Issue #411: Holiday Surge to Orlando • Flood Driving Restrictions Begin • Florida Rolls Out Beacon Safety App

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

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WEATHER 

Local News

— Orlando Tops Holiday Travel List as Millions Hit the Road

— ‘No‑Wake’ Zones Go Live: Drivers Must Slow in Floods

Of Interest

— AI + Radio: Florida Launches Life-Saving Beacon App

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

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Orlando Tops Holiday Travel List as Millions Hit
the Road

AAA projects over 72 million Americans will travel this Independence Day week, marking a new high, with 4 million Floridians expected to drive. Orlando tops the list as the most popular U.S. destination.

Travel surged starting June 28 and continues through July 6, with July 2 and July 6 predicted as peak traffic days. With 61.6 million people driving and 5.84 million flying, transportation officials are urging caution.

FDOT and FHP are emphasizing driver safety, urging motorists to prepare vehicles and avoid distractions. If stranded, drivers should call 347 or FHP for roadside help.

Last year saw nearly 700,000 emergency calls; officials expect even more this year. Pedestrian awareness is also crucial, with over 25% of last year’s road fatalities involving walkers or cyclists.

To ease congestion, SunRail will offer free rides July 4 from 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., supporting events like Lake Eola fireworks and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Read More: mynews13.com

‘No‑Wake’ Zones Go Live: Drivers Must Slow
in Floods

Florida's new “no‑wake” law, SB 462, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on July 2, 2025, makes it illegal to drive fast enough through flooded streets to create dangerous wakes. Local jurisdictions may now establish slow-speed zones in flooded areas, empowering law enforcement to issue citations for violations.

Co-sponsored by bipartisan legislators, Sen. Nick DiCeglie (R‑Indian Rocks Beach) and Rep. Lindsay Cross (D‑St. Petersburg) introduced the measure following constituent concerns after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

SB 462 was folded into a broader transportation package, granting municipal and county authorities authority to define and enforce slow-speed zones during flood events. The St. Petersburg Police Department and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office have both expressed support, citing improved safety in affected neighborhoods.

This law aims to protect homes, pedestrians, and parked vehicles from water damage and roadway hazards caused by fast-moving vehicles during flooding.

Read More: fox13news.com

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AI + Radio: Florida Launches Life-Saving Beacon App

Beacon 24/7, short for Broadcast Emergency Alerts & Communications Operation Network, is a new AI-powered app designed to deliver timely, location-based hurricane alerts without clutter. It’s a joint effort by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, WUFT‑FM, University of Florida Journalism College, and Futuri Media.

Why it matters: After Tropical Storm Andrea, Floridians are bracing for an active season—and Beacon 24/7 aims to keep users informed with real-time advisories, geofenced maps, radio streams, FEMA updates, and weather forecasts all tailored to your exact location.

Built for all communities, the app offers bilingual (English/Spanish) support and integrates AI with existing emergency broadcast systems—offering seamless alerts via mobile and radio. Empowered by UF researchers and experts like Craig Fugate, Beacon 24/7 prioritizes accuracy and speed to keep you one step ahead of storms.

Read More: wusf.org

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Biggest Concerts & Comedians in Tampa Bay, Sarasota
in July

Source: yahoo.com

Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

The Arts
- USF College of the Arts
- USF Steinway Piano Concert Series

Theater
-NTPAC - New Tampa Performing Arts Center
- New Tampa Players
- USF School of Theatre & Dance
- Wesley Chapel Theater Group
- Carrollwood Players Theatre

Misc

- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC
- visitflorida.com

For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids

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