Issue #566: Church Group Escapes Israel Conflict | Lutz Cemetery’s QR History Tour | Grappler Device Stops High-Speed Chase | SpaceX “Jellyfish” Lights Up Tampa Bay

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

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WEATHER  

Local News

— St. Pete Church Group Escapes Israel Amid Escalating Conflict

— Lutz Cemetery Uses QR Codes to Bring Local History to Life

Of Interest

— High-Speed Chase Ends Safely Thanks to Innovative Grappler Device

— SpaceX Launch Produces Stunning ‘Jellyfish’ Display Over Tampa Bay

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St. Pete Church Group Escapes Israel Amid Escalating Conflict

A church group from St. Petersburg that became stranded in Israel after fighting erupted in the region has successfully evacuated and crossed into a neighboring country.

The group of 34 people, mostly from GT Church led by Pastor Randy Helms, spent several tense hours sheltering in a hotel bomb shelter as Iranian missiles were launched toward the area, including two incidents Tuesday morning.

A Tampa-based rescue organization, Grey Bull Rescue, coordinated the evacuation. Helms said the group received sudden instructions Tuesday morning to gather their belongings and be ready to leave within minutes.

By mid-morning, the group boarded a bus and traveled for several hours before reaching Jordan, where they are now staying at an undisclosed location for security reasons.

It remains unclear when the group will return to the United States. Helms said organizers are working to arrange transportation home, but for now the group remains on standby awaiting further instructions.

Read More: baynews9.com

Lutz Cemetery Uses QR Codes to Bring Local History to Life

A unique project at Lutz Cemetery is blending technology with history to help preserve the stories of those buried there.

The cemetery, which has operated since 1911, is one of only two in the country owned and managed by the American Legion. Now, American Legion Post 108 is launching a year-long historian project focused on involving young people in documenting the lives of those buried at the site.

Participants will “adopt” a person buried in the cemetery and research their life, gathering records, photos, and historical details. The information will then be used to create an online biography.

Once completed, a stainless-steel QR code will be attached to the person’s gravestone, allowing visitors to scan the code and view the biography through the Life’s QR platform.

Organizers say the program encourages youth to explore history while honoring veterans and community members whose stories might otherwise be forgotten.

Leaders hope the project sparks curiosity about the past and deepens connections to local history.

Read More: baynews9.com

High-Speed Chase Ends Safely Thanks to Innovative Grappler Device

– A new law enforcement technology helped deputies safely stop a driver attempting to flee during a traffic stop late last year.

On December 17, 2025, deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office encountered a suspect who accelerated away from a traffic stop at high speed. Aviation units tracked the vehicle as it traveled through the area, eventually exiting onto Bearss Avenue and heading south on Nebraska Avenue, where traffic became heavier.

Deputies used a Grappler device mounted to a patrol vehicle to bring the pursuit to a safe end. The system deployed a tether that secured around the vehicle’s rear tire, gradually slowing the car until it came to a controlled stop.

Ramiya Franklin, 25, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including two counts of felony fleeing to elude, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of cannabis under 20 grams, and violation of probation tied to a burglary case.

The sheriff’s office has installed Grappler devices on 50 patrol vehicles, highlighting its investment in technology designed to improve safety and reduce risks during pursuits.

Read More: teamhcso.com — see pic in article of device

SpaceX Launch Produces Stunning ‘Jellyfish’ Display Over Tampa Bay

Early risers across Tampa Bay and Central Florida were treated to a striking sight Wednesday morning as a rocket launch created a glowing “jellyfish” effect in the sky.

Just before 6 a.m., SpaceX launched nearly 30 Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. With clear skies across much of the region, residents were able to see the unusual formation stretching across the dawn sky.

The “jellyfish” effect occurs when a rocket’s exhaust plume expands at high altitude, forming a large cloud-like shape behind the rocket. When launches happen near sunrise or sunset, sunlight illuminates the plume from below the horizon, creating a glowing, jellyfish-like appearance.

The rare visual display was spotted throughout Tampa Bay, Central Florida, and other parts of the state, with many residents capturing photos of the phenomenon.

The launch was part of SpaceX’s Starlink 10-40 mission, continuing the company’s effort to expand its global satellite internet network.

Read More: baynews9.com — image is really interesting, worth the look

Tampa Bay’s Best Live Music
Feb 27 - Mar 5
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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