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- Issue #689: Florida’s First University AI Makerspace, Waymo Enters Wrong-Way Traffic, Wesley Chapel’s Unusual Halloween Attraction, Tampa Bay Rays Eye Gold Gloves
Issue #689: Florida’s First University AI Makerspace, Waymo Enters Wrong-Way Traffic, Wesley Chapel’s Unusual Halloween Attraction, Tampa Bay Rays Eye Gold Gloves
10/15/2026
Ted Grellner
15 Oct
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GOOD MORNING
Dr Ted
USAF Retired
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Local News
— USF Lands $2 Million to Build Florida’s First University AI and Cyber Makerspace
OMG!
— Tampa Waymo Ride Turns Terrifying as Driverless Car Enters Oncoming Traffic
Of Interest
— Inside the Warlock House: Wesley Chapel’s Most Unusual Halloween Attraction
Sports
— Two Tampa Bay Rays Stars Named Finalists for Prestigious Gold Glove Awards
USF Lands $2 Million to Build Florida’s First University AI and Cyber Makerspace
The University of South Florida has secured a $2 million federal grant to establish Florida’s first university-based Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Makerspace, strengthening Tampa Bay’s position as an emerging technology hub.
Funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the facility will operate within USF’s Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.
Students and researchers will gain access to advanced equipment for AI development, cybersecurity testing, hardware experimentation and secure computing. More than 800 students annually could benefit from hands-on learning opportunities involving emerging technologies.
The makerspace will also help researchers develop safer, more reliable AI systems while examining potential cybersecurity threats.
U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee championed the federal funding, helping secure congressional approval.
Beyond campus, the facility will offer opportunities for Tampa Bay businesses and public agencies to explore AI applications, strengthen cybersecurity practices and develop workforce skills through specialized training programs.
Tampa Waymo Ride Turns Terrifying as Driverless Car Enters Oncoming Traffic
A group of college students experienced a frightening ride in Tampa when a Waymo driverless taxi entered a roadway against oncoming traffic following the October 4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers game.
Video posted to TikTok shows passengers shouting in disbelief as the autonomous vehicle apparently failed to recognize a temporary traffic detour. The car eventually stopped, blocking a lane, and the shaken students abandoned the vehicle.
Passenger Matt Reardon shared the incident online, describing the unexpected adventure and capturing the group's alarm as traffic approached from the opposite direction.
Waymo acknowledged the incident, explaining that its vehicle briefly entered a temporary one-way street before correcting its course.
The company emphasized that community safety remains its highest priority and confirmed it is investigating what happened.
The incident raises fresh questions about how autonomous vehicles respond to unexpected traffic patterns, particularly around major sporting events and temporary road closures.
Inside the Warlock House: Wesley Chapel’s Most Unusual Halloween Attraction
One of Wesley Chapel’s most unusual landmarks is welcoming visitors this October as the historic Warlock House opens for guided nighttime tours of its enchanting sculpture gardens.
Built in 1973 by surrealist artist Lewis VanDercar, the eight-acre Quail Hollow property features a distinctive dome home surrounded by handcrafted dragons, gargoyles, wizards and other fantastical creations.
VanDercar, nicknamed the “Warlock of Wesley Chapel,” transformed the property into an artistic sanctuary before his death in 1988. Three generations of his family are now sharing his extraordinary legacy with the community.
Night tours run Tuesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. throughout October. Admission is $10 per person, with online reservations or cash accepted at the entrance.
Despite its mysterious name, this is not a haunted attraction. Visitors can enjoy illuminated sculptures, peaceful gardens and the property's 26 resident peacocks.
Tour information is available at TheWarlockHouse.com.
Two Tampa Bay Rays Stars Named Finalists for Prestigious Gold Glove Awards
Two Tampa Bay Rays standouts have earned recognition among baseball’s elite defenders, with Taylor Walls and Chandler Simpson named finalists for the 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove Awards.
Walls, a shortstop, earned his second consecutive nomination after another impressive defensive season. His 21 Defensive Runs Saved ranked among baseball’s best, although other advanced metrics offered mixed evaluations of his performance.
Simpson, one of MLB’s fastest players, emerged as a defensive force in left field, dramatically improving his range. His Outs Above Average jumped from minus-five in 2025 to plus-eight in 2026, leading all major league left fielders.
Simpson credited his improvement to working closely with Rays outfield instructor Corey Dickerson, particularly on quicker reactions and better jumps.
Gold Glove winners will be announced Sunday, November 1, on ESPN. Managers, coaches and advanced defensive statistics determine the winners, recognizing baseball’s finest fielders at each position.
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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