Issue #186: Golf Courses in State Parks? Plus, New Tampa School Grades & USF Football Luncheon Success

08/22/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
22 Aug

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

— Florida's State Parks May Soon Feature Golf Courses, Lodges Amid Push for Recreation Expansion

— New Tampa Schools See Mixed Results in 2023-24 State Grades

The Arts

— Panoramic Migration-Themed Installation Debuts at USF St. Petersburg

Sports

— Fifth Annual USF Football Luncheon Sells Out, Marking Historic Attendance


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Florida's State Parks May Soon Feature Golf Courses, Lodges Amid Push for Recreation Expansion

Florida's state parks might soon see significant changes as the state's environmental agency explores adding more recreational amenities, such as lodges, golf courses, pickleball courts, and disc golf courses.

This initiative, which aims to bolster Florida’s outdoor recreation economy, involves nine state parks, including Honeymoon Island and Hillsborough River in the Tampa Bay area. However, details about the proposed changes are limited, sparking concern among environmental groups about potential threats to sensitive habitats.

Public meetings to discuss these proposals are scheduled for August 27 at various locations across the state.

One particularly striking and little-known fact about state parks is that many of them serve as crucial habitats for endangered species. For example, Myakka River State Park in Florida is home to a variety of rare and endangered species, including the Florida panther and the West Indian manatee. These parks play a vital role in conservation, often protecting ecosystems and species that might otherwise be lost due to urban development and other human activities.

Additionally, some state parks are sites of significant historical or archaeological interest, preserving not only natural beauty but also important cultural heritage.


New Tampa Schools See Mixed Results in 2023-24 State Grades

New Tampa schools received their 2023-24 performance grades, with the Florida Department of Education awarding most schools grades of A to C.

Liberty Middle School notably improved from a B to an A, while Heritage and Tampa Palms Elementary Schools dropped from A to B. Despite the changes, Tampa Palms Elementary principal Angela Gluth highlighted significant student growth, especially in math and science, not fully reflected in the state’s grading system.

Five schools, including Benito Middle, maintained their A status, with Benito consistently earning this grade since 2002. Principal Brent Williams credited the school’s success to a strong team effort and the school’s new Cambridge Lower Secondary designation, which enhances academic opportunities. Hillsborough County Schools retained their overall B rating, as they have since 2016.

Read More: neighborhoodnewsonline.net — see article for table of all New Tampa School grades

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Panoramic Migration-Themed Installation Debuts at USF St. Petersburg

The USF Contemporary Art Museum (USFCAM) is showcasing MARE MAGNVM, a panoramic video installation by Edison Peñafiel, at the GENERATOR space on the St. Petersburg campus. The exhibit features 14 boats crossing a monochromatic sea, each filled with characters representing the struggles of displaced individuals. The installation, running from August 24 to October 27, reflects Peñafiel's personal migration experience from Ecuador.

The name MARE MAGNVM, Latin for "Great Sea," evokes historical and cultural references to migration and displacement. The work uses found objects like wood, oil drums, and tires to construct the boats, creating a powerful commentary on the cyclical nature of migration. This is the second major installation at GENERATOR, following the debut by the Danish collective SUPERFLEX in 2023.

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Fifth Annual USF Football Luncheon Sells Out, Marking Historic Attendance

The Fifth Annual USF Football Kickoff Luncheon, set for August 22 at Armature Works in Tampa, has sold out, attracting over 600 attendees, the largest crowd in its history.

The event, running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., kicks off the highly anticipated 2024 USF Football season. Head Coach Alex Golesh and the entire team will welcome fans and provide insights into the upcoming season, which includes major home games against Miami, Memphis, and Navy, as well as a rematch with Alabama.

Former USF linebacker Sam Barrington will host the luncheon, featuring season previews and remarks from USF Officials.

Attendees will enjoy meeting the players, previewing the 2024 stadium run-out video, and photo ops with Rocky the Bull. The Bulls, returning 19 starters, open their season on August 31 at Raymond James Stadium against Bethune-Cookman.

Tampa Bay Area Concerts & Events

8/23 - 8/25

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The Ultimate Tampa Bay Summer Market Guide 

Saturday Night at the Krate: FleetwoodMax (great tribute band)
© 2024 Ted Grellner

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