Issue #151: Local Arts Hit by Budget Cuts, Tampa-Mexico City Flights, Uber's Elite Driver Program, USF Athletics Triumphs

07/04/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
04 Jul

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GOOD MORNING

As a supporter of the local arts programs, I was shocked to read of the budget cuts from the State of Florida to arts programs. Please continue to support our arts organizations to keep them viable until this funding problem can be rectified.

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

 Local News

— Local Arts Organizations Scramble After Major Budget Cuts

— Tampa Airport Launches Daily Nonstop Flights to Mexico City

Of Interest

— Exclusive Ride Requests Coming to Uber's Best Drivers in New Pilot

Sports

— Championship Glory: USF Athletics’ Unforgettable 2023-24 Season

🎵  Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

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Local News Brought to You By:
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Local Arts Organizations Scramble After Major Budget Cuts

Governor Ron DeSantis’s veto of $32 million in arts and culture funding has left Tampa Bay’s arts community in turmoil. Organizations like the Academy of Ballet Arts and Jobsite Theater now face severe financial shortfalls. The Academy of Ballet Arts, expecting $28,000, must find alternative funding to pay its instructors.

Margaret Murray of Creative Pinellas noted that smaller organizations will feel the impact most, while larger entities like the Tampa Museum of Art also suffer significant losses. Markus Gottschlich of ArtsXchange fears that these cuts will lead to a loss of cultural diversity in the region.

David Jenkins of Jobsite Theater faces a $33,000 budget gap, forcing staff pay cuts and a reduction in cast size for future productions. The theater must also scale back its community outreach programs, limiting access to the arts for underserved populations. This crisis underscores the financial struggles of artists and the increasing inaccessibility of cultural programs for many Floridians.

Tampa Airport Launches Daily Nonstop Flights to Mexico City

Tampa International Airport now offers daily nonstop flights to Mexico City via Aeromexico. The service, launched on Monday, utilizes Embraer E190 aircraft, accommodating 99 passengers, including 11 in the premium cabin. This new route is expected to generate $70 million annually for the local economy. 

Previously, Tampa lacked direct flights to Mexico City, making this a significant milestone. TPA CEO Joe Lopano expressed enthusiasm for the new connection, and Aeromexico’s VP of Sales, Jose Zapata, emphasized the airline’s commitment to strengthening ties between Mexico and the U.S. Flights can be booked on Aeromexico's website, providing travelers easy access to Mexico's capital.

One unexpected and striking fact about cultural arts funding is that it significantly impacts local economies beyond just the arts sector.

Studies have shown that every dollar invested in arts funding can generate up to seven dollars in economic activity. This includes increased revenue for local businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and retail stores due to the influx of visitors attending cultural events.

Also, cultural arts funding often leads to job creation, both directly within the arts organizations and indirectly through related industries.

This economic ripple effect highlights the broader value of investing in the arts, showcasing how it can bolster community development and economic vitality.

Exclusive Ride Requests Coming to Uber's Best Drivers in New Pilot

Uber is introducing Advantage Mode, a pilot program to offer higher earnings and exclusive ride requests to top-rated drivers. Rolling out next month, the program will be available in Tampa July 11th-15th:

Advantage Mode Details

Eligible drivers in Advantage Mode will earn 5% more on UberX and other non-premium rides and receive more exclusive ride requests.

Drivers not meeting qualification criteria will be in Standard Mode, with fewer exclusive requests and no additional earnings.

Driving Insights Dashboard

In mid-July, drivers in pilot markets will see a new Driving Insights dashboard, powered by Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), providing data on driving habits. This score will be required for Advantage Mode eligibility starting September 2nd.

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Championship Glory: USF Athletics’ Unforgettable 2023-24 Season

The 2023-24 season was a banner year for USF Athletics, marked by numerous championships and national recognition.

Under Coach Alex Golesh, the football team achieved a remarkable turnaround, finishing 7-6 and winning the Boca Raton Bowl. Men's basketball, led by Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, claimed the AAC regular-season championship and set several program records. The track and field team captured both AAC indoor and outdoor championships, while men's and women's golf teams advanced to NCAA Regionals for the first time together. Volleyball and women's soccer also enjoyed successful seasons, with volleyball reaching the Fab 4 in the National Invitation Volleyball Championships. Academically, USF athletes achieved the highest cumulative GPAs in the department's history and a record 87% graduation rate. The overall success of USF athletics reflects a bright future, driven by strong support and a commitment to excellence.

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