Issue #138: Juneteenth Events, Brightline News & Olympic Trials in Tampa Bay

06/17/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
17 Jun

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Hopefully everyone who celebrated Father’s Day enjoyed their day and the good, though hot, weather.

Have a great day!

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

 Local News

— Juneteenth in Tampa: A Weeklong Celebration of Freedom and Heritage

— Brightline Expansion to Tampa: A Solution for I-4's Traffic Woes

Of Interest

— No Buc-ee’s for Tampa: Tiny Kentucky Town Scores Big

Sports

⚾ MLB All Star Ballot

🏊 Tampa Bay Swimmers Compete in Olympic Trials This Weekend

🎵  Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

Events Brought to You By:
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Month’s Events in the NewTampa Wesley Chapel Live Events Calendar

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Local News Brought to You By:

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Juneteenth in Tampa: A Weeklong Celebration of Freedom and Heritage

Tampa Bay is hosting a series of events leading up to and on Juneteenth, celebrating the end of slavery in the United States.

The events include a 5K walk/run, a festival in St. Petersburg, a gospel and fashion show, painting sessions, musical performances, science talks, cultural fests, block parties, skating, bowling, film screenings, and online open mic sessions.

These activities aim to promote community health, celebrate Black culture and history, and provide entertainment and networking opportunities.

Read More: wfla.com - to here to see large list of events

Brightline Expansion to Tampa: A Solution for I-4's Traffic Woes

Regional transportation boards in Tampa Bay and Orlando are urging the state to fund the expansion of passenger rail services like Brightline and Amtrak along I-4 to alleviate severe congestion and frequent crashes.

Forward Pinellas Executive Director White Blanton emphasized the need for investment in passenger rail to modernize Florida's transportation system, which currently focuses heavily on highways.

Hillsborough County's Johnny Wong highlighted the importance of integrating new rail services with existing transit options, particularly in rapidly developing areas like Ybor City.

A planned mobility study will explore accommodating a passenger rail stop and improving connections to key destinations such as the airport and beaches.

While the resolution does not mandate immediate action, it strongly calls for state funding to support Brightline's expansion. Despite a recent $50 million funding request stalling, Governor DeSantis has indicated the state is reserving space for train service on I-4 but will not provide direct grants to Brightline.

No Buc-ee’s for Tampa: Tiny Kentucky Town Scores Big

Unraveling Tampa's Underground

 The world's largest Buc-ee's is set to open soon in Florida, but it's not in Tampa—it's in Ocala. This massive convenience store will boast 120 gas pumps and 28 EV charging stations, claiming the title of the world's largest. However, while Tampa still waits for its own Buc-ee's, a much smaller town is getting one first.

The fourth Florida Buc-ee’s is currently under construction in North St. Lucie County, off I-95 on Indrio Road near Fort Pierce. For Tampa residents, this location is still a 2.5-hour drive away. But the real surprise is the Buc-ee’s opening in Smiths Grove, Kentucky, a town with only 800 residents. This store will feature 120 gas pumps—one for every seven residents—making Smiths Grove the smallest town in America to have a Buc-ee’s.

Despite the excitement, Tampa’s Buc-ee’s fans remain frustrated. Discussions about potential locations have pointed to areas near Dover, Plant City, or Lakeland as ideal spots. For now, Tampa continues to dream of its own Buc-ee’s, while Smiths Grove basks in the beaver nugget glory.

Does Your Business Have an Interesting Story to Tell?  

MLB All Star Ballot

Vote Your Favorite (Rays) Player!

Tampa Bay Swimmers Compete in Olympic Trials This Weekend

This weekend, several swimmers from the Tampa Bay area will compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials, joining over 1,000 athletes hoping to secure a spot on Team USA for the 2024 Olympics.

USA Swimming will select its roster during the nine-day event, featuring both returning competitors and first-time participants, as stated by Team USA. Among the competitors, a number of swimmers from local cities are already making waves.

Read More: wfla.com - see article for event times for our athletes

Future Business Directory:
(Logos of local businesses w/links to their websites)

Things to Do Brought to You By:
 NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

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