Issue #349: Final Four Puts Tampa in Spotlight | Straz Center Expands | Lightning Clinch Playoff Spot | Safe Med Drop-Off April 26

4/8/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
08 Apr

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
USAF Retired


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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

Local News

— Tampa’s Record-Setting Final Four Weekend Shines on National Stage

— $100 Million Expansion Begins at Tampa’s Straz Center

Sports

— Lightning Clinch 8th Straight Playoff Berth Thanks to Devils’ Win

— Safe Med Disposal Event Set for April 26 in Pasco County

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Tampa’s Record-Setting Final Four Weekend Shines on National Stage

Tampa delivered in a big way as it hosted its fourth NCAA Women’s Final Four, drawing nearly 20,000 fans to Amalie Arena for the sold-out title game. UConn defeated South Carolina to claim a record-setting 12th national championship, the most in college basketball history—men’s or women’s.

The impact extended beyond the arena. Downtown Tampa transformed into a fan-filled festival, with packed hotels, bars, and events like the Super Saturday concert headlined by GloRilla at Curtis Hixon Park. Watch parties and fan zones lit up the city, while Cross-Bay Ferry rides sold out, underscoring regional excitement.

City leaders praised the seamless coordination by law enforcement, volunteers, and venue staff. With a multimillion-dollar economic boost and widespread national coverage, Tampa proved once again it’s ready for marquee moments. And with the Men’s NCAA Tournament coming in 2026, the Madness isn’t over yet.

$100 Million Expansion Begins at Tampa’s
Straz Center

Construction has officially begun on a $100 million expansion of the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, aiming to transform the landmark venue and its connection to the Tampa Riverwalk. The project broke ground Monday with a glitter-topped ceremony and performances by the Lion King cast and Patel Conservatory students.

Designed by DLR Group and built by Creative Contractors, the expansion includes:

  • A rooftop bar and terrace

  • An outdoor stage along the Riverwalk

  • A fine dining restaurant

  • Renovated lobbies

  • New educational and studio spaces

92% of funding is secured, including $25 million from Tampa’s Community Redevelopment Agency. In return, the Straz will enhance community outreach and local hiring efforts.

Officials say the project will broaden public access and invite new visitors to the arts. Completion is expected by June 2027.

​Here’s an astonishing but little-known fact about performing arts centers:

Some performing arts centers are engineered to "breathe"—literally.
High-end venues often feature adaptive acoustics systems that change the shape and sound absorption of the room in real-time. Using hidden motorized panels, retractable banners, and even adjustable ceilings, these systems mimic the ideal acoustics for everything from a whisper-quiet solo recital to a full symphony orchestra, all in the same space.

This kind of innovation means a single hall can acoustically "transform" to match the performance style, without audiences even noticing the shift. It's part of what makes venues like the Straz Center not just beautiful—but technological marvels behind the scenes.

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Lightning Clinch 8th Straight Playoff Berth Thanks to Devils’ Win

The Tampa Bay Lightning are headed back to the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season, clinching their spot on Saturday thanks to a 4-0 New Jersey Devils win over the New York Rangers. Though the Bolts didn’t play, the outcome sealed their postseason fate.

Timo Meier scored twice, and Jacob Markstrom earned his fourth shutout of the season with 26 saves. Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier also tallied goals as the Devils continued their surge in the Metro Division.

The Rangers struggled on offense, failing to convert on two power plays and managing only 12 shots. The loss puts them two points behind Montreal in the Eastern Conference playoff race, with just six games to go.

While New York falters, the Lightning’s consistency shines, and fans can look ahead to another promising playoff run as Tampa seeks another shot at the Stanley Cup.

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Safe Med Disposal Event Set for April 26
in Pasco County

Don’t let unused medications become a danger—safely dispose of them during DEA Prescription Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office will host two drop-off sites for this nationwide effort to combat prescription drug misuse.

Residents can bring old, unneeded, or unused prescription pills (no liquids or sharps) to the following locations:

  • Hudson Walmart – 12610 US 19, Hudson

  • Tampa Premium Outlets – 2300 Grand Cypress Dr., Lutz

This initiative helps prevent medication misuse and protects the environment from improper disposal. No questions asked—just drop off and go.

For additional drop-off sites, visit DEATakeBack.com.

Top Things to do Around Tampa & WC
4/10 - 4/16
Source: tampabeacon.com

This Weekend in TB:
4/4 - 4/6
Source:


This Week in Pasco
4/3 - 4/9
Source: suncoastnews.com

This Week in TB area:
4/8 - 4/15
Source: tampabay.com

Major Events in Florida
Mar - Apr
Source: visitflorida.com

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