In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

🌱 Invasive and Inflammable: Cogon Grass Wreaks Havoc in Pasco County

🌱 Yard Pandemic: Mosaic Virus Threatens Hillsborough's St. Augustine Grass

Business News

💲 The Fast Track to Controversy: Wealth Buys Queue-Jumping Privileges

Medical News

📝Bean Benefit: New Study Shows Legumes Cut Colorectal Cancer Risk

Of Interest

🏈 Touchdown Tampa: Top Venues for Super Bowl LVIII Viewing

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

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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 — Author Joshua Ginsberg, Barnes & Noble, Shops at Wiregrass, 2pm

February 12

February 13

February 14 — Valentine’s Day! WC Valentine’s Movie Event for Seniors: The Notebook, WC The Grove 16, 1130am-2pm

Invasive and Inflammable: Cogon Grass Wreaks Havoc in Pasco County

In Pasco County, Florida, the spread of the highly flammable and invasive cogon grass is causing concern among local leaders. Originating from Asia, this plant, which can grow up to six feet tall, is now found along key roads and agricultural areas. Its spread is being exacerbated by development projects that unintentionally transport contaminated soil. Cogon grass is not only a threat to native plants and wildlife but also intensifies wildfires due to chemicals in its leaves.

District 3 Commissioner Kathryn Starkey is advocating for immediate action, proposing an ordinance requiring landowners to report cogon grass on their property and outline eradication plans. The ordinance also seeks a broader state-level strategy involving various departments. Controlling cogon grass involves complex methods like burning, cutting, and annual herbicide treatments, highlighting the urgency of addressing this ecological challenge before it escalates further.

Yard Pandemic: Mosaic Virus Threatens Hillsborough's St. Augustine Grass

The mosaic virus, a grass disease known for devastating lawns, has recently spread to Hillsborough County. Detected first in a Carrollwood home, the virus primarily affects St. Augustine grass, especially the 'Floratam' cultivar. Chris Schmidt of Brothers Pest Control highlights the importance of recognizing its symptoms - yellow splotches on grass blades - which are often confused with other lawn issues like root rot or chinch bugs.

Susan Haddock from the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences notes that the virus, known since the 1960s in South Florida, can evolve into lethal viral necrosis. With no chemical or mechanical controls available, the suggested remedy is replacing infected grass with resistant cultivars.

The virus spreads through lawn equipment, roots, and insects, and is only viable in wet grass sap. Homeowners are advised to seek professional diagnosis and consider proactive measures like disinfecting lawn equipment. Early detection is key to managing and preventing the spread of this lawn-threatening virus.

The Fast Track to Controversy: Wealth Buys Queue-Jumping Privileges

In today's fast-paced world, the wealthy are increasingly paying to bypass lines, a trend spanning from airports to dating apps. At airports, Clear members, paying about $189 a year, are whisked to the front of TSA lines, while the service plans expansion into various sectors. Tinder's new $499-per-month membership features a 'skip the line' option, elevating user profiles. Ski resorts and theme parks, like Snowbird and Universal Studios, offer fast-track access for additional fees, with options like Killington's $199 “Four-Day Fast Track” on top of regular admission.

This shift, accelerated by technology like smartphones and mobile payments, marks a departure from informal queue-jumping to a formal, institutionalized practice. While such services may improve experience for those who can afford them, they raise concerns about widening social divides and fostering resentment among those who can't. This growing trend highlights the increasing commodification of convenience and the ethical implications of such a divide.

Bean Benefit: New Study Shows Legumes Cut Colorectal Cancer Risk

A comprehensive study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, has made a significant breakthrough in cancer research, particularly colorectal cancer. After analyzing 12 studies spanning over 17 years, researchers found that increasing legume consumption by just one portion per week can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 13%.

This research, which included over 10,000 cancer cases and controls from Italy and Switzerland, used detailed data analyses to understand the relationship between legume intake and various cancer types. While legumes showed a general protective effect against most cancers, the reduction in colorectal cancer risk was statistically significant.

The findings bolster existing recommendations by the World Cancer Research Fund International on the importance of healthy diets, particularly the consumption of legumes. These plants, rich in proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fibers, fatty acids, and bioactive properties, are now scientifically validated as an effective dietary intervention against colorectal cancer risk in both men and women, irrespective of age.

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Touchdown Tampa: Top Venues for Super Bowl LVIII Viewing

 Super Bowl Sunday in Tampa Bay is set to be a blast with a myriad of spots to catch the action, whether you're rooting for Kansas City, San Francisco, or just there for the halftime show. Here’s your guide to the best viewing venues:

Maloney’s Local Irish Pub (Westchase, Downtown Tampa, Carrollwood) Featuring great patio seating and game day specials, Maloney’s offers $17 beer buckets and $5-$6 liquor deals.

Thomas P’s Sports Bar & Patio (12836 Henderson Road, Tampa) Kick off at 5 p.m. with food, beverages, raffles, and golf giveaways. Entry is $110 per person.

The Avenue DTSP (330 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg) Four bars, multiple drink deals including $6 spirits and $15 beer buckets.

Hattricks (107 S Franklin St., Tampa) Best Wings award-winner with indoor and outdoor seating, and pre-order wing options for home parties.

Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill (1320 Central Ave., St. Petersburg) A game day favorite with a dog park and Super Bowl platters available for pre-order.

Duffy’s Major League Burger (1580 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa) Limited entry with advance reservations required for a Game Day Party. Tickets at $25.

Engine No. 9 (56 Dr M.L.K. Jr St. N, St. Petersburg) Known for prime beef burgers, including “The Saint” burger.

American Social (601 S Harbour Island Blvd. #107, Tampa) Waterfront venue with ample seating and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families.

Eddie’s Bar & Grill (1283 Bayshore Blvd, Dunedin) Indoor and outdoor seating, game room, and a $500 Amazon gift card giveaway.

Riveters Tampa (2301 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa) A lively watch party with the Tampa Bay’s Inferno football team, a DJ, and drink specials.

Abe’s Place Tap & Grill (1250 S Missouri Ave, Clearwater) A cozy spot in Clearwater with patio space and TVs visible from every angle.

Click HERE for the full, great article in Tampa Magazine

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