Welcome to The Tampa Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• The Bucs host the Eagles in the Wild Card Round TONIGHT

• Win $100 if you guess the final score of the game!

• Tampa General Hospital to begin $510 million expansion in Spring 2024

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." - John F. Kennedy

The Top Tampa News - January 2024:

💼 Business:

Tampa General Hospital's Expansion:

In 2024, Tampa General Hospital is set to begin a groundbreaking 13-story expansion, which will include the TGH Surgical, Neuroscience, and Transplant Pavilion on Davis Island​​. (link)

CareerSource Tampa Bay Hosting Job Event:

CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) will host the 'New Year, New Opportunities' Hiring Event on January 16, 2024, offering local job seekers new career opportunities​. (link)

🏒 Sports:

2024 NFL Playoff Schedule:

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for the NFL playoffs, with fans and the community eagerly anticipating the team's performance in the Wild Card rou​​nd against the Philadelphia Eagles. (link)

🏦 Finance:

Florida's Job Market:

Florida observed a slight increase in first-time unemployment claims after the holiday period, indicating fluctuations in the job mar​​ket. (link)

📰 General News:

Tornado Watch in Tampa Bay:

A tornado watch was in effect across the greater Tampa Bay region, with coastal areas also facing flood warnings due to powerful storms (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports Events

🏒 Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Philadelphia Eagles - TONIGHT

The Bucs host the Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round - Baker Mayfield and company look to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive against a struggling Eagles team. (link)

If you reply to this email and correctly predict the final score, we’ll you $100! If there are multiple correct guesses, we’ll choose one lucky winner

🏒 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Minnesota Wild - Jan 18th, 2024

The Lightning are back in action from a long 5-day layoff - with a 3 game win streak on the line - to host Pat Maroon and the Minnesota Wild. (link)

Family-Friendly Events

🏞️ 2024 Florida RV SuperShow
January 17-21, 2024 | Florida State Fairgrounds

Discover a wide range of RVs, enjoy roaming entertainment, attend informative seminars, and explore camping supplies at the Florida RV SuperShow. (link)

🚤 St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show
January 18-21, 2024 | Albert Whitted Park, St. Petersburg

Billed as the Gulf Coast's largest boat show, featuring boats for sale and show, marine-related seminars, kids fishing clinics, and on-water boat training courses. (link)

🐟 John’s Pass Seafood Festival
January 19-21, 2024 | John’s Pass Village, Madeira Beach

A large celebration of fresh Gulf seafood with local vendors, arts and crafts, live music, and family-friendly activities at John’s Pass Village. (link)

Concerts & Shows: 

🎤 Gerald Kelly @ Funny Bone Comedy Club
January 14, 2024 | Funny Bone Comedy Club

Enjoy a night of comedy with Gerald Kelly, bringing laughter and entertainment to the Funny Bone Comedy Club. (link)

🎸 Tesla @ Seminole Hard Rock Tampa
January 16, 2024 | Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center

Rock out with Tesla, known for their electrifying live performances, at the Seminole Hard Rock. (link)

🎤 Tyler Fischer @ Funny Bone Comedy Club
January 18, 2024 | Funny Bone Comedy Club - Tampa

Spend an evening filled with humor and laughter with comedian Tyler Fischer at the Funny Bone. (link)

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!

When did the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win their first Super Bowl, and who were their opponents?

A) 2002, Oakland Raiders

B) 2003, New England Patriots

C) 2000, St. Louis Rams

D) 2005, Pittsburgh Steelers

Last week’s answer:

Which Pulitzer Prize-winning author, born in Tampa, is known for "The Yearling"?

