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Pollution problems
Tampa’s waters have long been a haven for fishermen, but pollution and red tide now threaten this way of life. Garbage drifts along the current, and the smell of dead fish lingers in the air. Many worry the bay may never fully recover.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly 50 percent of Florida’s waterways fail to meet state water quality standards. Experts say pollution fuels red tide, as fertilizers and waste create the perfect conditions for toxic algae blooms. Dr. Andrew Risi, a marine scientist, explains, “We’re seeing more intense blooms due to pollutants entering our waters.” With the bay at risk, Tampa residents are stepping up. Many are using water filters, reducing fertilizer use, and joining clean-up efforts. “Water is a huge part of our lifestyle,” says one resident. “We try to do our part.” Fishermen are also fighting back, collecting trash and spreading awareness. “This is our livelihood—we have to protect it,” one explains.
The road to cleaner waters is long, but the fight continues. As the waves crash against Tampa’s shores, so does the effort to keep them clean, proving the heart of the city isn’t just in its waters but in the people working to save them.
dIAMOND DYNAMICS
Baseball may seem like just a game of hits, runs and strikeouts, but beneath it all, it’s a game of science. From pitch velocity to swing mechanics, success on the field is determined by numbers, precision and strategy. “The game has changed,” says one parent. “I’m just trying to set my
kids up for the next level.” And the next level requires more than talent—it demands science. With only 17 inches of plate width and a constantly shifting strike zone, pitchers and hitters alike must analyze and adjust. “We break down everything from spin rate to launch angle,” says a scout. “The smallest details make the biggest difference."
But science alone won’t guarantee success. “Everybody loves baseball, but no one realizes how tough it is,” says one aspiring player. “You need skill, but you also need something deeper.” That “something” is the mental toughness scouts call “the ticker”—the unteachable drive to compete. As baseball continues to evolve with science, so do its players. Analytics and biometrics shape the game, but there’s still no substitute for hard work. And in the end, that might just be the real formula for success.
on air with andrew ahrendt — CulturAL Connection
A sandwich is just a sandwich—unless it’s a Cuban sandwich. In Tampa’s Ybor City, this iconic dish is more than food; it’s a blend of history, culture, and science.
At the Columbia Restaurant, the oldest in Florida, tradition meets technique as fresh bread bakes, pork roasts and sandwiches are pressed to perfection. But what makes a Cuban sandwich truly special? Science says it’s all about balance. Crisp Cuban bread, slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard come together in perfect harmony. Yet, the debate remains—who does it better, Tampa or Miami? Making the perfect Cuban sandwich is an intricate process that blends history and flavor. Start by splitting the Cuban bread in half, setting the stage for the layers to come. The Spanish contributed the ham and roast pork, while the Italians added their signature salami. Swiss cheese brings it all together, acting as the unifying element. Pickles are added, one for each hemisphere, adding a burst of tang. Finally, the mustard crowns the sandwich, blooming on the roof of your mouth with each bite. It's a masterpiece of flavor and craftsmanship, where every ingredient plays a crucial role.
For Colombia Restaurant, keeping tradition alive means making everything from scratch, honoring generations before them. From the crunch of the bread to the melt of the cheese, every bite is a tribute to the city’s history. And that’s something worth savoring.
