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  • Issue #625: From Family Scam To Startup, Wildfire Warning Before July 4, Imported Fireworks Explained, Florida Hoops Showcase Comes To Tampa

Issue #625: From Family Scam To Startup, Wildfire Warning Before July 4, Imported Fireworks Explained, Florida Hoops Showcase Comes To Tampa

6/25/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
25 Jun

In partnership with

GOOD MORNING

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 

— USF Cybersecurity Student Turns Family Scam Experience Into Award-Winning Startup

— Tampa Bay Faces Heightened Wildfire Risk Before Independence Day Celebrations

Of Interest

— Most Fourth of July Fireworks Aren't Made in the U.S.

Sports

— Tampa to Host Florida Basketball Showcase Featuring FAMU, FSU, Florida and Miami

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USF Cybersecurity Student Turns Family Scam Experience Into Award-Winning Startup

A University of South Florida student is gaining international attention for developing a technology solution aimed at protecting people from scams.

Sahasra Upputuru, a USF junior studying cybersecurity and political science, advanced to the world finals of the Red Bull Basement Competition after placing among the top three competitors out of 24,000 applicants nationwide. The competition showcases innovative technology-based projects from students around the world.

Inspired by impersonation scams that cost members of her family and community thousands of dollars, Upputuru created SafeStep Secure, an app designed to help users recognize and respond to fraudulent calls, texts, emails and social media messages.

The app includes features that allow users to alert trusted contacts and access an AI-powered support tool that helps guide them through high-pressure situations often used by scammers.

After competing against students from more than 40 countries, Upputuru plans to continue developing SafeStep Secure while interning this summer with Raymond James’ IT Tech Risk and Assurance department.

Tampa Bay Faces Heightened Wildfire Risk Before Independence Day Celebrations

Unusually dry conditions across Tampa Bay are prompting fire officials to urge extra caution with fireworks as Fourth of July celebrations approach.

According to the National Weather Service, Tampa has received about half of its normal rainfall since September and is now nearly 15 inches below average, making it the second-driest period on record for that timeframe.

With dry grass, brush and mulch creating ideal conditions for fires, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue is encouraging residents to light fireworks only on pavement or other hard surfaces, away from homes, vehicles and vegetation. Officials also recommend keeping a hose or bucket of water nearby and thoroughly soaking used fireworks before throwing them away.

While rain chances may increase before the holiday, meteorologists say it will take much more than a few storms to erase months of drought.

Fire officials continue to stress that attending a professional fireworks display remains the safest way to celebrate.

Most Fourth of July Fireworks Aren't Made
in the U.S.

About 99% of the consumer fireworks used in the United States are manufactured in China, even though fireworks are one of America's most iconic Independence Day traditions.

Chinese artisans have been making fireworks for more than 1,000 years, after inventing gunpowder around the 9th century. Today, millions of fireworks are shipped across the Pacific months before July 4 to meet America's holiday demand.

Bonus fact: Americans spend more than $2 billion on consumer fireworks each year, with July 4 accounting for the overwhelming majority of annual sales.

Tampa to Host Florida Basketball Showcase Featuring FAMU, FSU, Florida and Miami

A historic college basketball matchup is coming to Tampa this fall as Florida A&M University takes on Florida State University in the Orion180 Tip-Off Classic at Benchmark International Arena.

The game marks the first regular-season meeting between the Rattlers and Seminoles since 1991, giving FAMU a chance to showcase its program on one of the state's biggest stages. The event will also feature a marquee matchup between the University of Florida and the University of Miami, bringing four major Florida programs together for an early-season basketball showcase.

Adding intrigue to the matchup is FAMU head coach Charlie Ward, the legendary Florida State quarterback who won the 1993 Heisman Trophy before enjoying an 11-year NBA career. Ward has steadily elevated the Rattlers program and now faces his alma mater in a game expected to draw statewide attention.

The Tampa event offers FAMU valuable exposure to fans, recruits and media as the program continues its rise.

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