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- Issue #346: Manatees in Peril, Big 13 Turns 70, Student Chef’s Legacy, & Carnival Internships Dock in Tampa
Issue #346: Manatees in Peril, Big 13 Turns 70, Student Chef’s Legacy, & Carnival Internships Dock in Tampa
4/3/2025
Ted Grellner
03 Apr
Keep your finger on the Pulse!
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Dr Ted
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Local News
— Florida’s Dying Waters: How Pollution is Starving the Manatees
— Big 13 Turns 70: A Tampa Bay News Legacy
Of Interest
— Kitchen Dreams Live On Through Late Student’s Legacy
— Behind the Scenes: Carnival’s New Internship Anchors in Tampa
🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
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Florida’s Dying Waters: How Pollution is Starving the Manatees
Hundreds of Florida manatees have died from starvation since 2021, victims of widespread seagrass loss in the Indian River Lagoon. Once a winter haven, the Lagoon has turned deadly as pollution from agriculture and development fuels algae blooms that choke out seagrass — the manatees’ primary food source.
A Tampa Bay Times investigation found dangerously high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in nearly 25% of Florida’s waterways.
Despite millions spent on cleanup, over half of polluted waters are worsening or stagnant. Major polluters, like farming and urban runoff, remain loosely regulated.
The die-off left researchers overwhelmed, stacking carcasses in bins as others rotted in remote areas. One emaciated mother was found dead, her orphaned calf still trying to nurse.
Experts warn this crisis isn’t isolated — and Florida’s beloved sea cows could vanish without urgent action to restore water quality and protect their fragile habitats.
Read More: project.tampabay.com — a very long but complete article
Big 13 Turns 70: A Tampa Bay News Legacy
FOX 13/WTVT is celebrating 70 years of broadcasting in the Tampa Bay region, honoring its legacy from humble beginnings to becoming a regional news leader. Founded in 1955, the station once operated out of a converted restaurant with a leaky roof before evolving into the home of Florida’s first live TV weather radar, the SkyTower, and the area’s first hour-long newscast, “Pulse.”
The station covered historic moments like the splashdowns of Alan Shepard and John Glenn and aired quirky local favorites like “Popeye’s Playhouse” and horror host “Shock Armstrong.”
Local icons like Ernie Lee, Kelly Ring, “Salty” Sol Fleischman, and Andy Hardy shaped WTVT’s identity. FOX 13 was also the first in the region to broadcast live from a helicopter.
Through technological innovations, deep roots in the community, and a devoted staff, WTVT continues to thrive, connecting generations of viewers to Tampa Bay’s stories.
Kitchen Dreams Live On Through Late Student’s Legacy
Ryan Wells, a gifted culinary student at Tarpon Springs High School, tragically lost his life in a car accident two decades ago. But his dream lives on through the Ryan Wells Foundation, which has empowered hundreds of students across Tampa Bay to pursue careers in hospitality and the culinary arts.
Since its founding, the nonprofit has awarded 175 scholarships, helped establish professional-grade culinary facilities, and organized food relief for those in need. “These students bring life to us,” says Ryan’s father, Mike Wells. “They help heal us.”
Senior Emma Hallett, a current student, credits the foundation for turning her school’s culinary program into a true launching pad, complete with two large kitchens and a student-run restaurant.
The Foundation will host its 20th “Evening With the Chefs” fundraiser on May 9 at Sheraton Sand Key Resort, showcasing the talents of both professional and student chefs. Proceeds support future culinary leaders across Tampa Bay.
Behind the Scenes: Carnival’s New Internship Anchors in Tampa
Carnival Cruise Line has launched a new paid internship for Tampa-area high school students interested in travel, tourism, or real-world job experience. The “Fun-ternship Program” is a six-week summer internship, running June 21 through August 2, designed for rising juniors and seniors aged 17+.
Based at Port Tampa Bay, participants will work with Carnival’s port services team, gaining firsthand insight into cruise terminal operations. Along with an hourly wage, interns will receive a guided cruise ship tour, mentorship from Carnival staff, and take part in career-building sessions.
The program is also being offered in Jacksonville, Norfolk, NYC, and Long Beach, and reflects Carnival’s investment in communities where its ships dock.
“This will be more than just a unique, fun summer job,” said David Candib, VP of Port Operations. Applications are open now through May 1, and spots are limited. For Tampa teens, this is a rare behind-the-scenes look at a billion-dollar industry.
Reader Comments
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Any suggestions are always welcomed - Thanks
Spring Concerts Coming to Tampa Bay Area
Source: suncoastpost.com
Best Live Music in Tampa Bay
3/ - 3/
Source: cltampa.com
Top Things to do Around Tampa & WC
4/3 - 4/9
Source: tampabeacon.com
This Weekend in TB: |
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Major Events in Florida
Mar - Apr
Source: visitflorida.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
For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids
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