Issue #560: Sweet Success, Rising Costs | Conservation Wins at ZooTampa | Another Miracle on Ice Moment | Rays’ Mullins Move

2/24/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
24 Feb

In partnership with

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Now entering the post-olympic blues!

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

— Sweeter Strawberries, But at a Cost, Growers Say

Of Interest

— New Arrivals Highlight Conservation Wins at ZooTampa

Sports

— Forty-Six Years Later, Another Miracle on Ice Moment

— Rays Bet on Mullins’ Bat and Veteran Leadership

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Sweeter Strawberries, But at a Cost, Growers Say

Florida farmers are once again preparing for freezing temperatures after a devastating January frost caused an estimated $3.2 billion in agricultural losses statewide.

According to Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, 66 of Florida’s 67 counties experienced hours of freezing conditions. Damage included $1.2 billion to sugar, $675 million to citrus and $306 million to strawberries.

Gary Parke of Parkesdale Farms said his family lost about 15% of its crop last month. With temperatures forecast to hover near freezing again, crews may rely on irrigation to shield budding plants from further harm.

State leaders are seeking federal relief, including block grants and potential emergency declarations that could unlock small business loans for struggling growers.

Still, there’s a silver lining. Cold weather boosts natural sugar production in strawberries — meaning this year’s Plant City Strawberry Festival could feature an especially sweet harvest, even if profits take a hit.

New Arrivals Highlight Conservation Wins at ZooTampa

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is celebrating a remarkable start to the year with a series of births that underscore its commitment to wildlife conservation.

Among the highlights are two critically endangered Eastern bongo calves, including Bennett, born Jan. 21 at 51.5 pounds to mother Blitzen. He joins Bonnie, born Jan. 9, bringing the zoo’s bongo herd to nine — a significant boost for a species facing extinction in the wild.

The zoo also welcomed a marabou stork chick, the second for parents Will and Diana, who are sharing nesting duties. In another milestone, a hamerkop chick — the first of its species born at the zoo — is thriving under the watch of first-time parents.

Two African spoonbill chicks, hatched Jan. 22, round out the baby boom.

Zoo leaders say the arrivals reflect world-class animal care and meaningful progress in protecting vulnerable species.

Forty-Six Years Later, Another Miracle
on Ice Moment

U.S. Claims Olympic Gold in Overtime Classic Against Canada

MILAN, Italy — The United States captured its third Olympic men’s hockey gold medal Sunday, defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime at the Milan Cortina Games — exactly 46 years after the famed “Miracle on Ice” victory in 1980.

Jack Hughes delivered the decisive moment, scoring in overtime to secure the Americans’ first Olympic title since that historic Lake Placid triumph. The tightly contested matchup featured relentless pressure, physical play and standout goaltending.

Connor Hellebuyck anchored the U.S. defense, turning aside multiple Canadian scoring chances, while Zach Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk honored teammate Johnny Gaudreau during the on-ice celebration.

Canada, led by stars including Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, pushed hard through regulation but couldn’t break through late.

As the final horn sounded, Team USA gathered at center ice, draped in flags and emotion, marking a championship that echoes one of the most iconic days in American hockey history.

Read More: tampabay.com — great photos from the game

Rays Bet on Mullins’ Bat and Veteran Leadership

The Tampa Bay Rays are counting on Cedric Mullins to deliver much-needed power, and the veteran outfielder is counting on 2026 to be a redemption season.

After signing a one-year, $7 million deal, Mullins arrives following a difficult 2025 split between Baltimore and the New York Mets. He hit .216 with a 94 OPS+, struggling after a midseason trade and adjustment to a new market.

Now 31, Mullins says offseason work corrected timing issues at the plate, particularly against inside pitches. His power bat could help revive a Rays outfield that combined for a Major League-low 29 home runs last season.

Manager Kevin Cash praised Mullins’ steady presence and elite defense, calling him an important veteran voice on a young roster.

For Mullins, the mission is clear: reset, lead and return to form.

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

Top Events in Tampa Bay for week of
Feb 16
Source: tampabay.com

Weekend Events in Tampa Bay this weekend
2/19 - 2/22
Source:
wmnf.org

Things to do Around
Tampa & WC
2/26- 3/4:
Source:
tampabeacon.com

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