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- Issue #524: Tampa ERs Hit by Flu & RSV Spike | Citrus Industry’s High-Tech Revival | Rental Car Tip Saves Big | Bucs’ Must-Win vs. Dolphins
Issue #524: Tampa ERs Hit by Flu & RSV Spike | Citrus Industry’s High-Tech Revival | Rental Car Tip Saves Big | Bucs’ Must-Win vs. Dolphins
12/23/2025
Ted Grellner
23 Dec
Keep your finger on the Pulse!
GOOD MORNING
Dr Ted
USAF Retired
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Please post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its easy to do.
Local News
— Double Threat: Flu and RSV Overwhelm Tampa Bay ERs
Of Interest
— Florida Citrus Bounces Back with High-Tech Growing Revolution
— Tampa Man Avoids $686 Rental Car Charge Thanks to Simple Photo Tip
Sports
— Bucs Face Must-Win Road Test in Miami
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Double Threat: Flu and RSV Overwhelm
Tampa Bay ERs
Flu cases are climbing across all Tampa Bay counties, with local hospitals seeing increased pediatric cases of flu A and RSV, according to the Florida Department of Health.
At Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, RSV is peaking later than usual, overlapping with flu season—what doctors are calling a "double whammy."
Tampa General Hospital is also reporting a spike in flu-positive tests, especially in children, while COVID cases have dropped since summer.
Doctors urge families to get the flu vaccine, which takes two weeks for full protection. Despite some skepticism, experts say it’s the best tool to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, or death.
Even those who've had the flu can benefit from vaccination afterward, as multiple strains circulate each season.
Officials also recommend frequent handwashing, distancing from sick individuals, and reconsidering group activities during the holidays.
Florida Citrus Bounces Back with High-Tech
Growing Revolution
After years of devastation from citrus greening and canker, Florida’s citrus industry is staging a remarkable comeback, thanks to technology and innovation.
At the forefront is CUPS (Citrus Under Protective Screen) — a system of massive netted structures that shield citrus trees from the Asian citrus psyllid, the insect that spreads greening.
The result? Thriving groves, higher yields, and a renewed sense of optimism. Dun-D Citrus Growers reports packing over 1 million fruits per day, with production expected to double within a decade.
The CUPS method also improves light diffusion and tree density — now up to 300 trees per acre, double the previous average.
Legislative support, scientific research, and disease-resistant varieties are also fueling the turnaround.
With more groves expanding and trees planted inside protective screens, Florida citrus could soon return to its pre-crisis glory, boosting jobs, exports, and holiday tables across America.
Tampa Man Avoids $686 Rental Car Charge Thanks to Simple Photo Tip
Tampa resident Barry Peterson is urging holiday travelers to document rental car damage after narrowly avoiding a $686 charge for a bullet hole he didn’t cause.
During a business trip to Providence, Rhode Island, Peterson picked up a vehicle with visible dents and dings, and was told by staff to photograph any existing damage. He did — and those photos later saved him hundreds.
After returning the car early in the morning without staff present, Peterson received a collections notice months later. The rental company claimed the vehicle had a bullet hole. But thanks to his timestamped photos, he proved the damage was preexisting, and the claim was dropped.
Experts, including Kayak’s Kate Williams, stress the importance of documenting rentals before driving off, since agencies don’t always log every imperfection.
Tip: Snap photos or video with timestamps — it could protect you from surprise fees long after your trip ends.
Here’s an astonishing and not commonly known fact about rental car returns:
If you return a rental car even just one minute late, you could be charged for an entire extra day — and in some cases, at a much higher rate than your original rental.
Most rental companies have very strict grace periods — often just 29 minutes or less. After that, not only can a full extra day be added to your bill, but dynamic pricing can kick in, meaning that extra day might cost more than your original daily rate.
Even worse, if you're returning the car to a different location or airport, late returns can trigger additional fees or even "loss of use" penalties if the delay affects other scheduled rentals.
To avoid this:
Always confirm the exact return time and grace period in your agreement.
Aim to return the car at least 30 minutes early.
Consider prepaying or using apps that track return times with reminders.
Bucs Face Must-Win Road Test in Miami
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) head to Miami this Sunday in a must-win game to stay alive in the NFC South title race.
After dropping out of first place with a narrow loss to Carolina, the Bucs must beat the Dolphins to set up a potential winner-take-all rematch against the Panthers in Week 18—regardless of Carolina’s next result.
Tampa Bay is trying to rebound from six losses in seven games, with recent defeats coming by just a few points. Last week’s 23-20 loss ended with a critical interception on a miscommunication between Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins (8-7) have turned to rookie QB Quinn Ewers, who struggled in his first start. Still, RB De’Von Achane remains a threat, surpassing 1,700 scrimmage yards this season.
Kickoff is 1 p.m. Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
30+ Free Holiday Events in Tampa Bay for a Festive Date
Source: tampabaydatenightguide.com
Things to do Around Tampa Bay this weekend |
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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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