Issue #007: UF Law Student's Holiday Spirit, School Recess Preserved, USF Grad's Success, FSU Playoff Debate Heats Up

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

🌦 WEATHER

🎁University of Florida Law Student Spreads Christmas Cheer in Tampa Hospitals with German Tradition

🎢Florida Legislators Preserve Elementary School Recess in Education Deregulation Bill

👩‍🎓USF Graduate Overcomes Autism Barriers, Secures Top Honors in Information Technology

🚓Crime

👮‍♂️Tampa Insurance Adjuster Sentenced in Violent Multi-County Robbery Ring

⛹️Sports

🏀Controversy Escalates as Florida AG Seeks Answers for FSU's Playoff Snub

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

December 14 — Christmas Movies Trivia/Ugly Sweater/ice skate, AdventHealth Center Ice - 7pm

December 18 —

University of Florida Law Student Spreads Christmas Cheer in Tampa Hospitals with German Tradition

A law student at the University of Florida, Sven Kleinhans, is lifting the spirits of hospitalized children in Tampa by sharing a German Christmas tradition.

He distributes Advent Calendars, which have 24 or 25 bags for each day leading up to Christmas, to offer daily surprises and joy to the kids.

This tradition stems from Kleinhans's German roots, and he aims to make a positive impact on the children, hoping they will remember this kindness and continue to spread joy in their communities.

Florida Legislators Preserve Elementary School Recess in Education

Deregulation Bill

In a significant turn of events, Florida lawmakers removed a proposal to reduce mandatory elementary school recess from a broader bill aimed at deregulating public education. This decision came after strong opposition from parents.

The bill, presented by State Sen. Corey Simon, intended to offer schools more flexibility but was misinterpreted as an attempt to eliminate recess. The proposal's removal garnered positive responses from parents and senators alike.

The bill continues to address various aspects of public education deregulation, including testing requirements and teacher contracts, amidst ongoing discussions about maintaining educational standards and flexibility.

USF Graduate Overcomes Autism Barriers, Secures Top Honors in Information Technology

In 2003, five-year-old Nina Kamath, yet to utter her first word, was diagnosed with autism. Amid limited information and resources, her parents, Vikram and Usha Kamath, faced a daunting journey. Their perseverance and Nina's unwavering determination led to remarkable achievements.

Fast forward to 2023, Nina, now 25, graduated from the University of South Florida with an impressive 3.94 GPA in Information Technology, receiving the Outstanding Graduate Award.

She overcame significant communication and social challenges, proving her exceptional abilities in academics and beyond. Supported by an inclusive education system and her parents' relentless advocacy, Nina thrived in her studies.

She now looks forward to an internship and a promising career in IT, reflecting a journey that turned initial fears into a story of incredible success and hope.

Tampa Insurance Adjuster Sentenced in Violent Multi-County Robbery Ring

Jasmine Weber, a former claims adjuster with USAA in Tampa, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for her role in a multi-county robbery scheme. She conspired with a group to commit armed robberies in Pasco, Polk, Lee, and Hillsborough counties, impersonating law enforcement officers.

Weber used her position to locate victims' addresses, facilitating violent robberies, including physical assaults and shootings.

The investigation was a collaborative effort among various law enforcement agencies.

Click HERE to read full article by Megan VerHelst in Patch


Controversy Escalates as Florida AG Seeks Answers for FSU's Playoff Snub

The Florida Attorney General, Ashley Moody, has initiated a bold legal move against the College Football Playoff (CFP) Committee following the controversial exclusion of the Florida State Seminoles, despite their undefeated record and Power 5 Conference championship.

This action involves a comprehensive 10-page subpoena directed at the committee's 13 members. The decision, which has been met with widespread criticism from fans and media alike, is now under scrutiny for potential anticompetitive behavior. The investigation aims to uncover the rationale behind the Seminoles' omission and ensure fairness and merit in college football.

High-profile political figures, including Governor Ron DeSantis and U.S. Senator Rick Scott, have also shown interest in the case, with DeSantis proposing a significant budget for a possible legal challenge. 

Despite the heated debate, no legal action has yet been taken by any state entity. The subpoena seeks a variety of communications and documents related to the committee's decision-making process.

The playoffs are set to proceed without Florida State, starting on January 1st.

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