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  • Issue #081: What's Happening: Disney's Diplomacy, Gronkowski's Heartfelt Visit, Burger King's Eclipse Special, and a Caution on Tutoring Scams

Issue #081: What's Happening: Disney's Diplomacy, Gronkowski's Heartfelt Visit, Burger King's Eclipse Special, and a Caution on Tutoring Scams

032824

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING!

It seems that the total eclipse on April 8 is getting a lot of attention. Check out the BOGO offer for a BK whopper on that day (a few hoops to jump thru first, though)

Dr Ted

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

⚖️Disney's Truce with Florida Gov. and a New Crackdown on Squatters: A Dual Development

🏈Rob Gronkowski's Heartwarming Huddle with Heroes at Tampa Veterans’ Hospital

OMG

 🍔🍔 Burger King's Out-of-This-World Offer: Free Whoppers During the Solar Eclipse!

Sports

 ☀️ "From Yankees to Rays: Ben Rortvedt’s Move Marks Major Midfield Makeover for Tampa Bay

Crime

💲 Homework Help or Financial Hell? The Online Tutoring Scam Targeting Students

This Week’s Events in the NewTampa | Wesley Chapel FL Local Area

March 28 — The Magic Fish, NTPAC, 3-4PM

March 29-30 — TB Airfest at MacDill AFB, 8am-5pm

March 30-Apr 21 — Keel Farms Blueberry Festival

April 1

April 2

April 3

Disney's Truce with Florida Gov. and a New Crackdown on Squatters: A Dual Development

In a landmark agreement, Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' allies have settled a contentious lawsuit over control of Walt Disney World's governing district, marking the end of a nearly two-year legal battle.

The dispute, rooted in Disney's opposition to a controversial Florida education law, concluded with a settlement that promises a new era of cooperation between the entertainment giant and the state's tourism oversight district. This resolution is expected to spur further investment and job creation in Florida.

Simultaneously, Governor DeSantis signed a robust anti-squatting law, House Bill 621, into effect. Starting July 1, this law simplifies the eviction process for property owners dealing with unauthorized occupants and introduces stringent penalties for squatting. Designed to protect property rights, the legislation allows for quicker law enforcement intervention and criminalizes false property claims and significant property damage by squatters.

These developments come as the Florida Supreme Court prepares to rule on pivotal issues related to recreational marijuana and abortion rights, decisions that could significantly influence the 2024 election landscape.

Rob Gronkowski's Heartwarming Huddle with Heroes at Tampa Veterans’ Hospital

Rob Gronkowski, the celebrated Super Bowl Champion and former tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, made a heartfelt visit to the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa this Wednesday.

Gronkowski, known for his dynamic presence on the field, spent quality time engaging with veterans, sharing in their stories, and even participating in a spirited game of basketball with a veteran in a wheelchair.

His visit to the hospital, an essential part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, underscored his appreciation for the veterans' sacrifices. “It feels great to be here and to just connect with the veterans,” Gronkowski expressed, acknowledging the veterans' service as a cornerstone of the freedom and safety he enjoyed throughout his NFL career.

This gesture not only highlighted Gronkowski's support for those who served but also reflected his dedication to giving back to the community that supported him during his illustrious career in sports.

Read More: wfla.com

Protect your eyes April 8 -- amazon link:

Burger King's Out-of-This-World Offer: Free Whoppers During the Solar Eclipse!

To celebrate the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse on April 8, Burger King is treating stargazers and burger enthusiasts alike.

The fast-food giant is giving away free Whoppers to its Royal Perk members. To grab this celestial offer, members need to text ECLIPSE to 251251 and can avail themselves of a buy-one-get-one deal via the Burger King app or online at BK.com until April 15.

As the solar eclipse carves its path from the Pacific Ocean through North America—beginning at dawn and moving from Mexico across the U.S. from Texas to Maine—Burger King's offer shines among several restaurant specials honoring this astronomical event.

Not to be outdone, Applebee's serves up the Perfect Eclipse Margarita, while Pizza Hut offers a $12 large pizza deal, and Sonic Drive-In introduces the unique Blackout Slush Float, complete with eclipse safety glasses and drive-in viewing parties along the path of totality.

"From Yankees to Rays: Ben Rortvedt’s Move Marks Major Midfield Makeover for Tampa Bay

In a pre-season shuffle, the Tampa Bay Rays announced significant roster updates, headlined by the acquisition of catcher Ben Rortvedt from the New York Yankees in a three-way trade that also involved the Miami Marlins. This move complements the Rays' decision to add infield prospect Austin Shenton to their Opening Day lineup, rounding out their team composition just before the season kicks off.

Trade Details:

  • Rays gain: Catcher Ben Rortvedt

  • Marlins receive: Minor leaguers Shane Sasaki (from Rays) and John Cruz (from Yankees)

  • Yankees secure: Infielder Jon Berti

Shenton's promotion comes after standout performances in the minors, boasting a .304 batting average, 29 home runs, and 99 RBIs over 134 games. His addition is seen as a boost to the team's left-handed hitting options.

Rortvedt, set to back up starting catcher René Pinto, is noted for his defensive skills, particularly in pitch-framing and his arm strength, having thrown out 39% of base stealers in his Major League career. Despite struggling at the plate in the majors, his defensive attributes are a valued addition.

The Rays are also reportedly working on acquiring infield depth with a potential deal for Niko Goodrum from the Minnesota Twins, signaling further enhancements to their roster as Opening Day approaches.

Homework Help or Financial Hell? The Online Tutoring Scam Targeting Students

 In a disturbing trend emerging across educational platforms, a freshman at St. Pete College, Reniah Atkins, became a victim of an online tutoring scam that spiraled into blackmail.

Eager to excel in her studies, the 19-year-old sought homework help through a virtual tutor who demanded $350 for their services. Initially compliant, Atkins provided her college portal login, only to reconsider her decision later, opting to complete her work independently. This decision, however, led to a nightmarish sequence of events.

The so-called tutor resorted to threats, claiming they would falsely accuse Atkins of cheating to her instructor, coercing her into paying the initial amount plus a late fee, totaling $450. The extortion didn't end there; the fraudster demanded an additional $1,500 to "delete her data." Desperate, Atkins turned to her mother, who reported the incident to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), an organization that had previously alerted the public to such scams.

This case sheds light on the vulnerabilities students face when seeking online academic support. Bryan Oglesby of the BBB underscores the alarming nature of these scams, particularly for young students seeking legitimate tutoring services. Atkins's experience serves as a cautionary tale, urging students to verify the credibility of tutoring services through their educational institutions and to ensure all agreements are documented upfront.

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