Issue #348: Cuban Festival Vibes | I-4 Shocker Caught on Camera | Florida & UConn Make NCAA History

4/7/2025

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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

Local News

— Dominoes, Music, and Mojo Pork: Sabor Cubano Fest Arrives April 12

Crime

Gunfire on I-4: Man Films Riders, Gets Shot At in Tampa

Sports

— Clayton Jr. Makes NCAA History, Sends Florida to Finals

— UConn Dominates South Carolina to Win 12th NCAA Women’s Title

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Dominoes, Music, and Mojo Pork: Sabor Cubano Fest Arrives April 12

Cuban Flavor Fest (Sabor Cubano Fest) is set to debut on Saturday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Al Lopez Park in Tampa. Organized by United Citizens Coalition, this free, family-friendly festival celebrates Cuban culture, music, and food, offering a lively mix of traditional cuisine, live salsa performances, a domino tournament, cigar maker exhibitions, and kids’ activities.

Following the success of events like Tampa Taco Fest, this new cultural celebration aims to spotlight Tampa’s strong Cuban heritage, which has helped shape the city's identity. The festival arrives just days after the popular Cuban Sandwich Festival, continuing the momentum of Cuban cultural pride in the area.

Event organizers say they created the fest to bring together all the elements of Cuban tradition in one place. With no cost to attend, locals and visitors alike are invited to enjoy a flavorful journey through music, food, and culture in Tampa.

Gunfire on I-4: Man Films Riders, Gets Shot At
in Tampa

Another Floriduh moment

Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a shooting on I-4 early Sunday morning involving a motorcyclist who opened fire on a St. Petersburg man’s vehicle. The 34-year-old was driving westbound on I-4, just west of the I-275 interchange, when he noticed a group of motorcyclists driving aggressively. He began recording them on his phone, and one of the riders reportedly pulled out a handgun and fired several rounds, striking the man’s Honda CRV.

Though shaken, the driver was not injured. According to FHP, the suspected shooter was wearing a jacket featuring the “Outlaws MC” motorcycle club logo. The identity of the motorcyclist remains unknown, and no arrests have been made.

FHP has released the incident details publicly and is asking for help from the community. Anyone with information is encouraged to call FHP (347) or Crime Stoppers at TIPS.

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Clayton Jr. Makes NCAA History, Sends Florida
to Finals

Florida is Final Four bound for the first time since 2007, defeating SEC rival Auburn 79–73 in a thrilling semifinal in San Antonio. Walter Clayton Jr. starred once again, scoring 34 points and making NCAA history with consecutive 30-point performances in the Elite Eight and Final Four — a feat last accomplished by Larry Bird in 1979. After trailing by eight at halftime, the Gators surged with a 13–3 second-half run, led by Clayton and boosted by key contributions from Alijah Martin (17 points) and Thomas Haugh (12 points).

Auburn, the tournament’s top seed, was hampered by injuries, particularly to Tampa native Johni Broome, who scored just three second-half points. The loss marks Auburn’s second defeat this season to Florida. Now, Florida advances to Monday’s championship game, seeking to secure the SEC’s first national title in over a decade and their first since back-to-back wins in 2006 and 2007.

UConn Dominates South Carolina to Win 12th NCAA Women’s Title

UConn reclaimed its place atop women’s college basketball, defeating defending national champion South Carolina 82–59 in Tampa to capture the program’s 12th NCAA title. Coach Geno Auriemma’s Huskies were dominant, outplaying the previously undefeated Gamecocks with efficient offense and stifling defense. Paige Bueckers led a disciplined, energized UConn squad, while freshman standout Sarah Strong made a significant impact in the paint.

UConn took control early and never let up, forcing South Carolina into a series of turnovers and rushed possessions. Despite efforts from Raven Johnson and Te-Hina Paopao, the Gamecocks couldn’t close the gap. Emotions ran high late in the game, with Gamecock players seen crying on the bench and head coach Dawn Staley visibly distraught.

As confetti fell inside Amalie Arena, Bueckers climbed the ladder to cut down the net, and Auriemma raised the championship trophy once again. The win cements UConn’s legacy as the most successful program in women’s NCAA history.

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