Issue #263: Hillsborough Schools Upgrade Tech | Ybor Cigar Festival Lights Up | Wesley Chapel QB Shines

12/9/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
09 Dec

In partnership with

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

Learn How to Become a Headline Sponsor This Week or Month

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

 
SUBSCRIBE (& Access Past Issues):
Share with your friends here —> https://www.NTWCLP.com

NOTE to New Subscribers:
— If Gmail cuts off your newsletter, click “Read Online” in UR corner
— Despite minimizing sources that require a 3rd party subscription to read, we’ll use stories from these sources that are very informative: ($) tampabay.com 

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

Local News

— Hillsborough Schools to Adopt New Tech System Amid Lingering Frustrations

— Ybor City Cigar Festival Brings Heritage and Craftsmanship to Centennial Park

Of Interest

— Wesley Chapel’s Rocco Becht Aims to Lead Iowa State to Big XII Glory

Sports

— Mayfield Shines as Bucs Defeat Raiders, Claim NFC South Lead

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links


Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:


https://pxl.to/NTWC-LIVE-event or click the image below:
Problems submitting? Email me by replying to your newsletter

Hillsborough Schools to Adopt New Tech System Amid Lingering Frustrations

Hillsborough County Public Schools is switching to a new software system, Focus, after months of complaints about the flawed Synergy program. The school board approved $600,000 for the system and $750,000 for consultants to oversee its implementation.

Despite the decision, teachers and staff must continue using Synergy — which manages attendance, transcripts, and special needs reports — through the school year. Synergy’s rollout was marred by insufficient training and system failures, prompting discussions about legal action.

Focus, used by 39 other Florida districts, is expected to be more reliable. However, the district faces challenges, including staff training and managing both systems until 2025. Superintendent Van Ayres stressed, “We cannot get this wrong.”

Consultants will aid in the transition, with scheduling software launching in January to support the 2025-26 school year. Officials hope Focus brings much-needed relief to frustrated educators.

Ybor City Cigar Festival Brings Heritage and Craftsmanship to Centennial Park

The rich aroma of fresh tobacco filled Ybor City's Centennial Park on Sunday as the Ybor City Cigar Festival celebrated Tampa’s storied cigar-making legacy. The festival, one of the largest of its kind, attracted cigar enthusiasts and vendors from around the globe.

“This is where the biggest personalities in the cigar industry gather,” said Karen Berger, a Daytona Beach vendor showcasing her name-brand cigars.

Attendees admired hand-rolled cigars and indulged in tastings, celebrating an industry central to Tampa’s history. “Being part of the cigar community means so much here,” said local enthusiast Bruce Busch, noting visitors even came from Europe.

Rob Aguinaga, whose family revived the festival in 2016, hopes to bring back its historic week-long format. “It started in the 1930s as La Verbena. We’re thinking of doing that again next year,” he said.

Receive Honest News Today

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Wesley Chapel’s Rocco Becht Aims to Lead Iowa State to Big XII Glory

Rocco Becht, a Wesley Chapel native and Wiregrass Ranch High graduate, has led Iowa State to its first-ever 10-win season. Now, the sophomore quarterback looks to cap the Cyclones' historic run with a Big XII championship against Arizona State.

“Mental toughness is what this team’s built on,” Becht said after defeating Kansas State. “We’re playing for the seniors and to make history for this program.”

The matchup is personal for Becht’s father, Anthony, a former NFL player and current coach of the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks. “I’m so proud of Rocco and what he’s achieved,” Anthony shared. “He’s representing Tampa Bay and our family so well.”

Ranked #16, Iowa State (10-2) faces #15 Arizona State (10-2) at noon Saturday in Arlington, Texas. The winner could secure a College Football Playoff berth, making the stakes higher than ever.

Mayfield Shines as Bucs Defeat Raiders, Claim
NFC South Lead

Baker Mayfield threw for 295 yards and three touchdowns, propelling the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 28-13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. The win lifts the Bucs (7-6) to first place in the NFC South and extends their winning streak to three games.

Mayfield connected twice with rookie Jalen McMillan for scores of 15 and 29 yards. Rachaad White added a 5-yard touchdown reception and a 3-yard rushing score, sealing the game after Las Vegas closed the gap to 21-13 late in the fourth quarter.

The Raiders (2-11) suffered their ninth consecutive loss and lost quarterback Aidan O’Connell to a knee injury after a third-quarter hit by Calijah Kancey.

Despite three first-half turnovers, Mayfield led an 80-yard drive in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. Tampa Bay’s defense held Raiders standout Brock Bowers to 49 yards, despite the tight end breaking the rookie receptions record.

 
Out of sight - Out of Mind


Click Here to
Put Your Business Logo & Link
in front of our subscribers
every morning!

Best Live Music in Tampa Bay

12/5 - 12/12
Source: cltampa.com

Top Things to do in Tampa Bay & Wesley Chapel

This Week
12/5 - 12/11
Source: tampabeacon.com
This Weekend

Source:

Things to Do Brought to You By:
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Reader’s Comments:

“Concise and well done. Quick links are great for all that is available in our area.”

“I always start my day with your newsletter. Very Informative! Keep up the good work!

Thank You!

What Did You Think of This Issue?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

—> Comments are welcomed after voting

If you enjoy starting your day with these short daily news summaries, please refer your friends: