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- Issue #353: Dying Waters Threaten Manatees | Schoolhouse Transformed | Aranda Powers Rays | Speed Meets Speed in Tampa
Issue #353: Dying Waters Threaten Manatees | Schoolhouse Transformed | Aranda Powers Rays | Speed Meets Speed in Tampa
4/14/2025
Ted Grellner
14 Apr
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Local News
— Florida’s Waters Are Dying—And Manatees Are Paying the Price
Of Interest
— Roots Academy Breathes New Life into 1940s Schoolhouse
Sports
— No Hype, Just Hits: Aranda Leading Rays at the Plate
— Fastest in NCAA Meets Tampa’s Fastest Kid
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Florida’s Waters Are Dying—And Manatees Are Paying the Price
(follow-up to last week’s article)
Florida’s waterways are in a state of deepening crisis, according to a year-long investigation by the Tampa Bay Times. Nearly 1 in 4 water bodies are dangerously polluted, with rising levels of nitrogen and phosphorus fueling algae blooms, seagrass die-offs, and widespread habitat collapse.
In the Indian River Lagoon, once-teeming seagrass beds have vanished, starving hundreds of manatees. More than 89,000 acres of seagrass have disappeared statewide, while springs, rivers, and bays show worsening contamination.
Despite millions spent on cleanup, the state lacks clear targets for most polluted waters, leaving 1,000+ sites without remediation goals. Meanwhile, urban sprawl and agriculture continue to dump chemicals into vulnerable ecosystems.
Scientists have warned for years that the state’s approach amounts to “conservation by crisis.” Although some signs of seagrass recovery exist, experts caution that lasting change remains elusive unless pollution sources are meaningfully curtailed.
Read More: tampabay.com — excellent, eye-opening article
Roots Academy Breathes New Life into 1940s Schoolhouse
A cherished piece of Brooksville’s past is being reborn as a school once more. The former Historic Hammock Consolidated School, built in the 1940s and more recently known as the Little Rock Cannery, is being transformed into Roots Academy Brooksville, a private school set to open September 1.
Tishia Wingate, the new school’s founder, envisions a cozy, home-style learning environment with oak tables and relaxed seating replacing traditional desks. The project has reignited local interest, with many residents reminiscing about their own school days.
Lois Booth, a former student, called the restoration “wonderful,” seeing it as a return to the building’s true purpose.
Community support has poured in as registrations climb. Wingate said, “Within three weeks, we’re almost full.” The revival not only preserves a historic space but also creates a new chapter in Hernando County’s educational story.
Read More: baynews9.com
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*This weekend I witnessed an AI Agent (virtual assistant) utilize another specialized AI Agent to create an Instagram short in just minutes that was very well done.
If this rapid progress in AI capabilities doesn’t concern you, like many others who also aren’t keeping up with AI, DON’T click THIS to learn more. (Dr Ted)
No Hype, Just Hits: Aranda Leading Rays
at the Plate
What an experience!
Jonathan Aranda has quietly become the Tampa Bay Rays' most reliable hitter in an otherwise sluggish start to the season. The 26-year-old first baseman is making the most of his first Opening Day role, posting a scorching .378 batting average and .455 on-base percentage through 14 games. In Saturday’s 5-4 loss to Atlanta, Aranda reached base five times, including a homer and three RBIs.
Despite being overshadowed by higher-profile teammates, Aranda’s consistent production stands out. After missing the 2024 opener due to a fractured finger, he returned with determination. Manager Kevin Cash praised Aranda’s resilience, saying, “He’s gotten off to a pretty good start.”
Now healthy and confident, Aranda is proving he belongs in the heart of Tampa Bay’s lineup, providing much-needed offensive firepower as the Rays struggle to score.
Fastest in NCAA Meets Tampa’s Fastest Kid
USF Track & Field wrapped up its home meet with speed, spirit, and community connection on Saturday, highlighted by NCAA’s fastest sprinter Abdul-Rasheed Saminu presenting the trophy for the “Fastest Kid in Tampa.” The heartwarming moment united elite collegiate competition with local youth engagement at the USF Track & Field Stadium.
Coach Erik Jenkins called the event “unforgettable,” as Bulls athletes turned in standout performances. Natalie Danner recorded a personal best in javelin, and Annalee Harbison matched her top hammer throw mark. Tristen Evatt and Ella Dolce continued their rise in long jump and pole vault, respectively.
On the track, Sydney Granack (steeplechase), Tyra Thomas and Gianna Hansen (100m hurdles), and the 4x400m relay team all etched their names onto USF’s all-time outdoor lists.
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Top Things to do Around Tampa & WC
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Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
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