In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

🚗 Tragic Collision in Wesley Chapel: Two Lives Lost in Afternoon Crash (+ other local news about driving)

🗣️ Tampa Palms Town Hall Tackles Water Woes and Community Queries

Crime

💵 A Cautionary Tale: Tampa Man Scammed out of Thousands

OMG!

🧸 Oven Nightmare: Infant's Death Leads to Mother's Felony Charge

Sports

🏈 USF Bulls Alumni Clinch Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII Victory in Overtime Thriller

🏀 Underdogs Triumph: Leto High Overpowers Wharton in District Hoops Finale

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

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February 13

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

February 15 — WC Prof Networking Lunch - WEEKLY Thurs, Bahama Breeze, 25830 Sierra Center Blvd, Lutz, 1130am-1pm

February 15 — In the Blood - USF Theatre Prod -- 2/15-17, USF Theatre II (THR), Tpa Campus, 730-930pm

February 16 — TB Symphony - Masterworks Concert, NTPAC, 8PM

February 16 — Gasparilla Music Fest -- 2/16-18, Julian B Lane Park, Tpa, 

February 17 — Rays Fan Fest, Tropicana Field, 1-5PM

February 17 — Jukebox Big Band, Carrollwood Cultural Cntr, 730-930PM

February 18 — Steinway Piano Series: Vedrana Subotic, Barness Recital Hall (MUS 107) TPA, 4-530PM

Tragic Collision in Wesley Chapel: Two Lives Lost in Afternoon Crash

A tragic accident in Wesley Chapel, Florida, claimed the lives of two individuals on Saturday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The incident involved a 30-year-old motorcyclist from Tampa and a 32-year-old woman driving a car, accompanied by four passengers.

The crash occurred on State Road 56 around 3 p.m. The motorcyclist, traveling westbound, collided with the car as it made a left turn onto Piazza Avenue. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. The car driver and her passengers initially sustained non-life-threatening injuries. However, a 36-year-old woman from Georgia, who was in the car, later succumbed to her injuries.

This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the unpredictable nature of traffic incidents.

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NOTE: Two articles worth a little time to check out:

Click HERE to read Forbes Magazine on cities w/worst driver “ratings”, THEN

Click HERE to read which cities have the highest car insurance rates?

MOTOCYCLISTS: Please think about why you practiced emergency stops from high speed in your Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course (for your license). This case is a prime example of why. They teach defensive driving for a reason.

Tampa Palms Town Hall Tackles Water Woes and Community Queries

In the recent Town Hall meeting in Tampa Palms, hosted by Councilman Luis Viera, pressing community concerns were addressed. Attended by around 50 locals, the meeting featured representatives from the Tampa Water Department discussing the city's new outdoor watering restrictions and measures to manage water resources effectively. Viera highlighted his efforts in enhancing local recreation and public safety, including plans for an emergency medical unit and a comprehensive public safety master plan.

Residents raised issues ranging from park maintenance to cracked sidewalks following the resurfacing of Tampa Palms Blvd. The topic of affordable housing was also a key point, with Viera acknowledging the challenges posed by rising housing costs and the need for strategic community redevelopment.

This gathering underscored the community's active involvement in addressing local issues and the council's commitment to improving living standards in Tampa Palms and the wider Tampa area.

Click HERE to read Gary Nagers excellent article in Neighborhood News

A Cautionary Tale: Tampa Man Scammed out of Thousands

 In a distressing case of online fraud, Tampa resident Joseph Olivero lost $20,000 to scammers. 

The scam began with a misleading pop-up ad on his iPad, claiming a charge of $299.99 on his account. When Olivero called the number on the ad to resolve this, the scammers convinced him to download an app, purportedly to process a refund. This action inadvertently gave the scammers access to claim he owed them $20,000 due to a supposed error. They then manipulated Olivero into writing a check, falsely instructing him to describe it as payment for a house construction job.

Despite Olivero's compliance, the scammers demanded more, resulting in further financial loss. It was only months later, when Olivero met financial literacy teacher Janalee Jones, that he found hope in recovering his funds. Together, they filed a police report and contacted his bank.

Olivero now shares his story to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help in similar situations.

Click HERE to read the whole story

Oven Nightmare: Infant's Death Leads to Mother's Felony Charge

In a heartbreaking incident in Kansas City, a mother faces severe legal consequences following the death of her 1-month-old child. Mariah Thomas, the mother, has been charged with a first-degree felony for endangering the welfare of a child, leading to death, as announced by Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

The tragedy unfolded on Friday afternoon when the police responded to a call about a non-breathing infant. Upon arrival, they discovered the baby with evident burns. The Kansas City Fire Department pronounced the infant dead at the scene.

In a shocking revelation, the prosecutor's office stated that the mother, while intending to put the child down for a nap, mistakenly placed the baby in an oven instead of the crib. The gruesome nature of this incident has deeply affected the community, with Baker expressing condolences and acknowledging the diligent work of the first responders and prosecutors.

As the case moves forward, Thomas could face a sentence ranging from 10 years to life in prison, in line with state law. The community and the criminal justice system are now grappling with the profound impact of this tragic event.

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USF Bulls Alumni Clinch Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII Victory in Overtime Thriller

TAMPA, FEB. 12, 2024 – In an exhilarating Super Bowl LVIII, BayMade Bulls alumni Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Austin Reiter celebrated their back-to-back victories with the Kansas City Chiefs, defeating the San Francisco 49ers in a nail-biting 25-22 overtime win in Las Vegas.

Valdes-Scantling, a former wide receiver for the Bulls, made history as the first Bull to score in a Super Bowl. He caught a pivotal 16-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, contributing significantly to the Chiefs' victory. Ending the game with three catches for 20 yards and a touchdown, Valdes-Scantling's performance was a testament to his skill and dedication.

Reiter, a former starter and current reserve center for the Chiefs, marked his record fourth Super Bowl appearance, securing his third championship title. This victory not only highlights Reiter's consistent excellence but also sets a new record for the USF program.

The success of Valdes-Scantling and Reiter in Super Bowl LVIII brings USF's total to an impressive 15 Super Bowl titles won by 11 different players. This achievement underlines the significant impact USF alumni have had in the NFL, particularly in recent years.

USF's football program, now in its 27th season, continues to produce top-tier talent, contributing significantly to the NFL's highest stage. This latest victory reinforces the Bulls' presence in professional football and marks another proud moment for the USF community.

Click HERE to read more about USF Bull accomplishments in SuperBowls

Underdogs Triumph: Leto High Overpowers Wharton in District Hoops Finale

In an electrifying Class 6A District 9 championship game, Leto High School staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Wharton 57-52. Trailing by 14 points, the Falcons, led by senior Daniel Delgardo III and his cousin Derek Delgardo Jr., flipped the game in the final quarter. Daniel, haunted by past upsets, fueled a determined Leto side to continue their best season yet.

The closing minutes saw the Falcons exhibit a blend of aggressive offense and tight defense. Daniel Delgardo III scored 25 points, and Derek Delgardo Jr. added 22, including crucial three-pointers. Their relentless efforts transformed an eight-point deficit into a commanding lead, showcasing resilience and skill.

Leto's victory, their sixth consecutive win against Wharton, secures them the top seed in Region 3 with a 21-6 record. Meanwhile, Wharton, with a 19-8 standing, remains hopeful for another shot at extending their successful season streak in the upcoming regional playoffs.

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