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- Issue #317: Tampa's Financial Woes | Pasco Classrooms Get Walls | USF’s Epic Comeback
Issue #317: Tampa's Financial Woes | Pasco Classrooms Get Walls | USF’s Epic Comeback
2/21/2025
Ted Grellner
21 Feb
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Local News
— Tampa Ranks 8th in U.S. for Financial Distress, Study Reveals
— 700 Classrooms in Pasco to Get Walls—A Move to Reduce Distractions
Sports
— USF Bulls Rally from 20 Down to Stun UTSA in Historic Comeback
— History Made: Pasco County Debuts High School Girls Flag Football
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Tampa Ranks 8th in U.S. for Financial Distress, Study Reveals
Tampa ranks 8th among U.S. cities with the highest financial distress, according to a new WalletHub study. Financial distress is defined as having credit accounts in forbearance or deferred payments due to financial hardship.
Among Florida cities, Jacksonville (No. 3) and Orlando (No. 6) ranked higher than Tampa. Houston topped the list, followed by Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte, and San Antonio.
The study analyzed six key factors, including credit scores, bankruptcy filing changes, and search interest for debt-related terms. Tampa scored 63.68, while Houston led with 76.44.
Ways to Overcome Financial Distress:
Explore hardship programs for temporary payment relief.
Negotiate better terms with creditors for lower rates or monthly payments.
Consider debt consolidation for lower interest rates.
More details on the study and rankings can be found on WalletHub's website.
700 Classrooms in Pasco to Get Walls—A Move to Reduce Distractions
Pasco County Schools is phasing out open-concept classrooms by adding walls to 700 classrooms over the next two years. Superintendent John Legg said the change aims to reduce distractions and improve security, addressing concerns from educators and parents.
Fox Hollow Elementary is leading the initiative, already enclosing its kindergarten and fifth-grade sections. Principal Jessica Pitkoff praised the improvement, noting classrooms are now quieter and more focused.
The open-classroom model, popular in the early '90s, was designed to encourage collaboration but has led to noise issues and security concerns. Board member Jessica Wright, a parent, emphasized the need for barriers to enhance student safety.
The project will cost about $3,000 per classroom and will be funded through the district’s capital budget. Schools in greatest need will be prioritized, though some campuses may opt to keep the open design.
One astonishing but not widely known fact about open classrooms is that they were initially inspired by airplane hangar designs from World War II.
After the war, architects and educators sought cost-effective, flexible spaces for rapidly growing student populations. The idea was that without walls, teachers could collaborate more easily, and students could move freely between lessons. However, what was overlooked was that noise levels in these spaces could reduce learning retention by up to 25%, according to some studies on classroom acoustics.
So while open classrooms were meant to enhance education, they often ended up hindering student focus—which is why many school districts, like Pasco County, are now reversing the trend!
USF Bulls Rally from 20 Down to Stun UTSA in Historic Comeback
The University of South Florida Bulls pulled off a stunning 78-73 comeback victory over UTSA on Wednesday, tying the second-largest comeback in program history. USF (13-14, 6-8) was down 65-45 midway through the second half but ended the game on an 18-2 run, holding the Roadrunners (10-16, 4-10) to just two points in the final 4:09.
Jimmie Williams led the charge with a career-high 16 points, while Brandon Stroud was a defensive force, grabbing a career-high 17 rebounds, five steals, and four blocks. Kobe Knox and Jamille Reynolds each added 13 points, with Knox pulling down seven rebounds.
USF’s bench was crucial, outscoring UTSA’s 33-9. This marks the second straight season USF has erased a 20-point deficit, proving their resilience. The Bulls look to carry this momentum into their next game against North Texas on Feb. 23.
History Made: Pasco County Debuts High School Girls Flag Football
Pasco County made history Tuesday night as high school girls flag football officially kicked off for the first time. Seven games took place, with teams showcasing their skills after a warm-up at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preseason Classic last week.
Sunlake and Land O’ Lakes dominated their debuts, with Sunlake shutting out Pasco 39-0, while Land O’ Lakes cruised to a 48-0 victory over Wesley Chapel. Other winners included Gulf, Angeline Academy, River Ridge, Wiregrass Ranch, and Anclote.
Scores (2/18/2025):
Land O’ Lakes 48, Wesley Chapel 0
Sunlake 39, Pasco 0
Gulf 13, Mitchell 6
Angeline Academy 19, Mitchell 12
River Ridge 18, Zephyrhills 6
Wiregrass Ranch 13, Cypress Creek 0
Anclote 8, Fivay 0
This marks a historic moment for Pasco County sports, as girls flag football continues to gain popularity across Florida.
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Top Things to do Around Tampa & WC
2/20 - 2/26
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