Issue #345: Tampa’s Planetarium Debuts | April Hiring Events | Rays Rookie Hits Big | USF’s Puisis in NCAA Spotlight

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

WEATHER

Local News

— Cosmic Leap: Tampa Unveils Nation’s 2nd-Largest Planetarium (now open!)

— April Job Fairs Offer Fast Track to Training and Hiring

Sports

— Rays Rookie Jake Mangum Goes 4-for-4 in Dream MLB Debut

— Sammie Puisis to Represent USF in NCAA 3-Point Contest and All-Star Game

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

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Cosmic Leap: Tampa Unveils Nation’s 2nd-Largest Planetarium (now open!)

Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) is unveiling the second-largest planetarium in the U.S., the Digital Dome Theatre, opening Tuesday. Replacing the old IMAX theater, unused since 2017, the new eight-story, 360-degree dome boasts over 300 seats and offers immersive star shows, laser light shows, and educational presentations.

At a preview event, local elementary students watched a trailer for Edge of Darkness and explored the solar system. MOSI CEO John Graydon Smith hopes it sparks lifelong curiosity and supports classroom learning.

Retired astronaut Nicole Stott, a Clearwater native and founder of the Space for Art Foundation, praised the planetarium for helping students connect with space and Earth. Her foundation’s exhibit, located beside the theater, showcases large-scale space-inspired art.

This major investment ensures MOSI stays on East Fowler Avenue, rather than relocating downtown. Planetarium access is included with museum admission; extra shows are $5.

Read More: wusf.org

April Job Fairs Offer Fast Track to Training
and Hiring

Workforce Development Partners, a nonprofit organization, is making a significant impact in Hillsborough County by creating career opportunities for both youth and adults while helping local businesses grow. By strengthening its partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools, the group connects students and job seekers to real-world employment pathways through training, resources, and direct job placements.

A series of free job fairs this April aims to connect attendees with career training programs and employment opportunities in high-demand industries. Each event runs from 1–2 p.m., offering a fast-track format for networking and employment support.

Upcoming Job Fair Dates & Locations:

• April 3 – TPepin's Hospitality Centre

• April 10 & 11 – Tampa Convention Center

• April 16 & 17 – The Regent

• April 23 – HCC Trinkle Center

For more information, visit WorkforceDevelopmentPartners.com. This initiative is a valuable first step for anyone looking to build a rewarding, sustainable career.

Read More: abcactionnews.com 

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Rays Rookie Jake Mangum Goes 4-for-4 in Dream MLB Debut

Jake Mangum’s MLB debut with the Tampa Bay Rays is a long-awaited milestone — and the 29-year-old made it count. Called up from Triple-A Durham after Josh Lowe was placed on the 10-day injured list, Mangum joined the Rays in time for Sunday’s game against Colorado. After going 0-for-3 with a walk, he followed up with a stellar 4-for-4 performance on Monday against the Pirates, notching a double, two RBIs, a run, and two stolen bases.

Known as the “Mayor of Starkville” for his standout college career at Mississippi State, Mangum holds the SEC record with 383 hits. His professional journey included stints with the Mets and Marlins before landing with Tampa Bay, where he won the 2024 International League batting title.

With family in the stands and college idol Adam Frazier on the opposing team, Mangum called the night “unbelievable” — a true breakthrough in what could be a lasting MLB career.

Read More: si.com 

Sammie Puisis to Represent USF in NCAA 3-Point Contest and All-Star Game

USF’s Sammie Puisis will showcase her elite long-range shooting Thursday night at the State Farm 3-Point Championship in San Antonio, held during the NCAA Men’s Final Four. Puisis, ranked fifth nationally in total 3-pointers (106) and sixth in per-game makes (3.2), joins seven other top shooters from across the country. The event airs live on ESPN at 7 p.m., with a format involving 25 shots in 60 seconds from five spots around the arc.

Puisis, who helped the Bulls win the AAC Tournament and secure an NCAA bid, will return to Tampa immediately after to play in the Lilly Women’s College All-Star Game on Saturday (3 p.m., HCC, aired on ESPN2). General admission is $25.

Bulls coach Jose Fernandez praised her ability to “get hot,” and Puisis is embracing the challenge: “It’s about rhythm and trust,” she said. If she catches fire, history could be made.

Read More: gousfbulls.com

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Spring Concerts Coming to Tampa Bay Area

Source: suncoastpost.com

Best Live Music in Tampa Bay
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Source: cltampa.com

Top Things to do Around Tampa & WC
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Source: tampabeacon.com

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Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

The Arts
- USF College of the Arts
- USF Steinway Piano Concert Series

Theater
-NTPAC - New Tampa Performing Arts Center
- New Tampa Players
- USF School of Theatre & Dance
- Wesley Chapel Theater Group
- Carrollwood Players Theatre

Misc

- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC

For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids

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