In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

👗From Classroom to Catwalk: Tampa Bay's Young Fashionistas Take Over The Dali

🐕Golden Retrievers Strike Gold in Colorado’s Historic Town

Crime

👮‍♂️ Deceptive Investment Scheme Unraveled: Nigerian Fraudster Guilty

Medical News

🥤Sip Your Way to Slumber: The Rise of the Sleepy Girl Mocktail

💉 Alzheimer’s Breakthrough: Old Medical Treatment Linked to Early Onset

Sports

⚾ Rays' Latest Star: Richie Palacios Blends Fun with Formidable Skill

🏀 Toni Bryant: North Tampa's Towering Talent Dominates the Court

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

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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

From Classroom to Catwalk:

Tampa Bay's Young Fashionistas Take Over The Dali

 Tampa Bay High School students dazzled at The Dali Museum with a unique pop-up fashion show, showcasing their design talents. The event, part of the Fashion Design at The Dali program, featured 14 student designers from 14 schools across three counties.

These young creators, some with friends as models, paraded their designs through the museum's galleries, steps, and even the gift shop. The fashion pieces, inspired by Salvador Dali's artwork, were crafted resourcefully on a modest budget of $50, often using recycled materials. 

For instance, Lucy Haura transformed a white curtain from Goodwill into a striking blue garment, while Elle Orchard based her design on Dali's iconic Lobster Telephone. Students like Texys Mahaffey and Angelica Genetiano expressed their excitement and the program's role in fueling their fashion career aspirations.

The event culminates in The Dali Fashion Design Runway & Awards Show on February 24 at Gibbs High School, a fundraiser supporting the program. This initiative has not only provided a platform for young designers but has also been a source of inspiration and confidence for these budding talents.

Get information and tickets HERE

Golden Retrievers Strike Gold in Colorado’s Historic Town

 Golden, Colorado, a town famed for its gold rush history, hosted the delightful 'Goldens in Golden' event this weekend. Despite the inclement weather, the town was abuzz with the joyous presence of hundreds of golden retrievers and their owners.

The event offered an array of attractions including photo opportunities under the town's iconic arch, delicious treats for the pups, and golden retriever-themed merchandise. Local businesses participated enthusiastically, offering special deals and contributing to the festive atmosphere.

This event not only celebrated the love for one of America's most popular dog breeds, as ranked by the American Kennel Club, but also significantly boosted the local economy, with businesses experiencing one of their busiest days and hotels enjoying high occupancy rates.

Deceptive Investment Scheme Unraveled: Nigerian Fraudster Guilty

 Uche Victor Diuno, a 57-year-old Nigerian, has pleaded guilty in a massive international fraud scheme. Orchestrating a scam from Nigeria, Diuno and his accomplices, posing as U.S. bank officials, tricked victims in over 20 countries into paying for fictitious investments and inheritances.

They laundered these funds through American bank accounts, directing the money back to Nigeria. Using various aliases, Diuno convinced victims of the scam's legitimacy and played a key role in laundering the money, including the purchase of vehicles shipped to Nigeria.

From 2014 to 2018, the scheme caused losses of approximately $5.7 million. Diuno now faces up to 20 years in prison per charge and fines of up to $500,000 or double the victims’ losses. His sentencing is scheduled for May 9, with the FBI and Department of State – Office of Inspector General leading the investigation. Diuno remains in custody until sentencing.

Sip Your Way to Slumber: The Rise of the Sleepy Girl Mocktail

The "Sleepy Girl Mocktail," a beverage gaining popularity on social media, promises to aid in better sleep. This non-alcoholic drink combines tart cherry juice, magnesium powder, and sparkling water, and is recommended to be consumed about an hour before bedtime. Not exclusive to women, this mocktail is based on the sleep-inducing properties of its ingredients.

Tart cherry juice, a key component, is rich in tryptophan and melatonin, both known to promote sleep. When combined with magnesium, a supplement known to regulate neurotransmitters and calm the mind, the efficacy of the drink is enhanced. While sparkling water doesn't contribute to the sleep-inducing effect, it adds to the mocktail's appeal but can be omitted for those who prefer non-carbonated drinks.

Carolyn Ievers-Landis, a psychologist and sleep specialist, cautions that while the drink can be a helpful aid, it's not a comprehensive solution for sleep disorders. Good sleep hygiene is crucial, and this mocktail should not replace healthy sleep practices. Additionally, potential side effects like gastrointestinal issues should be considered, and consulting with a healthcare provider before adding supplements to one's diet is advised.

Alzheimer’s Breakthrough: Old Medical Treatment Linked to Early Onset

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from University College London (UCL) have linked Alzheimer’s disease to specific medical treatments for the first time. The study, published in Nature Medicine, found that Alzheimer's can be triggered by a discontinued type of human growth hormone treatment, c-hGH, sourced from deceased individuals' pituitary glands. This treatment has been associated with increased amyloid-beta proteins in the brain, a key factor in Alzheimer's development.

The study focused on eight individuals treated with c-hGH as children, five of whom developed dementia symptoms and met Alzheimer’s criteria. These cases are remarkable due to the early onset of the disease (ages 38 to 55), confirmed as non-inherited through genetic testing. The type of growth hormone treatment in question was halted in 1985 after being linked to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Experts emphasize that Alzheimer's disease cannot be transmitted through person-to-person contact or daily activities. The findings highlight the need for stringent sterilization in medical procedures to prevent accidental transmission of disease-related proteins.

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Rays' Latest Star: Richie Palacios Blends Fun with Formidable Skill

The Tampa Bay Rays' latest recruit, Richie Palacios, brings enthusiasm and versatility as he prepares for his potential debut on the opening day roster. Acquired from St. Louis for reliever Andrew Kittredge, Palacios, a spirited lefty-swinging outfielder, embodies the dynamic spirit of the Rays. Hailing from New York, baseball is a family affair for Palacios. His brother Joshua plays for the Pirates, continuing a legacy that includes their father and uncle, both former professional players. Despite limited familiarity with Tampa Bay, Palacios sees it as a potential off-season home. His adaptability shines, transitioning from a college shortstop to outfielder, a skill that aligns with the Rays' strategy for flexible, growth-oriented players. With the Rays facing roster challenges, Palacios' multi-positional skills and youthful energy make him a promising addition.

Toni Bryant: North Tampa's Towering Talent Dominates the Court

At North Tampa Christian Academy, sophomore Toni Bryant stands out as a basketball phenom. Towering at 6'10" with a wingspan of 7'1", Bryant dominates the court, averaging 19 points, 11 rebounds, and a staggering 8.7 blocks per game. His remarkable defensive skills not only lead the nation in blocks but also electrify his team's spirit.

Teammates Nick Miranda and Brodey Cuffle marvel at Bryant's extraordinary blocks, often in disbelief at his ability to reach the top of the backboard. Bryant's work ethic is unparalleled, training tirelessly to hone his skills.

His impact extends beyond personal accolades, as North Tampa boasts a 22-3 record and ranks number one in Class 2A, a notable achievement for a program in its fourth year and first competing in the Florida High School Athletics Association.

With the district tournament approaching, Bryant and his team set their sights on the state championship, a testament to their dedication and hard work.

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