Issue #416: AI in Pasco Classrooms • Inside Amazon Tampa’s Robotics • Orioles-Rays Trade Shakes Up Draft

7/11/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
11 Jul

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Dr Ted
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

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Local News

— Pasco Schools Launch AI Pilot to Personalize Learning on 30 Campuses

Of Interest

— Inside Amazon Tampa: Where Robots Deliver Prime Results

Medical News

— Technology-Fueled Shift: PAs Transition to MDs Faster Than Ever

Sports

— Orioles Trade Bryan Baker to Rays for High Draft Pick

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Pasco Schools Launch AI Pilot to Personalize Learning on 30 Campuses

Pasco County Schools will launch a pilot program this fall testing two AI platforms—Scholar Education and Khanmigo—across 30 campuses. The goal: help teachers tailor lessons to students' unique learning needs.

Elementary schools will test Scholar, a Florida-based system aligned to state standards. It allows teachers to create customized, interest-based assignments and provides data analytics to track student progress. Scholar co-founder Marlee Strawn assured leaders it integrates with existing tools and protects student data.

Middle and high schools will use Khanmigo, a nationally recognized AI tutor that encourages deeper understanding and offers real-time support.

Deputy Superintendent Monica Ilse believes AI can help reduce teacher workload by automating tasks like quizzes and paperwork. Teachers are not required to use the AI tools, and after one year, the district will assess whether to continue with paid versions.

Superintendent John Legg emphasized the focus is on support, not replacement.

Inside Amazon Tampa: Where Robots Deliver Prime Results

At the Amazon TPA4 fulfillment center in Tampa Bay, technology and teamwork drive the engine behind Prime Day orders.

On a typical day, the center processes 200,000 packages—but during Amazon Prime Day, that number jumps to 300,000 daily.

Thousands of robots now assist human workers, bringing inventory shelves directly to them. These robotic helpers reduce physical strain and speed up operations.

“We’re taking the load off the workers while getting you your product faster,” said Chase Brammer, senior mechatronics tech.

Once items are picked, they’re sent down conveyor systems, packaged by robots, labeled, and sorted by destination.

AI-guided sorting machines direct each package to the correct chute, ready for delivery.

With pre-stocked inventory of popular products and smart routing, the facility keeps pace with demand.

Amazon recently deployed its one millionth robot, underscoring just how deeply automation is embedded in its global operations.

Technology-Fueled Shift: PAs Transition to MDs Faster Than Ever

A new wave of Physician Assistants (PAs) is accelerating their path to becoming Medical Doctors (MDs), thanks to cutting-edge educational technology and flexible bridge programs.

With growing global physician shortages and the rising prominence of PAs in patient care, institutions like AUAmed are offering tech-integrated programs tailored to experienced professionals. These bridge pathways combine virtual anatomy labs, AI-powered tutoring, and case-based e-learning to accommodate working schedules without sacrificing rigor.

PAs often arrive with thousands of clinical hours, but still need deeper diagnostic training and decision-making authority to meet MD standards. Bridge programs recognize existing competencies while filling in educational gaps—creating smarter, faster transitions.

The global impact is significant, particularly in underserved regions where versatile practitioners are urgently needed. With advancements like adaptive AI learning and VR surgical training on the horizon, the PA-to-MD journey is becoming more efficient—and essential—for the future of healthcare.

Orioles Trade Bryan Baker to Rays for High
Draft Pick

The Baltimore Orioles traded reliever Bryan Baker to AL East rival Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday in exchange for the 37th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.

GM Mike Elias admitted the move hints at a possible seller stance at the July 31 trade deadline, with the team sitting last in the division (40-50) and well outside the playoff race.

Baker, 29, posted a 3.52 ERA and 1.096 WHIP in 38⅓ innings, serving as the setup man to closer Felix Bautista. Despite recent improvement under interim manager Tony Mansolino, Elias said the draft’s timing influenced the decision.

The Orioles also selected catcher David Bañuelos from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move.

With four picks in the top 37, Elias emphasized the importance of the upcoming draft, calling it the “lifeblood” of the franchise—especially as injured arms like Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish remain sidelined.

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