Issue #295: Tampa's 1977 Snow Day, Winter Storm Closures, and Ice Leader Spotlight

1/22/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
22 Jan

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING


Tampa Bay Tidbits: Local and Beyond - new episodes on Mondays
NEW EPISODE: Unveiling the Origins of Tampa’s Gasparilla Celebration:
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

— Tampa's Magical Snow Day of 1977: A Rare Winter Wonderland

Of Interest

— Schools and Businesses Close Across Florida Amid Winter Storm

— Tampa Bay’s Ali Murdock Shines as Ice Operations Leader at Winter Classic

Food

— Bloom’s Culinary Adventure Begins at Tampa’s Rooster and the Till

🎵 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

Tampa's Magical Snow Day of 1977: A Rare Winter Wonderland

Tampa residents fondly remember waking up to snow on January 19, 1977—a once-in-a-lifetime event for many. That day, temperatures dipped dramatically as a strong Arctic cold front swept across Florida, bringing snow as far south as Miami Beach. Tampa recorded 0.20 inches of snow, with some areas like Plant City receiving two inches.

Residents recall the magic vividly. Jeannette Tamborello woke her family early to enjoy the snow, building a snowman and playing outside before work. Mario Nuñez, then 18, excitedly ran to tell his grandmother, who was unfazed by snow from her years in New York. Nuñez and friends even played football in the snow.

While snow isn’t expected in Tampa this week, parts of North Florida, including Tallahassee, may see accumulations. For locals, the memory of 1977 still fuels hope for another snow day. “Moments like that live inside you for a lifetime,” said Tampa native D.C. Goutoufas.

Schools and Businesses Close Across Florida Amid Winter Storm

A powerful winter storm has disrupted daily life in Florida, forcing school closures and business shutdowns. Universities including UF, FSU, and FAMU have suspended classes due to dangerous conditions.

  • University of Florida: Campus will close at midnight on January 22, reopening at 12:30 p.m. the same day.

  • Florida State University and Florida A&M University: Both institutions will remain closed on January 21 and 22.

Airports in northern Florida are also affected:

  • Tallahassee Airport suspended operations starting 4 p.m. January 21, aiming to reopen at noon January 22.

  • Jacksonville Airport will close after its last departure at 8 p.m. January 21, reopening midday Wednesday.

Blowing snow has even been spotted on Pensacola Beach, a rare sight for the Sunshine State. While temperatures are expected to rise later this week, Governor Ron DeSantis urges caution due to icy roads and hazardous conditions in the Panhandle and northern regions.

Tampa Bay’s Ali Murdock Shines as Ice Operations Leader at Winter Classic

Ali Murdock, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s first full-time female Zamboni driver, reflects on her decade-long journey to the NHL and her role in crafting the 2025 Winter Classic arena.

Murdock, who joined the Lightning in 2015, now serves as assistant manager of ice operations. She played a vital role in maintaining AMALIE Arena’s ice and recently contributed to the Winter Classic at Chicago’s Wrigley Field.

Building the outdoor rink required weeks of preparation, from laying plastic flooring and stage decking to managing a glycol system for ice formation. Murdock worked tirelessly, often battling rain and sunlight, to ensure optimal ice conditions.

Growing up in Bradenton, Murdock dreamed of a hockey career with her hometown team. Starting as a part-time ice crew member, she worked her way up, becoming a trailblazer in NHL ice operations. “It’s a dream come true,” Murdock says. “Little Ali would think this is so cool.”

Bloom’s Culinary Adventure Begins at Tampa’s Rooster and the Till

Gayle Guyardo, host of the global wellness show Bloom, has launched an exciting new venture: Bloom’s I Love Food Tours. The series kicks off at Tampa Bay’s acclaimed Rooster and the Till, a hotspot for adventurous food lovers.

A Contemporary Experience
The trendy restaurant features a central bar around an open kitchen, immersing diners in the bustling atmosphere. With lively music and an unpretentious vibe, it’s perfect for foodies seeking unique flavors.

Globally Inspired Dishes
The menu showcases bold global influences, blending flavors from Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Levant. Standout dishes include:

  • Sumac-Flecked Cauliflower with goat’s milk feta and falafel-spiced dukkah.

  • Fried Cobia Collar with tangy nuoc cham.

  • Black Sesame Ice Cream with Thai tea caramel.

The Tasting Menu
For a splurge-worthy experience, the tasting menu offers a creative culinary journey that highlights the chef’s innovative flair.

Reader Comments

“Keep up on the great information.”
“Good local coverage. Great job.”

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

Source: heraldtribune.com

Best Live Music in Tampa Bay this week

Source:

This Week in TB area:
1/14 - 1/21
Source: tampabay.com
This Week in NT | WC

Source:

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: