In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

🏈Eyes on the Road: How AI is Steering Safety in Plant City's Trucks

🦸‍♂️ From Miami to Tampa: Brightline's High-Speed Rail Dream

Business News

🏠 Rising Above the Storm: How Tampa's Roofing Crisis is Reshaping Homeowners Insurance

Sports

🏈 Rising from the Ashes: Mayfield Leads Bucs to Brink of NFL Fame

Medical News

🩺Decoding Long-COVID: New Study Highlights Key Risk Demographics

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

January 18 — Concert: Gladius, Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St, Dade City, 1pm,

January 18-21 — Standup Comedy w/Taylor Willianson, Side Splitters Club, WC,

January 19 — NTBC-Ribbon Cutting Belmar Pharm Solns, 2500 Lakepointe Prkwy, Odessa, FL 33556, 1-3pm tours/tastings / 3-5pm ribbon cutting

January 19 — Jansen Dance Proj,: Community Mstr Classes, NTPAC, 5pm

January 20 — Florida Wind Bank: Band Classics, USF Sch of Music, 3755 USF Holly Dr, 230pm,

January 20 — Jansen Dance Proj: Community Mstr Clss Performances, NTPAC, 3PM, 7PM

January 21 — Steinway Piano Series: Eunmi Ko, USF Sch of Music: Barness Recital Hall, 4pm

January 21

January 22

January 23

Eyes on the Road: How AI is Steering Safety in Plant City's Trucks

In an innovative move, Plant City's Good Greek Moving and Storage is enhancing road safety by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its fleet of 200 trucks. This AI technology, featuring cameras monitoring both the driver and the road, connects directly to the vehicle’s engine. It's designed to detect and alert drivers to potential dangers like texting, dozing off, lane drifting, or tailgating.

Good Greek’s Founder and CEO, Spero Georgedakis, a former police officer, emphasizes the importance of safety and accountability. The AI system not only alerts the driver but also reports any unsafe behavior back to the company headquarters. This includes incidents like speeding, abrupt braking, or running stop signs.

The results have been remarkable. Georgedakis notes a significant reduction in accidents and even car insurance costs since the AI's implementation. Addressing privacy concerns, he assures that drivers are fully informed as it’s part of their employment terms.

Daniel Welch, a driver and the general manager at Good Greek, shares his experience with the AI's voice reminders, like suggesting a coffee break to stay alert. The company is optimistic that this technology will help mitigate common road hazards, ensuring safer travel for everyone.

From Miami to Tampa: Brightline's High-Speed Rail Dream

 Brightline, Florida's high-speed rail service, is rapidly transforming the state's transportation landscape. In November 2023, Brightline's ridership doubled year-over-year, reaching over 205,600 passengers. The service, connecting Miami and Orlando, impresses with its efficiency and luxury, completing the journey in approximately three and a half hours. State Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman, initially a skeptic, now champions a $50 million state investment to extend Brightline to Tampa along the I-4 corridor, envisioning speeds up to 150 mph.

Brightline's upscale amenities include spacious seating, complimentary WiFi, and premium lounges, with interiors comparable to luxury vehicles. Despite financial challenges and safety concerns, with 99 fatalities mostly due to accidents and suicides, Brightline has taken steps to enhance safety. With strong political and public support,

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor anticipates Brightline's arrival in Ybor City by the decade's end, backed by federal and state funding for infrastructure and studies. Brightline represents a significant shift in Florida's travel options, promising a more connected future.

Rising Above the Storm: How Tampa's Roofing Crisis is Reshaping Homeowners Insurance

In Tampa, Florida, homeowners face a growing crisis with insurance due to issues related to roof aging. Tanner Jenkins of Jenkins Roofing Tampa highlights the increased stress caused by insurance problems linked to fraudulent roofing activities and severe weather.

A 2022 law now requires insurers to inspect roofs older than 15 years and maintain coverage if they have at least five years of life left. Mark Friedlander from the Insurance Information Institute advises maintaining roof condition to prevent insurance denial. He notes that a new roof can reduce premiums by 20%, and suggests affordable reinforcements like hurricane straps for added protection.

With the new legislation, Jenkins Roofing is helping residents meet insurance standards under urgent timelines. Homeowners are advised to check their insurance policies regarding roof conditions to avoid unexpected costs.

Rising from the Ashes: Mayfield Leads Bucs to Brink of NFL Fame

In a stunning reversal of fortunes, Baker Mayfield, once a struggling quarterback, has propelled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the brink of NFL glory. Dismissed by the Cleveland Browns and briefly a part of the Carolina Panthers, Mayfield's career seemed in jeopardy. However, his signing with the Bucs, post-Tom Brady era, marked a turning point.

Despite initial doubts, Mayfield shone in his new role, displaying remarkable resilience and skill. He led the Bucs to a Wild Card victory over the Eagles, amassing impressive statistics along the way: 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and a 64.3% completion rate. His leadership and on-field prowess have not only won him fans but also redefined his career trajectory.

With a pivotal NFC Divisional Round game against the Detroit Lions ahead, Mayfield's performance could further cement his re-emergence as a top-tier NFL quarterback. His journey, akin to a Hollywood script, exemplifies the unpredictability and excitement of professional sports.

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Decoding Long-COVID: New Study Highlights Key Risk Demographics

Recent research from the United States, involving participants from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2022 (BRFSS) and National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), has provided new insights into the demographic factors influencing the risk of long-COVID.

The study analyzed 124,313 BRFSS participants and 10,131 NHIS participants, finding that 21.5% and 17.1%, respectively, were affected by long-COVID. Key risk factors identified include severe COVID-19 infections, middle age, being female, Hispanic ethnicity, lower education levels, and residing in less developed areas. Conversely, Asian ethnicity was associated with the lowest risk.

Long-COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms like fatigue and cognitive dysfunction, affects a significant portion of COVID-19 survivors. This study's findings, although preliminary and not peer-reviewed, are crucial in understanding and addressing the risks associated with long-COVID, especially in the American context.

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