A NEW NAME FOR TAMPA’S AMALIE ARENA
Time to get used to it: Tampa’s hockey stadium is changing its name. After ten years of service, Amalie Arena will now be called Benchmark International Arena.
Amalie Oil Company held the naming rights since 2014 for a ten-year term. Benchmark International, a global mergers and acquisitions firm headquartered in Tampa since 2010, has acquired the rights for the next ten years. The amount remains confidential, but it’s reportedly among the five highest ever signed for a hockey-only arena. And Benchmark International has the means: according to the press release, the company has completed over $12.5 billion in transactions across various industries since its founding.
The new signage will be installed before the start of the 2025–2026 NHL season. For reference, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s stadium originally opened in 1996 under the name Ice Palace.
TESLA HEAVILY FINED IN KEY LARGO AUTOPILOT CASE
A Miami jury has ordered Tesla to pay over $200 million to the victims of a tragic accident that occurred on a dark country road in Key Largo in 2019. A couple stargazing was struck by their own parked vehicle, which had been violently hit from behind by a Tesla. A 22-year-old woman died, and her partner continues to suffer long-term effects from the crash.
What makes this case unique is that the driver, McGee, admitted fault: he wasn’t watching the road, was searching for his dropped phone, and was speeding. However, Autopilot mode was engaged…
And that’s what the jury faulted Tesla for: failing to disengage Autopilot when the driver showed signs of distraction and when driving on small roads for which the system isn’t designed. The very term “Autopilot” was also called into question for being misleading. Other automakers prefer terms like “Co-Pilot” or “Driver Assist.”
Instead of settling out of court, as in many previous cases, Tesla chose to go to trial. But this unexpected verdict could damage its image and user trust in its technology—especially as the company launches a fleet of self-driving taxis in Texas, known as robotaxis.
The verdict has made the automotive industry uneasy, as Tesla’s liability, despite the driver’s admission of reckless behavior, poses a legal risk for all companies developing autonomous vehicles.
DECLINE IN ENROLLMENT IN BROWARD SCHOOLS
It’s a trend that’s been ongoing for decades and continues this year: despite Broward County’s efforts to improve academic success and convert elementary schools into K–8 academies, school enrollment is still declining, with 9,500 fewer students expected for the 2025 school year (out of a total of 240,000).
This could lead to school closures, as enrollment has dropped by 35,000 students over the past ten years.
There are several reasons: a declining birth rate in the county; widespread availability of state vouchers for homeschooling or private schooling; and rising real estate prices in Broward County, which are pushing many families to relocate for financial reasons.
KETAMINE AS A TOOL FOR PTSD TREATMENT
Research is progressing on the controlled use of ketamine for victims suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
According to researchers, the drug—criticized for its recreational use and primarily used as a surgical anesthetic—could be an effective remedy for depression and PTSD. Elon Musk has famously cited this as his reason for using it.
A new study led by Shahar Almog, Ph.D., a researcher at Florida Atlantic University and a graduate of the University of Florida in 2024, suggests ketamine may have mental health benefits by helping patients disconnect from their emotions, allowing them to analyze and better manage traumatic experiences. It enables patients to observe their trauma without reliving it.
With treatment, over 80% of patients suffering from depression and PTSD report better sleep and reduced anxiety and trauma triggers. Further research is needed, as Almog notes: “It can be harmful [when misused]. We need to continue to better understand who it is good for and how to avoid harm. We don’t want another opioid epidemic.”
TSA: NEW RULES TO KNOW
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced new restrictions. Three items are now banned from carry-on luggage: cordless hair dryers and cordless straighteners or curling irons, which may contain gas or butane cartridges. If they have a safety cover, they’re allowed. The same devices with cords are also permitted.
A few reminders: while removing shoes is no longer required, the 3.4-ounce (100 ml) liquid rule remains in effect.
Some quirky items are allowed by TSA: cowboy boot spurs, Harry Potter wands and Star Wars lightsabers, live lobsters, deer antlers (if they fit in overhead bins), and coffee makers, sewing machines, and waffle irons!
LAUNCH OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST CRUISE SHIP
Royal Caribbean’s new ship, Star of the Seas, set sail on its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral on Saturday, August 16, heading for the Caribbean. This twenty-deck sea giant is the same size as Icon of the Seas, which sails from Port Miami. At full capacity, the ship can host 5,610 passengers and employs 2,350 crew members.
With 17 restaurants included in the fare (and a dozen more not included, including Starbucks), six water slides, an ice rink, a surf simulator, and seven pools—including the largest ever on a cruise ship—Star of the Seas is dubbed “The ultimate family vacation” and aims to rival Orlando’s theme parks. 80% of cabins can accommodate three or more guests.
