In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

⚡Tampa Bay Lightning Honors Local Mentor with $50,000 Community Hero Grant

🍕 Comedy Meets Culinary: Jay Leno's Surprise Visit to Safety Harbor Pizzeria

💽 Rising High: The 5th Dimension's Journey in Pop and Soul

CRIME

🛣️ Highway Humor Hits a Dead End: Federal Ban on Witty Road Signs

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

January 15

January 16

January 17 — North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social, Hampton Inn-Tpa/WC, 2740 Cypress Ridge, WC, 9-10am

January 17 — Craft Brewery Comedy, Florida Ave Brewing, WC, 630/730pm

January 18

January 19

January 20

Tampa Bay Lightning Honors Local Mentor with $50,000 Community Hero Grant

Philip Martin was recognized as the Lightning Community Hero at a Tampa Bay Lightning game, receiving a $50,000 grant for his exemplary work as a job coach and mentor at LiFT University Transition Program. His dedication to preparing students for the workforce and life, through practical skills like mock interviews and professional communication, has been pivotal.

The grant, aimed at supporting LiFT's microbusinesses, will enhance vocational and personal development for students with unique abilities, fostering their independence and financial sustainability.

Since its launch by Jeff and Penny Vinik in 2011, the Lightning Community Hero program has contributed over $30 million to local nonprofits, with Martin being the 568th honoree. This initiative continues to make significant impacts in the Tampa Bay community.

Click HERE to read more about this amazing program LiFT in Clearwater, FL

Comedy Meets Culinary: Jay Leno's Surprise Visit to Safety Harbor Pizzeria

On a seemingly ordinary Saturday, The Nona Slice House in Safety Harbor experienced a whirlwind of excitement when famed comedian Jay Leno paid an unexpected visit. Owner Jamie Culliton, a world champion pizza acrobat, was called in for a special performance of the restaurant's signature "dough show" - a skilled display of pizza crust twirling, in honor of Leno's presence.

This surprise encounter happened hours before Leno's scheduled performance at Ruth Eckerd Hall. The visit, which became a delightful anecdote for the local eatery, was shared on their Instagram, capturing a moment of Culliton alongside the celebrity guest. Culliton, who had previously met Leno around 20 years ago during a pre-Super Bowl show, described the television icon as "super, super friendly," noting Leno's willingness to engage and take photos with patrons and staff.

The highlight of Leno's visit was his enjoyment of the restaurant's sausage pizza and cheesecake, leaving the owner hopeful for a return visit. The spontaneous nature of this celebrity drop-in added a memorable chapter to the local restaurant's story.

Rising High: The 5th Dimension's Journey in Pop and Soul

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, The 5th Dimension emerged as a dominant force in the music industry, blending sunshine pop, pop soul, and psychedelic soul into a unique and captivating sound. Originally named the Versatiles in 1965, they transformed into The 5th Dimension by 1966, embarking on a remarkable journey that led to 20 top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

Their success was punctuated by Grammy wins for "Up, Up and Away" and "Medley: Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)", along with chart-topping singles like "Stoned Soul Picnic", "Wedding Bell Blues", and "One Less Bell to Answer". The group's influence extended to the Rhythm & Blues/Soul chart, with three top ten hits, and dominated the Easy Listening chart with five number one hits.

The original lineup, comprising Lamonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Ronald Townson, and Billy Davis Jr., began with Soul City records, later moving to prominent labels like Bell/Arista, ABC, and Motown Records. Their collaborative work with renowned songwriters, including Ashford & Simpson and Laura Nyro, notably outshined the original performances of these songwriters. Additionally, their collaborations with Burt Bacharach, Hal David, and Jimmy Webb solidified their place in music history.

Under the production of Bones Howe and vocal arrangements by Bob Alcivar, The 5th Dimension's sound was further enriched by the instrumental backing of the Wrecking Crew, making their recording sessions a confluence of talent and creativity.

Highway Humor Hits a Dead End: Federal Ban on Witty Road Signs

In a recent directive, the U.S. Federal Highway Administration announced a nationwide ban on humorous and quirky messages on electronic highway signs by 2026. This decision, part of a new 1,100-page manual, seeks to minimize driver distraction and maintain clear communication. States are required to adhere to guidelines emphasizing simplicity and directness in messages, which should focus on essential traffic updates, safety reminders, and weather conditions.

Popular witty messages like “Use Yah Blinkah” and “Don’t drive Star Spangled Hammered” will be removed. This policy change has sparked debate, with some state representatives questioning the necessity of federal oversight in this matter. The move marks the end of a unique, often entertaining element of American road travel.

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