Issue #227: Hurricane Recovery for Artists, Restaurants; Flesh-Eating Bacteria Alert; Rays' Future at Risk

10/18/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
18 Oct

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

— Local Arts Groups Offer Lifeline to Hurricane-Affected Tampa Bay Artists

— Tampa Bay Restaurants Need Our Support After Hurricanes

Of Interest

— Health Officials Warn of Flesh-Eating Bacteria Surge in Florida

Sports

— MLB Insider: Rays Face Ballpark Crisis for 2025


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Local Arts Groups Offer Lifeline to Hurricane-Affected Tampa Bay Artists

This year has been tough for Tampa Bay’s arts community: Helene flooded Pinellas County studios, while the impact of Milton on Tampa's Downtown River Arts area is still being assessed.

To support artists, Creative Pinellas and Tampa Arts Alliance have stepped up with crucial resources.

Creative Pinellas set up a disaster relief web page, organized a pet food and cleaning supply drive, and offered temporary studio space for displaced artists. Their November 9 Arts Annual event will now also be a Hurricane Relief Fundraiser.

The Tampa Arts Alliance is sharing vital resources, including tips for salvaging artwork, applying for FEMA assistance, and emergency funding information.

Tampa Bay Restaurants Need Our Support After Hurricanes

In the aftermath of back-to-back hurricanes, Tampa Bay restaurants sprang into action, providing relief to the community. Now, they need our support more than ever.

Hurricane Helene's storm surge left widespread damage, with many eateries flooded and dealing with significant losses. Lauren Menendez, owner of Graze 1910, organized meal distributions for affected residents, serving 1,200 meals with the help of other local restaurants. A week later, Hurricane Milton’s power outages disrupted operations causing further setbacks.

Beachside establishments were hit hardest, facing structural damage, debris, and financial losses. Many restaurants had to close for days, losing thousands of dollars in revenue and food.

The economic impact threatens Tampa Bay’s restaurant industry, which was already struggling from a slow summer. Supporting these establishments is crucial for their survival as they continue to recover.

Health Officials Warn of Flesh-Eating Bacteria Surge in Florida

Pinellas County leads the state in cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacterial infection known as flesh-eating bacteria. Health officials attribute the recent surge to floodwaters from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The bacteria occur naturally in warm, brackish seawater and can infect people through cuts or scrapes. Statewide, there are 70 reported cases and 11 deaths across 24 counties, including 13 cases and one death in Pinellas. Other counties reporting deaths include Palm Beach, Duval, and Seminole.

Officials advise avoiding floodwaters and taking precautions with seafood. Vibrio vulnificus can also spread through consuming raw or undercooked shellfish. Symptoms, which include fever, low blood pressure, and painful blisters, worsen rapidly. Immediate medical attention is crucial.

To prevent infection, avoid exposing open wounds to warm seawater, wear protective gloves when handling raw shellfish, and thoroughly cook shellfish before eating.

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MLB Insider: Rays Face Ballpark Crisis

for 2025

The Tampa Bay Rays are facing a significant dilemma for the 2025 season, with Tropicana Field unlikely to be ready by Opening Day (March 27, 2025). Hurricane Milton caused extensive damage, tearing off much of the roof and damaging the stadium’s interior.

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal addressed the issue on the "Foul Territory" podcast: there are "no easy answers" for the Rays. Repairing Tropicana Field could cost up to $100 million—a steep price for a venue slated for replacement by 2028.

Other options include playing in a nearby minor league stadium, but these come with seating, weather, and scheduling challenges. Sharing a stadium with the Miami Marlins is another possibility, though logistical and fan support issues persist.

 

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