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- Issue #654: Jefferson Launches Hospitality Program, Inside Tampa’s Tesla Robotaxi, Craft Brewers Confront Changing Market, Rays Complete Nine-Game Sweep
Issue #654: Jefferson Launches Hospitality Program, Inside Tampa’s Tesla Robotaxi, Craft Brewers Confront Changing Market, Rays Complete Nine-Game Sweep
8/14/2026
Ted Grellner
14 Aug
Sponsored by
GOOD MORNING
Congrats to the Rays for an amazing 9-0 sweep of their West Coast schedule. Looking good for the post season this year!
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
— New Jefferson High Program Opens Doors to Tampa Bay’s Hospitality Industry
— No Driver, No Problem? A Firsthand Ride in Tampa’s Tesla Robotaxi
Of Interest
— Is Tampa Bay’s Craft Beer Boom Going Flat? Brewers Face a Changing Market
Sports
— Nine Games, Nine Wins: Rays Complete Remarkable West Coast Sweep
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New Jefferson High Program Opens Doors to Tampa Bay’s Hospitality Industry
Jefferson High School is giving students a direct pathway into one of Tampa Bay’s largest industries through a new hospitality and tourism magnet program launched in partnership with Visit Tampa Bay.
The program combines courses including marketing and culinary arts with guest speakers, industry mentors and internship opportunities, giving students practical exposure to careers before graduation. Principal Jennifer Canady said opportunities extend well beyond traditional hospitality jobs into areas such as human resources and criminal justice.
The initiative grew from concerns about rebuilding the tourism workforce after the pandemic, when many hospitality employees left the industry. About 250 Jefferson freshmen are currently enrolled, and four classrooms have been converted into specialized hospitality learning spaces.
Sumner High School in Riverview also offers a tourism and hospitality program, with one specialized classroom. Plans call for eventually expanding the partnership to Gaither High School, further connecting Hillsborough students with Tampa Bay employers.
No Driver, No Problem? A Firsthand Ride in Tampa’s Tesla Robotaxi
Tesla’s driverless Robotaxis are now carrying passengers through parts of Tampa, including Tampa Heights, West Tampa and Egypt Lake, using cameras and AI software instead of a human driver.
A Tampa Bay Times reporter tested the service from Armature Works to Trip’s Diner. Her first attempt failed after more than two hours of “high service demand,” but a later ride arrived in about seven minutes. The 12-minute trip cost $9.44, while the return ride cost $10.99.
Once underway, the Robotaxi handled stop signs, traffic, road closures and construction barriers without incident. Safety systems warned the passenger to buckle her seatbelt, prevented movement with doors open and could automatically pull over and contact support.
The rides ultimately felt smooth and uneventful, but the reporter remained cautious about wait times, severe-weather performance and broader questions about trusting AI-driven vehicles over human rideshare drivers.
Is Tampa Bay’s Craft Beer Boom Going Flat? Brewers Face a Changing Market
Tampa Bay’s once-booming craft beer industry is facing a slowdown as breweries close and consumers rethink how—and how much—they drink. Florida breweries have produced less beer every month in 2026 compared with last year, while Tampa Bay followed the same pattern except in March. Nationwide, craft beer sales fell 4% last year.
The shift comes as only 54% of American adults now report drinking alcohol, a record low, while health-conscious customers increasingly favor lower-alcohol beverages.
Local brewers are responding with lagers, nonalcoholic drinks, ciders and other alternatives, while increasingly relying on concerts, community gatherings and special events to draw customers.
Despite the contraction, brewers remain optimistic. Tampa’s Coppertail Brewing is expanding live entertainment, including a new concert series planned for September, as breweries evolve from places primarily serving beer into broader social destinations.
Nine Games, Nine Wins: Rays Complete Remarkable West Coast Sweep
The Tampa Bay Rays completed one of the most impressive road trips in baseball history Wednesday, defeating the Athletics 8-4 to finish a perfect 9-0 West Coast swing.
Tampa Bay swept three-game series against Colorado, Seattle and the Athletics, becoming only the second East Coast team in MLB history to go 9-0 on a West Coast trip, joining the 1977 Boston Red Sox. The streak also matched the longest road winning streak in Rays franchise history.
Liam Hicks led the offense with three hits and a three-run homer, while Drew Rasmussen earned his fifth consecutive victory despite having his scoreless streak snapped at 22⅔ innings.
The AL-leading Rays improved to 74-46 and scored 30 runs during their three-game sweep of the Athletics.
Tampa Bay now returns home to open a four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles beginning Friday.
Top Events in Tampa Bay this week of: | Best Things to Do in Tampa Bay this weekend | TB Weekend Entertainment Guide | |
|---|---|---|---|
July | August 14-16 | May | |
Source: | Source: | Source: |
Tampa Bay’s Best Live Music Aug 13-20 | |
|
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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