, and The Row.
While no final funding agreement has been reached, the Rays, Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, and Hillsborough College continue negotiations. Team officials say the project is generating strong interest from Fortune 500 companies and local businesses, envisioning a vibrant, year-round neighborhood designed to fuel economic growth for decades.
High Rip Current Alert Continues Along Florida Gulf Coast After Multiple Beach Rescues
Clearwater Beach lifeguards rescued more than a dozen swimmers over the past several days as dangerous rip currents and rough surf continued to impact Florida's Gulf Coast. Eight rescues were made Tuesday and five more by Wednesday afternoon, prompting officials to urge beachgoers to stay out of the water while red warning flags remain posted.
The National Weather Service has extended a high rip current risk through Thursday evening for coastal areas including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee counties. Although Tropical Storm Bertha is moving away from Florida, lingering Gulf swells continue creating hazardous swimming conditions.
Officials recommend swimming only near staffed lifeguard towers, obeying beach warning flags, and avoiding the water when red flags are flying. Anyone caught in a rip current should remain calm, float, signal for help, and swim parallel to shore rather than against the current.
Rare Works by World-Famous Photographers Debut as FMoPA Marks 25th Anniversary
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) is celebrating its 25th anniversary with free admission on Saturday, July 25, inviting the community to explore one of Tampa's premier cultural attractions in Ybor City.
The celebration coincides with the debut of "Exposure: 25 Years of FMoPA," a special exhibition featuring never-before-displayed photographs from internationally acclaimed artists Sally Mann, Nan Goldin, and Martin Parr, alongside works by respected local photographers including the late Bud Lee, Selina Roman, and David Hall. The exhibition runs through December 6.
Visitors can enjoy complimentary admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., birthday cake, and special remarks at noon. Since opening in 2001, FMoPA has become a leading destination for photographic art, showcasing renowned artists while enriching Tampa Bay's vibrant cultural landscape.
A surprising fact
Many museum curators can no longer tell whether a photograph was taken with a $8,000 Leica, a $6,000 Sony, or the latest iPhone or Google Pixel—unless they're told. The discussion has shifted from what camera was used to whether the image tells a compelling story.
Nick Saban's Unexpected Gators Comment Has Florida Fans Buzzing Ahead of 2026
Former Alabama coaching legend Nick Saban surprised college football fans during SEC Media Days in Tampa by joking that he's now "kind of a semi-Gator." Having become a Florida resident, Saban said his ties to the state—including his friendship with Gov. Ron DeSantis and former University of Alabama president Stuart Bell, now with the University of Florida—have given him a soft spot for the Gators.
Speaking with Florida head coach Jon Sumrall, Saban delivered a lighthearted challenge, telling him to "get your stuff together" or he'd be "in the middle of it." While clearly made in jest, the comments were viewed as an encouraging endorsement of Sumrall and the program.
Florida enters the 2026 season with growing optimism, and Saban's unexpected praise has given Gators fans another reason to believe brighter days may be ahead.
Top Events in Tampa Bay this week of: | Things to Do in Tampa Bay this W/E | TB Weekend Entertainment Guide | |
|---|---|---|---|
July | July 24-26 | May | |
Source: tampabay.com | Source: tampabay28.com | Source: |
Tampa Bay’s Best Live Music July 23-30 | |
|
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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