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- Issue #479: Tampa Spins the Wheel | Walk Again Breakthrough | Yankees Get Stadium Green Light | USF Defense Grabs National Attention
Issue #479: Tampa Spins the Wheel | Walk Again Breakthrough | Yankees Get Stadium Green Light | USF Defense Grabs National Attention
10/16/2025
Ted Grellner
16 Oct
Keep your finger on the Pulse!
GOOD MORNING
Dr Ted
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THIS WEEK: n/a
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
—> Feel free to post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its easy to do.
Local News
— Tampa Spins into the Spotlight on ‘Wheel of Fortune’
OMG!
— From Paralyzed to Walking: Clinical Trial Sparks Remarkable Comeback
Sports
— Yankees Score Big as Hillsborough OKs Stadium Overhaul
— USF’s Defense Leads Nation as ESPN Cameras Roll Into Tampa
Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:
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Tampa Spins into the Spotlight on ‘Wheel of Fortune’
Tampa takes center stage on “Wheel of Fortune” tonight, October 15, as part of Visit Florida’s statewide “Live More Floridays” campaign. The weeklong series, airing October 13–17, features episodes themed around Florida destinations including Pensacola, Kissimmee, the Florida Keys, St. Pete–Clearwater, and Tampa.
The iconic game show, now in its 43rd season, reaches about 8 million viewers per night, making it a powerful tourism boost for featured cities. The Tampa-themed episode will showcase local visuals and puzzles inspired by the area—possibly highlighting spots like Tampa Theatre, Bayshore Boulevard, the Riverwalk, or Gasparilla.
Fans can watch weekdays at 7 p.m. on TV, or stream on Peacock and Hulu. Viewers can also visit wheeloffortune.com to enter the bonus round puzzle for a chance to win one of five Florida vacations.
Visit Florida’s goal: inspire more people to rediscover the Sunshine State—starting with Tampa.
Here’s an astonishing and little-known fact about Wheel of Fortune:
🔍 Pat Sajak and Vanna White never knew the answers beforehand.
Despite popular belief, neither host was ever given the puzzle solutions in advance during tapings. Pat Sajak has confirmed that he deliberately avoided knowing them so he could react naturally — and sometimes even guess along with the contestants. Vanna White also found out the solutions only as letters were revealed.
This kept their reactions genuine and allowed them to be more in sync with the players’ experience — a rare level of authenticity for game show hosts.
From Paralyzed to Walking: Clinical Trial Sparks Remarkable Comeback
Larry Williams, 58, from Philadelphia, is walking again after joining a clinical trial for NVG-291, an experimental peptide drug designed to aid spinal cord injury recovery.
After a 2024 biking accident that left him temporarily paralyzed, Williams underwent spinal surgery and therapy but still faced severe mobility issues. That changed during a three-month trial of NVG-291 — a daily injection followed by physical therapy.
By trial’s end, Williams reduced his walker-assisted 10-meter time from 45 to 15 seconds, and has continued improving over a year later, even without ongoing treatment.
NVG-291 works by blocking signals that prevent nerve regrowth, enabling the body’s natural healing.
Lead researcher Dr. Monica Perez says the drug, which shows strong neurological and physical improvements, is easy to administer and appears safe — though long-term effects remain under study.
Williams hopes others with similar injuries get the same chance to recover.
"It’s like I was given a shortcut."
Yankees Score Big as Hillsborough OKs
Stadium Overhaul
Hillsborough County Commissioners have approved $18 million in upgrades to Steinbrenner Field, home to the New York Yankees’ spring training and a recent temporary host for the Rays. The improvements include a $4.5 million scoreboard, a $2.5 million front plaza renovation, and upgrades to security, sound systems, sunshades, fan Wi-Fi, and seating.
The vote passed 6-1, with Commissioner Donna Cameron Cepeda dissenting. Commissioner Josh Wostal, despite opposing stadium subsidies, voted yes due to concerns about public safety liability.
Commissioners emphasized the Yankees’ long-standing partnership with Tampa, especially their gesture of allowing the Rays to play at the field this past season.
A potential future Rays stadium nearby adds weight to the upgrades. Commissioner Ken Hagan hinted at discussions with the Rays’ new ownership, suggesting the field could support expanded infrastructure needs if a Rays ballpark is built at HCC.
USF’s Defense Leads Nation as ESPN Cameras Roll Into Tampa
No. 24 USF (5-1, 2-0 American) is set to host Florida Atlantic (3-3, 1-1) in a nationally televised Homecoming game this Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. on ESPNU.
The Bulls, riding high after a 63-36 win at North Texas, lead the nation with 16 forced turnovers, including five last week. Head coach Alex Golesh credits the defense’s culture of aggressive pursuit and effort. “Turnovers don’t just happen. You force them,” he said.
Despite three early turnovers of their own, USF’s defense responded with energy and discipline, setting up 28 points off takeaways.
Saturday’s matchup also features FAU’s standout quarterback Caden Veltkamp, the national leader in completions per game.
Golesh hopes the electric home atmosphere will reflect the team’s momentum:
“The city of Tampa deserves an awesome crowd.”
What’s New In Tampa Bay
Oct 2025
Source: tampamagazines.com
Top Things to do in Tampa Bay |
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🎭 Tonight in Wesley Chapel & New Tampa (& TB): Entertainment Spotlight
Date (Day) | Time | Act | Venue |
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Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
The Arts
- The Exhibiting Society of Artists (new)
- USF College of the Arts
- USF Steinway Piano Concert Series
Theater
- NTPAC - New Tampa Performing Arts Center
- New Tampa Players
- USF School of Theatre & Dance
- Wesley Chapel Theater Group
- Carrollwood Players Theatre
Misc
- Carrollwood Center Events
- Craft Festivals (new)
- Fall (Farmer’s) Market Guide for Tampa Bay (new)
- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC
- visitflorida.com
For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids
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