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- Issue #336: New Howard Frankland Bridge Opens! | MOSI’s Digital Dome Debuts | Pickleball in Lutz
Issue #336: New Howard Frankland Bridge Opens! | MOSI’s Digital Dome Debuts | Pickleball in Lutz
3/20/2025
Ted Grellner
20 Mar
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Local News
— New Howard Frankland Bridge Opens Next Week, Easing Tampa-St. Pete Commutes
— MOSI’s Massive New Digital Dome Set to Open April 1
Crime
— Another Hard Rock Casino Winner Robbed After Big Jackpot
Sports
— Massive Indoor Pickleball Facility Opening Soon in Lutz
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New Howard Frankland Bridge Opens Next Week, Easing Tampa-St. Pete Commutes
The long-awaited new Howard Frankland Bridge will officially open to traffic on Tuesday, March 25, according to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The $865 million project, announced in 2017, aims to reduce congestion and improve travel between Tampa and St. Petersburg.
The new bridge features eight lanes, including four general-purpose lanes and four tolled express lanes—two in each direction. Additionally, a bicycle and pedestrian trail will provide a much-needed link between Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Monday, March 24, before overnight lane shifts direct traffic onto the new bridge. Once complete, the existing northbound bridge—built in the 1990s—will be demolished.
The new structure is the largest bridge in Florida by square footage and stands 10 feet higher than the previous bridge. With 250,000 vehicles crossing daily, the upgrade is expected to significantly improve traffic flow across Tampa Bay.
MOSI’s Massive New Digital Dome Set to Open
April 1
The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) is unveiling its highly anticipated Digital Dome Theatre on April 1, 2025, bringing immersive, high-tech space experiences to Tampa. The 10,000-square-foot curved screen inside MOSI’s iconic blue dome will offer cutting-edge 8K visuals, making it one of the most advanced planetariums in the country.
The transformation took months of precise work, including the installation of a NanoSeam screen, 10 Christie digital projectors, and a Digistar control system. The result is a game-changing STEM experience.
Starting opening day, visitors can enjoy live night-sky tours, 360-degree space films, and immersive shows—one show is included with general admission, with additional screenings available for $5.
Before the public debut, the dome will host a VIP event featuring astronaut Nicole Stott. MOSI CEO John Graydon Smith calls it Tampa Bay’s biggest STEM attraction upgrade.
Another Hard Rock Casino Winner Robbed
After Big Jackpot
Tampa police are investigating yet another robbery targeting a big winner from the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. The latest incident occurred on February 5, 2025, marking a disturbing trend of jackpot winners being followed and attacked.
According to a search warrant, the victim's car was intentionally hit near Hillsborough Ave. around 3:11 a.m. When the victim pulled over, a masked suspect emerged from the other vehicle, pointed a gun, and stole $3,700—the victim’s casino winnings.
Surveillance footage from the casino shows a suspected "spotter" monitoring the victim before a Buick followed him out of the parking garage. Authorities believe this may be part of a larger pattern.
This follows similar cases in August 2024 and December 2023, where winners were followed home and attacked. While no arrests have been made in this latest case, police say there is no direct connection to prior robberies. Seminole Hard Rock officials stress guest safety remains a priority.
Massive Indoor Pickleball Facility Opening Soon
in Lutz
Pickleball’s explosive growth continues in Tampa Bay, and soon, players will have a brand-new indoor facility to enjoy the game year-round. Ace Pickleball Club is set to open its first Florida location in Lutz on March 31, offering unlimited open play for a flat monthly fee—no reservations needed.
Located at 18381 Pasco Business Center Way, the club is owned by McKinley Cooper, a lifelong pickleball enthusiast who wants to grow the sport and provide a climate-controlled alternative to Florida’s scorching outdoor courts.
The facility features cushioned courts, club-coordinated tournaments, social events, and equipment demos for players of all skill levels. Free introductory clinics will be available for beginners.
As a grand opening special, Ace Pickleball Club – Lutz is offering the first month free for new members. Players can find membership details on the Ace Pickleball website.
Reader Comments
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Spring Concerts Coming to Tampa Bay Area
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Best Live Music in Tampa Bay
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