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- Issue #443: Inhalant Abuse Trends | Public University Research Delivers | Wildcats & Bucs Update
Issue #443: Inhalant Abuse Trends | Public University Research Delivers | Wildcats & Bucs Update
8/26/2025
Ted Grellner
26 Aug
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
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Of Interest
— Laughing Gas Abuse on the Rise as Regulation Lags Behind
— Florida’s Public University Research Pays Off for Taxpayers
Sports
— Wildcats’ Defense Dominates in Season-Opening Shutout
— Bucs Begin Roster Cuts, Notable Names Let Go
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Laughing Gas Abuse on the Rise as Regulation
Lags Behind
Nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas, is fueling a surge in addiction, injury, and death across Florida. Once confined to dental use, it's now easily available in smoke shops, gas stations, and online in flavored canisters under brands like Galaxy Gas.
Despite warnings from the FDA, abuse is growing. A 2023 study in JAMA linked the gas to 156 deaths, a 578% increase since 2010.
Florida resident Meg Caldwell, 29, died outside a smoke shop after becoming addicted to “whippets.” Victims often suffer nerve damage, paralysis, and neurological decline.
Because nitrous oxide has legitimate uses—like car tuning and whipped cream—it's not federally controlled, though Louisiana banned retail sales in 2024.
UF Health’s Dr. Kent Mathias warns: “It’s harder to buy oxygen than nitrous oxide.”
Lawsuits are mounting as families seek accountability from retailers and manufacturers targeting minors and vulnerable users.
Florida’s Public University Research Pays Off
for Taxpayers
Florida’s state universities generate $3 billion in annual research, delivering major returns in medical innovation, job creation, and economic development.
Since 2022, university-led efforts have produced 800 patents, 83 startups, and nearly 4,000 jobs statewide — achievements largely funded by federal tax dollars.
Projects range from AI-powered citrus surveys and diabetes treatment improvements to hurricane-resilient infrastructure and quantum science breakthroughs.
This is part of Florida’s “One State University System” strategy, aligning 12 public universities to solve pressing challenges in health care, cybersecurity, energy, and defense.
The tools we rely on today — smartphones, MRIs, AI diagnostics — often begin as publicly funded research.
As the pace of discovery accelerates, Florida’s R1 universities say continued taxpayer support is essential to remain globally competitive and ensure breakthroughs benefit every corner of the state.
Bucs Begin Roster Cuts, Notable Names Let Go
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers began trimming their roster ahead of Tuesday’s 53-man deadline, and some early names released are raising eyebrows.
Among the cuts are Shilo Sanders and José Ramirez — two players who once showed promise.
Sanders, a bubble player entering training camp, likely sealed his fate by throwing a punch during the preseason finale — directly in front of an official. Head coach Todd Bowles was not impressed.
Ramirez, a 2023 sixth-round pick from Polk County, was once hailed as a draft steal with 20.5 college sacks. Despite showing flashes in practice, he struggled to earn reps in real games, even with a sack and four tackles in his final outing.
Also cut: receiver Rakim Jarrett, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
While some fan favorites are out, Desmond Watson remains safe—for now.
Expect more moves before the final cut deadline.
Wildcats’ Defense Dominates in Season-Opening Shutout
Wesley Chapel opened its season with a statement — a 10-0 shutout win over Hernando on Aug. 22 at Tom Fisher Stadium. It's the Wildcats’ second consecutive shutout, highlighting what could be a defense-led season.
Kiyh Anderson forced two fumbles, one leading to the game’s only touchdown by Tavion Cousin, who rushed for 103 yards. Shawn Kelley led the defense with six tackles, while Nathaniel Miller and Thomas Waskovich combined for three of four team sacks.
Offensively, kicker Caiden Stuelcken broke the scoreless tie with a 42-yard field goal late in the third. Amerh Norris added 66 yards, and returning quarterback Conor Muehl threw for 95 yards, 58 to Bryce Flemming.
Coach Bruce Patterson praised DC Reggie Marcel: “He has the defense rolling right now.”
Despite offensive struggles, Patterson is focused: “We’ll fine-tune and push forward.”
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