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- Issue #497: Veterans’ Stories in Focus • Fatal Crash in Lakeland • Bucs Near Return • Wesley Chapel’s Stunning 0–10 Rebound
Issue #497: Veterans’ Stories in Focus • Fatal Crash in Lakeland • Bucs Near Return • Wesley Chapel’s Stunning 0–10 Rebound
11/11/2025
Ted Grellner
11 Nov
In partnership with
13Keep your finger on the Pulse!
GOOD MORNING
Happy Veteran’s Day to all who served and to all their families as well.
Dr Ted
USAF Retired
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
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Local News
— "The Soldier’s Lens" Exhibit Honors Service Through Veterans' Own Photos
OMG!
— Fatal Collision in Lakeland Involved Lane-Splitting Rider
Sports
— Injured Bucs Make Sideline Comeback as Return Looms
— From 0-10 to Playoffs: Wesley Chapel’s Stunning Comeback
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"The Soldier’s Lens" Exhibit Honors Service Through Veterans' Own Photos
In honor of Veterans Day, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Tampa has opened "The Soldier’s Lens", a powerful new exhibit showcasing hundreds of personal photos taken by U.S. service members, from World War I to the present day.
The images, submitted by active-duty military and veterans, reflect moments of life in uniform — some mundane, others deeply emotional. For many, like Vietnam veteran Phillip Casey, the exhibit unlocks long-buried memories:
“This is one of those drawers in your brain you seldom open,” he shared.
Marine veteran Richard Lounders was stunned that a photo he carried for decades made it to the museum wall.
Curator Alexis Muellner calls it more than an exhibit — it’s a hall of heroes, offering the public a glimpse into sacrifice, pride, and healing.
The exhibit runs through January 25 and is expected to become a yearly Veterans Day tradition.
Tampa’s Youngest WWII Navy Sailor Lied About His Age — And Got Away With It
Franklin "Frank" Larkin, a Tampa native, enlisted in the U.S. Navy at just 15 years old during World War II — two years under the legal age. Like many patriotic teens of the era, he forged his mother's signature and claimed to be 17.
He served as a shipboard radioman in the Pacific Theater, participating in key operations without ever revealing his real age to his fellow sailors or commanding officers.
It wasn’t until years later, at a veterans' event in Tampa, that Larkin shared his secret publicly — stunning local historians and fellow vets alike.
His service was later formally recognized by the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, which called his story “an extraordinary example of youthful courage and commitment.”
Today, Larkin's uniform and enlistment documents are part of a quiet exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center, celebrating Florida’s hidden war heroes.
Fatal Collision in Lakeland Involved Lane-Splitting Rider
Editor’s Note: As a motorcycle rider myself, seeing “kids” split lanes to ride between cars could only bring one conclusion: it would only be a matter of time before they would get themselves killed. I can’t imagine what the parents of this rider are going through; please pass this along to any teenage bikers you know. TG
A 21-year-old motorcyclist from Lakeland died Saturday following a crash on U.S. Highway 98, according to the Lakeland Police Department (LPD). The accident occurred around 11 a.m. near the 700 block of U.S. 98 South.
Authorities say Blake Scott was riding a Kawasaki motorcycle and was lane-splitting between vehicles when he struck the side mirror of a silver Toyota. The impact caused him to veer into the outer lane, where he collided with the rear of a Jeep.
Scott was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries around 5:30 p.m. No injuries were reported among the other drivers involved.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are urging anyone with additional information to contact Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].
Lane-splitting is illegal in Florida and has been a recurring factor in serious motorcycle crashes across the state.
Injured Bucs Make Sideline Comeback as
Return Looms
Tampa Bay may be getting key reinforcements just in time.
Starting right tackle Luke Goedeke returned to action Sunday after a two-month absence and played the entire game on his previously injured foot, providing a major boost to the Bucs’ run game, which looked solid against the Patriots.
While Goedeke’s return energized the offense, two other key names were spotted on the sideline, sparking speculation about their readiness.
Running back Bucky Irving, out for five games due to shoulder and ankle issues, was seen pregame in good spirits, soaking in the vibe with a smile and music, suggesting he’s trending toward a return.
More intriguing, however, was the sight of Calijah Kancey — the standout defensive tackle who tore a pectoral muscle in September. No sling was visible, raising hopes that he could rejoin the defensive front by January if the Bucs remain in contention.
If both players return, Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes could surge.
From 0-10 to Playoffs: Wesley Chapel’s
Stunning Comeback
Just three seasons after a winless year, Wesley Chapel High is back in the playoffs.
Under head coach Bruce Patterson, the Wildcats have risen from 0-10 in 2021 to a 6-4 season and playoff berth. The seniors, many playing under their third coach, credit Patterson’s culture shift and defensive dominance — including four shutouts this season — for the revival.
Defensive end Kith Anderson, with 73 tackles and 10.5 sacks, leads a senior-heavy defense that has even scored in recent games. Offensively, a midseason switch to a run-heavy Power-T sparked the turnaround, with receiver-turned-quarterback T.J. Aguilar stepping up, and Tavion Cousin grinding out key yards.
On Nov. 14, the Wildcats face powerhouse Lakeland in the Class 5A Region Quarterfinals. Despite the odds, they’re embracing the challenge.
“It’s a steppingstone,” Patterson said. “We’re not done.”
Top Things to do in Tampa Bay |
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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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