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- Issue #261: See Tampa’s Top Christmas Lights, Local Taco Bell Ad Casting, & Bucs-Raiders Showdown
Issue #261: See Tampa’s Top Christmas Lights, Local Taco Bell Ad Casting, & Bucs-Raiders Showdown
12/5/2024

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In this issue of
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Local News
— Where to See the Best Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay
— Bexley Elementary Welcomes Veteran Educator as Principal
Of Interest
— Star in Taco Bell’s Super Bowl Ad Right Here in Florida
Sports
— Bucs-Raiders Showdown: Tampa Bay’s Playoff Push Begins
🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
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Where to See the Best Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay

Florida may lack snow, but it makes up for it with dazzling holiday lights. From botanical gardens to neighborhoods brimming with festive spirit, here’s a must-see list of displays around Tampa Bay:
1. Chick-fil-A on Waters Avenue (Tampa): Nearly 1 million lights illuminate this festive drive-thru. Santa visits on Friday nights.
2. River of Lights Tour (Tampa): Cruise downtown via Pirate Water Taxi for waterfront views and holiday fun. Tickets: $25-$35.
3. Holiday Lights in the Gardens (Largo): The Florida Botanical Gardens feature 1 million LED lights and family-friendly activities. Suggested donation: $10.
4. Marie Selby Gardens (Sarasota): Over 2 million lights adorn this botanical paradise. Tickets: $34/adult, $19/child.
5. Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights (Dover): A 2-mile drive-through spectacle with Santa visits. $30 per car.
6. Largo Central Park: Explore 70 acres with 2 million lights, a Ferris wheel, and more.
7. Neighborhoods: Hyde Park, Lights of Lake Park, Indian Trails, and others transform into festive wonderlands.
From theme parks to dazzling homes, Tampa Bay’s Christmas lights promise magical memories for all.
Bexley Elementary Welcomes Veteran Educator as Principal

Vanessa Hilton, a veteran Pasco County educator, is now principal of Bexley Elementary in Land O’Lakes. Hilton replaces Michelle Boylan, who is preparing Skybrooke K-8 for its opening next August.
Superintendent John Legg announced the move as part of his leadership reorganization. Hilton, a district educator since 1995, previously served as chief academic officer and held key roles such as curriculum director and principal of San Antonio Elementary, an A-rated school under her leadership.
Deputy Superintendent Betsy Kuhn called Hilton a “talented school and academic leader.” The chief academic officer role will remain unfilled for now, with others managing state-mandated improvement plans.
This marks one of Legg’s few personnel changes since taking office. Another, the appointment of a $61,000-a-year community engagement liaison without prior job advertising, sparked debate among school board members.

Star in Taco Bell’s Super Bowl Ad Right Here
in Florida

Taco Bell is inviting fans to be part of its Super Bowl commercial, filming December 17–19 in Wauchula. At the Live Más Drive-Thru Cam, customers can snap fun photos while ordering and potentially appear in the brand’s third-quarter commercial during the Big Game.
How to Participate:
Visit the Wauchula Taco Bell (116 W Rea Rd) from 2–10 PM.
Log into your Taco Bell Rewards account via the app.
Order your favorite meal and head to the Drive-Thru Cam.
Scan the QR code, strike a pose, and receive your photo strip by email.
This unique event celebrates everyday Taco Bell fans instead of A-list celebrities. It’s a chance to “Live Más” and show off Florida’s spirit to millions of viewers.
Plan a fun road trip, share your photo strip online, and enjoy the chance to shine on the world’s biggest advertising stage!

Bucs-Raiders Showdown: Tampa Bay’s Playoff Push Begins

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers gear up for a critical Week 14 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders at Raymond James Stadium. With playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Bucs aim to build on their overtime win against the Carolina Panthers and maintain a slim lead in the NFC South race.
Currently, Tampa Bay holds a 50% chance of clinching the division title, edging out the Atlanta Falcons, who are close behind at 49%. With the NFC South among the league’s tightest races, every game carries significant weight for both teams.
The Bucs' postseason probability stands at 56%, making this stretch a defining moment in their season. A strong showing against the Raiders could solidify Tampa Bay’s playoff push and bring them closer to securing the divisional crown.
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TampaMagazines.com: Tampa Bay’s Best Holiday Events
Top Things to do in Tampa Bay
This Week | This Weekend |
Things to do in New Tampa and WC
12/5 - 12/11
Source: Tampa Beacon
Things to Do Brought to You By:
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
The Arts
- USF College of the Arts
- USF Steinway Piano Concert Series
Theater
-NTPAC - New Tampa Performing Arts Center
- New Tampa Players
- USF School of Theatre & Dance
- Wesley Chapel Theater Group
- Carrollwood Players Theatre
Misc
For Kids (Nov-Dec)
- Fun4TampaKids
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