- NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
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- Issue #648: Port Tampa Bay's New Cruise Hub, Unclaimed TPA Bags Aid Foster Kids, Blood Delivery Drones Take Flight, Rays Land Liam Hicks
Issue #648: Port Tampa Bay's New Cruise Hub, Unclaimed TPA Bags Aid Foster Kids, Blood Delivery Drones Take Flight, Rays Land Liam Hicks
8/5/2026
Ted Grellner
05 Aug
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) - Sorry - Out of Order
Local News
— Historic Banana Docks Site Set for Port Tampa Bay's New Cruise Hub
— 238 Unclaimed Bags From TPA to Help Hillsborough Foster Kids
Of Interest
— Hillsborough Fire Rescue, Tampa General Launch Revolutionary Blood Delivery Drones
Sports
— Rays Add Power Bat, Acquire Liam Hicks in Trade With Marlins
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Historic Banana Docks Site Set for Port Tampa Bay's New Cruise Hub
Port Tampa Bay has begun site preparation for its first new cruise terminal in more than 25 years, marking a major expansion of the region's growing cruise industry. The fourth terminal will be built on the former Metroport site, once home to the historic Banana Docks, where imported fruit arrived through the late 1980s.
Crews are currently restoring and filling more than five acres of land while relocating critical stormwater infrastructure. This phase of construction is expected to continue through late 2026, with the completed terminal targeted to open in 2029.
Once operational, the facility is expected to accommodate more than 200 additional cruise ship calls each year, boosting Port Tampa Bay's annual passenger capacity to over 2 million travelers. Officials estimate the expansion will generate approximately $100 million in additional annual economic impact. A new parking garage is also planned, with architectural renderings expected in the coming months.
238 Unclaimed Bags From TPA to Help Hillsborough Foster Kids
Tampa International Airport has donated 238 unclaimed suitcases, backpacks, strollers, and car seats to Hillsborough County Children's Services, giving foster children a more dignified way to transport their belongings when entering a new home.
The airport's Lost and Found department holds missing luggage for 30 days while attempting to reunite items with their owners. Rather than discarding unclaimed bags, TPA now partners annually with the county after a successful pilot donation of 119 bags last year.
The donations support the county's Duffels of Dignity program, which serves more than 1,000 children currently in foster care. Program leaders say replacing trash bags with quality luggage sends children an important message that they are valued and worthy of care during one of the most difficult transitions in their lives.
Residents can also support the program by donating new or gently used luggage, toiletries, socks, and other personal care items.
Hillsborough Fire Rescue, Tampa General Launch Revolutionary Blood Delivery Drones
Tampa General Hospital and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue plan to launch the nation's first EMS-operated drone system delivering whole blood directly to trauma scenes, pending County Commission approval on September 2. If approved, the program will begin this October, with drones stationed at Fire Stations 9 and 37 covering approximately 70 square miles.
When 911 dispatchers identify severe bleeding, a drone will deliver whole blood in less than three minutes on average, lowering an insulated blood container by tether while first responders begin treatment. Whole blood contains red blood cells, plasma, and platelets in a single unit, allowing critically injured patients to receive a complete transfusion before reaching a hospital.
Officials say the innovative system could significantly improve survival rates by reducing delays in treating life-threatening blood loss. The partnership includes OneBlood, the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, and Archer First Response Systems, which supplies the drones.
Rays Add Power Bat, Acquire Liam Hicks in Trade With Marlins
The Tampa Bay Rays strengthened their lineup by acquiring catcher/first baseman Liam Hicks from the Miami Marlins, sending three promising prospects to Miami in return. The 25-year-old has emerged as one of baseball's better offensive catchers this season, batting .282 with 14 home runs, a .363 on-base percentage, and a 119 wRC+ through 409 plate appearances.
Hicks is expected to platoon behind the plate with Nick Fortes while also providing flexibility at first base. Originally selected by Miami in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft, Hicks has significantly reduced his strikeout rate and developed into a productive everyday hitter against right-handed pitching.
To complete the deal, the Rays parted with infielder Brayden Taylor, shortstop Adrian Santana, and right-handed pitching prospect Jacob Kisting. Tampa Bay hopes Hicks' offensive production and defensive versatility will provide an immediate boost as the club continues its push toward another postseason appearance.
Top Events in Tampa Bay this week of: | Things to Do in Tampa Bay this W/E | TB Weekend Entertainment Guide | |
|---|---|---|---|
July | August 7-9 | May | |
Source: | Source: | Source: |
Tampa Bay’s Best Live Music | |
|
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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