Issue #282: Top FL Schools: Sarasota & Pinellas Shine | Mayfield Pro Bowl Snub | Bucs’ Coen Thrives | Pickle Craze Takes Over 2024

1/3/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
03 Jan

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

Learn How to Become a Headline Sponsor This Week or Month

GOOD MORNING


Tampa Bay Tidbits: Local and Beyond - new episodes on Mondays
 
Spotify
Apple Podcasts 

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

— Florida’s Best Schools: Sarasota and Pinellas Rank Among Top Districts

Sports

— Baker Mayfield Snubbed from Pro Bowl Despite Standout Season

— Buccaneers OC Liam Coen Enjoying ‘Most Fun of His Life’ Amid Coaching Success

Food

— In a Pickle: How a Snack Became 2024’s Biggest Food Trend

🎵 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

Brought to You By:
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Florida’s Best Schools: Sarasota and Pinellas Rank Among Top Districts

Sarasota County School District ranked No. 5 out of 67 districts in Florida, earning an impressive A grade with a score of 69%, according to the Florida Department of Education's 2024 report. Pinellas County also excelled, placing 15th statewide with an A grade and a 65% score.

The state's grading system evaluates 12 key components, including student performance, graduation rates, and college readiness. This year marked the first use of a revised grading scale, and nearly 1,300 schools across Florida earned an A.

Manatee, Hillsborough, Hernando, and Pasco counties received B ratings, while Citrus and Polk counties were graded C. Despite some regional disparities, Florida maintained its No. 1 national ranking in education for the second consecutive year.

Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. credited the state’s consistent focus on academic excellence and adaptability to individual student needs as driving factors behind the positive results.

Baker Mayfield Snubbed from Pro Bowl Despite Standout Season

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has delivered an exceptional season, ranking among the NFL's top five quarterbacks with 4,279 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, and a stellar 107.6 passer rating.

Yet, despite these impressive stats, Mayfield was left off the NFC Pro Bowl roster, with Jayden Daniels, Sam Darnold, and Jared Goff earning the nods instead.

Mayfield remains the first alternate, meaning he could still play if one of the selected quarterbacks withdraws, as was the case last year. Known for thriving with a chip on his shoulder, Mayfield is expected to channel this snub into motivation as the Bucs prepare for a critical matchup against the New Orleans Saints, with a playoff spot on the line.

Meanwhile, DT Vita Vea and OT Tristan Wirfs will represent Tampa Bay at the Pro Bowl, while WR Mike Evans, LB Lavonte David, and K Chase McLaughlin join Mayfield as alternates.

Buccaneers OC Liam Coen Enjoying ‘Most Fun of His Life’ Amid Coaching Success

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen is quickly becoming one of the NFL's most talked-about coaching prospects after leading a top-five offense this season.

With his success, speculation is growing about whether Coen will follow the path of his predecessor Dave Canales, who transitioned to a head coaching role after just one year in Tampa Bay.

While Coen admits that becoming a head coach is a dream, he isn’t in a rush. “I do believe I’m ready... but does that need to happen when I’m 39 years old and having probably the most fun of my life coaching here? No,” Coen said.

His focus remains on building something special with the Buccaneers. While the head coaching opportunity will likely come knocking, Coen is content for now, enjoying his role and the success Tampa Bay’s offense is experiencing under his guidance.

For Buccaneers fans, that’s good news.

In a Pickle: How a Snack Became 2024’s
Biggest Food Trend

In 2024, pickles became more than just a snack—they became a cultural sensation.

From pickle-flavored gummies and dog toys to viral trends like glitter-infused “glickles” and pickle wreaths, the briny bite captured America’s taste buds and social media feeds alike. Events like Pittsburgh's Picklesburgh Festival showcased this tangy obsession, drawing crowds eager to sample pickle beer and inventive snacks.

Experts point to the pickle’s versatility—crunchy, tangy, low-fat, and probiotic—as key reasons behind its rise. Social media platforms like TikTok amplified the craze, with millions viewing pickle-themed content. Meanwhile, COVID-era DIY food trends and Gen Z’s embrace of “grandmothercore” aesthetics contributed to the resurgence.

Whether it’s a symbol of comfort, humor, or adventurous flavor, one thing is clear: pickles have become more than food—they’re a lifestyle. But will this trend sour in 2025? Only time will tell.

25 Biggest Music & Comedy Acts Coming to Tampa Bay
& Sarasota

Source: heraldtribune.com

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

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: