Issue #381: Top 10 for FL Aquarium | Pasco Eyes Early Calculus | Free Vet Hiring Event at MacDill | Longoria’s One-Day Return

5/22/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
22 May

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GOOD MORNING

EVENT CALENDAR - Feel free to add events again.

Dr Ted
USAF Retired


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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar - FIXED

Local News

— Top 10 in the U.S.: Florida Aquarium Earns National Praise

— Pasco’s Bold Math Plan: Algebra by 8th, Calculus by 12th

Of Interest

— MacDill AFB Hosts Free Veteran Hiring Fair Today

Sports

— Rays to Retire Evan Longoria in One-Day Contract Ceremony

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Top 10 in the U.S.: Florida Aquarium Earns
National Praise

The Florida Aquarium has once again been named one of the top 10 aquariums in the nation, ranking No. 8 in USA Today’s 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This marks its seventh time and fifth consecutive year earning the honor—the only Florida aquarium to make the list.

Aquarium CEO Roger Germann called the accolade “a win for Tampa Bay,” crediting the aquarium’s educational impact, marine conservation leadership, and immersive guest experiences. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor added, “Our city has grown up alongside the aquarium.”

The recognition comes as the attraction celebrates its 30th anniversary and undergoes a $45 million expansion, including a new tide pool touch exhibit this summer, puffin habitat in 2026, and California sea lions in 2027. It welcomes over 1 million visitors annually and reaches more than 2 million children through its educational efforts.

$30 weekday admission continues through May (excluding Memorial Day), with free admission for military May 23–26.

Pasco’s Bold Math Plan: Algebra by 8th,
Calculus by 12th

Pasco County Schools are overhauling math instruction with a bold new goal: algebra in 8th grade, calculus by 12th. Superintendent John Legg said during a school board workshop that Algebra I is no longer a high school course, calling it essential for future academic and career readiness.

The district’s revamped math pathway will limit early grade-level acceleration in favor of building strong foundational skills in elementary grades. A new curriculum and focus on deep comprehension aim to better prepare students—especially those who are economically disadvantaged—for advanced math in middle and high school.

Some parents raised concerns about current advanced students possibly repeating coursework, but district leaders promised individualized placement decisions and enrichment opportunities.

Officials say delaying acceleration until middle school is developmentally appropriate, and the initiative will close achievement gaps while opening doors for more students.

“You have to go deep before you can go fast in math,” said Legg.

MacDill AFB Hosts Free Veteran Hiring Fair Today

Veterans, military personnel, and their families are invited to a free hiring event this Thursday at SeaScapes on MacDill Air Force Base, hosted by Disabled American Veterans, RecruitMilitary, and MacDill AFB. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and welcomes veterans, spouses, active duty members, and the National Guard and Reserve.

Over 25 employers across various industries — from construction and healthcare to administrative services — will be present, offering roles ranging from entry-level to senior management. Attendees can also access career counseling, résumé support, and connect with fellow military community members.

Lamarr Couser, National Employment Director for Disabled American Veterans, will be on hand to share insights on veteran and military spouse hiring trends and discuss employment resources.

Registration and more resources are available through the Disabled American Veterans website. For interviews, contact Couser at 513-470-5260.

Rays to Retire Evan Longoria in One-Day Contract Ceremony

Tampa Bay Rays legend Evan Longoria will be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2026, the organization announced Wednesday. The former third baseman will sign a ceremonial one-day contract on June 7 to officially retire as a Ray. That day will feature a pregame press conference, ceremonial first pitch, and a fan T-shirt giveaway at Tropicana Field.

Longoria, 39, was drafted in 2006 and made his debut in 2008, earning Rookie of the Year honors while helping lead the Rays to their first AL pennant. He is the club’s all-time leader in several categories, including games played (1,435), home runs (262), and RBIs (891).

He joins Don Zimmer, Wade Boggs, Carl Crawford, Fred McGriff, and Dave Wills in the Rays Hall of Fame. Full details of the induction ceremony will be released prior to the 2026 season. The team also hopes to return to Tropicana Field in 2026 after repairs from Hurricane Milton.

Astonishing and lesser-known fact about retirement from Major League Baseball (MLB): 

  • MLB players can qualify for a pension with just 43 days of service time. 

While many assume that athletes need to spend years in the league to earn retirement benefits, MLB’s pension system is among the most generous in professional sports. A player becomes vested after just 43 days on an active MLB roster, entitling them to lifetime pension benefits starting at age 62.

And if they make it to 10 years of service, they qualify for the maximum pension, which can exceed $200,000 per year.

Even more surprising: players who retired before 1980—before improvements were made to the system—had to fight for decades to receive even modest benefits. It wasn’t until 2011 that many of them began receiving partial compensation thanks to collective bargaining advocacy.

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