Issue #246: Country Thunder Heads to Tampa, Tampa Bay’s Best Dining & Local Athlete-Turned-Top Doc

11/14/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
14 Nov

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Today’s newsletter includes a summary of a major piece by the St Pete Times determining the 30 best TB area restaurants. If you are a subscriber of that paper, the food photography and article is outstanding.

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

 
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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

— Country Thunder Florida Moves to Tampa with Star-Studded 2025 Lineup

Of Interest

— From USF Athlete to Navy's Top Doc: Commander O'Connor's Journey

Food

— Tampa Bay’s Best Bites of 2024: The Top 30 Restaurants

Sports

— USF’s Jake Peacock on Track for Golf’s Top Collegiate Honor


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Country Thunder Florida Moves to Tampa with Star-Studded 2025 Lineup

Country Thunder Florida, the popular country music festival, is set to make Tampa its new home, moving to Raymond James Stadium from its previous venue in Kissimmee. Scheduled for May 2-4, 2025, the festival promises a weekend packed with top-tier country talent.

The 2025 lineup features some of the biggest names in country music, including headliners Blake Shelton, Riley Green, and Jelly Roll. Additional acts like Ella Langley, Jake Owen, and Ashley McBryde add to the excitement, ensuring a diverse array of styles and sounds.

Fans can look forward to a festival experience with more space, big performances, and a weekend that embodies the spirit of country music.

From USF Athlete to Navy's Top Doc: Commander O'Connor's Journey

University of South Florida alumna Commander Kristina O’Connor leads the medical team aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s largest and most advanced nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Known for its state-of-the-art design, the “biggest and baddest” carrier functions as a floating city for nearly 5,000 personnel, with O'Connor managing its onboard hospital.

A physician and former track star at USF, O’Connor never anticipated a naval career. Originally joining the military to help fund medical school, she has since served in multiple high-profile roles, including in the presidential squadron’s medical team. Now, she directs a fully equipped medical department that supports surgeries, primary care, and even dental services, ensuring the health of sailors on extended missions at sea.

Reflecting on her journey, O’Connor said, “I’ve had great opportunities, really all over the world.” Balancing her demanding role with being a mother of three, O’Connor remains committed to keeping the Navy’s top carrier crew healthy and mission-ready.

Tampa Bay’s Best Bites of 2024:

The Top 30 Restaurants

From high-end tasting menus to beloved neighborhood eateries, Tampa Bay's food scene is thriving. Despite recent challenges, local chefs and restaurateurs have continued to innovate, bringing fresh, dynamic dining experiences to the area.

This 2024 list, curated over months of tasting and exploring, spans a diverse range of cuisines and settings, spotlighting the best of Tampa Bay. Highlights include Rocca’s perfected modern Italian, Koya’s exquisite Japanese omakase, and Wild Child’s tropical-inspired flavors in St. Petersburg. Newcomers like Calida and The Tides bring creative global flair, while iconic spots such as Bern's Steak House and Mise en Place uphold their timeless charm.

Each restaurant embodies Tampa Bay’s unique and evolving culinary culture, showing resilience and creativity in every dish.

Read More: tampabay.com — beautiful food photos & a monster of an article!

USF’s Jake Peacock on Track for Golf’s Top Collegiate Honor

University of South Florida golfer Jake Peacock has been named to the prestigious Haskins Award Watch List, recognizing the top collegiate golfers in the U.S. Ranked No. 18, Peacock is aiming to become USF’s first Haskins winner.

The reigning AAC champion started the season ranked No. 25 and quickly climbed to No. 18 through three tournaments, recording finishes of third, sixth, and first place. With an impressive average score of 69.33, Peacock is set to break USF’s single-season record of 70.

Peacock’s performance has led the Bulls to a strong season, highlighted by a tournament win. He’ll next compete in February at the Thomas Sharkey Individual Collegiate, with hopes of joining golf greats like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson as a Haskins honoree.

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