Issue #386: Four Top Beaches in Tampa Bay • Wildfire Update • Latin Jazz Tour Begins Locally • Lightning Rookies Step Up

5/29/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
29 May

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 - FIXED

Local News

— Tampa Bay Shines With Four of Florida’s Best Beaches

— Wondering Willow Wildfire 80% Contained in Wesley Chapel

Entertainment

— Latin Jazz Royalty Kicks Off Tour at Wesley Chapel’s Krate

Sports

— Depth on a Dime: Lightning Rookies Step In, Step Up

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Tampa Bay Shines With Four of Florida’s
Best Beaches

Tampa Bay beaches are earning high praise, with four local spots ranked among Florida’s top 10, according to USA Today’s 10Best. The rankings were based on expert nominations and reader votes.

Clearwater Beach earned the top regional spot, ranking No. 2 overall for its powdery white sand and wide shoreline that offers plenty of space for sunbathers and water sports. Treasure Island followed at No. 3, praised for its family-friendly hotels and summer sea turtle sightings.

Coming in at No. 7, St. Pete Beach was noted for its laid-back vibe and emerald waters, ideal for kayaking or simply relaxing. Rounding out the local winners, Siesta Beach took No. 8, famous for its quartz crystal sand and recreational facilities.

The list celebrates Tampa Bay’s coastal appeal, placing the area firmly on the map for beach lovers across the country.

Wondering Willow Wildfire 80% Contained
in Wesley Chapel

Fire crews are making steady progress against the Wondering Willow Wildfire in Wesley Chapel, now 80% contained as of Wednesday evening. The fire, which broke out near Thistle Field Court and River Glen Boulevard, has burned roughly four acres, but its forward movement has been stopped.

Teams from the Florida Forest Service’s Withlacoochee Forestry Center and Pasco County Fire Rescue, including Station 22 “Deuces Wild”, remain on scene, strengthening containment lines and monitoring hot spots.

Importantly, no homes or structures are currently at risk, and while smoke may still be visible in parts of the area, authorities emphasize that there is no immediate danger to residents. Crews continue working diligently toward full containment of the blaze.

Officials have not reported a cause for the fire, and updates will continue as crews bring the situation under control.

Sure! Here's an astonishing and lesser-known fact about top beaches in North America:

Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California, was formed from decades of garbage dumping — and it's now a shimmering natural wonder.

From the early 1900s through the 1960s, the coastline near Fort Bragg was used as a dump site for glass, appliances, and even vehicles. Over time, the ocean's waves tumbled the discarded glass into millions of smooth, colorful pebbles. Today, Glass Beach sparkles with vibrant glass pieces instead of sand — a stunning example of nature reclaiming and transforming human waste.

Though it's a popular destination, collecting the glass is prohibited to preserve its beauty for future visitors. It’s one of the few beaches in North America where trash literally became treasure.

Latin Jazz Royalty Kicks Off Tour at
Wesley Chapel’s Krate

Tito Puente Jr., son of the legendary mambo musician, is bringing his high-energy Latin jazz rhythms to Krate at Wesley Chapel this Saturday, March 29, 2025, launching his worldwide 2025 tour. Known for honoring his father's musical legacy while adding a fresh twist, Puente Jr. promises a lively, dance-filled evening in the unique open-air venue made from shipping containers.

Fans can also snag a taste of his family flavor — Puente Piña hot sauce — likely available at the merch booth. The Krate show serves as the tour’s first stop and is expected to draw a diverse crowd of jazz and salsa lovers. Tickets start at just $10, offering an affordable night of music, dance, and cultural celebration in one of Pasco County’s trendiest destinations.

Depth on a Dime: Lightning Rookies Step In, Step Up

The Tampa Bay Lightning saw a welcome shift during the 2024–25 season as six rookies made appearances, with Gage Goncalves (60 games) and Conor Geekie (52 games) becoming lineup regulars. Goncalves, dubbed the "Portuguese Pistol," notched 20 points, the best rookie showing since 2018–19, and impressed in the playoffs. Geekie, showing promise as a two-way center, also flashed potential despite some mid-season growing pains.

Max Crozier, Declan Carlile, and Dylan Duke contributed in brief stints, while Jack Finley made his debut in January. All showed signs of potential depth value, particularly Crozier, a pending RFA who may secure a multi-year deal.

This infusion of youth gives GM Julien BriseBois flexibility as the team eyes roster reshaping. If this trend continues, it may rejuvenate Tampa’s lineup and help sustain competitiveness in the post-Stamkos era—without breaking the bank.

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Best Live Music & Concerts in Tampa Bay
5/22 - 5/29

Source: cltampa.com

This Weekend in TB:
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