Welcome to The Tampa Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Florida Strawberry Festival starting this week

• The Bolts pick up back to back wins

• The story of Leroy Selmon

• And more…

Fun Fact of the Week

Tampa's Sunshine Skyway Bridge is one of the largest cable-stayed bridges in the Western Hemisphere, stretching over 4 miles long.

The Top Tampa News

💼 Business:

Wages vs. Cost of Living:

A significant concern is that wages are not keeping pace with the cost of living, emphasizing the necessity of earning a college degree. For instance, 79% of jobs paying over $60,000 annually require a college degree. A family of four, with two working adults and two children, now needs an annual income of $90,000 to meet their basic needs without financial assistance, according to the reports.

🏈 Sports:

Lightning are streaking:

The Bolts pick up back to back wins on the road over the weekend, and hold a firm lead over New Jersey for the final wild card spot. Nikita Kucherov also hit 100 points on the season!

🏦 Finance:

Average Home Value:

The average home value in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area is $370,474, marking a 1.9% increase over the past year. This growth indicates a stable market in the area

Upcoming Events

Sports Events:

🏒 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens

• Date: March 2, 2024

• Time: 7:00 PM

• Location: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL

• Tickets: Prices start from $67 (link)

• The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to face off against the Montreal Canadiens in what promises to be an electrifying match at the Amalie Arena

Concerts & Shows:

🎵 12th Annual Music On The Bay

• Dates: February 28 – March 3, 2024

• Location: Whiskey Joe’s Barefoot Beach in Tampa

• Tickets: $135 per person (link)

• Music On The Bay is a 4-day Parrot Head Trop-Rock Music Festival. Enjoy a blend of Caribbean, Tropical/Island, Latin, and Rock Reggae music

Family-Friendly Events

🍓 Florida Strawberry Festival

• Dates: February 29 – March 10, 2024

• Location: Plant City

• Admission: Starts at $4 (concerts require separate tickets) (link)

• The Florida Strawberry Festival is an annual event that celebrates agriculture, commerce, industry, livestock, fine arts, horticulture, and crafts. It features social events, contests, youth programs, top-name entertainment, and parades

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What unique feature distinguishes MacDill Air Force Base from most other Air Force bases in the United States?

A) It's the only base with a deep-water port.
B) It operates the largest fleet of drones.
C) It has a fully operational commercial airport within its boundaries.
D) It's the only base located in a major city's downtown area.

Last week’s answer:

Which Tampa landmark was originally known as the "Tampa Bay Casino" despite never being used for gambling?

Answer: Henry B. Plant Museum 

AI Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, Tampa in a futuristic Utopia…

The Opening of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Introduction: The Birth of a Strategic Military Installation

In the early 1940s, as the United States ramped up its military preparations for World War II, the establishment of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa marked a significant development in the city's history and its role in national defense. Named after Colonel Leslie MacDill, a pioneering aviator who died in an aircraft accident in 1938, the base was activated on April 16, 1941. Its creation was part of a broader national effort to bolster the United States' air defense capabilities in anticipation of the country's involvement in the global conflict.

The Role of MacDill AFB During World War II: Training and Operations

During World War II, MacDill Air Force Base quickly became a crucial training ground for bomber crews, focusing primarily on the B-17 Flying Fortress and, later, the B-29 Superfortress. These aircraft were integral to the Allied bombing campaigns in Europe and the Pacific. The base’s strategic location on the Gulf Coast of Florida made it an ideal site for training missions and a hub for air operations. Its role in preparing aircrews and serving as a departure point for aircraft heading to theaters of war underscored Tampa's importance to the war effort and its contribution to the Allied victory.

Post-War Expansion and the Cold War Era: Adapting to New Threats

After the end of World War II, MacDill AFB adapted to the changing needs of the U.S. military in the face of new global challenges, notably the Cold War. The base transitioned to jet fighter training and later became home to Strategic Air Command (SAC) bomber units, reflecting the strategic emphasis on air power as a deterrent against the Soviet Union. Throughout the Cold War, MacDill's significance as a center for air strategy and readiness continued to grow, embodying the shift in military tactics and technology in response to the threat of nuclear war.

