In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

🎡Fair Play: A Guide to the Best of the 2024 Florida State Fair

🦸‍♂️ From the Ring to the Road: Hulk Hogan's Lifesaving Leap into Action

🚶 Marching Through History: Sarasota's 'Unity Walk' Commemorates MLK's Vision

SPORTS

🏀 35 Points and Counting: Vittoria Blasigh's Stellar Performance Nets Another AAC Honor

The Arts

🖼️ 2024: Blurring Lines in Printmaking with Rauschenberg's Genius at USF

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

Fair Play: A Guide to the Best of the 2024 Florida State Fair

The Florida State Fair, a beloved tradition since 1904, is set to dazzle visitors again from February 8th to February 19th, 2024, at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. This year, the fair boasts the largest midway in North America, offering over 90 thrilling rides. To make the most of it, consider an unlimited rides armband.

History buffs can step back in time at Cracker Country, a living history museum showcasing Florida's late 1800s and early 1900s lifestyle, complete with original and replicated buildings like a post office and schoolhouse.

Foodies will relish the chance to dive into both classic and novel fair treats. Indulge in traditional favorites like hot dogs and funnel cakes or venture into new territory with inventive offerings like the Pop Rock Pickle and Oreo Cookie Cinnamon Bun.

Entertainment is abundant with live music, circus acts, and lumberjack shows. Don’t miss the fireworks on select nights (February 9-10, 17-18). Educational activities include agriculture demonstrations and a livestock barn.

Special events include the Grove Party, Silent Disco, and the Tigirlily Gold Concert, with discounts available for early birds and select groups.

Click HERE for more information

From the Ring to the Road: Hulk Hogan's Lifesaving Leap into Action

In a dramatic turn of events, former wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan, alongside his wife Sky Daily and friend Jake, became real-life heroes after witnessing a horrific rollover crash in Clearwater, Florida. The incident occurred on the evening of January 14 when an erratic driver cut across traffic lanes, colliding with another car and causing it to overturn.

Hogan, 70, known for his larger-than-life persona in the wrestling ring, displayed his heroism off-screen by rushing to assist the young, 17-year-old driver trapped in the overturned vehicle.

Hogan, whose real name is Terry Gene Bollea, and Jake, identified as a Marine, acted swiftly. They deflated the car's airbags, unbuckled the driver's seat belt, and helped her escape the wreckage. Photos released by TMZ show the aftermath of the crash, with Hogan, Daily, and Jake standing by a concrete barrier near the red SUV, which was left resting on its roof with an open door.

While the teenager appeared unharmed and was evaluated by paramedics, it remains unclear whether she required hospitalization. Details about the driver who caused the crash, including whether they stayed at the scene or fled, are also yet to be clarified.

Marching Through History: Sarasota's 'Unity Walk' Commemorates

MLK's Vision

In Sarasota, Florida, the 'Unity Walk' in Newtown has become more than a march; it's a living history lesson. Led by Fredd Atkins, who was born into the civil rights era in 1952, the event commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and the relentless fight for freedom during the civil rights movement. Atkins, a figure pivotal in Sarasota's desegregation and the city's first black mayor, emphasizes the importance of young people in leading change.

This year's walk, despite intermittent heavy rain, was a blend of music and hymns, symbolizing the unbroken spirit of the movement. Atkins and former Sarasota City Commissioner and Mayor Willie Shaw highlighted the event's significance in educating the younger generation about their history, beyond just celebrating a holiday. Shaw's words echoed the sentiment of passing the baton: "It is your turn to do what you are supposed to do on your watch." The 'Unity Walk' stands as a testament to Sarasota's journey from a past marred by segregation to a future built on unity and understanding.

35 Points and Counting: Vittoria Blasigh's Stellar Performance Nets Another AAC Honor

Tampa, Florida's rising basketball star, Vittoria Blasigh, shines again as she claims her fourth AAC Freshman of the Week honor this season. The University of South Florida's freshman guard's remarkable 35-point game led to a significant 68-52 victory over Tulsa, marking a first in five years for a Bull. Notably, against Rice, Blasigh scored 26 points, including four 3-pointers.

Hailing from Italy, she ranks seventh nationally with 53 three-pointers and second among NCAA freshmen.

Next, the Bulls face UTSA in San Antonio. Under Coach Jose Fernandez, USF celebrates its 11th 20-win season and multiple postseason appearances, including a WNIT championship. The team's success is also highlighted by four players receiving honors from The American this season.

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OFFSET 2024: Blurring Lines in Printmaking with Rauschenberg's Genius at USF

The University of South Florida (USF) is hosting a spring exhibition that celebrates the pioneering contributions of printmaker Robert Rauschenberg. Titled "OFFSET: Robert Rauschenberg at USF Graphicstudio," this event showcases the influential artist's legacy in modern printmaking. The exhibition, running from January 19 to March 2, is set in the renowned Graphicstudio at USF, known for its exceptional printmaking workshop and its role in the journeys of many influential artists.

This month-long showcase at the USF Contemporary Art Museum (USF CAM) not only highlights Rauschenberg's innovative work but also features the art of those he influenced, including Christian Marclay, Narsiso Martinez, Rochelle Feinstein, Trisha Brown, and Bosco Sodi. Visitors can explore how Rauschenberg's unconventional techniques, such as printing on paper bags, cardboard, and gauze, have inspired a new generation of artists.

The exhibition opens with "Donald Saff in Conversation with John Blakinger" at the USF School of Music Barness Hall, followed by an opening reception at USFCAM. This event provides a unique opportunity to delve into the world of modern printmaking and witness the enduring impact of Robert Rauschenberg's artistic innovations.

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