In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

🗓  This Week’s Events

🌦 WEATHER

📰 Local News

📺Tucker Carlson Network: New Conservative Media Platform Emerges in Tampa

🍫Indulge in the Ultimate Chocolate Experience at Tampa Bay’s 2024 Chocolate Festival

🏙️Affordable Living Meets Culture: Florida Cities Rank High in U.S. Best Places

🚓Crime

⚖️Brandon Man Receives 20-Year Sentence for Carrollwood Bank Heist

⛹️Sports

🏈Bulls Bowl Season: Reliving USF's Pivotal 2015 Victory Over Syracuse

Books

📖From Mystery to History: Florida's Captivating 2023 Book Selection

📷Photo of the Day

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

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 16 — The Duck Hunt, Krates / B&B Theatres, WC

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

December 18 —

December 19 — Live Music-The Wandering Hours, The James Museum, StPete, 230pm

Tucker Carlson Network: New Conservative Media Platform

Emerges in Tampa

In Tampa, Florida, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has launched the Tucker Carlson Network, a new conservative streaming video subscription service. This venture, announced in a news release, is a collaboration with Neil Patel, who takes on the role of CEO, and Justin Wells, the President of the network. Carlson's platform aims to provide a mix of long-form interviews, commentaries, news reporting, and in-depth investigations, with a focus on delivering truthful reporting on significant matters.

Launching his streaming service on "The Megyn Kelly Show," Carlson expressed his commitment to presenting the truth without interference. Justin Wells highlighted the goal of maintaining and enhancing the connection with their audience, both on X and through the new network. Carlson, a Florida resident, owns a home in Boca Grande, Lee County, which he purchased in August 2022 for $5.5 million.

Indulge in the Ultimate Chocolate Experience at Tampa Bay’s 2024 Chocolate Festival

The Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival is set to return with a sweet celebration at the Gulf View Square Mall in Port Richey on February 17 and 18, 2024. This free, public event, running from 11 am to 8 pm, promises a diverse array of chocolate delights, from classic truffles to innovative dessert pancake tacos. Vendors from across the nation will offer an extensive selection of chocolate products, alongside savory and spicy options.

Adding to the excitement, the festival will feature live entertainment, engaging demonstrations, and activities for all ages. A special highlight is the inclusion of a pro wrestling event on February 17, where local talents will showcase their athleticism and skills.

Catering to various dietary needs, the festival will provide vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, paleo, and pescatarian options. Additionally, the event is pet-friendly, inviting attendees to bring their furry friends while ensuring they have necessary supplies.

This chocolate festival is more than just a treat for the taste buds; it's a celebration of community and diverse interests.

Affordable Living Meets Culture: Florida Cities Rank High in U.S. Best Places

In the latest rankings by Money.com, three Florida cities have earned spots in the top 50 "Best Places to Live in the U.S." for 2022-23. Tampa, Altamonte Springs, and Sarasota were selected based on factors such as economic opportunities, quality of life, and diversity.

Tampa, placed at No. 9, is lauded for its affordable housing, with a median home price of approximately $381,000, and a lively cultural scene, especially in the Ybor City district. However, it faces challenges like heavy traffic and a humid, hurricane-prone climate.

Altamonte Springs, ranked 33rd, is an Orlando suburb that offers easy access to popular theme parks and beaches, providing an ideal suburban lifestyle.

Sarasota, at No. 43, is known for its beaches, cultural richness, and wildlife, making it a diverse and attractive place to live. These cities exemplify the varied and appealing living options available in Florida.

Brandon Man Receives 20-Year Sentence for Carrollwood Bank Heist

In Tampa, Florida, 51-year-old John Kennedy Braun from Brandon has been handed a 20-year federal prison sentence for his involvement in a bank robbery in the Carrollwood area. His accomplice, 44-year-old Timothy Paul Longworth from Tampa, had already received a sentence of over 6 years for his part in the crime.

The incident unfolded on August 8, 2022, when Longworth stormed into a Carrollwood bank, leaping over the counter while brandishing a black airsoft pistol, and stole $4,172. After the heist, Longworth met Braun at a nearby shopping center, where Braun, who had earlier helped in planning the robbery and concealing evidence, acted as the getaway driver. Notably, Braun had a history of bank robbery, with two previous convictions in Indiana.

The successful investigation and prosecution of this case were carried out by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan leading the prosecution.

Bulls Bowl Season: Reliving USF's Pivotal 2015 Victory Over Syracuse

In a memorable encounter from 2015, the USF Bulls football team achieved a significant victory against the Syracuse Orange.

Under Coach Willie Taggart, USF was struggling at 1-3, facing the prospect of another losing season. However, the game on October 10, 2015, marked a major turning point. The Bulls' impressive 45-24 win ignited a period of success, including 35 wins in 41 games, bowl appearances, and national recognition.

Sophomore quarterback Quinton Flowers shone brightly, throwing for 259 yards and two touchdowns, while Marlon Mack rushed for 184 yards. The game's highlight was a spectacular 42-yard touchdown from Ryeshene Bronson.

This victory symbolized a shift in USF's strategy and spirit, with Flowers emerging as a dynamic leader, breaking school records, and spearheading the "Gulf Coast Offense." This watershed moment in USF football history is fondly remembered as the team prepares for their upcoming Boca Raton Bowl against Syracuse.

Local High School Sports Scores

No Scores Available

Books

From Mystery to History: Florida's Captivating 2023 Book Selection

Florida's literary scene in 2023 has been a vibrant and diverse showcase, featuring a range of intriguing titles from both local and out-of-state authors.

As the year draws to a close, a captivating collection of books stands out, reflecting the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the region. This compilation is a testament to the depth and creativity of Florida's writers, offering readers a fascinating journey through various genres and themes.

Summary of Florida's Best Books of 2023: (first 10 of 31)

1. "Be Serious" by Stephanie Hayes: A humorous take on Florida's peculiarities, this book compiles Hayes' columns on quirky topics ranging from fashion debates to Mickey Mouse.

2. "Christmas Presents" by Lisa Unger: A gripping holiday crime novella, where a bookshop owner's dark past resurfaces due to a true crime podcaster's investigation.

3. "Eat, Pray, Hex" by Tara Lush: In this cozy paranormal mystery, a woman inherits a haunted inn in Florida, discovering psychic abilities to solve a murder.

4. "For Cuba—for Freedom!" by Raul Andres Villamia et al.: This book delves into Cuban politics and history, offering insights and anecdotes about the Cuban revolution.

5. "Foraging Florida" by Roger L. Hammer: A comprehensive guide to Florida's edible and medicinal wild foods, honoring Native American land stewardship.

6. "Gator Country" by Rebecca Renner: An investigative true crime story set in the Everglades, exploring the world of illegal alligator poaching.

7. "The Girl in the Window and Other True Tales" by Lane DeGregory: Pulitzer Prize-winner DeGregory shares her storytelling process and tips for journalists and nonfiction writers.

8. "Good Day Sunshine State" by Bob Kealing: This book explores The Beatles' influence in Florida and their connection with local music icons.

9. "Happy Neighborhood" by Thomas Hallock: A collection of essays and poems reflecting on Tampa Bay life and fatherhood.

10. "Image Breaker" by Mark E. Leib: A novel about a know-it-all writer facing life crises, set against the backdrop of the Bay area theater scene.

Click HERE to read Creative Loafing Tampa’s original article

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