Issue #021: Canine Hero Saves Teen, Tampa's Pirate Pups Parade, and a Major Drug Arrest in Hillsborough

010424

Author

Ted Grellner
04 Jan

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

🔥Heroic Dog Saves Teen from New Year's Eve Blaze in Safety Harbor

🐕Paws and Pirates: Tampa's Inaugural Pirate Pup Parade Unleashes Fun

🍫 Florida Woman Files $5 Million Lawsuit Against Hershey Over Misleading Reese's Packaging

🕵️‍♂️ Decisive Blow to Drug Trade: Hillsborough Sheriff's Office Arrests Former Gang Member

🏈 Tampa Bay's Mike Evans Shines with Fifth Pro Bowl Selection

⏱️MIT Unveils Revolutionary Vibrating Pill for Obesity Treatment

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

January 5 — The Market Elaine (open air mrkt), The Grove@WC, 5-9pm

January 8

Heroic Dog Saves Teen from New Year's Eve Blaze in Safety Harbor

In Safety Harbor, Florida, a New Year's Eve house fire nearly claimed the lives of a teenage boy, Griffin, and his family's dog.

Griffin, asleep when the fire started, was saved by the dog, who barked and bit him awake. This alert allowed them to escape the burning house.

The community responded with remarkable support, raising over $5,000 and donating essentials to help the family rebuild.

This tragic incident underscores the bond between a family and their pet, and the powerful spirit of community in times of need.

Paws and Pirates: Tampa's Inaugural Pirate Pup Parade Unleashes Fun

Tampa's Gasparilla season welcomes a new addition with the first-ever Pirate Pup Parade on Water Street. Set for January 14, the parade will feature pet-friendly activities and a costume contest at Sparkman Wharf.

The event begins at 11 a.m. at Channelside Drive and East Cumberland Avenue, offering free pup cups to the first 100 dogs, with prior registration required.

Florida Woman Files $5 Million Lawsuit Against Hershey Over Misleading Reese's Packaging

What is This World Coming to Buttercup?

In Florida, Cynthia Kelly has filed a $5 million lawsuit against Hershey, alleging deceptive packaging on their Reese's holiday-themed products. She claims the Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins she bought didn't feature the detailed carvings shown on the package.

The lawsuit, targeting class-action status, accuses Hershey of misleading consumers about the design of various products, including White Pumpkins, Pieces Pumpkins, Peanut Butter Ghost, and White Ghost.

Hershey, facing a legal challenge common among fast-food brands like Taco Bell and Wendy’s for false advertising, has not commented. The outcome hinges on proving that a "reasonable consumer" would be misled by such advertising.

Decisive Blow to Drug Trade: Hillsborough Sheriff's Office Arrests Former Gang Member

In Hillsborough County, Florida, a significant drug trafficking operation was dismantled following a five-month undercover investigation by the Sheriff's Office. The operation led to the arrest of Kenneth Young, a 38-year-old former gang member with a history of felony convictions. Young was apprehended during a staged operation at a Circle K gas station in Tampa while attempting to deliver cocaine. Despite his efforts to escape, detectives successfully took him into custody.

During the investigation, Young was involved in multiple drug transactions, providing over 10 grams of cocaine. He also introduced the detectives to Velvet Nealy, his cousin and a known member of the Crip gang, who sold an additional 57.8 grams of cocaine.

Sheriff Chad Chronister praised the operation for its effectiveness in combating drug-related crimes and gang activities in the community. Upon searching Young's vehicle, authorities found a substantial amount of cash and various drugs, leading to multiple charges against him. A felony warrant has also been issued for Nealy's arrest.

Tampa Bay's Mike Evans Shines with Fifth Pro Bowl Selection

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' star wide receiver Mike Evans has been honored with his fifth Pro Bowl selection, setting a new benchmark in the franchise's history. This accomplishment positions him just one short of the record held by Mike Alstott.

With an impressive record this season, Evans leads the NFL with 13 touchdown receptions, and his performance in yards per reception and receiving yards is among the top ten in the league. His consistent excellence is highlighted by his record-breaking 10 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, a feat surpassed only by Jerry Rice.

Evans' contribution to the Buccaneers is monumental, holding franchise records in several categories, including receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Beyond his on-field prowess, Evans is also recognized for his community contributions, being a three-time nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

Local High School Sports Scores

No Scores Available

MIT Unveils Revolutionary Vibrating Pill for Obesity Treatment

Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have created a groundbreaking treatment for obesity: a vibrating ingestible capsule. About the size of a multivitamin, this device, named the Vibrating Ingestible BioElectronic Stimulator (VIBES), is designed to simulate the feeling of fullness by vibrating inside the stomach.

This activation occurs when a gelatinous membrane covering the capsule dissolves in gastric fluids, powered by a small silver oxide battery. In animal studies, the capsule not only triggered satiety hormones but also reduced food intake by roughly 40%. With the potential for longer stomach residence and wireless control in future models, this capsule offers a promising, minimally invasive alternative for obesity treatment compared to existing surgical and pharmacological methods.

While not yet tested in humans, the capsule represents a significant advancement in the approach to managing obesity.

Joke of the Day

Joke: What do you call a belt made of watches?

Answer: A waist of time!

What a Waist!

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