Issue #559: Iguana Incident Raises Pet Safety Concerns | Seahorse Returns After Flood | Shuffleboard Clubhouse Demolished | The Mind’s Role in Stamina

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

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WEATHER  

OMG!

— Dead Iguana Linked to Dog’s Death, Paralysis in Another

Of Interest

— From Seven Feet of Floodwater to Full Plates: Seahorse Returns

— Historic Pass-a-Grille Shuffleboard Clubhouse Demolished After Storm Damage

Medical News

— Why Your Brain — Not Just Muscles — Builds Stamina

Dead Iguana Linked to Dog’s Death, Paralysis in Another

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — A local woman is urging pet owners to check their yards after a tragic encounter with a dead iguana left one dog dead and another partially paralyzed.

Bridget Garrison said her two blue-tick hounds, Tally and Karma, consumed parts of a dead iguana following Florida’s recent cold snap. Days later, both dogs developed symptoms consistent with botulism, a toxin that forms as animals decompose.

Tally died Monday. Karma survived but remains partially paralyzed.

Veterinarians say iguanas often freeze and fall from trees during cold weather. As carcasses decay, bacteria can produce toxins that cause progressive paralysis, beginning in the hind limbs and potentially spreading.

There is no specific treatment for botulism in dogs, making prevention critical.

Experts advise pet owners to routinely inspect yards after cold snaps and safely remove any animal remains.

Garrison hopes sharing her story will spare other families similar heartbreak.

Read More: wptv.com

From Seven Feet of Floodwater to Full Plates: Seahorse Returns

After nearly 18 months of recovery, the beloved Seahorse Restaurant has reopened on Pass-a-Grille Beach following devastating damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.

The 88-year-old waterfront landmark, established in 1938, took on seven feet of floodwater during Helene before Milton compounded the destruction. The damage was so severe the building was condemned by the city of St. Pete Beach.

Following extensive renovations costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, owners restored the restaurant to reflect its historic charm — recreating its familiar tables, décor and welcoming atmosphere.

The Seahorse officially reopened Feb. 6, drawing longtime patrons eager to return. Many customers, some visiting since the 1980s, say stepping back inside feels like coming home.

Now serving breakfast and lunch, the restaurant is bustling once again, as owners ask for patience while operations fully return to normal.

Read More: baynews9.com

Historic Pass-a-Grille Shuffleboard Clubhouse Demolished After Storm Damage

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — The historic Pass-a-Grille shuffleboard clubhouse was demolished Thursday after suffering extensive damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.

The 90-year-old structure, originally built as a Gulfport beach shelter and later moved by barge in the late 1920s, had long been part of the community’s character. Restoration was considered but projected costs reached $192,000, exceeding available funds. A proposed alternative — relocating a 100-year-old home to serve as the clubhouse — was scrapped after estimates climbed to $475,000.

City leaders ultimately determined demolition was the most fiscally responsible option. The city paid $9,000 for teardown.

A new pavilion-style clubhouse is planned with a $166,000 budget, featuring shade, storage and restrooms. Club members salvaged memorabilia to preserve the site’s history.

For many longtime members, the loss is emotional — but they hope the new structure will continue the tradition.

Read More: baynew9.com

Why Your Brain — Not Just Muscles — Builds Stamina

New research from The Jackson Laboratory and the University of Pennsylvania reveals that endurance gains may depend more on the brain than previously thought.

Scientists found that specialized neurons in the hypothalamus activate for about an hour after exercise, triggering processes essential for long-term stamina improvements. These neurons, known as SF1 neurons, became increasingly active as mice trained over several weeks.

When researchers used optogenetics to silence the neurons for just 15 minutes post-workout, mice failed to improve endurance — despite maintaining the same rigorous treadmill routine. Their muscles also lacked the gene expression changes required for proper remodeling.

Conversely, artificially stimulating the neurons after exercise boosted endurance beyond normal levels.

The findings challenge long-standing assumptions that muscle adaptation occurs independently of the brain, suggesting instead that post-exercise brain signaling plays a critical role in recovery and long-term fitness gains.

Read More: news-medical.net

Tampa Bay’s Best Things to Do
Feb 19-25
Source: cltampa.com

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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