Issue #299: Storms Impact Academics; New Bakery Buzz; Tampa Bay Skipped for James Beard Awards

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

WEATHER

Local News

— Fall Hurricanes Set Tampa Bay Students Back Academically, Data Shows

— Famous Bakery Tous Les Jours Opens in Wesley Chapel with 5-Star Reviews

Food

— Tampa Bay Overlooked in 2025 James Beard Award Nominations

Sports

— Bucs Eye Chip Kelly for Offensive Coordinator Role Amid Coen Departure

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

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Fall Hurricanes Set Tampa Bay Students Back Academically, Data Shows

Two weeks of school closures caused by Hurricanes Milton and Helene have left Tampa Bay students behind academically, with recent test scores showing significant declines. In Pasco County, only 21% of fifth graders scored at or above grade level in math, down from 22% last year and below the state average of 30%.

Schools are addressing the losses by modifying lesson plans, eliminating early release days, and focusing on individual student needs ahead of spring testing. Experts caution that students already struggling due to pandemic learning loss could face compounding setbacks. Educators remain hopeful that targeted interventions and uninterrupted instruction will help close the gaps before the May testing period.

Read More: tampabay.com

Famous Bakery Tous Les Jours Opens in Wesley Chapel with 5-Star Reviews

Tous Les Jours, a renowned bakery blending French and Asian influences, has opened in Wesley Chapel at 27209 FL-56.

Known for its extensive menu of over 300 artisan treats, the bakery offers freshly baked bread, cakes, pastries, and savory items like sausage-filled buns. Beverage options include coffee, tea, smoothies, and frappes, making it a versatile destination for any craving.

The bakery has gained national acclaim, with outlets such as That's So Tampa and The Takeout calling it "famous" and "better than whatever you're eating." It has also earned a spot in Franchise Times’ Top 500 Franchises.

Since its opening, the Wesley Chapel location has garnered only glowing five-star reviews, with customers raving about the exceptional freshness, elegant packaging, and delightful flavors. For Florida residents, Tous Les Jours is shaping up to be a must-visit for baked goods.

Read More: newsbreak.com

Tampa Bay Overlooked in 2025 James Beard Award Nominations

Tampa Bay’s culinary scene has been snubbed again in the 2025 James Beard Awards nominations, with no local restaurants or chefs making the coveted list. While the region had representation in past years, this year’s accolades went to establishments in Miami and Orlando instead.

The James Beard Awards, often referred to as the Oscars of the culinary world, honor excellence in culinary arts, hospitality, and food media. Tampa Bay’s last major recognition came in 2024 when Webb’s City Cellar in St. Petersburg was a semifinalist for Outstanding Bar, and in 2019 when chefs Jeannie Pierola and Rachel Bennett earned nominations.

This year, Sue and Jason Chin of Orlando’s Good Salt Restaurant Group were nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur, while Miami’s Ghee Indian Kitchen and Winter Park’s Ômo by Jônt were recognized in top categories.

Read More: tampabay.com

Here’s an astonishing fact about the James Beard Awards that many people don’t know:

In 2018, the James Beard Foundation eliminated all gendered award categories, making them one of the first major institutions in the culinary world to do so. Prior to this change, some categories recognized "Best Chef: Men" and "Best Chef: Women." The shift was made to promote inclusivity and emphasize that culinary excellence transcends gender.

This decision was part of a broader initiative to ensure diversity and equity in the awards process, which also included reviewing judging criteria and increasing representation of underrepresented groups among nominees and committee members.

Bucs Eye Chip Kelly for Offensive Coordinator Role Amid Coen Departure

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are searching for a new offensive coordinator after Liam Coen unexpectedly left to become head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Coen, who led the Bucs to the NFL’s No. 3 overall offense in 2024, initially agreed to stay in Tampa as the league’s highest-paid OC. However, a last-minute offer from Jacksonville swayed him, leaving Tampa Bay scrambling to fill the vacancy.

Reports now link the Bucs to Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, an offensive innovator who recently guided the Buckeyes to a national championship. Kelly previously coached in the NFL, achieving early success with the Eagles before struggling with the 49ers.

With Kelly also drawing interest from the Jaguars and Texans, the Bucs face stiff competition to secure him. If hired, he would be the team’s third OC in as many seasons, tasked with maintaining Tampa Bay’s high-powered offense.

Read More: sportingnews.com

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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
1/23 - 1/29
Source: tampabeacon.com

Things to Do Brought to You By:
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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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