Answer: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

AI Image of the Week

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

This week, a volcanic eruption engulfs Tampa’s skyline…

Tampa Historical Events

Henry B. Plant's 1884 Railroad Extension and Tampa's Transformation:

In 1884, a pivotal event in Tampa's history unfolded with Henry B. Plant's extension of the railroad to the Hillsborough River. This strategic move marked a turning point in the region's development. Plant, a visionary railroad tycoon, not only connected Tampa more effectively with the rest of Florida but also sparked a wave of economic and cultural growth. His foresight led to the construction of opulent hotels along the rail line, transforming Tampa into a desirable destination for visitors and a hub for commerce and transportation.

The Impact of the Railroad on Tampa's Growth:

The arrival of the railroad catalyzed Tampa's evolution from a sleepy fishing village to a bustling commercial center. This new accessibility attracted businesses, tourists, and residents, contributing to a booming economy. The luxury hotels along the rail line, such as the famous Tampa Bay Hotel, became symbols of the city's newfound prosperity and sophistication. These developments had a lasting impact on Tampa's urban landscape, laying the foundation for its future as a major city in Florida.

Legacy of Henry B. Plant and Continued Development:

Over time, the railroad extension and the subsequent growth it triggered became integral to Tampa's identity. The legacy of Henry B. Plant is still evident today in the city's vibrant business district, thriving tourism industry, and its role as a transport hub. The growth initiated by the railroad continues, with Tampa expanding and modernizing, yet the historical significance of Plant's contribution remains a proud chapter in the city's history, symbolizing innovation, progress, and the transformative power of connectivity.

Famous People in Tampa History

Randy Savage (1952–2011): A Wrestling Icon and Cultural Phenomenon

Introduction: Randy Savage - Wrestling Superstar and Cultural Icon

Randy Savage, born Randy Mario Poffo on November 15, 1952, in Columbus, Ohio, was a legendary professional wrestler and a significant figure in pop culture. Known for his flamboyant style, intense promo skills, and in-ring prowess, Savage became an icon in the wrestling world. His catchphrase, "Oooh yeah!" and his distinct voice left an indelible mark on the industry.

Early Life and Athletic Pursuits: The Making of a Wrestler (1952–1973)

Raised as the eldest son of wrestler Angelo Poffo, Savage grew up in a family deeply rooted in wrestling. His early life was marked by a blend of athletic talent and showmanship. Before wrestling, Savage had a promising baseball career. He was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as a catcher out of high school and played in the minor leagues for teams like the Gulf Coast League Cardinals and the Tampa Tarpons​​​​. (link)

Transition to Professional Wrestling: Rise to Stardom (1973–1985)

Savage's transition from baseball to wrestling was seamless, thanks to his athletic ability and charismatic persona. His early career in wrestling saw him developing the 'Macho Man' persona that would become his trademark. He wrestled in various territories, honing his skills and developing a fan base with his high-flying moves and charismatic interviews​​​​. (link)

World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and Mainstream Success (1985–1994)

Savage's career reached new heights when he joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1985. His time in the WWF was marked by iconic matches, a larger-than-life character, and memorable feuds with other wrestling legends. His match with Ricky Steamboat at WrestleMania III is often cited as one of the greatest in wrestling history​​. (link)

Personal Life: The Man Behind the Persona (1952–2011)

Behind his Macho Man persona, Savage was known for his intense dedication to his craft and his private nature. His marriage to Miss Elizabeth, also a prominent figure in wrestling, was a significant part of his wrestling storyline. Savage's personal life, though guarded from public view, was as colorful and intense as his in-ring persona​​. (link)

Retirement and Legacy: The Enduring Impact of Macho Man (1991–2011)

After retiring from active wrestling, Savage remained a beloved figure in pop culture. He was known for his contributions to wrestling, his unique style, and his impact on the industry. His death in 2011 was met with tributes from fans and fellow wrestlers alike, cementing his status as a wrestling icon and cultural legend​​. (link)

Major Achievements:

• Renowned for his match with Ricky Steamboat at WrestleMania III.

• Multiple-time WWF World Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion.

• Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame posthumously.

• Remembered for his unique promo style and in-ring psychology.

• A key figure in popularizing professional wrestling in the 1980s and 1990s."

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen