In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

🗓  This Week’s Events

🌦 WEATHER

📰 Local News

🏆Washington's Penix Jr. Makes History as First Tampa Bay Heisman Finalist

🎄Fridays in December Light Up with the Illuminated Music Series at The Shops at Wiregrass

👮‍♂️Florida's 'Be A Florida Hero' Initiative Attracts Over 230 Officers

🚓Crime

👮‍♂️Rising Trend of Laser Strikes: Brandon Man Faces Charges for Endangering Aircraft

💻Beware Online: FBI Warns of Holiday Shopping Scams

⛹️Sports

🏀USF Bulls Triumph Over Florida State in Historic Orange Bowl Classic Victory

This Week’s Events in the NewTampa | Wesley Chapel FL Local Area

December 11 — Heralds of Harmony, NTPAC - 730pm

December 12

December 13

December 14

December 15 — Candlelight Ballet: Tchaikovsky - Centro Asturiano - 630pm, 9pm

December 15 — Live Music: J2-Classic Rock Duo, Dade City Brewhse - 6p

December 16 — Breakfast w/Santa, Bubba’s 33, WC - 8am

December 17 — Nutcracker from Tampa City Ballet, NTPAC - SOLD OUT

Washington's Penix Jr. Makes History as First Tampa Bay Heisman Finalist

Michael Penix Jr., a quarterback for the University of Washington and a Tampa Bay Tech alumnus, made history as the first Tampa Bay area finalist in the Heisman Trophy race, finishing as runner-up.

Penix, who led the Huskies to an undefeated season and a spot in the College Football Playoff, garnered 292 first-place votes, placing him just behind LSU's Jayden Daniels in one of the closest Heisman votes since 2018.

With a record-breaking 4,218 passing yards and 33 touchdowns this season, Penix not only won the Maxwell Award but also symbolized his team's success by wearing a suit with the names of his teammates to the Heisman ceremony.

Despite earlier career setbacks, including injuries and a transfer from Indiana, Penix's perseverance and skill have cemented his place in college football history. He now looks forward to leading Washington in the upcoming Sugar Bowl semifinal against Texas, aiming for a national championship.

Click HERE to read the original TBT article by Matt Baker

Fridays in December Light Up with the Illuminated Music Series at The Shops at Wiregrass

Embark on a musical journey each Friday in December from 6 to 8 pm at our Illuminated Music Series, set in the cozy lounge area by The Center Court at the Shops at Wiregrass.

Get ready to be captivated by the performances of skilled duos and trios, all happening amidst a spectacular backdrop of bright lights and vivid projections, seamlessly blending with the Symphony in Lights show. This series offers a fresh perspective on live music, promising an unforgettable experience in a visually stunning setting.

Florida's 'Be A Florida Hero' Initiative Attracts Over 230 Officers

from New York

Angeliesse and Mike Nesterwitz, former New York City police officers, have relocated to Florida and joined the Tampa International Airport Police Department, embodying the state's 'Be A Florida Hero' initiative.

This initiative aims to recruit law enforcement officers to Florida by offering substantial benefits and career opportunities. Their move is part of a larger trend of officers choosing Florida for its supportive environment and prospects for personal growth.

Click HERE to read AG Ashley Mood’s Full Article in the Villages-News

Rising Trend of Laser Strikes:

Brandon Man Faces Charges for Endangering Aircraft

In a significant operation, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) apprehended a 56-year-old man, William Long Lee, for endangering an HCSO helicopter. The incident occurred on December 6, 2023, at 4:24 a.m. in Brandon, where the helicopter, engaged in surveillance, was hit multiple times by a bright green laser. Swift action by patrol deputies led to Lee's arrest on a felony charge of Misuse of Laser Lighting Device.

Sheriff Chad Chronister highlighted the gravity of such actions, emphasizing the high risk of distraction or temporary blindness they pose to pilots. The spreading light from lasers can be inescapable, creating a severe threat to both pilots and the public. This arrest marks the second instance of laser misuse apprehended by HCSO in recent weeks.

The Sheriff's Office has issued a stern warning against shining lasers at aircraft, stressing the potentially fatal consequences of such behavior. This incident is part of a growing concern, as 2022 saw 9,457 laser strikes reported to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Beware Online: FBI Warns of Holiday Shopping Scams

The FBI Norfolk branch warns of increasing internet scams during the holiday season, with nearly 12,000 reported victims in 2022.

The two main scams are non-delivery and non-payment. Consumers are advised to verify secure websites, use dedicated credit cards for online shopping, conduct thorough checks of all parties involved, avoid certain payment methods, and be cautious of unsolicited emails. Keeping anti-virus software updated and being aware of other common scams is also crucial.

Click HERE for more information.

USF Bulls Triumph Over Florida State in Historic Orange Bowl Classic Victory

In a remarkable basketball match, the University of South Florida men's team triumphed over Florida State with an 88-72 score in the Orange Bowl Basketball Classic. Led by Selton Miguel's impressive 20 points, the Bulls showcased their superiority throughout the game. This win is notable as USF's first against an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) team since 2007, improving their record against the Seminoles to 13-22.

A pivotal aspect of South Florida's success was their outstanding 3-point shooting, achieving a 52.2 percent accuracy, especially against Florida State's fifth-ranked national defense. Key players like Chris Youngblood, Jose Placer, and Kasean Pryor contributed significantly, while their defense notably restricted Florida State's top scorer, Darin Green Jr., to a mere three points. The Bulls' bench players also outperformed Florida State's, reflecting a season trend of effective contributions from non-starters.

This victory not only marks South Florida's first in the Orange Bowl Basketball Classic but also their largest margin against the Seminoles, indicating a resurgence and potential growth in their basketball program.

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