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  • Issue #697: Historic King Tides Spare Tampa | World Series Crowds Pack Airport | USF Launches Free AI Training | Caminero Hobbles, Rays Stay Alive

Issue #697: Historic King Tides Spare Tampa | World Series Crowds Pack Airport | USF Launches Free AI Training | Caminero Hobbles, Rays Stay Alive

10/29/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
29 Oct

In partnership with

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GOOD MORNING
Yes, the Caminero story is a day old but if you watched the whole game the night before, you understand why this is still a good story.

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

 
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

— Tampa Bay Dodges Major Flooding as Historic King Tides Hit Florida

— World Series Fever Sends Tampa Airport Passenger Traffic Soaring 45%

Of Interest

— From ChatGPT to AI Agents: USF's New Free Course Explains It All

Sports

— Junior Caminero Hobbles Off as Rays Keep World Series Dreams Alive

Tampa Bay Dodges Major Flooding as Historic King Tides Hit Florida

Record-breaking king tides have flooded streets, homes, and businesses across South Florida, but Tampa Bay is expected to escape serious impacts, according to National Weather Service meteorologists.

In Miami and Fort Lauderdale, water levels surged 2½ feet above normal high tide, causing major flooding. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay's tides are forecast to rise only about one foot above normal over the next three days.

The difference comes down to wind direction. Strong Atlantic winds are pushing water inland along Florida's east coast, while easterly winds along the Gulf Coast are pushing water offshore, reducing flooding risks.

Forecasters expect no significant coastal flooding or warnings for Tampa Bay, although the highest tides will occur overnight.

King tides happen when the Earth, moon, and sun align, producing unusually high water levels. Scientists warn these events also provide a preview of future coastal flooding as sea levels continue rising.

World Series Fever Sends Tampa Airport Passenger Traffic Soaring 45%

The Tampa Bay Rays’ World Series appearance is creating an unexpected travel boom at Tampa International Airport, drawing baseball fans from across the country and around the world.

Airport officials anticipate 75,000 to 80,000 passengers daily, compared with approximately 55,000 during a typical October, representing an increase of up to 45%.

Fans are arriving from destinations as distant as Japan, while others are flying in from Philadelphia and Milwaukee to witness the Rays battle the Brewers for baseball’s championship.

Some visitors are spending thousands of dollars on airfare, hotels, and meals, even for trips lasting just one or two days.

The surge is particularly welcome during September and October, traditionally among Tampa International's slowest travel months.

Airport officials are preparing for another wave of passengers as the series concludes and fans head home, highlighting the economic and tourism impact of Tampa Bay's championship run.

From ChatGPT to AI Agents: USF's New Free Course Explains It All

The University of South Florida has launched a free, one-hour online course designed to help anyone understand artificial intelligence and use it responsibly. No technical background or previous AI experience is required.

Developed by USF professor John Licato, “AI, Agents, LLMs, Prompting and More” explores how AI systems work, why they sometimes produce inaccurate information, and how users can evaluate their responses.

The self-paced course includes four modules covering AI agents, large language models, hallucinations, privacy concerns, and effective prompting techniques.

It builds on USF's popular “AI Whisperer” course, which attracted more than 13,000 enrollments earlier this year. USF's five public AI microcourses have collectively generated over 30,000 enrollments worldwide.

Participants must complete the course by January 31, 2027. Enrollment is free, with an optional digital achievement badge available for $29.

Junior Caminero Hobbles Off as Rays Keep World Series Dreams Alive

24hr old story-still a good one

The Tampa Bay Rays kept their World Series hopes alive with a dramatic 4-3, 12-inning victory over Milwaukee, but the celebration came with an injury scare involving star third baseman Junior Caminero.

Trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the 12th, Caminero reached first on a throwing error but appeared injured while running. He advanced to third before manager Kevin Cash replaced him with Cedric Mullins, who subsequently scored the tying run.

Ben Williamson delivered the walk-off hit, forcing Game 5 at Tropicana Field Wednesday night.

Despite Caminero's apparent leg injury, Cash expects the 23-year-old slugger to play in Game 5.

Caminero blasted 42 home runs with 101 RBI during the regular season, making him a crucial part of Tampa Bay's offense.

The Rays still trail Milwaukee 3-1 in the series and face a historic challenge: No team has ever overcome a 3-0 World Series deficit.

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