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- Issue #488: Tampa's West Riverwalk Debuts | Missing Child & Pitbull Reunited | USF Offers AI Microcourse | Heart Risk & Nighttime Light
Issue #488: Tampa's West Riverwalk Debuts | Missing Child & Pitbull Reunited | USF Offers AI Microcourse | Heart Risk & Nighttime Light
10/29/2025
Ted Grellner
29 Oct
Keep your finger on the Pulse!
GOOD MORNING
Dr Ted
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
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Local News
—Tampa’s West Riverwalk Begins: A New Era of Growth
— 23-Month-Old and Pitbull Discovered After Overnight Disappearance
Medical News
— Artificial Light at Night May Double Risk of Heart Trouble
Of Interest
— Master AI Prompts with USF’s New Microcourse
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Tampa’s West Riverwalk Begins: A New Era
of Growth
Tampa has officially launched construction on the West Riverwalk, a two-mile extension that will stretch from Platt Street to Rome Avenue, transforming the city’s west side.
The $56.8 million West River BUILD Project includes over five miles of surrounding roadway and safety upgrades. Mayor Jane Castor called it “transformational,” noting the Riverwalk will connect communities, boost development, and offer alternatives to car travel.
Once complete, Tampa will feature a 12.2-mile continuous Riverwalk along both sides of the Hillsborough River, linking West Tampa, North Hyde Park, Ybor City, and more.
Backed by a $24 million federal BUILD grant and $10 million in CRA funds, the project aligns with Tampa’s “Vision Zero” for safer streets.
Developers and residents alike are optimistic, predicting over $1 billion in new growth, more jobs, and improved access to the river’s natural beauty.
23-Month-Old and Pitbull Discovered After Overnight Disappearance
A missing 23-month-old boy and his family's dog were found safe Tuesday morning after an extensive search in Tampa's Silver Run Drive area.
Jaylen Johnson was last seen around 11 p.m. Monday but was reported missing around 6:45 a.m. Tuesday. He had reportedly left his apartment overnight wearing pajamas, accompanied by the family’s red-nosed pitbull.
Over 200 Hillsborough County deputies joined neighbors in the urgent search.
By 10:30 a.m., a neighbor located Jaylen and the dog two blocks away, near 56th Street and Sligh Avenue.
“Typically, these calls are tragic,” said Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer. “This time, it was great news.”
Jaylen was unharmed but was evaluated by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue as a precaution.
Authorities are investigating how the toddler and dog left the home, ensuring no further safety risks remain.
Here’s an astonishing and lesser-known fact related to lost children and dogs:
In many documented cases, family dogs—especially certain breeds like pit bulls, retrievers, and shepherds—have instinctively stayed with lost children, guarding them from danger and even keeping them warm overnight.
In fact, some search-and-rescue experts credit dogs with helping to prevent hypothermia in toddlers lost in cold environments by lying beside them and sharing body heat. There are even verified cases where the dog actively led rescuers to the child’s location or barked persistently to draw attention.
So, when a child goes missing with a dog, the animal isn’t just a companion — it can be a lifesaving protector. That’s one reason why search teams often feel more optimistic when a child is lost with a dog than alone.
Artificial Light at Night May Double Risk
of Heart Trouble
Excessive exposure to artificial light at night could significantly raise the risk of heart disease and breast cancer, according to a new study published in JAMA.
The research, led by Dr. Jonathan Cedernaes at Uppsala University, followed over 89,000 people and found those exposed to high levels of nighttime light had up to a 50% higher risk of conditions like stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.
These elevated risks remained even after adjusting for sleep quality, physical activity, and seasonal changes.
While device light has long been known to affect sleep, ambient light from homes and neighborhoods also poses a health risk.
Conversely, exposure to bright daylight was linked to lower cardiovascular risk.
Researchers recommend reducing nighttime lighting and improving light exposure balance across the day to protect long-term heart health.
Master AI Prompts with USF’s New Microcourse
The University of South Florida (USF) is now offering two free, online microcourses to help individuals build skills in artificial intelligence — no tech background required.
“AI Whisperer” teaches users how to select tools and craft prompts for generative AI tasks like writing, visuals, and presentations. It’s self-paced, takes around 3–4 hours, and includes an optional $39 digital badge. Open until Feb. 28, 2026.
A second course, “GenAI in Action,” offers a broader overview of AI’s role in writing, teaching, research, and tech. It runs through Jan. 11, 2026, with 6 hours of content and practical assessments.
Both were developed by USF Innovative Education in collaboration with the new Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.
USF says the goal is to expand community access to real-world AI skills — flexibly, accessibly, and affordably.
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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