Issue #178: Pasco Cuts Ties with PACE, Disney Announces Villains Land, and Bucs Secure Win

08/12/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
12 Aug

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

— Pasco County Ends PACE Contract Amid Misuse of Funds Scandal

— Walt Disney World to Add Villains Land, Cars Adventure, and More in Major Expansion

Crime

— Rapper Julio Foolio's Alleged Killers Caught After Series of Amatuer Mistakes

Sports

— Buccaneers’ Revamped Run Game Fuels 17-14 Win Over Bengals


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Pasco County Ends PACE Contract Amid Misuse of Funds Scandal

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano has terminated the county's contract with the Florida PACE Funding Agency after reports revealed excessive spending by its executive director, Mike Moran. The Center for Public Integrity found that Moran, also a Sarasota County Commissioner, spent over $36,000 on trips and expensive meals.

Fasano, a critic of the PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) program, condemned Moran's spending as reckless. The program, which finances energy-efficient home improvements through property tax assessments, has faced criticism for saddling homeowners with unmanageable debts.

Fasano’s office will continue collecting payments on existing loans but will stop processing new ones after October 1. Moran defended his spending, claiming the funds weren’t public, which Fasano disputes.

Walt Disney World to Add Villains Land, Cars Adventure, and More

in Major Expansion

Disney has revealed new expansions for Walt Disney World, including a villains-themed land at Magic Kingdom. This is part of a $60 billion investment over the next decade. The villains' land, located behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, will feature two major attractions with a dark, ominous theme. Additionally, a Pixar Cars-themed land is planned, offering an off-road adventure with both thrill and family-friendly rides.

Other upcoming projects include a "Monstropolis" land at Hollywood Studios, featuring Disney’s first suspended coaster inspired by "Monsters Inc." Animal Kingdom will see the addition of a Tropical Americas area, which will include an "Encanto" ride and an Indiana Jones adventure. EPCOT is also set for updates, with a revamped Test Track and a new Spaceship Earth lounge.

These expansions aim to enhance guest experiences and offer exciting new attractions across the parks.

One particularly striking and little-known fact about Walt Disney World is that it's home to one of the largest underground networks in the world, known as the "Utilidors."

These underground tunnels, which stretch for miles beneath the Magic Kingdom, allow employees (referred to as "cast members") to move around the park unseen by guests. The tunnels house everything from garbage disposal systems to employee break rooms, costume departments, and even a delivery system for supplies to the various shops and restaurants above.

This innovative design ensures that the immersive experience for guests remains uninterrupted by behind-the-scenes operations.

Rapper Julio Foolio's Alleged Killers Caught After Series of Amatuer Mistakes

Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio, whose real name was Charles Jones, was murdered on June 23rd in the parking lot of a Holiday Inn in Tampa Bay. Four suspects have been arrested, including two rival gang members, Rashad Murphy and Isaiah Chance, along with Alicia Andrews and Sean Gathright.

The investigation has revealed a series of careless mistakes by the suspects, leaving behind substantial evidence. Gathright used his mother’s car during the crime, later driving it to a relative’s home where police found shell casings linking him to the murder. Andrews admitted to being at the scene but lied multiple times during questioning, while surveillance footage captured her movements that night. Murphy made the error of using his personal CashApp to pay for their Airbnb, and three suspects were identified by an Uber driver who took them back to Jacksonville.

The overwhelming evidence could lead to capital punishment for the suspects.

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Buccaneers’ Revamped Run Game Fuels 17-14 Win Over Bengals

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured a 17-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium, driven by a strong performance from their retooled running game. Under the direction of offensive coordinator Liam Coen, the Bucs introduced a variety of run schemes, which paid off in Preseason Week One. With several starters resting, backup running backs took center stage, racking up 136 rushing yards and averaging 4.3 yards per carry.

Sean Tucker led with 68 yards on 10 carries, showcasing his speed and agility with a 26-yard run. Rookie Bucky Irving added 28 yards and a touchdown, while Ramon Jefferson sealed the win with a three-yard touchdown run in the final minute.

The revamped ground attack demonstrated the effectiveness of the Bucs' offseason adjustments and marked a significant improvement over the last two seasons, setting a positive tone for the upcoming campaign.

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