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- Issue #041: Celebrating Snowbirds in Lakeland, Tampa's Unicorn Adventure, Hillsborough's Cocaine Crackdown, Elmo's Emotional Journey, Taylor Swift's Super Bowl Bet Buzz
Issue #041: Celebrating Snowbirds in Lakeland, Tampa's Unicorn Adventure, Hillsborough's Cocaine Crackdown, Elmo's Emotional Journey, Taylor Swift's Super Bowl Bet Buzz
020124
Ted Grellner
01 Feb
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In this issue of
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
☃️Snowbird Extravaganza Flies High in Lakeland: Canadian Winter Visitors Return
🦄 Tampa's Enchanted Unicorn World: A Whimsical Family Experience
Crime
👮♂️ High Stakes Bust: Over $110K Cocaine Seized in Hillsborough County
Medical News
🩸When Elmo Asked, The World Answered: Unveiling Our Emotional Struggles
Sports
💲Swift Bets: How Taylor Swift is Shaping Super Bowl LVIII Gambling Scene
This Week’s Events in the NewTampa | Wesley Chapel FL Local Area
NT | WC AI Event Bot — Check dates and Submit Events (Beta)
(some events not listed below will appear on individual date searches)
February 1 — Sunset Market (1st Thurs of each month), Midtown Tpa: 3659 Midtown Dr, Tpa 33607, 6-10pm
February 2 — SLICK, MUSIC, AND MOVEMENT, USF Barness Recital Hall / College of the Arts, 6/7pm
February 2 — Jazz with Jim present Ballads, Carrollwood Cultural Cntr, 730-9pm
February 2 — New Tampa Players: Dreamgirls 2/2-10, NTPAC, times vary
February 3 — Miles for Migraine Walk/Run, USF Tpa - Simmons Park, 12101 USF Beard Dr, 930am
February 3 — TB Whiskey Riot - A Festival of Whiskeys, The Coliseum, St Pete, 3pm
February 4
February 5
February 6
Snowbird Extravaganza Flies High in Lakeland: Canadian Winter Visitors Return
After a three-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Snowbird Extravaganza has made a triumphant return to Lakeland, Florida. This event, a highlight for Canadian winter visitors, concluded recently at the RP Funding Center. The Extravaganza, which caters primarily to the Canadian community, had been sorely missed as pandemic-related border closures significantly impacted Florida's tourism sector. Chris Davidge, a producer of the event, emphasized the critical role Canadians play in Florida's economy, noting that over 300,000 long-term winter residents from Canada contribute significantly to the southern United States.
The event, established in Florida since 1995 and a staple in Lakeland since 2001, featured a variety of attractions. Attendees enjoyed performances, including a show by Canada's "Polka King," and explored booths from businesses tailored to winter visitors' needs.
Garry McDonald, president of the Canadian Snowbirds Association, expressed his enthusiasm for the event's return, highlighting the importance of the Snowbird community. With Canadian tourism to the U.S. rebounding to 85% of its pre-pandemic level, the Snowbird Extravaganza's organizers are optimistic about a full recovery by the next event.
Click HERE to see Lloyd Sowers video report
Tampa's Enchanted Unicorn World: A Whimsical Family Experience
Tampa is about to get a touch of magic with Unicorn World, the ultimate family-friendly event, at the Florida State Fairgrounds on March 9 and 10. Between 9am and 5:30pm, visitors can immerse themselves in a world where fantasy meets reality. With tickets starting at $30 plus parking fees ($10 for cars, $16 for RVs/buses), this is a not-to-be-missed experience.
Unicorn World is more than just an event; it's a magical wonderland. Featuring life-size animatronic unicorns, vibrant balloons, and an array of activities like face painting, arts and crafts, and encounters with mermaids, it promises endless fun. One of its highlights is the enchanting unicorn forest, offering a plethora of photo opportunities for families.
But the magic doesn't stop there. At Rainbow Acres, guests can interact closely with unicorns, learning about their unique traits. The enchanted forest beckons with fairy-led storytelling sessions, creative drawing activities, and even a space for dancing.
For the young and young at heart, motorized unicorn rides offer an unforgettable experience. Kids can choose their favorite from four whimsical worlds: Rainbow Run, Lollipop Lane, Princess Palace, and Looping Lagoon. Unicorn World is set to be a memorable adventure for Tampa families.
Click HERE for more information
High Stakes Bust: Over $110K Cocaine Seized in Hillsborough County
In a major drug trafficking bust, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office seized over $110,000 worth of cocaine and arrested two key suspects. Detectives, over several months, secured 2.25 lbs. of cocaine while tracking the movement of cocaine into Hillsborough County from Pasco County. Tishunz Logan, 32, identified as a primary transporter in this operation, was apprehended on January 25, 2024, after a foot chase. Alongside him, Dondre Alexander Daley, 30, was also detained.
Logan faces multiple charges including varying degrees of cocaine trafficking, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and resisting an officer without violence. Daley is charged with conspiracy to traffic in cocaine. Sheriff Chad Chronister highlighted the effective collaboration between detectives and deputies in apprehending these criminals.
Further investigation led to a search warrant in New Port Richey, where items including $32,000 in cash, bulk ammunition, firearm magazines, and approximately one ounce of cocaine were discovered.
This operation underscores the Sheriff's Office's commitment to combating drug trafficking and ensuring community safety.
I
When Elmo Asked, The World Answered: Unveiling Our Emotional Struggles
Elmo from Sesame Street unexpectedly sparked a candid discussion on mental health with a simple Twitter post.
Asking "How is everybody doing?", he received an outpouring of responses from thousands, revealing widespread struggles with anxiety, depression, and global crises. The dialogue ranged from dark humor to profound despair, showcasing the public's mental health challenges.
The Sesame Street team responded by offering support and sharing mental health resources. This event highlighted the importance of checking in with friends and having open conversations about emotional health, reminding us that even a small question can lead to meaningful discussions on well-being.
Click HERE for more information
Swift Bets: How Taylor Swift is Shaping Super Bowl LVIII Gambling Scene
In a unique twist for Super Bowl LVIII, sports betting companies are spicing up the wagering scene with pop star Taylor Swift-themed prop bets. Fans can engage in traditional betting on the game's outcome between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, but this year's event includes an array of unconventional bets.
Among these, BetUS is leading the way with several Taylor Swift-related options. Bettors can speculate on the number of times Swift will appear on camera during the national anthem or whether she'll star alongside Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce in a Super Bowl commercial. In a more sensational bet, wagers can be placed on whether Kelce will propose to Swift during the event.
These bets add an entertaining layer to the usual Super Bowl fare, which includes predictions on the game's winner, attendance figures, and even the color of the Gatorade shower for the winning team. Traditional prop bets also cover Usher's first song choice during the halftime show and the outcome of the coin toss.
However, it's important to note that while 38 states and D.C. permit sports betting, not all allow betting on non-game-related events. This distinction highlights the varying regulations on sports gambling across the United States.
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