Issue #322: Tampa’s Big Headlines: Howard Frankland, Rays Sticker Shock & A Brass Band Bash

2/28/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
28 Feb

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
USAF Retired


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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

Local News

— New Howard Frankland Bridge: A Major Fix, But a Missed Opportunity

— Will Lawmakers Replenish My Safe Florida Home? Homeowners in Limbo

Entertainment

— Hot 8 Brass Band Brings New Orleans Energy to Tampa’s Orpheum

Sports

— Rays Fans Face Sticker Shock as Ticket Prices Surge at Steinbrenner Field

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New Howard Frankland Bridge: A Major Fix, But a Missed Opportunity

Next month, the new Howard Frankland Bridge will open, marking a historic milestone for Tampa Bay commuters. The $865 million project, Florida’s most expensive bridge investment, expands capacity to 12 lanes, including tolled express lanes and a 12-foot pedestrian/bike path. Given that traffic has surged by 50% since 2006, the upgrade is essential.

However, the bridge also highlights Tampa Bay’s longstanding transportation failures. Initially designed to support light rail, the project once symbolized momentum for mass transit. Local leaders envisioned a regional transit system, connecting St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Wesley Chapel.

But political shifts, failed tax measures, and leadership changes derailed those plans. The regional transportation board dissolved, and mass transit fell off the agenda.

While the new span improves car travel, it leaves Tampa Bay reliant on roads, missing a chance for a transformative transit future.

Will Lawmakers Replenish My Safe Florida Home? Homeowners in Limbo

As Florida lawmakers return to Tallahassee on March 4 for the 2025 legislative session, one key question looms: Will they replenish the My Safe Florida Home Program?

The home-hardening initiative, designed to help homeowners strengthen their homes against hurricanes with up to $10,000 in state grants, ran out of funds last year. While the program reimbursed $240 million, only 12% of homeowners actually saw their insurance rates drop.

Many, like Christine and Leonard Miller, were left in limbo, spending thousands out of pocket but receiving no state funding when money dried up. Others, like Kimberly Johnson of Clearwater, saw success—her insurance dropped by nearly $7,000 after securing a grant for a new roof.

Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed $600 million to revive the program, but even if approved, funding won’t be available until July 1. For now, homeowners must wait.

Hot 8 Brass Band Brings New Orleans Energy to Tampa’s Orpheum

Get ready for a night of high-energy brass and soulful celebration as the Hot 8 Brass Band returns to Tampa! The Grammy-nominated New Orleans ensemble is set to perform at Orpheum on March 1, 2025, in support of their latest album, Big Tuba.

This new release is a heartfelt tribute to Bennie Pete, the band’s late founder, who passed away in 2021 at age 45 due to complications from sarcoidosis and COVID-19. Known as a "gentle giant" in the brass music world, Pete’s legacy lives on through the band’s electrifying performances.

A Hot 8 show is more than just a concert—it’s a full-on party, featuring high-stepping, hand-clapping, and powerful horns that channel the soul of New Orleans. Tickets for the Tampa show are still available starting at $25.

For more details, visit hot8brassband.com.

Rays Fans Face Sticker Shock as Ticket Prices Surge at Steinbrenner Field

With Tropicana Field under renovation, the Tampa Bay Rays are set to play this season at Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees’ spring training home in Tampa. But for fans, the biggest surprise isn’t the temporary venue—it’s the steep ticket prices.

Season tickets have jumped nearly 40%, and Opening Day tickets start at $150, with lower-level seats costing around $230. The priciest matchups—against the Yankees and Dodgers—could cost up to $390 per seat. Meanwhile, the cheapest tickets, for games against teams like the White Sox, Mariners, and A’s, are about $36.

While some fans understand the supply-and-demand issue—Steinbrenner Field holds 5,000 fewer seats than Tropicana—others say they’ll skip in-person games and watch from home. The Rays are also offering $20 standing-room tickets, but those are expected to sell out fast.

For now, fans hope this is just a one-year inconvenience until the team returns to its true home.

Here’s an interesting and not-so-commonly-known fact about MLB ticket prices:

Dynamic pricing can make the same seat cost drastically different amounts depending on the opponent—even for non-premium games.

Most fans know that prices go up for rivalry games or big matchups, but what’s surprising is that teams use advanced algorithms to adjust ticket prices in real-time based on factors like weather, day of the week, and even a star player’s performance.

For example, if a rookie suddenly goes on a hot streak, demand for games featuring that player can spike overnight, leading to unexpected price hikes—even for games that seemed cheap just days before.

Reader Comments

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

Source: heraldtribune.com

Best Live Music in Tampa Bay this week
2/27 - 3/3

Source: cltampa.com

Top Things to do Around Tampa & WC
2/27 - 3/5
Source: tampabeacon.com

This Weekend in TB:
2/28 - 3/2
Source: abcactionnews.com


This Weekend in Pasco
2/ - 2/
Source: suncoastnews.com

This Week in TB area:
2/25 - 3/5
Source: tampabay.com

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