In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

🧑‍🎤Dreams and Drama: Unveiling New Tampa Players' DREAMGIRLS

⚾ Batter Up for Fun: Savannah Bananas' Tour Begins in Tampa

Crime

👮‍♂️ Crossing the Line: Florida Paramedic Faces Charges for Crash Scene Intrusion

Medical News

🩺The X Factor in Autoimmune Diseases: Unveiling Women's Higher Risk

Sports

🏈From the Field to the Booth: Manning Weighs in on Brady's Media Move

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

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February 5 — Sleep Paralysis! (Bonk!) - exhib. on sleep--2/5-15, USF Coll of Arts, C. Wilson Gallry, 3801 USF Holly Dr, 11am-3pm

February 5 — CPR Training - LIMITED SPACES LEFT, Econo Lodge, 27615 Wesley Chapel Blvd, 530-930pm

February 6 — Networking Extravaganza, AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd, WC, 715am,

February 6 — USF Symphonic Band & Wnd Ensemb, USF Concert Hall (MUS 101) TPA, 730-9pm

February 7 — Tampa Build Expo -- 2/7-8, Tampa Convention Center -- East Hall, 10am-3pm

February 7 — 2024 Hillsborough Regional STEM Fair,Tampa Convention Center, see schedule,

February 8 - 5 events —> see Event Bot

February 9 — Heights Unites Music & Arts Festival - 2/9-10, Common Dialect Beerworks, 5023 N Fla Ave, Tpa, times vary

February 10 — Gulfport Fine Arts Festival - 2/10-11, Gulfport Veterans Park, 10am-5pm

February 10 — Children's Storytime, Barnes & Noble, Shops at Wiregrass, 11am

Dreams and Drama: Unveiling New Tampa Players' DREAMGIRLS

The New Tampa Players' rendition of "DREAMGIRLS" at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center offers a vivid portrayal of 1960s black America through the story of a female group, the Dreams. Influenced by the history of The Supremes, the musical, with music by Henry Krieger and lyrics by Tom Eyen, features Patty Smithey as Lorrell Robinson, Caron Davis as Deena Jones, and NaTasha McKenzie as Effie White. The play depicts their journey from backing singers to superstars, amidst personal and professional challenges.

Director Clay Christopher succeeds in assembling a talented cast, with stand-out performances from Smithey and Christian McLaurine as James Thunder Early. However, the production is marred by sound issues that dampen the impact of the powerful musical numbers. Despite these setbacks, the performers’ energy and the engaging storyline keep the audience hooked. The costumes and set designs add to the show's appeal, although some choreographies could be sharper.

In summary, while the technical aspects need refining, the cast's dynamic performances make "DREAMGIRLS" a worthwhile watch. The show's portrayal of themes like female empowerment and black leadership, coupled with memorable music, resonates well with the audience.

Click HERE to read the article in Broadway World

Batter Up for Fun: Savannah Bananas' Tour Begins in Tampa

The Savannah Bananas, an exhibition baseball team known for their unique and entertaining approach to the sport, are set to launch their 2024 Banana Ball World Tour in Tampa this weekend.

The event will take place at the George M. Steinbrenner Field, located at 1 Steinbrenner Drive, from February 8-10. Fans of the team have shown immense enthusiasm, leading to a sold-out event. Those lucky enough to have obtained tickets through the ticket lottery can look forward to an exhilarating weekend filled with high-energy baseball antics.

For more details about the Savannah Bananas and their tour schedule, fans are encouraged to visit the team's official website.

Crossing the Line: Florida Paramedic Faces Charges for Crash Scene Intrusion

Joseph Schifano, a 66-year-old part-time paramedic from St. Petersburg, Florida, was arrested and placed on administrative leave after attempting to film the scene of a fatal plane crash in Clearwater. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday when Schifano bypassed a police line at Sumo Drive and Nagano Drive.

Initially claiming to be medical staff without proof, Schifano was later seen crossing under the police tape into the crime scene. Despite being warned, he re-entered the area and began recording the crash on his phone. After being detained and read his Miranda rights, Schifano admitted his wrongdoing and claimed he intended to sell the footage to a media company.

Sunstar Paramedics, his employer, expressed disappointment in Schifano's actions, emphasizing that his behavior does not reflect the company's values. Schifano, who was off duty during the incident, has been charged with resisting an officer without violence.

The X Factor in Autoimmune Diseases: Unveiling Women's Higher Risk

 A Stanford Medicine study has revealed why autoimmune diseases predominantly affect women. Accounting for 80% of the 50 million Americans with these diseases, women's higher susceptibility to conditions like lupus and multiple sclerosis has long puzzled scientists. The key, as discovered by the research team led by Howard Chang, MD, PhD, lies in the X chromosome.

While both genders have X chromosomes, females have two, necessitating the deactivation of one to prevent a toxic gene overdose. This process, involving an RNA called Xist, may inadvertently trigger the immune system. The study's findings, which included experiments with male mice engineered to produce Xist, suggest that the RNA's interaction with the immune system could lead to autoimmune disorders in a genetically predisposed environment.

This breakthrough offers a new understanding of the gender disparity in autoimmune diseases and opens avenues for more effective prediction and treatment strategies, especially for women.

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From the Field to the Booth: Manning Weighs in on Brady's Media Move

 NFL legend Peyton Manning recently shared his thoughts on Tom Brady's upcoming venture into broadcasting. At the NFL Pro Bowl Games, Manning spoke about the challenges and expectations that accompany a transition from the field to the media. His comments come in the context of ongoing debates about media coverage in the NFL, where players often feel misrepresented.

Manning acknowledged that what he and his brother Eli do on their popular 'Manning Cast' is different from traditional broadcasting, which Brady is set to undertake. He expressed confidence in Brady's work ethic and ability to adapt to this new role, highlighting Brady's consultations with seasoned commentators like Chris Collinsworth.

This move for Brady, a former Buccaneers quarterback known for his tight control over his public persona, raises questions about his ability to connect with viewers in the fast-paced environment of NFL broadcasting. Manning's endorsement reflects a broader curiosity and anticipation about how Brady will perform in this new aspect of his career, with many expecting it to be compelling television.

Click HERE to read full article

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