Issue #304: Tampa’s Own Doechii Wins Grammy | Music Icons Tour in 2025 | AI Security in New Orleans | USF Baseball Milestone

2/4/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
04 Feb

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING
Not every issue has news that commands your attention, I realize, but today’s WILL. There are some incredibly interesting stories in today’s newsletter. Enjoy


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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

Local News

— Grammy Winners and Performers Heading to Tampa Bay in 2025

— Tampa’s Doechii Wins First Grammy, Wows with Stunning Performance

Sports

— New Orleans Implements AI Surveillance for Super Bowl Security

— USF Baseball Celebrates 60 Years: Honoring Players & Coaches

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links


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Grammy Winners and Performers Heading to Tampa Bay in 2025

Several Grammy-winning artists are set to perform in the Tampa Bay area this year, including bluegrass sensation Billy Strings and gospel icon CeCe Winans.

Coming to Tampa Bay:

  • 🎶 Billy Strings (Best Bluegrass Album – Live Vol. 1) – April 9 | Yuengling Center, Tampa | $39.50 & up

  • 🙏 CeCe Winans (Best Gospel Album, Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song) – March 13 | Family Worship Center, Lakeland | $45

  • 🌟 Lainey Wilson (Performed in the Quincy Jones Tribute) – Nov. 7 | Amalie Arena, Tampa | $35.20 & up

Other Grammy Winners Touring Florida:

  • 🌍 Shakira (Best Latin Pop Album) – June 4 | Camping World Stadium, Orlando

  • 🎸 Sierra Ferrell (Multiple Americana Awards) – Sept. 12 | St. Augustine Amphitheatre

  • 🎷 Jon Batiste (Best Music Film, Best Song for Visual Media) – March 2 | Montreux Jazz Festival Miami

Read More: cltampa.com — follow cltampa for schedule updates

Tampa’s Doechii Wins First Grammy, Wows with Stunning Performance

Tampa-native Doechii, known as the “Swamp Princess,” took home her first Grammy Award on Sunday night, winning Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal. The album, which celebrates her Florida roots, has propelled her to new heights, landing on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums earlier this year.

Doechii’s journey from Blake High School to Grammy stardom has been nothing short of inspiring. Before becoming a national sensation, she performed in Ybor City’s underground music scene and was later recognized as part of the 2022 XXL Freshman Class.

Returning to Tampa recently, she visited her alma mater, speaking to students and reminiscing about her early days in the school’s Chorus program. Former teacher Carmen Griffin praised her storytelling ability, saying, "As long as she continues to express herself, success will follow."

With her Grammy win and growing influence, Doechii is cementing her status as one of Tampa’s brightest stars.

New Orleans Implements AI Surveillance for Super Bowl Security

Super Bowl Security Has Changed Drastically Since the Early Days!

New Orleans is ramping up security for Super Bowl LVIII following the tragic New Year’s Day truck-ramming attack in the French Quarter. Over 125,000 visitors are expected for game week, which will feature concerts from Post Malone and Diplo, culminating in the Chiefs vs. Eagles showdown at Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9.

Security Measures:

  • Thousands of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers will be deployed.

  • Drones are prohibited, and airspace restrictions will be in place.

  • Rooftop snipers, BearCat armored vehicles, and bomb-sniffing dogs will secure key areas.

  • AI-powered monitoring will analyze social media, traffic cameras, and dark web activity for emerging threats.

Post-Attack Changes:

  • More physical barriers and an “enhanced security zone” along Bourbon Street.

  • National Guard deployment and mandatory bag checks.

  • Homeless encampments near the stadium cleared.

Officials say there are no credible threats, and with AI and increased manpower, New Orleans is "the safest place to be."

Read More: wfla.com — very informative article

USF Baseball Celebrates 60 Years: Honoring Players & Coaches

As USF Baseball enters a new era under head coach Mitch Hannahs, the Bulls also celebrate 60 seasons of history, honoring legendary players, coaches, and unforgettable moments.

Key Figures in USF Baseball History:

  • 🏆 Scott Hemond (1984-86) – Best player in USF history, two-time All-American, and highest-ever MLB Draft pick (12th overall, 1986).

  • ⚾ Lelo Prado (2007-14) – Led 27 players to the MLB Draft, including Kevin Quackenbush and Austin Adams.

  • 💥 Drew Brutcher (2021-24) – Hit one of USF’s most memorable home runs in the 2021 NCAA Super Regionals.

  • 🎖️ Shane McClanahan (2016-18) – Former Bulls ace turned Tampa Bay Rays All-Star.

  • 🔥 Eddie Cardieri (1986-2006) – Winningest coach in USF history, with 731 career victories and nine NCAA Regional appearances.

With legendary moments and rising stars, USF Baseball’s history is filled with greatness, perseverance, and championship dreams. Stay tuned for Part II: The Games!

Read More: gousfbulls.com — this long but amazing article must be read to the end (You’ll understand when you get there - wow)

One astonishing yet little-known fact about Super Bowl security is that the event is designated as a SEAR 1 (Special Event Assessment Rating) by the Department of Homeland Security, putting it on par with presidential inaugurations in terms of security measures.

To protect against cyber threats, authorities simulate major hacking attacks months in advance to test the stadium’s resilience. These exercises involve ethical hackers attempting to breach digital scoreboards, payment systems, and even the stadium's Wi-Fi network, ensuring that real-world hackers can't disrupt the game.

Additionally, undercover federal agents often pose as vendors, janitors, and even fans inside the stadium to detect threats in real time. Some even carry radiation-detection devices disguised as everyday objects to guard against potential dirty bomb threats.

The layers of security extend far beyond what meets the eye, making the Super Bowl one of the most highly protected events in the world! 🚨🏟️

Reader Comments

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Top Things to do Around Tampa & WC
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