In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

🎬Pitt Stop: Local Florida Diner Stars in Brad Pitt's New Racing Film

⚰️ Historical Rediscovery: 121 Graves Found on MacDill Air Force Base

Business News

🏫 Empowering Florida's Future: $35M Investment in Semiconductor Skills

Sports

🏀 Vittoria Blasigh: Rising Star in USF's Court

Medical News

🍃Power Plants: Midlife Plant Protein Boosts Healthy Aging, Study Shows

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

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

Pitt Stop: Local Florida Diner Stars in Brad Pitt's New Racing Film

TAMPA, Fla. — Hollywood star Brad Pitt is set to bring a dash of glamour to Pappas Drive-In & Restaurant in New Smyrna Beach, as it becomes a filming location for his upcoming Formula 1-themed movie. Produced by Apple Original Films, the yet-to-be-named film sees Pitt portray a retired racer teaming up with a rookie to challenge the sport's giants.

Directed by "Top Gun: Maverick's" Joseph Kosinski, with Lewis Hamilton as a producer, the movie promises high-speed thrills and an immersive experience with innovative camera techniques.

Vic Ganoe, the restaurant's owner, expressed excitement about New Smyrna Beach's role in the film, noting that the eatery will be closed from January 23 to 29 for filming. Ganoe also revealed that some staff members would appear in the movie. Additional filming will occur at Daytona International Speedway during the IMSA Roar Before the Rolex 24 test and the WeatherTech Championship GT.

In a Variety interview, Pitt detailed his character's journey from a '90s racing star to a comeback in a struggling team, co-starring Javier Bardem and Damson Idris. Anticipation grows for this high-octane drama, slated for a 2025 release.

Historical Rediscovery: 121 Graves Found on MacDill Air Force Base

 Tampa, Florida: The forgotten graves of a historic Black cemetery at MacDill Air Force Base have been uncovered, marking a significant find in Tampa Bay's history. Initially alerted by the Tampa Bay History Center in 2019, archaeological teams have now identified 121 probable and possible graves near the base's Tinker Way gate.

This cemetery, once serving the adjacent Port Tampa City neighborhood, had been lost over time due to urban development and the shifting landscapes of the region. The discovery is part of a wider pattern in Tampa Bay, where historic Black cemeteries have been inadvertently built over by schools, shopping centers, and housing developments.

Hillsborough County Judge Lisa Campbell, reflecting on the discovery, emphasized the importance of honoring these forgotten individuals, whose lives mirror our own in many ways. A memorial service held in 2021 and a marker featuring quotes from Campbell and NAACP Hillsborough County President Yvette Lewis stand as tributes to those buried there.

MacDill officials plan to continue the survey and collaborate with the community to appropriately document and manage the site. This initiative aligns with efforts by researchers and local authorities to address the broader issue of lost and abandoned cemeteries, as highlighted by USF Anthropologist Dr. Erin Kimmerle and Librarian Drew Smith.

Empowering Florida's Future: $35M Investment in Semiconductor Skills

In a significant move to boost Florida's semiconductor industry, Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a $35 million investment from the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program. This funding will be channeled to various school districts and Florida College System institutions, aiming to create or expand semiconductor-related educational programs. Florida, already a leader in semiconductor manufacturing, positions itself to further enhance its workforce education, emphasizing high-paying job opportunities in this sector.

Governor DeSantis highlights this initiative as a step towards making Florida a frontrunner in workforce education and innovation. Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of preparing the next generation for leadership roles in this vital industry. The investment, part of a larger $100 million allocation, will facilitate the development of career and technical education programs leading to industry certifications.

This strategic funding is expected to fortify Florida's standing in the semiconductor industry, fostering a highly skilled workforce adept in this critical field.

Vittoria Blasigh: Rising Star

in USF's Court

Vittoria Blasigh, a standout freshman guard from Udine, Italy, is quickly becoming a key player for the South Florida women's basketball team. At 5-foot-9, her presence is felt on the court as the Bulls face a critical period in their season. With an 11-8 record in the American Athletic Conference, Blasigh's role is pivotal as USF, currently on a two-game losing streak, prepares to host North Texas.

Blasigh, known for her rigorous self-discipline and love for the game, is averaging an impressive 15.5 points per game. Her determination has been vital for the Bulls, especially amidst a year of transition that saw the loss of significant players. Notably, Blasigh has already scored 30 points in games against Tulsa and Gardner-Webb and is a formidable three-point shooter.

Her coach, Jose Fernandez, praises her growth and scoring ability, while teammate Romi Levy admires Blasigh's shooting skills. Blasigh's journey to USF included a stint with SPAR Gran Canaria in Spain, where she caught Fernandez's attention. Despite feeling homesick at times, Blasigh is adapting well to her new environment, balancing basketball with her studies as a business major.

With her name meaning 'triumphant,' Vittoria Blasigh is not only making a mark at USF but also setting her sights on a future in professional basketball.

^{Local High School Sports Scores}

^{No Scores Available}

Power Plants: Midlife Plant Protein Boosts Healthy Aging, Study Shows

A groundbreaking study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlights the significant impact of dietary choices in midlife, particularly focusing on protein sources. The research, leveraging data from the extensive Nurses’ Health Study cohort, underscores the correlation between plant-based protein intake and healthy aging.

Examining the diets of 48,762 female nurses under 60, beginning in 1984, the study meticulously tracked their health and dietary habits. By 2014-2016, it was evident that those who consumed more plant protein experienced a notable enhancement in aging quality. A mere 3%-energy increase in plant protein intake was associated with a 46% higher likelihood of aging healthily, contrasting with a 6% reduction for animal protein intake.

The study's robust methodology adjusted for various lifestyle and health factors, ensuring reliable insights. Notably, plant proteins were linked to lower risks of chronic diseases, reduced physical disabilities, and better mental health, whereas animal proteins showed mixed results.

Importantly, the study advocates for a balanced approach to protein consumption in midlife, with a focus on plant sources like lentils, chickpeas, black beans, quinoa, almonds, peanuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and spirulina.

These findings pave the way for future research on optimal protein intake for promoting a healthier, disability-free older age.

Click HERE to read full article

Interested in submitting News or an Event?

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse Wants to Hear From You!