Welcome to The Tampa Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Baker Mayfield re-signs with the Bucs

• The story of Tony La Russa

• The Valspar championship

• And more…

Fun Fact of the Week

Tampa was once the home of the world’s first scheduled commercial airline flight, operated by the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line in 1914.

The Top Tampa News

💼 Business:

Green Business Growth in Tampa Bay:

Prospera has observed a consistent rise in environmentally-focused businesses in Tampa Bay, partly due to immigrants with prior experience in such ventures. Fabian Yepez, Prospera's vice president for West Central Florida, notes a significant uptick in green businesses, expecting further growth driven by market demand and international expertise. A notable example is a new eco-friendly cleaning supply business founded by Maria Smith and Geraldo Florez. The couple's products, which they've developed themselves, are biodegradable and non-toxic, reflecting their 20-year commitment to sustainable living.

🏈 Sports:

Buccaneers Secure Key Players for Future Success:

The Bucs reached an agreement with Mike Evans, and almost a week later, they finalized a three-year contract with Baker Mayfield worth up to $100 million. This deal positions Mayfield as the potential lead quarterback for Tampa Bay over the next three years, with Evans staying as Mayfield’s main target.

🏦 Finance:

SmartAsset's analysis reveals the real value of a $100k salary in Tampa Bay:

Their findings reveal that a $100,000 salary in Tampa Bay effectively translates to $81,175 in purchasing power, after adjustments for taxes and living expenses.

Upcoming Events

Sports Events:

🏌️‍♂️ Valspar Championship

• Date: March 18-24, 2024

• Location: Innisbrook Resort, Copperhead Course, Palm Harbor, FL

• Details: Experience the excitement of the PGA TOUR at the Valspar Championship, featuring a world-class field of golfers competing on one of the tour's most challenging courses.

• Tickets: Check the official Valspar Championship website (link)

Concerts & Shows:

🎵 Cultura Profetica

• Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2024

• Location: Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center, Tampa, FL

• Details: Join the night with Cultura Profetica, the renowned band from Puerto Rico known for their smooth reggae rhythms and insightful lyrics.

• Tickets: For ticket information, visit the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center website (link)

🧊 Disney on Ice: Frozen & Encanto

• Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024 – Sunday, March 24, 2024

• Location: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL

• Details: This enchanting ice show brings your favorite characters from Frozen and Encanto to life in an unforgettable spectacle of ice skating, impressive acrobatics, and captivating storytelling. Perfect for families and Disney fans of all ages!

• Tickets: For showtimes and ticket availability, check the Amalie Arena website (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!

The Tampa Bay area was originally inhabited by which Native American tribe?

A) Seminole

B) Timucua

C) Tocobaga

D) Calusa

Last week’s answer:

Which of the following movies was filmed in Greater Tampa Bay?

Answer: Edward Scissorhands

AI Image of the Week

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

This week, Tampa hits the beach…

The Birth of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joining the NFL

In 1976, Tampa welcomed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as its own professional football team, marking a significant milestone in the city's sports history. This expansion of the National Football League brought professional football to the Tampa Bay area for the first time, igniting a passionate fan base and establishing a new sports tradition. Founded by owner Hugh Culverhouse, the Buccaneers played their inaugural season at Tampa Stadium, affectionately known as "The Big Sombrero," laying the groundwork for the region's deep-rooted love affair with football.

The Early Challenges and Triumph of the Buccaneers:

The Buccaneers' early years were marked by growing pains, including a winless debut season, which tested the resilience of the team and its supporters. However, these challenges did not dampen the spirit of the Tampa community or its dedication to the Buccaneers. By the 1979 season, the team had completed a remarkable turnaround, clinching a division title and making an impressive run to the NFC Championship Game. This rapid ascent from underdogs to contenders symbolized the Buccaneers' tenacity and served as a testament to the potential within the young franchise.

The Buccaneers' Legacy and Impact on Tampa:

Over the decades, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have grown into an integral part of the city's identity, contributing to Tampa's reputation as a vibrant sports hub. The team's journey, from its humble beginnings to achieving Super Bowl victories in the 2002 and 2020 seasons, reflects the community's growth and resilience. The Buccaneers have fostered local pride, unity, and a sense of belonging among Tampa residents, while their success on the national stage has brought positive attention and recognition to the area. The establishment of the Buccaneers in 1976 not only enriched Tampa's sports landscape but also left an indelible mark on the city's cultural and social fabric, highlighting the transformative power of sports in community building and city pride.

Famous People in Tampa History

Tony La Russa (1944–Present): A Revolutionary Figure in Baseball and Tampa's Pride

Introduction: Tony La Russa - Innovator and Baseball Luminary

Anthony "Tony" La Russa Jr., born on October 4, 1944, in Tampa, Florida, emerged from the local baseball fields to become one of the most innovative and successful managers in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. With a career that spans over four decades, La Russa has not only left a lasting impact on the teams he managed but also on the strategic approach to the game itself. His legacy as a tactician, leader, and advocate for animal rights reflects a multifaceted life dedicated to excellence both on and off the baseball diamond.

Early Life and Path to the Majors: From Tampa to the Big Stage (1944–1962)

La Russa's journey in baseball began in Tampa's vibrant sports scene, where he honed his skills and passion for the game. His talent and perseverance led him to sign with the Kansas City Athletics in 1962, embarking on a professional playing career that would lay the groundwork for his future in baseball management.

Major League Playing Career: Building the Foundation (1963–1973)

Although La Russa's playing career as an infielder with the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics, Atlanta Braves, and Chicago Cubs was modest, it was marked by a deep understanding of baseball's complexities. This period of his life was crucial in developing the analytical approach that would define his managerial style.

Revolutionary Managerial Career: Redefining Success (1979–2011)

Tony La Russa's managerial career is distinguished by his tenure with the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, and St. Louis Cardinals. With three World Series championships (1989 with Oakland, 2006 and 2011 with St. Louis) and numerous division titles to his name, La Russa's strategic innovations, including the pioneering use of the bullpen and matchup considerations, have left an indelible mark on the game. His ability to adapt and think several steps ahead of the competition has made him one of the winningest managers in MLB history.

Beyond Baseball: A Commitment to Community and Animal Welfare

Beyond his achievements in baseball, La Russa is renowned for his commitment to animal welfare, co-founding the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) in 1991. This endeavor highlights his compassion and dedication to giving back to the community, embodying the values instilled in him from his early days in Tampa.

Legacy and Honors: A Storied Career Celebrated (1944–Present)

Tony La Russa's contributions to baseball are immortalized by his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, an accolade that celebrates his innovative managerial tactics and his impressive win-loss record. In Tampa, his legacy is a source of inspiration, showcasing the heights a Tampa native can achieve through dedication, intelligence, and a deep love for the game of baseball.

Major Achievements:

Three-time World Series Champion as a manager.

Four-time Manager of the Year.

Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.

Co-founder of the Animal Rescue Foundation, highlighting his off-field contributions.

Tony La Russa's story is a testament to the impact that strategic innovation, leadership, and community involvement can have on the world of sports and beyond, making him a cherished figure in Tampa and the baseball community at large.

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-Matthew Larsen8