In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

🐬Dive Into the Future: Clearwater Aquarium's $32 Million Expansion Plan

🧹 Mr. Moe: The Lifesaving Custodian of Mulrennan Middle School

🎸 Toby Keith: A Legacy of Music and Valor Comes to an End

Crime

👮‍♂️ High Seas to High School: Coast Guard Officer's Arrest Shocks Community

Medical News

🦀Toby Keith's Legacy: Raising Stomach Cancer Awareness

Sports

🏒 Hedman's Milestone in Lightning's Dominant Win Over Devils

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

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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

February 11

February 12

Dive Into the Future: Clearwater Aquarium's $32 Million Expansion Plan

In a bold move to enhance marine conservation, Clearwater Marine Aquarium announced its ambitious plan to raise $32 million over the next six years. This campaign, an extension of the "Rising Tides" initiative, aims to enrich the aquarium's offerings, adding a diverse range of marine wildlife and upgrading facilities.

The recent $80 million expansion under the same initiative notably improved the dolphin habitat, education centers, parking, and hospital facilities. The new phase of expansion promises to introduce an array of animals including manatees, sea lions, sharks, penguins, albino alligators, and more dolphins. Each animal is set to play a pivotal role in educating the public about marine life and conservation.

The proposed plan includes the construction of an Animal Village, advanced hospital and veterinary services, a state-of-the-art theater, and interactive water experiences. CEO Joe Handy emphasized the aquarium's dedication to creating an optimal environment for marine life and inspiring future generations in marine conservation efforts.

Mr. Moe: The Lifesaving Custodian of Mulrennan Middle School

In a remarkable act of heroism, Mohammed Hammad, known as "Mr. Moe," the head custodian at Mulrennan Middle School in Tampa, saved a seventh-grade student, Xzavier Wilson, from choking. This incident, which occurred on February 2nd in the school cafeteria, showcased Mr. Moe's quick thinking and lifesaving skills.

Wilson, in a state of panic, was unable to speak when he approached Mr. Moe, indicating that he was choking. Mr. Moe promptly performed the Heimlich maneuver, successfully dislodging a Taki from Wilson's throat after three attempts. Wilson expressed his gratitude, calling Mr. Moe his hero.

Remarkably, this wasn't the first life-saving act by Mr. Moe. He had previously assisted another student who was choking a few months earlier. While Mr. Moe humbly doesn't consider himself a hero, the school community, including Xzavier's parents and fellow students, profoundly appreciate his presence and quick actions.

Toby Keith: A Legacy of Music and Valor Comes to an End

Toby Keith, the renowned country music icon, passed away at 62 after a valiant battle with stomach cancer. His death on February 5th was confirmed by his long-time publicist, Elaine Schock. Keith, who revealed his diagnosis in 2022, remained a beloved figure in the country music scene, known for his hits like “Red Solo Cup” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).”

Keith's music career, which began with his 1993 debut album, reached a pinnacle when he was honored with the Country Icon Award at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards. He was a fervent supporter of US troops, performing hundreds of shows in war zones and at presidential events. Beyond his musical legacy, Keith was a compassionate individual, often gifting wheelchairs to wounded veterans at his concerts.

Survived by his wife Tricia, three children, his mother, and two siblings, Keith's commitment to his family and country will be remembered fondly. In 2021, then-President Donald Trump recognized Keith's contributions with the National Medal of Arts, underscoring his significant impact on American culture.

High Seas to High School: Coast Guard Officer's Arrest Shocks Community

At Spoto High School, a confrontation involving Jeremy Bailey, a 41-year-old United States Coast Guard Petty Officer First Class, led to his arrest. Bailey's outburst occurred after his daughter's earlier altercation at the school.

Despite requests to leave, he remained hostile, ultimately kicking a School Resource Deputy and using derogatory language. Sheriff Chad Chronister highlighted the incident as a poor example for students and praised the school's handling of the situation.

Bailey now faces charges including Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Disrupting School Campus.

Toby Keith's Legacy: Raising Stomach Cancer Awareness

The untimely passing of country music star Toby Keith at 62 has heightened awareness about stomach cancer in the Tampa Bay area. Dr. Tim Nywening, a specialist at Tampa General Hospital, emphasized the importance of recognizing the often vague symptoms of stomach cancer, such as feeling full after eating, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, and abdominal pain. He advises seeking medical attention promptly if these symptoms occur.

Keith, renowned for his 1993 debut and 20 number-one hits, battled stomach cancer with "grace and courage" and was remembered fondly by fans like Ava Ciolli. Ciolli, who honored Keith's memory with a toast after a golf round, stressed the significance of early detection and treatment. Dr. Nywening also highlighted the importance of a healthy lifestyle and moderate alcohol consumption to reduce stomach cancer risk.

Keith's legacy transcends his music; his battle with cancer has sparked a conversation about health and early diagnosis, reinforcing the message that timely medical intervention is crucial.

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Hedman's Milestone in Lightning's Dominant Win Over Devils

Tampa Bay Lightning clinched a decisive 6-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils, marking their seventh consecutive home win. The game was initially scoreless, but Lightning's defensive prowess and Victor Hedman's 700th NHL point changed the course. Hedman's milestone sparked a second-period surge, with the Lightning dominating in shots and goals by Nick Paul and Brandon Hagel.

Despite the Devils' third-period efforts, Lightning responded to each goal, with Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point, and Hagel securing the win.

The team's resilience and strategic play underlined their triumph, led by standout performances from Hedman, Point, and Hagel.

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