Welcome to The Tampa Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• 1ST Annual Golf Tournament by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay

• Upcoming South Florida Bulls games

• A deep dive into the life of Randy Savage

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

- Marcus Aurelius

Photo of the Week

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!

Tampa is located near two major bodies of water. What are they?

A) Tampa Bay and Gulf of Mexico

B) Lake Okeechobee and Atlantic Ocean

C) Lake Tarpon and Sarasota Bay

D) Hillsborough River and Clearwater Beach

Last week’s trivia: The Gasparilla Pirate Festival, a unique Tampa tradition, is inspired by the legend of a mythical pirate. What is the name of this pirate?

Answer: C) José Gaspar

News

💼 Business

Vinik Family Foundation's Donation to Florida Aquarium: The Vinik Family Foundation generously donated $1.5 million to The Florida Aquarium, supporting its mission and contributing to the local community's enrichment​​.

🏒 Sports

The University of South Florida released new renderings of its on-campus stadium and announced a significant $6 million gift, marking a major step forward in the stadium's development​​​​.

🏦 Finance

East Manatee County Apartment Sale: A significant real estate transaction occurred with the sale of an East Manatee County apartment complex for $102 million, reflecting the active and high-value nature of the local real estate market​​.

Tampa Bay's High Rent Ranks: A study revealed that Tampa Bay and Sarasota rank high on rent scales, indicating a growing concern about affordability and living costs in the region​​.

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

🏀 South Florida Bulls Women's Basketball (November 30) Catch the South Florida Bulls in action against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers at USF Sun DOme. This women's basketball game promises to be a showcase of skill, teamwork, and competitive spi​​ce.

⛳ 1ST Annual Golf Tournament by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay (November 20) Held at the Carrollwood Country Club, this event promised a day of excitement and friendly competition, featuring various levels of sponsorship and participation opportunities.

Music & Concerts

🎤 Soulja Boy Performing Live at Ivy Rose (October 31) A special concert headlined by the artist Soulja Boy, showcasing his talents as a producer, entertainer, and musician.

Family

⭐ Kompa Under The Stars (November 27) A vibrant night of Kompa dancing and music at the Jerk Hut Island Grille & Beach Club, featuring DJs and an engaging atmosphere.

Image of the Week

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

This week, I typed in “Tampa as an underground city” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Tampa Historical Events

Opening of the University of South Florida (1956)

The University of South Florida (USF), established in 1956, was a significant milestone in Tampa's development. It was the first public university established to specifically serve the educational needs of Florida's urban population. The university's establishment marked a shift in Tampa's focus towards higher education and research.

Over the years, USF has grown exponentially, both in size and academic stature. It has become a major research institution, attracting students and faculty from around the globe. USF's expansion has included the addition of multiple campuses and a wide array of academic programs.

Influence on the Community: USF's presence in Tampa has had a profound impact on the city. It has driven economic growth, fostered innovation, and enhanced the cultural and intellectual life of the community. The university has also formed strong partnerships with local businesses and industries, further intertwining its success with that of the city.

Famous People in Tampa History

Randy Savage: 1952-2011

Randy Savage, popularly known as "Macho Man," was a professional wrestling icon whose career spanned over three decades. His impact on professional wrestling and pop culture was immense, and he remains a beloved figure in Tampa's sports history.

Early Life and Athletic Beginnings (1952-1970)

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Savage grew up in a wrestling family and was initially drawn to baseball. He moved to Tampa to pursue a minor league baseball career, showcasing his athletic abilities early on. However, injuries and the allure of wrestling eventually led him to follow in his family's footsteps.

Entering the Wrestling World (1971-1980)

Savage began his wrestling career in the 1970s, working in regional promotions. He quickly gained attention for his unique in-ring style and charismatic, over-the-top promos, which set him apart from his peers.

Rise to Fame in the WWF (1981-1987)

Savage's career skyrocketed after he joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in the mid-1980s. His flamboyant outfits, distinct deep voice, and catchphrase "Oooh yeah!" became hallmarks of his character.

The Macho Man Persona (1988-1992)

During this period, Savage's "Macho Man" persona became iconic. He was known for his intense and eccentric interviews, his elaborate ring attire, and his signature flying elbow drop. His feuds and matches were some of the most memorable in wrestling history.

Championship Reigns and Major Rivalries (1993-1997)

Savage's time in the WWF and later in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) saw him winning multiple championships. His rivalries with other wrestling superstars captivated fans and cemented his legacy as a top performer.

The WCW Years and Continued Success (1998-2000)

In WCW, Savage continued to be a major draw. His high-profile matches and feuds kept him at the forefront of the industry, even as he began to transition away from full-time wrestling.

Acting Career and Pop Culture Impact (2001-2005)

Post-wrestling, Savage appeared in movies and television shows, bringing his larger-than-life persona to a broader audience. He became a pop culture icon, recognizable even to those outside the wrestling world.

Final Years in the Public Eye (2006-2011)

In his later years, Savage made occasional public appearances and remained a beloved figure among wrestling fans. His legacy in the sport was celebrated by fans and peers alike.

Passing and Tributes – Remembering a Legend (2011)

Randy Savage passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most charismatic and innovative performers in professional wrestling. Tributes poured in from around the world, reflecting his impact on the sport and entertainment.

Randy Savage and Tampa – A Lasting Connection

Though not a Tampa native, Savage made the city his home and became an integral part of its sports community. His connection to Tampa remained strong throughout his life, and the city embraced him as one of its most colorful sports figures.

Key Achievements of Randy Savage:

• Became one of the most popular and recognizable figures in professional wrestling.

• Held multiple championships in both WWF/WWE and WCW.

• Known for his distinctive voice, flamboyant style, and high-flying in-ring moves.

• Made a significant impact on pop culture beyond wrestling.

• Remembered for his contributions to the entertainment value and popularity of professional wrestling.

Randy Savage's career is a testament to his extraordinary charisma and athleticism. His persona, "Macho Man," left an indelible mark on professional wrestling and popular culture, making him a legendary figure in Tampa and beyond.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen