In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

🗓  This Week’s Events

🌦 WEATHER

Local News

🚓Community Alert: Tampa Premium Outlets

🍤 Shrimp Boat Tragedy: Captain Missing as Vessel Sinks in Tampa, HAZMAT Crisis Unfolds

⛹️ Bulls Stumble Against Powerhouse NC State in Hard-Fought Clash

Crime

🚓 Sumter County Deputies Arrest WWE's Liv Morgan Over Drug Possession

Sports

🏈 Buccaneers' Winning Streak Continues as Mayfield Dazzles Against Packers

⚽ Last-Minute Heroics: Wiregrass Ranch Snatches Victory in Rivalry Clash

Medical News

⚕️From Diabetes to Obesity: GLP-1 Drugs Lead 2023's Scientific Breakthroughs

📷Photo of the Day

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

December 18 —

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

December 20

December 21

December 22

December 23 — Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Amalie Arena, 230pm

December 24

Community Alert: Tampa Premium Outlets

Pasco Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shooting after a fire alarm was activated at the Tampa Premium Outlets around 4:30 p.m. this afternoon.

At this time, deputies are continuing to investigate but there is no evidence of a shooting and the only injuries were unrelated medical events and minor injuries after individuals were injured in the rush after the initial report.

The investigation remains ongoing and there will be an increased law enforcement presence in the area as deputies continue to investigate.

Shrimp Boat Tragedy: Captain Missing as Vessel Sinks in Tampa, HAZMAT Crisis Unfolds

In Tampa, a shrimping boat named "Miss Jordi" was found submerged at the 2600 Block of Causeway Blvd, causing an environmental crisis with a significant diesel spill.

Captain Curtis Lee Cowling, last seen on December 16, is now missing. The hazardous diesel leak has prevented dive teams from entering the water, complicating search efforts. The United States Coast Guard is spearheading the HAZMAT operation, collaborating with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Tampa Police.

The incident is under active investigation, with authorities urging anyone with information about Cowling's whereabouts to come forward. The situation has raised concerns about both the captain's safety and the environmental impact of the spill.

Bulls Stumble Against Powerhouse NC State in Hard-Fought Clash

In a gripping encounter at Tampa's Yuengling Center, the South Florida women's basketball team faced a tough challenge against the highly-ranked NC State, ultimately falling 66-54.

The Bulls, now 7-4, showed resilience despite the loss, with redshirt junior forward Romi Levy leading the team with a season-high 11 points and two assists. Sophomore wing Carla Brito also shone, contributing 10 points.

A pivotal moment came in the second quarter when NC State launched a game-changing 10-point run, led by key players River Baldwin and Madison Hayes. The Wolfpack's strength was on full display as they extended their lead to 17 points in the final quarter, with four of their players scoring in double figures.

This defeat marked South Florida's fourth home nonconference loss since the 2014-15 season, slightly adjusting their impressive home record to 58-4.

Sumter County Deputies Arrest WWE's Liv Morgan Over Drug Possession

Professional wrestler and actress Liv Morgan, known outside the ring as Gionna Daddio, found herself in legal trouble following a traffic stop in Sumter County, Florida. The 29-year-old WWE star was pulled over by deputies after her vehicle was observed veering across road lines. During the stop, deputies detected the odor of marijuana emanating from Morgan's yellow Jeep.

A subsequent search led to the discovery of a small bag of marijuana and a vape pen containing an oil-like substance, which was later confirmed to be marijuana. Morgan faced charges for possessing a synthetic cannabinoid and a small amount of cannabis.

She was booked into custody around 7:22 p.m. but was released on a $3,000 bond just a few hours later. Her arraignment is scheduled for February 12.

Buccaneers' Winning Streak Continues as Mayfield Dazzles Against Packers

Baker Mayfield's stellar performance, featuring 381 yards and four touchdowns, propelled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a decisive 34-20 victory over the Green Bay Packers.

This win, their third in a row, kept the Buccaneers competitive in the NFC North. Despite facing pressure, Mayfield's precise passing and strategic gameplay outshone the efforts of Packers' quarterback Jordan Love, dampening Green Bay's playoff hopes.

Last-Minute Heroics: Wiregrass Ranch Snatches Victory in Rivalry Clash

In an intense soccer match, Wiregrass Ranch secured a late 4-3 victory against Wesley Chapel. Despite being behind three times, Wiregrass Ranch showed remarkable resilience, with Mikkel Worck and Sebastian Flores scoring crucial late goals.

This win continues Wiregrass Ranch's long-standing dominance over Wesley Chapel in their soccer rivalry.

Local High School Sports Scores

No Scores Available

From Diabetes to Obesity: GLP-1 Drugs Lead 2023's Scientific Breakthroughs

In 2023, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) declared GLP-1 agonists, drugs initially developed for diabetes, as the Breakthrough of the Year for their effectiveness in combating obesity-related health issues. Obesity, a complex condition with diverse causes, poses severe health risks, including heart disease and diabetes.

GLP-1 agonists have shifted the focus in obesity treatment, moving away from societal stigmas and highlighting the medical complexities involved. Recent clinical trials have proven the drugs' substantial health benefits, extending beyond weight loss.

These drugs are also being explored for treating other conditions like drug addiction and neurodegenerative diseases.

Despite their promise, concerns about long-term use, side effects, and accessibility persist. This breakthrough is part of a broader scientific landscape that includes advances in Alzheimer's treatment, discovery of natural hydrogen sources, and development in AI and computing technologies.

Photo of the Day

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