Welcome to The Tampa Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Rap artist Drake comes to Amalie Arena

• 2 Bucs players named to NFL All-Pro Team

• Tampa General Hospital Executive Achieves National Recognition

• And more…

Fun Fact of the Week

Tampa is famous for its Cuban Sandwich, believed to have been created by Cuban immigrants in Ybor City.

The Top Tampa News

💼 Business:

Tampa General Hospital Executive Achieves National Recognition: Stacey Brandt, a leading executive at Tampa General Hospital, has been nationally recognized for her exceptional work in hospital management and marketing. Her strategic leadership has significantly increased the hospital's brand presence and market share. (link)

Significant Real Estate Investment in Bradenton: A notable real estate transaction took place with an investor purchasing a cable company building in Bradenton for $8.8 million. This investment reflects the growing interest in commercial properties in the Tampa Bay area. (link)

🏈 Sports:

Antoine Winfield Jr. and Mike Evans Named in NFL All-Pro Teams: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Antoine Winfield Jr. and Mike Evans were honored in the NFL All-Pro team selections, with Winfield securing a spot in the first team and Evans in the second team. Their inclusion underscores their exceptional performance in the season. (link)

USF Men's Basketball's Record-Breaking 3-Pointers: The University of South Florida men's basketball team set a new record for 3-pointers, making 18 3s in a game against UTSA. (link)

WWE Royal Rumble Hosted in Tampa: Tampa Bay successfully hosted the WWE Royal Rumble, one of the major events in sports entertainment. The event brought significant attention and excitement to the city, showcasing Tampa as a prominent venue for major sporting events. (link)

🏦 Finance:

Significant Bitcoin Investment by Tampa Company: A Tampa-based company has invested over $1 million in Bitcoin mining machines, signaling a growing interest in cryptocurrency ventures in the area. This move represents a significant investment in the technology and finance sector. (link)

Bank Expansion in Historic Sarasota Neighborhood: A St. Pete bank has expanded its services in Sarasota's historic Newtown neighborhood, transforming a loan office into a full-service center. This expansion reflects the bank's commitment to community engagement and service diversification. (link)

Upcoming Events

Sports Events:

🏀 South Florida Bulls Women's Basketball vs. East Carolina Pirates
Date: January 28, 2024, 12:00 PM
Location: The Yuengling Center, Tampa, FL
Details: Enjoy a college basketball game featuring the South Florida Bulls.
Tickets: Starting from $13

🏎️ U.S. Street Nationals
Date: January 28, 2024, 7:30 PM
Location: Bradenton Motorsports Park, Bradenton, FL
Details: Experience the excitement of street racing.
Tickets: Starting from $53

🤼 WWE: Raw
Date: January 29, 2024, 7:30 PM
Location: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
Details: Catch the action of WWE Raw live.
Tickets: Starting from $23

Concerts & Shows:

🎵 Drake & J. Cole Concert
Date: February 2, 2024, 8:00 PM
Location: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
Details: Don't miss the iconic performance by Drake and J. Cole.
Tickets: Starting from $258

🎸 Bowling For Soup
Date: January 28, 2024, 7:30 PM
Location: Jannus Live, St. Petersburg, FL
Details: Enjoy hits like “1985” and “Girl All The Bad Guys Want” from the Texas punk rock band.
Tickets: Starting from $63

🎭 Cowboy Bebop Live
Date: February 1, 2024, 8:00 PM
Location: Tampa Theatre, Tampa, FL
Details: A live performance inspired by the popular anime series.
Tickets: Starting from $64

🎤 Henry Cho
Date: February 1, 2024, 8:00 PM
Location: Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa, FL
Details: Spend an evening with laughter and comedy.
Tickets: Starting from $62

🎸 Tinashe
Date: February 2, 2024, 7:30 PM
Location: The Ritz Ybor, Tampa, FL
Details: Experience Tinashe's electrifying performance.
Tickets: Starting from $55

🎭 Circus Delman
Date: February 2, 2024, 7:30 PM
Location: Lakeland Square Mall, Lakeland, FL
Details: A circus experience for the whole family.
Tickets: Starting from $69

These events provide a diverse range of entertainment options in Tampa. For more information and to purchase tickets, you can visit the Tampa Events Calendar 2024/2025 and Tampa Concerts 2024.

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 year did Tampa officially become a city? 

A) 1824

B) 1849

C) 1887

D) 1891

Last week’s answer:

What year was the first Gasparilla Pirate Festival held in Tampa? 

Answer: 1904

AI Image of the Week

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

This week, Tampa after facing Jose Gaspar’s wrath…

Tampa Historical Events

The Establishment of MacDill Air Force Base and Tampa's Role in WWII

Introduction: MacDill Air Force Base - Tampa's Military Milestone

The establishment of MacDill Air Force Base in 1941 marked a significant chapter in Tampa's history. This development played a crucial role in shaping the city's involvement in World War II, transforming Tampa into a strategic military hub.

World War II and Tampa's Strategic Importance (1941–1945)

With the onset of World War II, the United States military recognized the strategic importance of Tampa's location and climate for training bomber pilots. MacDill Field, named in honor of Colonel Leslie MacDill, became a pivotal site for training crews of B-17 and B-26 bombers, significantly contributing to the war effort.

Impact on Tampa's Economy and Population Growth

The establishment of MacDill Air Force Base brought about a surge in Tampa's population and economy. The influx of military personnel and their families led to increased demand for housing, goods, and services, boosting the local economy and prompting rapid urban development.

Legacy and Continued Significance

Post-World War II, MacDill Air Force Base continued to play an essential role in U.S. military operations. Its presence in Tampa has fostered a strong military-community relationship and continues to contribute significantly to the city's economy and identity. MacDill's role in WWII and its ongoing importance remain a proud and significant aspect of Tampa's history.

Famous People in Tampa History

Ray Charles (1930–2004): The Soul of Tampa and a Musical Legend

Introduction: Ray Charles - A Musical Genius from Tampa

Ray Charles, born on September 23, 1930, in Albany, Georgia, and raised in Tampa, Florida, was a legendary musician and a pioneering figure in the genre of soul music. Known for his unique blend of rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz, Charles became an iconic figure in American music history.

Early Life: Overcoming Adversity (1930–1945)

Charles faced significant challenges from a young age. He lost his sight at the age of seven and was orphaned by the age of 15. Despite these hardships, he found solace and expression in music, learning to play various instruments at the St. Augustine School for the Deaf and Blind.

Rise to Fame: A Unique Musical Style (1945–1960)

In the late 1940s, Charles began his musical career, moving to Seattle and starting to develop his signature sound. His fusion of gospel with blues and jazz elements was revolutionary, and by the 1950s, he had numerous hits like "I Got a Woman" and "Hit the Road Jack."

Impact and Legacy: The Genius of Soul (1960–2004)

Charles's influence on music is immeasurable. He broke barriers in the music industry, especially for African American artists, and received countless awards, including 17 Grammys. His music continues to inspire generations.

Charles passed away on June 10, 2004, but his music and the obstacles he overcame remain an integral part of his legacy, cementing him as a true icon of American music and a pride of Tampa."

For more information on Ray Charles and other influential individuals from Tampa, go here.

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-Matthew Larsen