Issue #163: Discover Summer Fun at Glazer Museum, Pasco Landfill Update & Busch Gardens’ New Coaster

07/22/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
22 Jul

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GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

— Tampa's Glazer Children’s Museum: A Perfect Summer Day Out

— Pasco Landfill's Future in Jeopardy Following State Inspection

Of Interest

— Busch Gardens Tampa Debuts Record-Breaking 'Phoenix Rising' Coaster

Sports

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers High School Football Media Day 2024: Key Insights

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Tampa's Glazer Children’s Museum: A Perfect Summer Day Out

With three weeks left of summer, the Glazer Children’s Museum in downtown Tampa offers engaging indoor activities for kids. Located near the Straz Center and the Tampa Museum of Art, it hosts the “Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit” through September 8.

The museum features activities for children up to 10 years old. Highlights include “Tugboat Tots,” a working farm exhibit, and the “Safety Village.” The third floor houses “Big John,” the world’s largest triceratops fossil.

After exploring, enjoy a ride on the Pirate Water Taxi at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Opened in 2010, the 53,000-square-foot museum was funded by a $22 million campaign and a significant donation from the Glazer Family Foundation.

Located at 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, a “Playmaker Membership” offers 12 months of play for up to six members. Visit GlazerMuseum.org or call (813) 443-3861 for more information.

Pasco Landfill's Future in Jeopardy Following State Inspection

Environmental regulators are poised to deny Coastal Landfill Disposal's permit extension, jeopardizing the Hudson-based landfill. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) issued a draft notice stating the landfill failed to comply with state regulations, citing improper waste disposal and water quality breaches. This follows a long-standing dispute with neighbor DCH Timber, who recently sued the landfill for over $50,000 in damages.

The FDEP’s notice, posted with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, indicates the agency's shift in stance after discovering violations during a June 14, 2024, inspection. The landfill operator, represented by attorney Michael Dutko, Jr., disputes the findings and plans to appeal, emphasizing the landfill's essential community service.

Scott McLaren, attorney for DCH Timber, praised the FDEP's draft decision, hoping it will halt the landfill's operations. The dispute, dating back to 2009, includes claims of groundwater contamination and trespassing by the landfill. Coastal Landfill also seeks to amend its permit with Pasco County to expand the landfill's height.

One particularly striking and little-known fact about landfills is that they can sometimes be a significant source of renewable energy. Modern landfills are designed to capture methane gas produced by the decomposition of organic waste. This methane can then be converted into electricity, heat, or even vehicle fuel through a process called landfill gas-to-energy (LFGTE).

In fact, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the methane captured from landfills in the United States alone can power hundreds of thousands of homes each year. This not only helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also transforms what is typically considered waste into a valuable resource.

Busch Gardens Tampa Debuts Record-Breaking 'Phoenix Rising' Coaster

The atmosphere in Pantopia at Busch Gardens Tampa is buzzing with new excitement as the 'Phoenix Rising' roller coaster opened to the public on Sunday.

The roller coaster, featuring immersive onboard audio, offers a thrilling experience as riders soar over the park. Erick Elliot, VP of Design and Engineering, highlighted the unique aspect of the ride's live audio soundtrack, which enhances the overall experience.

Riders reach a maximum height of 80 feet before experiencing twists and turns at speeds of up to 44 mph. Elliot expressed his satisfaction with the positive guest feedback and excitement witnessed since the opening.

The 'Phoenix Rising' has a minimum height requirement of 42 inches, making it accessible to more children, ensuring a fun experience for the whole family.

Located in Pantopia, this new attraction is now the tallest and longest inverted family roller coaster in North America, and it marks the park's tenth coaster.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers High School Football Media Day 2024: Key Insights

As the 2024 high school football season approaches, with official practices starting on July 29th, excitement is building across the Tampa Bay region. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Foundation and FlaHSFootball.com hosted the Tampa Bay High School Football Kickoff Media Day at the AdventHealth Training Center, where over 60 teams gathered. Here are two (of 5) key takeaways from the event:

1. Anticipation for Armwood vs. Plant Showdown The rivalry between Armwood and Plant High Schools is set to reignite on September 27th at Dad's Stadium. This marquee matchup features Plant’s Waltez Clark, a Florida commit, against Armwood’s Tyler Williams, a Georgia commit. With such high-caliber talent and experienced coaching on both sides, this game promises to be a highlight of the Hillsborough County high school football season.

2. Abundance of Quarterback Talent in Hillsborough-Pinellas The Tampa Bay region boasts a wealth of quarterback talent heading into the 2024 season. Notable names include Jesuit’s Will Griffin, a 4-star Florida commit, CCC's Jershaun Newton, an Illinois commit, and several others from Plant City, Tarpon Springs, Plant, Alonso, and St. Petersburg. These players are poised to make significant impacts on their respective teams.

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