Modern Era and Ongoing Significance: Supporting Global Operations

In the decades following the Cold War, MacDill AFB has continued to evolve, reflecting the changing landscape of military engagement and technology. Today, it hosts the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM), among other critical military and defense organizations. These commands play pivotal roles in shaping U.S. military strategy and operations across the globe, from counterterrorism efforts to peacekeeping missions. MacDill's enduring presence in Tampa not only contributes significantly to the local economy but also underscores the city’s strategic importance to national security and international peacekeeping efforts.

Conclusion: MacDill AFB’s Legacy and Impact on Tampa

The establishment and evolution of MacDill Air Force Base have left an indelible mark on Tampa's history and its role on the national and international stage. From its origins as a training base in World War II to its current status as a command center for global military operations, MacDill AFB exemplifies the city's contribution to America's military prowess and commitment to global stability. Its ongoing mission and presence in Tampa continue to foster a deep sense of pride and community support for the men and women who serve the United States with distinction.

Famous People in Tampa History

Leroy Selmon (1954–2011): Tampa Bay’s Trailblazing Football Legend

Introduction: A Pillar of Strength On and Off the Field

Leroy Selmon, born on October 20, 1954, in Eufaula, Oklahoma, became an emblem of excellence and integrity in professional football and the Tampa Bay community. As the first-ever draft pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the franchise's first inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Selmon's legacy extends far beyond the gridiron. He was revered not just for his formidable defensive play but also for his philanthropic efforts and contributions to the Tampa Bay area.

Early Life and Collegiate Success: The Foundation of a Legend (1954–1976)

Growing up in Oklahoma, Selmon's football journey began at Eufaula High School, leading him to the University of Oklahoma, where he anchored a dominant defense. Under head coach Barry Switzer, Selmon and his brothers, Lucious and Dewey, contributed to the Sooners’ national championship in 1974. His stellar performance earned him the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award in 1975, accolades recognizing the nation's best college linemen.

Professional Career: Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Defensive Cornerstone (1976–1984)

Drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1976 NFL Draft, Selmon became the cornerstone of the team's defense. Despite the Buccaneers' initial struggles, his leadership and extraordinary skills on the defensive line were pivotal in transforming the team into playoff contenders, culminating in a trip to the NFC Championship Game in the 1979 season. Selmon's NFL career was adorned with six Pro Bowl selections and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1979.

Impact and Legacy: Beyond the Football Field

Off the field, Selmon's impact was equally profound. After retiring due to a back injury in 1984, he dedicated himself to serving the Tampa Bay community, embodying the spirit of giving back. His work with the University of South Florida (USF), where he played a significant role in founding the USF Bulls football program, highlighted his commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering community spirit.

Personal Life and Honors: A Man of Distinction (1954–2011)

Selmon's personal life was marked by his humility, integrity, and kindness. His marriage to Claybra Selmon was a testament to his strong family values, and together, they raised three children. Beyond his family, Selmon touched the lives of many through his charitable work, including the establishment of the Selmon Mentoring Institute, which focuses on academic and life skills development for students.

Conclusion: An Enduring Legacy in Tampa Bay and Beyond

Leroy Selmon's legacy is immortalized not only in the Pro Football Hall of Fame but also in the hearts of those he inspired. His name adorns highways, schools, and awards, serving as a lasting tribute to his contributions on and off the field. Selmon passed away on September 4, 2011, but his legacy as a player, community leader, and role model endures, making him a true Tampa Bay legend.

Major Achievements:

• First overall pick in the 1976 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

• Six-time Pro Bowl selection and NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1979.

• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995.

• Instrumental in the establishment of the USF Bulls football program.

• Remembered for his philanthropy and impact on the Tampa Bay community.

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-Matthew Larsen