Issue #293: Alexis Carra’s Tampa Homecoming, Missing Teen in Pasco, & Why Alcohol Sales Are Dropping

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

WEATHER

Local News

— From Tampa to Broadway and Back: Alexis Carra's Triumphant Homecoming

— Lightning Salutes Christopher Littlewood for Decades of Deaf Community Service

— Pasco Deputies Seek Help Finding Missing Wesley Chapel Teen

Of Interest

— From Dry January to Declining Spirits: Why Booze Sales Are Slumping

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

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From Tampa to Broadway and Back: Alexis Carra's Triumphant Homecoming

This past Friday night, the New Tampa Performing Arts Center lit up with the brilliance of Alexis Carra, a Tampa native whose journey from local stages to Broadway and Hollywood came full circle.

The show was a heartfelt tribute to the community that supported her early dreams, showcasing Carra’s immense talent and gratitude.

Known for her work in Broadway productions like Wicked, and Sweet Charity and TV hits such as Mixology and Gray’s Anatomy, Carra’s performance blended storytelling and song, leaving the audience inspired. (Her voice & vocal talent were absolutely superb)

Now a Visiting Professor at the University of South Florida, and Artistic Producer at the Tampa Repertory Theatre, Ms. Carra is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of performers. Her return to Tampa signifies more than a homecoming—it’s a commitment to nurturing local talent and celebrating the vibrant arts scene that helped shape her career.

For Tampa, her journey is a testament to dreams realized and shared.

Ted Grellner

P.S. David Estevez, Alexis’ piano accompanist was outstanding (even without factoring in that he was just recovering from the flu AND had a car accident the day before!!). He truly embodied the phrase “the show must go on” in uber-talented fashion!

Lightning Salutes Christopher Littlewood for Decades of Deaf Community Service

Christopher Littlewood was honored as the Lightning Community Hero during the Tampa Bay Lightning’s game against the Anaheim Ducks. He received a $50,000 grant from the Lightning Foundation, which he will donate to the Association of Late Deafened Adults (ALDA) and the Family Center on Deafness (FCD).

Littlewood, who began experiencing genetic hearing loss in his 20s, has been a key advocate for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Florida for nearly 30 years. He has focused on inclusive emergency planning and preparedness for people with disabilities, offering vital training and resources.

The grant will support both organizations’ missions. ALDA will expand programming, including hurricane recovery efforts and public safety training. FCD will use funds to recover from Hurricane Milton and resume normal programming.

Since 2011, the Lightning Community Hero program has donated $32.92 million to local nonprofits, with plans to continue through the 2025–26 season.

Read More: nhl.com

Pasco Deputies Seek Help Finding Missing
Wesley Chapel Teen

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Joseph Mendola, a 15-year-old reported missing from Wesley Chapel.

Mendola is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen in the early hours of January 18, around 12:15 a.m., in the Thames Place area of Wesley Chapel. At the time, he was wearing a black t-shirt and black pants.

Authorities have classified Mendola as a missing runaway and are urging anyone with information about his location to come forward.

If you have seen Mendola or know where he might be, contact the Pasco Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 727-847-8102 (option 7). Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at PascoSheriff.com/tips.

Source: msn.com

From Dry January to Declining Spirits: Why Booze Sales Are Slumping

America’s alcohol industry faces a slump as sales of beer, wine, and spirits decline. In 2023, alcohol volumes fell by 2.6%, with further drops in 2024. Premium spirits suffered significantly, with brands like Remy Cointreau seeing a 23% sales dip. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and younger millennials, are drinking less, with only 59% of 18-to-34-year-olds identifying as drinkers compared to 72% in the early 2000s.

Health-conscious trends, the rise of non-alcoholic beverages, and the popularity of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, which reduce cravings, contribute to this shift. Additionally, inflation and rising prices have driven many consumers to opt for cheaper alcohol or reduce consumption altogether.

Industry strategies to adapt include expanding into non-alcoholic options, premiumizing products, and focusing on emerging markets in Asia and Africa. The long-term outlook may depend on whether younger generations stick to moderation or revert to traditional drinking habits.

Read More: thehustle.co

Reader Comments

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

Source: heraldtribune.com

Best Live Music in Tampa Bay this week

Source:

Top Things to do in Tampa Bay & Wesley Chapel
1/16 - 1/22
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
- Fun4TampaKids

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