Robots Roll Out. Maclay buzzed with creativity and competition as district robotics teams went head-to-head at a high-energy regional qualifier. At the same time, the future of transportation rolled into Tampa with Waymo’s self-driving taxis making their local debut. From student-built robots to fully autonomous vehicles, this proves technology isn’t just coming—it’s already here.
Quick Summary
In this 540th edition, for local & state tech:
Event Recap: Robotics Qualifier at Maclay
Auto: Waymo’s Self-Driving Taxis in Tampa
FL Tech Events
EVENT RECAP
ROBOTICS QUALIFIER
Image Source: Maclay School via FB
🤖 Robotics Excellence, Activated | Maclay School via FB
Maclay hosted a Middle School Robotics Regional Qualifier on December 13, welcoming 37 teams to campus for a full day of creativity, collaboration, and competitive spirit.
All four Maclay Robotics teams advanced to Regionals, with each team finishing in the Top 12 overall, reflecting strong preparation, perseverance, and teamwork.
The Robonauts delivered an exceptional performance, earning 1st place overall and 2nd place in Robot Performance, led by championship team members Connor Redfield, Owen Ho, Bennett Howard, Paul Kutter, Raj Bansal, Audrey Flores, Ryker LaPete, Dylan Bui, and Greyson Knabb.
Additional highlights included the Mad Marauders placing 2nd in Robot Design, the Iron Maidens earning 2nd in Core Values, and the Mechanized Marauders securing 1st in Robot Design and 3rd in Robot Performance.
The event showcased the dedication of students who designed, coded, tested, refined, and competed throughout the season, along with the support of committed coaches. Special recognition goes to the DECA club for hosting a snack stand that served more than 300 competitors during the event.
AUTO
SELF-DRIVING TAXI
Image Source: Tampa Latest via IG
🚘 Waymo Arrives in Tampa | Tampa Latest via IG
Waymo’s self-driving taxis have officially arrived in Tampa, with the company’s all-electric vehicles recently spotted lined up in a local parking lot as deployment preparations begin.
The fleet is expected to spend time mapping and learning Tampa’s streets, allowing the technology to adapt to local traffic patterns, road layouts, and driving conditions.
Waymo has shared that testing will start with safety drivers in the vehicles, a common step before transitioning to fully driverless rides for the public in the coming months.
With this rollout, Tampa becomes one of the newest cities added to Waymo’s expanding robotaxi network, signaling another notable technology milestone for the region.
Updates are expected as testing continues and timelines for public access become clearer.
Note: Waymo had an overall great year, despite a recent power outage in San Francisco stalling about 800 Robotaxis. This caused a major gridlock across the city. Take note, Tampa.
STEM EVENTS
Image Source: Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce
Saturdays, Jan. 3 to Jan. 24
Celebrate the Season with STEM Fun and Sweet Creations at the Leon County Public Library | Learn More
Saturday, Jan. 3 | 1 PM | Woodville Branch Library, 8000 Old Woodville Rd.
Saturday, Jan. 17 | 1 PM | Eastside Branch Library, 1583 Pedrick Rd., and Fort Braden Branch Library, 16327 Blountstown Highway
Saturday, Jan. 24 | 1 PM | Lake Jackson Branch Library, 3840 North Monroe St., and Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library, 2817 S. Adams St.
Wednesday, Jan. 14
Featured Event: Future Ready Tallahassee Webinar Series | AI in the Public Sector: Driving Fraud Prevention and Data Integrity by Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce | Wednesday, Jan. 14 | 12 PM | Online | Learn More
Thursday, Jan. 15
Science Night January 2026 | Thursday, Jan. 15 | 6:30 PM | Leroy Collins Leon County Main Public Library, 200 W. Park Ave. | Learn More
📎 Innovations & Libations Networking Event Featuring CityClips | Thursday, Jan. 15 | Domi Station, 914 Railroad Ave. | Free | Reserve a Spot
CityClips Ribbon Cutting: 4:30 PM to 5 PM
Happy Hour Celebration: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Monday to Friday, Jan. 12 to 16
2026 Theory Winter School | Monday to Friday, Jan. 12 to 16 | The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 E. Paul Dirac Dr. | In-Person Regular Registration – $325 (until June 2, 2026) | Learn More
Tuesday, Jan. 27
Venture Funding 101: Fundamentals from a Private Equity Investor | Tuesday, Jan. 27 | 10 AM | IGNITE Tallahassee, 1729 W. Paul Dirac Dr. | Register
FL Events
Thursday, Jan. 22
PS27 Entrepreneurship Awards | Thursday, Jan. 22 | St. John Event Center, Jacksonville | Tickets - Individual: $175; Two Ticket Package: $300 | Learn More
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026
Save the Date: 2026 Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit | Tuesday, Aug. 11 | 9 AM | Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay 2900 Bayport Dr., Tampa | Individual Tickets – $175, Two Ticket Package – $300 | Learn More
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