Issue #663: Tampa Students Face Required AI Class, Bahama Breeze Exits, RUSH Returns After 11 Years, Rays Stay While Orlando Dreams

9/1/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
01 Sep

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) - Sorry - Out of Order

Local News 

— University of Tampa Makes Generative AI Class Mandatory for All Students

Food

— End of an Era: Bahama Breeze to Disappear as Tampa Bay Locations Become Yard House

Entertainment

— RUSH Returns to Tampa for Two Shows on First Tour in 11 Years

Sports

— Rays Staying in Tampa, but Orlando Dreamers Say Their MLB Quest Is Far From Over

University of Tampa Makes Generative AI Class Mandatory for All Students

The University of Tampa is making artificial intelligence literacy part of every student’s education, replacing its required basic computer coding course with a new class focused on generative AI and emerging technologies.

Beginning this fall, all students must complete the one-credit online course, typically during their sophomore year. Rather than simply teaching students how to operate AI tools, the curriculum emphasizes judgment — including verifying AI-generated information, recognizing inaccuracies, protecting privacy and using AI ethically.

Students will also learn to communicate with professors about acceptable AI use on individual assignments, particularly because UTampa does not have a single campus-wide AI policy.

The move reflects a growing emphasis on preparing graduates for an AI-influenced workplace. Saint Leo University is also introducing mandatory AI training this fall, requiring digital fluency coursework alongside students’ traditional majors. Administrators say such programs are increasingly important for workforce readiness.

It's Here: Pique's New Caffeine-Free Afternoon Energy

I quit my afternoon coffee. Not because I wanted to — because I found something better.

You know that wall you hit every day around 2–3 PM? I used to just accept it as the cost of doing anything. Another coffee, a quick spike, then the crash — and somehow I'd still feel dehydrated by dinner.

Then I tried X·E Fountain, Pique's brand-new electrolyte energy drink, and I genuinely wasn't ready for how good "no crash" could feel.

No caffeine jitters. No 4 PM slump. Just clean, steady energy that actually hydrates me instead of draining me. It's built with a premium Vitamin B Complex for natural cellular energy, Magnesium Malate + Taurate for real focus, and a full electrolyte blend that makes it feel like a treat, not a chore.

The cucumber-celery-lime flavor is so crisp and refreshing — it's basically stolen my afternoon coffee slot completely.

End of an Era: Bahama Breeze to Disappear as Tampa Bay Locations Become Yard House

Bahama Breeze, the Caribbean-inspired restaurant chain known for tropical drinks, seafood and island-themed dining, is preparing to disappear after three decades. Parent company Darden Restaurants says all remaining Bahama Breeze locations will close by May 2027, ending the brand’s 30-year run.

The decision has a direct Tampa Bay impact. The Lutz/Wesley Chapel location is scheduled to close Nov. 7 and reopen as Yard House, while the Tampa location will close in February 2027 and also become a Yard House.

Darden previously said Bahama Breeze was “no longer a strategic priority” and believes the restaurant properties can perform better under other brands in its portfolio.

Other remaining locations across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina will be converted into Yard House, Chuy’s, Olive Garden or Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. Darden says it plans to place as many affected employees as possible in other company restaurants.

Rock The Park Celebrates 16 Years of Free Music in Downtown Tampa

One of downtown Tampa’s longest-running live music traditions is celebrating a milestone as Rock The Park marks its 16th anniversary Thursday, Sept. 3, at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

The free First Thursday concert series has become a fixture of Tampa’s local music scene, bringing emerging and established Bay Area performers to the downtown waterfront each month.

The anniversary lineup features Saints of Saturn, soulful Tampa Bay singer-songwriter Sunde, and newer act Maryn Alyse, giving audiences a mix of local sounds and rising talent.

As always, admission is free, and families are encouraged to bring children, pets and blankets for an evening of live music beneath the downtown Tampa skyline.

After 16 years, Rock The Park remains a showcase for homegrown musicians and a gathering place for the community. The anniversary concert continues that tradition while highlighting another generation of artists helping shape Tampa Bay’s evolving music scene.

Rays Staying in Tampa, but Orlando Dreamers Say Their MLB Quest Is Far From Over

The Tampa Bay Rays’ new stadium agreement may have ended Orlando’s hopes of luring the team, but the Orlando Dreamers say their pursuit of Major League Baseball is far from over.

The group is now focusing on landing a team through MLB expansion or a future relocation. Commissioner Rob Manfred has discussed adding two franchises before his planned retirement in 2029, potentially creating an opportunity for Orlando.

The Dreamers say their effort is backed by more than $2 billion in private investment commitments and tout Central Florida’s booming population, corporate support and more than 80 million annual visitors.

Meanwhile, Hillsborough County commissioners recently approved nearly $796 million toward the Rays’ proposed new Tampa stadium on Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus.

Orlando’s proposal includes a domed stadium and entertainment district near International Drive, although critics have questioned plans seeking $975 million in hotel-tax funding for the project.

Top Events in Tampa Bay this week of:

Best Things to Do in Tampa Bay this weekend

TB Weekend Entertainment Guide

August

August

May

Source:

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Tampa Bay’s Best Live Music

Aug
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Things to do Around Pasco this weekend:
Sept 3-9
Source:
tampabaybeacons.com
Things to do Around
Tampa & WC
8/27- 9/2
Source:
tampabaybeacons.com

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