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NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

⌚Heart on His Sleeve: Gonzmart's Wearable Tech Detects Hidden Health Hazard

🌼Gardens of Hope: Tampa Landscapers Create Sanctuary for Pasco Kids First

🍓 A Strawberry Haven at Parkesdale: Where Shortcake Dreams Come True

Crime

⚖️ Amazon Van Theft in Florida: A High-Speed Delivery to Jail

Sports

🏀 Miguel's Mastery: Selton Secures AAC Player of the Week with Stellar Show

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

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February 20 — Professional Business Networking Lunch, Glory Days New Tampa, 1130am-1pm

February 21 — Wiregrass Weekly 3.1 Run Club, Irish 31 Pub House & Eatery, 28358 Willet Way, WC, 6-730pm

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

February 26

Heart on His Sleeve: Gonzmart's Wearable Tech Detects Hidden Health Hazard

Richard Gonzmart, the successful Tampa restaurateur and descendant of Columbia Restaurant's founder, credits wearable technology for a life-saving health discovery. While training for a marathon, Gonzmart experienced an alarming heart rate. Initially observed on his Fitbit showing 150 beats per minute during sleep, he later switched to an Apple Watch capable of performing an ECG. This switch led to the detection of his atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition that can lead to severe complications like blood clots or stroke.

Dr. Bengt Herweg, an electrophysiologist at Tampa General/USF, explains that endurance athletes like Gonzmart face an increased risk of AFib, nearly eight times higher than the general population. He notes that wearable tech plays a crucial role in early detection, especially in asymptomatic cases.

After undergoing two efficient treatments for AFib, Gonzmart returned to work the next day with a normal heart rhythm. He now finds solace in the daily health updates from his watch, highlighting the evolving role of technology in personal health management.

Gardens of Hope: Tampa Landscapers Create Sanctuary for Pasco Kids First

Drake Mailhot, a Tampa Bay area landscaper, has spearheaded a heartening initiative, melding his professional skills with philanthropy. Teaming up with over a hundred businesses in his organization, Professionals of Tampa, Mailhot has transformed an idea into a tranquil therapy garden for Pasco Kids First in New Port Richey. This organization, crucial in aiding child abuse victims, now has a serene outdoor space for therapy and healing.

Inspired during a tour of Pasco Kids First, where he saw t-shirts with uplifting messages from children who completed therapy, Mailhot felt compelled to contribute. The resulting garden offers a peaceful retreat, preferred by many kids for their therapy sessions over the traditional indoor setting.

This compassionate project was brought to life by various businesses, including landscapers, tree services, and photographers, all uniting for a noble cause. The recent ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the garden's inauguration, underscoring the community's commitment to supporting child welfare. For Mailhot, the project goes beyond landscaping—it's about creating a haven for healing and resilience.

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A Strawberry Haven at Parkesdale: Where Shortcake Dreams Come True

At Parkesdale Farm Market in Plant City, Florida, strawberry shortcake isn’t just a dessert; it's a community event. From January to mid-April, the market becomes a hub for strawberry enthusiasts, flocking to taste their world-famous strawberry shortcake. Manager Xiomara Meeks reveals the sheer popularity of this treat, with daily orders reaching into the thousands, attracting locals and tourists alike.

What makes this shortcake unique is its perfect blend of angel food cake and biscuit, creating a base that deliciously soaks up the strawberry juices. The secret recipe, described as a "recipe of love" by Meeks, remains a closely guarded secret of Parkesdale. Visitors can customize their shortcake with ice cream or whipped topping, adding to the indulgence.

Parkesdale Farm Market is not just a place to eat; it's a destination where the community's heart beats with the love for strawberries. Located at 3702 W. Baker Street, this market is a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of local flavor and tradition.

Amazon Van Theft in Florida: A High-Speed Delivery to Jail

Matthew Darwin Houghtaling's impromptu joyride in a stolen Amazon van ended with his arrest in Volusia County, Florida. The Volusia Sheriff's Office reported that Houghtaling, 35, commandeered the van in Ormond Beach while the driver was making a delivery. Despite the driver's attempt to stop him, Houghtaling sped off, leading to a 20-mile chase.

Authorities were alerted by an Amazon manager who tracked the van and accessed its onboard surveillance footage. It showed Houghtaling driving erratically, at times "nodding off" while speeding along State Road 40. He was eventually apprehended at a Circle K gas station in Pierson, about 20 miles from the theft scene.

Houghtaling faces charges of grand theft, meth trafficking, and possession of marijuana. During his arrest, deputies discovered meth, a counterfeit bill, a burnt pipe, and marijuana in the van. He expressed remorse, claiming confusion and a desire to escape the neighborhood.

After a brief hospital visit due to dehydration, Houghtaling was taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail. He remains there, held on a $30,500 bond. The Amazon manager has expressed intent to press charges on behalf of On Time Packages LLC, the Amazon delivery service partner.

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Miguel's Mastery: Selton Secures AAC Player of the Week with Stellar Show

In a remarkable display of skill and athleticism, Selton Miguel of the South Florida Bulls has been named the American Athletic Conference Player of the Week. Hailing from Luanda, Angola, Miguel played a pivotal role in leading the Bulls to a 2-0 record this week, showcasing a stellar performance on the court.

Miguel averaged an impressive 17.5 points per game, demonstrating his prowess in shooting accuracy. He achieved a perfect score from the free-throw line, 2-for-2, and showed remarkable efficiency in field goals and 3-point shots, with 56.5% (13-for-23) and 63.6% (5-for-8) respectively. His exceptional play was highlighted in the game against No. 24 FAU, where he scored a career-high 25 points, marking his 20th game with double-figure scores and fourth game surpassing 20 points. Additionally, Miguel contributed four rebounds, one assist, and a steal in this game.

In the following matchup against Tulsa, he continued his strong form, adding 10 points along with three rebounds and three assists to his tally.

Next challenge: a road game against UTSA on Wednesday, February 21, at 8 p.m. ET. Fans looking to support the team can purchase tickets through the USF Ticket Office or online at USFBullsTix.com.

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