In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

⛴️Craft: Tampa's Answer to European-Style River Dining

🎢 Excellence in Education: Hillsborough High Schools Make National List

Crime

🎢 Hiding Goes Wrong: Playground Slide Leads to Arrest in Palm Coast

Travel News

✈️ Weather Woes: Smart Moves for Flight Delays and Cancellations

Sports

🏈 Unsung Hero: Brandon Stroud’s Defensive Mastery Fuels USF's Historic Run

⚾2024's Stylish Tribute to Cities (Tampa Bay) and Teams: MLB's City Connect Uniform Series

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

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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

February 19

Craft: Tampa's Answer to European-Style River Dining

Tampa is set to elevate its dining scene with the introduction of Craft, an upscale dinner cruise, starting Friday, March 8. This multi-million dollar river cruiser, destined to journey along the picturesque Hillsborough River, promises a unique blend of fine dining and scenic views right through the heart of Tampa.

Craft's two-hour voyages include brunch, lunch, and dinner options, each featuring a delectable three-course meal. Guests can indulge in a variety of gourmet dishes, from English pea fritters and lobster rolls to wagyu steak and Caesar salads.

Emulating the charm of European river cruises, Craft offers an intimate experience, navigating skillfully through the low bridges of the Hillsborough River, adding an adventurous twist to the dining experience.

The cruiser will be stationed at 603 Channelside Drive, ready to embark on this culinary adventure. Reservations for these exclusive cruises are now open, offering a unique opportunity to experience Tampa's waterfront in unparalleled style.

Excellence in Education: Hillsborough High Schools Make National List

In a remarkable achievement, every high school in Hillsborough County, Florida, has been listed among the nation’s best, as per the latest U.S. News & World Report. This prestigious recognition highlights the district's commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

Two standout schools, Plant High School in Tampa and Newsome High School in Lithia, secured positions within Florida's top 50, ranking at 35 and 49 respectively. These schools are noted for their impressive graduation rates, surpassing 95%. The report also included other notable institutions such as Steinbrenner High School, Sickles High School, and Tampa Bay Technical High School.

The evaluation criteria encompassed various aspects of educational quality, including college readiness, math and reading proficiency, performance of underserved students, breadth of college curriculum, and overall graduation rates.

Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayres expressed immense pride in this achievement. He attributed the success to the collective effort of educators, parents, and community partners, emphasizing that students are graduating well-equipped for future success.

Click HERE for school ratings

Hiding Goes Wrong: Playground Slide Leads to Arrest in Palm Coast

 In a bizarre turn of events, Julie Martellucci, 45, found herself in a game of hide-and-seek with Flagler County deputies, which ended in her arrest. The incident unfolded at the Casa Montessori School in Palm Coast, where Martellucci was reportedly seen trying to open vehicle doors and tossing items over the playground fence.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office reported that despite commands to leave the playground, Martellucci attempted to evade deputies by hiding in a corkscrew tube slide. The situation escalated when she elbowed a deputy in the face while being restrained after being removed from the slide.

Martellucci's disruptive spree included throwing and tipping over playground equipment, breaking into a shed, and attempting to enter the school through various windows. In a bodycam video of her arrest, she claimed to be a 'nature nut' and explained her presence behind the closed business with her frog.

Sheriff Rick Staly commented on the incident, stating, "This would-be thief reached a new low... She left a mess on a children’s playground and slid her way into the Green Roof Inn." He also acknowledged the citizens who reported the suspicious activity leading to her arrest.

Facing two counts of burglary, resisting arrest with violence, and battery on a law enforcement officer, Martellucci’s unconventional hiding spot has led to serious legal consequences.

Weather Woes: Smart Moves for Flight Delays and Cancellations

Travelers facing flight delays or cancellations due to bad weather can take proactive steps to minimize stress and potential costs. Dana Fowle from FOX 5 Atlanta advises installing your airline’s app and learning to use it before traveling. Keeping notifications active and downloading FlightAware can provide real-time updates. The Points Guy recommends changing flights early if bad weather is forecasted, such as switching from a 5 p.m. to a 7 a.m. flight.

If a delay or cancellation occurs, act fast. Rebook online, use the airline's app, or a kiosk. Commercial pilot Kathleen Bangs emphasizes speed in rebooking or making changes via the app. If the airline's lines are busy, try their international number or approach a ticketing agent. You can also rebook with a different airline and seek a refund from your original airline later. Check if your credit card offers delay or cancellation refunds.

Regarding airline policies, larger carriers generally boast better on-time records, with Delta leading at 78%. Budget airlines tend to lag, with Frontier at 56.6%. Most airlines can rebook passengers on other airlines through cooperative agreements, except Allegiant, Frontier, Southwest, and Spirit.

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Unsung Hero: Brandon Stroud’s Defensive Mastery Fuels USF's

Historic Run

 Brandon Stroud, a senior at the University of South Florida (USF), is playing a pivotal role in the men's basketball team's historic season. The team, with a record of 17-5 and a nine-game winning streak, credits much of its success to Stroud's defensive abilities. At 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, his 7-foot wingspan and agile, cat-like reflexes make him a formidable presence on the court.

Stroud's skills extend beyond his physical attributes. In the American Athletic Conference, he averages 7.8 rebounds per game and has shown significant improvement in conference play. His impact is not limited to rebounds and steals; his game-altering deflections and hustle play a key role in the Bulls' performance.

Off the court, Stroud's engagement with the community is equally notable. He serves as the diversity chair for USF's Student-Athlete Advisory Council and enjoys bowling, where he once scored a 230 game. His blend of on-court prowess and off-court leadership make him an indispensable part of the USF team, contributing significantly to their quest for March Madness glory.

Click HERE to read more

2024's Stylish Tribute to Cities (Tampa Bay!) and Teams: MLB's City Connect Uniform Series

Major League Baseball and Nike are set to introduce a fresh wave of excitement with the unveiling of nine new City Connect uniforms for the 2024 season. This innovative series, which began in 2021, is a tribute to the unique histories, cultures, and spirits of the cities represented by the teams. The featured teams include the Guardians, Tigers, Dodgers, Twins, Mets, Phillies, Cardinals, Rays, and Blue Jays.

These uniforms are not just about style; they're a nod to community identity, blending the spirit of each city with the dynamic world of baseball. Alongside this, MLB and Nike have also announced the launch of the Nike Vapor Premier jersey, a product of extensive development focused on enhancing player mobility, moisture management, and fit. Emphasizing sustainability, this jersey has been described by Cardinals' Nolan Arenado as akin to wearing a "favorite fitted T-shirt."

Starting in 2024, all MLB uniforms, including the City Connect series, will feature the Nike Vapor Premier design. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase these uniforms from various retailers, bringing a piece of their city and team spirit home.

Click HERE to read more

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