In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

💎French Visitor Strikes it Rich: Unveiling a 7.46-Carat Gem in Arkansas!

Crime

➰ Forgery and Fraud: Tampa's DMV Loophole and the Stolen Truck

Science News

🚁 Ingenuity's Incredible Journey: Mars Helicopter Bids Farewell

Medical News

🍃 Navigating Nutrition: Plant-Based Diets and Pregnancy Outcomes Unveiled

Sports

🏈Mayfield's Mastery: A Buccaneer's Journey to AP Award Finalist

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

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January 26 — NTBC-Final Friday Networking Event, Walk-On's Bistreaux, 25372 Sirra Cntr Blvd, #304, WC, 4-6pm

January 26 — Sangria Night at Keel Farms, Keel & Curley Winery, 5-10pm

January 27 — Kumquat Festival, Downtown Dade City, 9am-5pm

January 27 — Gasparilla Pirate Fest / Parade, see website for map, invasion: 1130am, parade: 2pm

January 28 — Tiesto, Seminole Hard Rock, 11am

January 28 — Sunday Harvest Market, The Grove, WC, 11am-3pm

January 29 — WWE Monday Night Raw, Amalie Arena, 730 pm

January 30

French Visitor Strikes it Rich: Unveiling a 7.46-Carat Gem in Arkansas!

Not quite local but imagine a park like this in our local area! Read on:

In an extraordinary turn of events, Julien Navas, a science enthusiast from Paris, discovered a whopping 7.46-carat diamond at Arkansas' Crater of Diamonds State Park. His remarkable find ranks as the eighth-largest diamond ever registered at the park since 1972. Navas, initially in the U.S. to witness a rocket launch at Cape Canaveral, was drawn to the park's unique offer: visitors can keep any gems they find. His successful venture resulted in the 'Carine Diamond,' named after his fiancée, and it stands as the largest diamond found in the park since a 9.07-carat discovery in 2020.

Navas's persistence paid off after hours of muddy digging, spurred by a recent rain which can often expose hidden gems. This park, known for its yellow and brown diamonds, has been a site of numerous significant finds, including a 2.95-carat diamond by a seven-year-old last fall.

For those inspired by Navas's find, the park's Diamond Discovery Center offers rental equipment to aid in the search for your own precious gem. This story, originally reported by Simplemost.com, highlights the unexpected treasures that can be unearthed with a bit of curiosity and perseverance.

"Forgery and Fraud: Tampa's DMV Loophole and the Stolen Truck"

In Hillsborough County, Florida, a loophole in the DMV system led to an unusual theft affecting Moore Cuts Florida Tree Service. The family-run business discovered their truck was no longer registered under their name when Jennifer Moore attempted to register it online. To their shock, they found that the vehicle’s ownership had been illegally transferred using a forged signature on a duplicate title.

The incident forced the Moores to halt their business operations. An investigation by the New Port Richey police revealed a significant loophole in the DMV system: transactions and forms don't require any licensing or notarization. This gap in the system allows for potential misuse, such as taking out loans against the vehicle or selling it with fraudulent titles.

With two suspects identified but not charged, the case highlights the risks inherent in the current DMV process. The Moores, affected by the theft, are calling for legislative changes to prevent similar incidents, urging for stricter regulations and verification processes at the DMV to protect vehicle owners.

I

Ingenuity's Incredible Journey: Mars Helicopter Bids Farewell

NASA's groundbreaking Mars helicopter, Ingenuity, has completed its final mission. The announcement came from NASA Administrator Sen. Bill Nelson, revealing that the helicopter's rotor blades were damaged during its last landing, making further flights impossible.

Ingenuity, a part of the Mars Perseverance rover mission launched in February 2021, was expected to undertake just five flights over thirty days. However, it far exceeded expectations, achieving 72 flights over more than 1,000 Martian days and three Earth years. In April 2021, it made history as the first powered aircraft on another planet. The helicopter explored the Martian landscape, scouted for the rover, and sent back unique images, including its shadow and recorded Martian sounds.

During its final mission, Ingenuity lost contact with the rover while landing. When contact was reestablished, it sent back a photo showing damage to at least one rotor blade. NASA is investigating the possibility that the blade struck the ground. Despite the end of its journey, Ingenuity leaves behind a legacy of innovation and exploration, having traveled 11 miles, 14 times its intended distance, at speeds over 22 mph and reaching altitudes of 79 feet.

Navigating Nutrition: Plant-Based Diets and Pregnancy Outcomes Unveiled

A Danish study, published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, has shed light on the effects of plant-based diets during pregnancy. Using data from over 66,000 pregnancies in the Danish National Birth Cohort, researchers found that less than 2% of participants followed non-omnivorous diets, with a fraction being vegetarians or vegans.

The study revealed that vegan mothers had a slightly lower mean birth weight (about 250g less) and a longer pregnancy duration (5 days more) compared to omnivorous mothers. Vegan pregnancies showed an 11% incidence of low birth weight and over 25% prevalence of small-for-gestational-age babies, significantly higher than in omnivorous and vegetarian mothers. Additionally, vegans faced a higher risk of pre-eclampsia (11%).

Despite these findings, when dietary supplements were considered, the quality of vegan diets matched that of vegetarian and omnivorous diets. The study indicates that while vegan diets might impact fetal growth and increase pre-eclampsia risk, vegetarian diets do not show such adverse effects, highlighting the importance of balanced nutrition during pregnancy.

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Mayfield's Mastery: A Buccaneer's Journey to AP Award Finalist

 Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has emerged as a finalist for the Associated Press 2023 Comeback Player of the Year Award, marking a triumphant season for the NFL star. Transitioning to the Buccaneers as a free agent, Mayfield led his team to a historic third consecutive NFC South title and a fourth straight playoff berth. Demonstrating remarkable consistency, he was one of only nine quarterbacks to start every game this season, achieving career highs across key metrics: 364 completions, 4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a 64.3% completion rate.

Mayfield's performance ranked him among the NFL's elite, joining the exclusive circle of quarterbacks with 28+ touchdowns and fewer than 10 interceptions in a season. He spearheaded the Buccaneers to a record-breaking season, with notable increases in points scored, turnover margin, and conversion rates. His on-field prowess, especially his historic perfect passer rating game at Lambeau Field, earned him widespread acclaim.

Off the field, Mayfield's impact continued with the launch of the Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation, dedicated to offering support and scholarships for overcoming life's challenges.

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