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- Issue #486: Loren Murfield’s Tribute Run, Caravaggio’s Light at MFA, Miracle Recovery, Bucs Rout Saints
Issue #486: Loren Murfield’s Tribute Run, Caravaggio’s Light at MFA, Miracle Recovery, Bucs Rout Saints
10/27/2025
Ted Grellner
27 Oct
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
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Local News
— Running Toward Remembrance: Loren Murfield’s Tribute to His Son
The Arts
— In Caravaggio’s Light: Rare Masterpieces Arrive at MFA
OMG!
— From Coma to Comeback: Florida Woman Thanks Dog for Survival
Sports
— Buccaneers Defense Dismantles Saints in 23-3 Rout
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Running Toward Remembrance: Loren Murfield’s Tribute to His Son
Loren Murfield, a 70-year-old Tampa resident, ran the 50th Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. to honor his son Caleb, a Marine who died by suicide at age 22.
During the race, Murfield passed through the Wear Blue Mile, where Caleb’s photo stood among tributes to fallen service members. “He was like Robin Williams—always smiling, quick-witted, full of life,” Murfield shared.
Since his son’s death in 2007, Murfield has become a mental health advocate, publishing dozens of books and completing eight marathons, starting his first at age 62. His mission is to raise awareness about suicide among youth and veterans—92 young people and 17 veterans die by suicide weekly, according to CDC data.
“If I can buy someone just one more minute of life, it’s worth it,” he said.
Murfield completed the marathon in under six and a half hours, continuing to turn personal grief into purposeful action.
Editor’s Note: If you find yourself trying to choose a marathon to run, I found this to be an amazing way to experience Wash D.C. (Yes, I know - I never seriously thought I would ever run one either)
In Caravaggio’s Light: Rare Masterpieces Arrive
at MFA
The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg presents In Caravaggio’s Light: Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi, running through March 22.
Featuring 40 rare works, this exhibition centers around Caravaggio’s "Boy Bitten by a Lizard", a riveting blend of realism and psychological drama, unseen in the U.S. in over a decade.
Surrounding this masterpiece are striking paintings by Caravaggio’s followers (Caravaggisti), including Valentin de Boulogne’s “Denial of Saint Peter”, Jusepe de Ribera’s Apostles, and Carlo Saraceni’s “Judith with the Head of Holofernes.”
All works hail from Roberto Longhi’s legendary private collection, many never before seen in the U.S.
A companion show, “Baroque Continuum,” explores Caravaggio’s enduring legacy through modern and contemporary artists like Edward Steichen and Reza Aramesh.
The gallery experience is immersive, with lush design and dynamic programming including talks, tours, and a one-night opera.
Learn more: mfastpete.org
From Coma to Comeback: Florida Woman Thanks Dog for Survival
Priscilla Timmons, 38, had been in a coma for over 24 hours at Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines when a therapy dog named Scrunchie touched her finger — and changed everything.
Timmons had suffered a massive pulmonary embolism in March that triggered three cardiac arrests and 41 minutes of resuscitation. Though doctors were near giving up, they persisted. Still, she remained unresponsive.
Then Scrunchie, a 7-year-old golden retriever, was brought to her ICU bed. Timmons recalled sensing the dog’s paw, which prompted her to move her fingers and lift her hand.
Doctors credit both medicine and miracles. Her cousin had requested the visit, knowing Timmons’ love for dogs.
Now fully recovered and reunited with Scrunchie and her care team, Timmons told them:
“Yes, I’m a miracle, but it’s because of you.”
The hospital’s therapy dog program continues to bring comfort to critically ill patients — and hope to the teams that care for them.
Read More: tampabay.com — see pic of recovered Ms Timmons
Buccaneers Defense Dismantles Saints in 23-3 Rout
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers put on a defensive masterclass in New Orleans Sunday, routing the Saints 23-3 to improve to 6-2 heading into their bye week.
The game remained scoreless through the first quarter, but in the second, linebacker Anthony Nelson returned an interception for a pick-six, igniting the Bucs’ momentum.
The Bucs forced four turnovers in total, including a fumble recovery and a strip-pick by Antoine Winfield Jr., who was a defensive standout.
Despite a shaky offensive performance, including a fumble by Baker Mayfield, Tampa added two field goals and a one-yard rushing TD by Sean Tucker in the second half.
New Orleans benched rookie Spencer Rattler after a rough outing, and backup Tyler Shough threw a pick in his debut.
The Bucs closed out with two fourth-quarter field goals and dominant clock control.
Tampa’s defense made the difference, sealing a critical NFC South win with smothering pressure and key takeaways.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
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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