Issue #285: Pride Elementary’s Adam Wilinsky Shines | USF Prof Explores Sulphur Springs | Rays Plan Tropicana Upgrades | Billy Strings Live in Tampa

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

WEATHER

Local News

— Adam Wilinsky: Pride Elementary’s High-Energy Teacher Finalist for County Honors

Of Interest

— USF Professor Christopher Meindl Unpacks the Story of Sulphur Springs

Sports

— Rays Commit to Tropicana Field Repairs for 2026 Opening Day

Entertainment

— 🎶 Billy Strings Brings Award-Winning Bluegrass to Tampa's Yuengling Center This Spring 🎸

🎵 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

Click Here to Become a Section Sponsor

Adam Wilinsky: Pride Elementary’s High-Energy Teacher Finalist for County Honors

Adam Wilinsky, a fifth-grade math and science teacher at Pride Elementary, has earned recognition as one of five finalists for Hillsborough County's prestigious Teacher of the Year award. Known for his infectious energy and creative teaching style, Wilinsky captivates students with engaging lessons, such as teaching Newton's laws through water balloon launchers and managing classroom economies with "Pride Bucks."

With 22 years of teaching experience—18 at Pride Elementary—Wilinsky focuses on making learning both meaningful and fun. His classroom isn’t just about grades but about preparing students for real-life skills, like balancing a checkbook and budgeting.

Beyond academics, Wilinsky’s impact resonates in the bonds he builds with students, creating an environment where they feel motivated to succeed. While he hopes to win the county title at the Jan. 23 celebration, Wilinsky says the true reward comes from his students' daily enthusiasm and growth.

“Every day, I feel like I can change the world—48 worlds in my classroom, to be exact,” he said.

Read More: tampabeacon.com

USF Professor Christopher Meindl Unpacks the Story of Sulphur Springs

University of South Florida professor Christopher F. Meindl, author of Florida Springs, one of 2024’s most acclaimed Florida books, will speak at the Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center on Sunday, Jan. 12. His talk, titled “Pumping, Pollution, Policy, and the Struggle for Truth,” dives into the environmental and historical decline of the once-thriving spring.

In the early 1900s, Sulphur Springs was a peaceful recreational haven for Tampa residents, growing in popularity with the city’s expansion. However, increasing pollution from nearby sinkholes funneled waste into the water, leading to its permanent closure in 1986. Today, the spring remains fenced off, covered in algae, and serves as a sobering reminder of environmental mismanagement.

Meindl’s lecture promises to shed light on the policies and decisions that led to the spring’s decline and what lessons can be learned for future conservation efforts.

Source: cltampa.com

Rays Commit to Tropicana Field Repairs for 2026 Opening Day

Tampa Bay Rays leadership has shifted their stance, now fully supporting the repair of hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field in time for Opening Day 2026. Previously, Co-President Brian Auld expressed doubts about meeting the timeline, prompting hesitation from city council members regarding repair investments.

However, in a recent email, Co-President Matt Silverman affirmed confidence in the project’s feasibility following discussions with architects and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. Silverman stressed the importance of starting reconstruction immediately to avoid delays and logistical challenges.

The estimated $60 million repair cost will largely rely on insurance and FEMA reimbursements. Mayor Ken Welch remains committed to fulfilling the city’s obligations, while Pinellas County officials emphasize the Rays’ responsibility to uphold their end of the stadium deal.

City Council will reconvene Thursday to discuss the project’s next steps as the Rays aim for a grand reopening in 2026.

Read More: wtsp.com

🎶 Billy Strings Brings Award-Winning Bluegrass to Tampa's Yuengling Center This Spring 🎸

Grammy Award-winning bluegrass sensation Billy Strings is set to perform at Tampa’s Yuengling Center on Wednesday, April 9, at 7 p.m. Known for his virtuosic guitar skills and genre-blending songwriting, Strings is touring in support of his latest album, Highway Prayers, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart—a historic milestone for bluegrass music.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Jan. 10, at 10 a.m., with prices ranging from $39.50 to $74.50. An artist presale begins Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 10 a.m.

Billy Strings has captivated audiences with hits like “Dust in a Baggie”, “Away From The Mire”, and “Turmoil & Tinfoil.” His accolades include Best Bluegrass Album at the Grammys and multiple Entertainer of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association.

Bluegrass fans won’t want to miss this electrifying performance.

Source: wtsp.com

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

Source: heraldtribune.com

Top Things to do in Tampa Bay & Wesley Chapel
1/9 - 1/15
Source: tampabeacon.com

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

- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC

For Kids (Nov-Dec)
- Fun4TampaKids

—> Comments are welcomed after voting

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