In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

🎡Enhanced Supervision Leads to Safer, More Enjoyable State Fair

👮A Sergeant's Quick Action Saves Child in St. Petersburg Crash

🦈 Marine Magic: Sea Lion Show Highlights Conservation at State Fair

Crime

⚖️ Danger at UF's Doorstep: Student Arrested for Concealed Weapon and Threats

Sports

🏀 Bulls Stampede Past Owls in AAC Showdown: USF Sets Attendance Record in Nail-Biting Win

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

 NT | WC AI Event Bot — Check dates and Submit Events (Beta)

Got News?—> CLICK HERE To Share with NT | WC Local Pulse

February 19 — Spring Fling - music, face-painting, vendors, Texas Roadhouse, 26409 Silver Maple Pkwy, WC 2-6pm

February 19 — Wesley Wildcats vs Pasco Pirates baseball JV, WCHS, 30651 Wells Rd,,6-10pm

February 20

February 21

February 22 — Ubiquity as Legacy: A Lecture -- College of Arts, USF Fine Arts Bldg (FAH) 101, TPA, 6-7pm

February 23 — 9th Annual SunWest Crab & Shrimp Fest--2/23-25th, SunWest Park, 17362 Old Dixie Hwy, Hudson

February 24 —  Gasparilla Distance Classic -- 2/24-25

February 24 — Repticon - Family event (no tix at door)--2/24-25, Florida State Fairgrounds, 9/10am-4pm

February 25 — USF Symphony Orch, USF Concert Hall (MUS 101) TPA, 2-4pm

Enhanced Supervision Leads to Safer, More Enjoyable State Fair

TAMPA, Fla. - The Florida State Fair in Tampa has seen a significant improvement in safety and behavior following the implementation of new rules by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). These changes, primarily requiring minors to be accompanied by an adult over 21 on "Family Day," were introduced after the tragic death of 14-year-old Andrew Joseph in 2014.

Previously, the fair had a "student night" where kids and teens could attend unaccompanied before 6 p.m., but this led to various safety concerns. Sheriff Chad Chronister highlighted the effectiveness of the new policy, noting a decrease in negative incidents. The year before the rule change, 137 minors were ejected and eight arrested. However, following the introduction of adult supervision, these numbers dropped to 56 ejections and two arrests.

This year's Family Day saw over 58,000 attendees with only three arrests, unrelated to the fair. The increased presence of over 270 law enforcement officers, including undercover agents and a community action team, has played a crucial role in this positive change. This collaborative approach, combining visible law enforcement with community engagement, has fostered a safer, more enjoyable environment for all fairgoers.

A Sergeant's Quick Action Saves Child in St. Petersburg Crash

In St. Petersburg, Florida, the Foley family is profoundly thanking Sergeant Dave Musgrove for saving their baby Lola's life after a severe crash earlier this month. The accident, involving their car and a motorcycle, tragically resulted in the motorcyclist's death and left the Foleys in a St. Petersburg hospital. Kayleigh Foley and her two daughters, Ariel, 3, and baby Lola, were in the car. Sergeant Musgrove, who had seen the speeding motorcyclist, responded to the crash scene where he found Lola unresponsive. His timely chest compressions saved her life.

The family, especially Kayleigh's mother Lisa Foley, regards Musgrove as their hero. Despite minor injuries to Foley and Ariel, Lola remains in intensive care but shows promising signs. The family has kept in touch with Musgrove, who continues to visit and support them. To assist with Lola’s recovery, a GoFundMe has been set up, reflecting the community's solidarity during this challenging time.

Marine Magic: Sea Lion Show Highlights Conservation at State Fair

TAMPA, Fla. - At the Florida State Fair, the Sea Lion Splash show isn't just an entertainment spectacle; it's a journey into marine conservation. Held daily at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. at the Entertainment Hall Pad, this show offers a unique blend of education and fun, suitable for all ages.

James Earhart, a dedicated trainer at Sea Lion Splash, emphasizes that the show doubles as a rescue facility. "We travel across the United States, educating audiences about sea lions, their habitat, and conservation efforts," Earhart says. The 20 to 25-minute performances are designed to captivate audiences while subtly imparting valuable lessons about marine life and conservation.

Training these intelligent sea lions requires patience, time (ranging from two to five years), and a variety of fish to cater to each sea lion's preference. Earhart's lifelong commitment to working with animals shines through in every performance.

The response from the audience is consistently enthusiastic. "We aim for the audience to leave having learned something, often without even realizing it," Earhart explains. This show offers a chance to appreciate the remarkable abilities of sea lions while raising awareness about the importance of protecting marine wildlife.

Danger at UF's Doorstep: Student Arrested for Concealed Weapon and Threats

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - A University of Florida event turned alarming when 21-year-old Jacob Park from Wesley Chapel was arrested on charges including battery, carrying a concealed weapon, and making threats. The incident occurred at the Florida International Step Show held at UF's Performing Arts Center.

Park, in an all-black ensemble and masked face, raised suspicions for his peculiar behavior. A UFPD officer, noticing Park's unsettling actions, such as lurking and odd interactions with attendees, became concerned. Park's remarks to an officer about Africa and his confrontational demeanor were particularly alarming.

Further distress was caused when Park expressed intentions to confront members of the historically black Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. His aggressive behavior continued post-event, culminating in him pushing several people, including a black man, near the exit.

A subsequent search revealed a kitchen knife concealed in Park's clothing. Investigations also uncovered Park's online threats against the fraternity and the individual he assaulted, including racial slurs and violent threats. Park is now detained in Alachua County Jail without bond, facing serious legal repercussions for his actions at the university event.

Local High School Sports Scores
^{No Scores Available} 

If you enjoy starting your day with these short daily news summaries, please refer your friends: https://ntwclp.com

Bulls Stampede Past Owls in AAC Showdown: USF Sets Attendance Record in Nail-Biting Win

 The University of South Florida's men's basketball team achieved a spectacular victory over No. 24 Florida Atlantic, winning 90-86 in a high-stakes American Athletic Conference game. This match, held at the Yuengling Center, drew a record crowd of 10,659, setting a new attendance record for the program. 

Selton Miguel was the standout player, scoring a career-high 25 points, leading USF to improve their impressive season record to 19-5 overall and 12-1 in the AAC.

This win extended USF's conference winning streak to 11 games, a historic achievement for the program. The Bulls showcased a strong offense and a solid defense throughout the game, with significant contributions from other players like Chris Youngblood and Kobe Knox.

This victory also marked the fifth time USF has defeated two ranked opponents in a season, a feat last accomplished in the 2011-12 season.

Click HERE to read more

Interested in submitting News or an Event?

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse Wants to Hear From You!