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- Issue #341: Top Skaters in Tampa, $10K Fine Controversy, Rays Rundown & USF’s Sports Biz Game Plan
Issue #341: Top Skaters in Tampa, $10K Fine Controversy, Rays Rundown & USF’s Sports Biz Game Plan
3/27/2025
Ted Grellner
27 Mar
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Dr Ted
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Local News
— SPoTlight on Tampa: World’s Top Skaters Hit the Park
OMG!
— Tampa Man Fined $10K for Renovations He Didn’t Do
Sports
— Baseball Under the Sun: A Casual Fan’s Rays Rundown
— Not Just Athletes: USF Preps Future Sports Business Pros
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SPoTlight on Tampa: World’s Top Skaters
Hit the Park
Tampa is once again at the center of the skateboarding world as the 31st annual Tampa Pro and Am competitions roll into the Skate Park of Tampa (SPoT) from April 3–6. Known globally as one of the most prestigious events in professional skateboarding, the weekend features top-tier talent like Jamie Foy, Jake Ilardi, and even Bam Margera.
Friday’s qualifiers will narrow down 200 skaters to just 30 finalists, leading into Saturday’s Best Trick contest and legendary after-parties. Sunday’s finals will see 12 pros battling for the coveted Tampa Pro title.
Founded in 1993, SPoT has become a cultural landmark in the skate world. The event celebrates not just competition, but a tight-knit, diverse community—with a global webcast for fans who can’t attend in person.
Research also shows skateparks play a vital role in youth development, especially for female and BIPOC skaters, building skills in community, communication, and critical thinking.
Tampa Man Fined $10K for Renovations
He Didn’t Do
Carlos Lara’s dream home in Hyde Park has turned into a $10,000 code violation nightmare. Despite owning the home for two years, Lara is being fined $100 daily since October for unpermitted work done by a previous, unlicensed contractor. He says the city won’t provide clear guidance to fix the issue, even though he and his licensed contractor, Julie Magill, are trying to bring the property into compliance.
Magill says Tampa’s code enforcement is slow and unclear, refusing to specify what permits are needed—some for work they claim doesn’t even require one. Meanwhile, renovation plans like a backyard grill and new fence are on hold.
The city says fines may be reduced once the case is resolved, but Lara feels trapped in a bureaucratic maze. Officials advise homeowners to verify contractor licenses and check permits before buying homes—especially in areas like Tampa, where unpermitted renovations are common.
Here’s an astonishing and lesser-known fact about code violations:
In some U.S. cities, unresolved code violations can legally prevent you from selling or refinancing your home—even if the violations occurred before you owned the property.
That means if you unknowingly purchase a property with pre-existing violations (as in the Hyde Park homeowner’s case), you could be on the hook for resolving the issue and paying accumulated fines, which may continue to grow daily. Some municipalities don’t clear the violation until all related permits are closed—even if the work was done decades ago.
This creates what's sometimes called a "zombie violation"—a code issue that quietly follows the property, not the person, and can surprise homeowners during resale, insurance renewals, or loan applications.
It's a strong reminder: always request a code enforcement and permit history report before purchasing a property—even during a hot real estate market.
Baseball Under the Sun: A Casual Fan’s Rays Rundown
Opening Day is here, and the Tampa Bay Rays begin their 2025 season at home—but not at Tropicana Field. After Hurricane Milton damaged the Trop, the Rays will play at Steinbrenner Field, an open-air stadium that brings heat and possible rain delays into the mix.
The team’s strength lies in pitching, led by Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen, and Ryan Pepiot, who steps in as Opening Day starter due to McClanahan’s injury. On offense, watch for slugger Brandon Lowe, last year’s MVP, and 21-year-old breakout hopeful Junior Caminero.
Meanwhile, ownership rumors swirl. With the collapse of a new stadium deal in St. Pete, speculation grows around a potential sale of the team.
Bonus trivia: New catcher Danny Jansen made MLB history in 2024 by playing for both teams in the same game, due to a trade during a weather-suspended matchup. As Jansen put it: "Extremely rare and cool."
Not Just Athletes: USF Preps Future
Sports Business Pros
USF students from the Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management Program got a rare inside look at careers off the field in professional sports during a networking event with Tampa Bay Buccaneers executives at One Buc Place.
Among them was Albert Harris III, who dreams of leading NFL scouting operations. The students received advice on roles in communications, marketing, PR, legal, analytics, and more—the often unseen but essential parts of pro sports.
Bucs Chief Communications Officer Nelson Luis emphasized the power of networking in the tight-knit world of sports business, while HR Chief Kristin Hamwey shared the surreal experience of having Mike Evans as a co-worker.
This event is part of USF’s initiative known as ‘Team Tampa Bay’, helping students land real-world opportunities. For these aspiring professionals, it’s more than a game—it’s a career path, and one that starts with building connections off the field.
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Spring Concerts Coming to Tampa Bay Area
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