In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

🎬 Stallone's Sunshine Shift: From Hollywood Hills to Palm Beach Paradise

🍓 The Sweet Story of Strawberry Sue: Florida’s Strawberry Icon

Sports

💵 Mayfield's Mammoth Deal: Tampa Bay's Quarterback Secures Top-15 NFL Salary

Business News

🚗Sky-High Insurance in Sunshine State: Uninsured Drivers Fuel Florida's Premium Spike 

📱 Tax Alert: Major Changes for Gig Workers Using Payment Apps!

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

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February 29 — Love Your Heart: Nurturing CV Wellness, AdventHealth WC, 630pm

March 1 — TBT Boat Show -- 3/1-3, Fls State Fairgrounds, 10am-5pm

March 2 — 54th Annual Gasparilla Festival of the Arts - 3/2-3. Julian B Lane Park, Tpa, 9am-5pm

March 2 — *Master Chorale of TB: Annelies, NTPAC, 8-10pm

March 3 — New Tpa Unplg'd: Mardi Gras - Cypress Creek Jazz Band, NTPAC, 3-5PM

March 4

March 5 — Ballet Magnificate: The Scarlet Cord, NTPAC, 7-9PM

Stallone's Sunshine Shift: From Hollywood Hills to Palm Beach Paradise

Sylvester Stallone and his wife, Jennifer Flavin, are making a significant lifestyle change by relocating from California to Florida, investing in a $35 million property in Palm Beach.

The couple, married since 1997, announced their decision to move permanently, marking the end of an era as both have deep-rooted ties to California. Their departure follows a period of speculation, with Stallone having listed his California mansion for sale in late 2022.

While the move excites most of their family, their youngest daughter, Scarlet Rose, expresses reluctance, reflecting the mixed emotions surrounding this major transition. The Stallones' move is part of a larger trend of Californians relocating to Florida, driven by various factors including lifestyle, political climate, and economic considerations.

Read More: TampaBay.com

The Sweet Story of Strawberry Sue: Florida’s Strawberry Icon

In Plant City, Florida, Sue Harrell, affectionately known as "Strawberry Sue," stands out as a pivotal figure in promoting the state's strawberry industry. 

Serving as the marketing director for the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, she has been instrumental in broadcasting the significance of Plant City, the nation's winter strawberry capital. 

Her journey began 47 years ago when she married a strawberry farmer, immersing herself in everything related to the fruit, from cultivation to innovative marketing strategies, including crafting unique strawberry recipes.

Harrell played a key role in establishing strawberry shortcake as Florida’s official state dessert, highlighting the local strawberry's sweetness and versatility. Her educational initiatives extend to creating "Jammer," a beloved animated strawberry character, further endearing her to both the industry and strawberry enthusiasts alike.

Read More: Fox13news.com

Mayfield's Mammoth Deal: Tampa Bay's Quarterback Secures

Top-15 NFL Salary

Baker Mayfield is set to secure a significant contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, transitioning from a modest one-year, $4 million deal to a projected four-year, $120 million extension. This lucrative package is expected to rank him among the NFL's top 15 quarterbacks, featuring a $53 million signing bonus and $85 million in guarantees. S

potrac, renowned for its detailed contract analyses, suggests that this deal mirrors the structure of Geno Smith's contract with Seattle, aiming to manage the salary cap effectively while ensuring Mayfield's lucrative compensation.

Despite a fluctuating career, Mayfield's recent performance, including a playoff victory and personal bests in yards and touchdowns, has marked his resurgence, making the potential deal a strategic move for Tampa Bay to secure his talent long-term.

Read More: SI.com

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Sky-High Insurance in Sunshine State: Uninsured Drivers Fuel Florida's Premium Spike

In Pasco County, Florida, retirees Paul and Linda Schombs are facing the harsh reality of escalating car insurance premiums, with their costs soaring from $3,700 to nearly $6,000 annually. Despite their clean driving record, they find themselves penalized due to the high rate of uninsured motorists in the state, which stands at 16%. This issue is a significant factor in Florida's current status as the state with the highest car insurance rates in the nation.

Many drivers forego uninsured motorist coverage to cut costs, unaware of the potential consequences, such as insufficient coverage in accidents involving underinsured or uninsured drivers.

The situation is exacerbated by Florida's no-fault insurance law, leading to widespread financial strain among insured drivers.

Tax Alert: Major Changes for Gig Workers Using Payment Apps!

In a significant update from the IRS, users of third-party payment platforms like Venmo and PayPal are facing changes in tax reporting requirements.

Initially, the IRS aimed to mandate the reporting of annual earnings over $600 through a 1099-K form. However, this plan is on pause as the agency deliberates on distinguishing personal transactions from income-generating activities. Currently, only users who exceed $20,000 in transactions and engage in more than 200 transactions will receive the form. 

Looking ahead, the IRS plans to set the reporting threshold at $5,000 for the next fiscal year. This adjustment will affect a wide range of users, from those selling items online to gig workers receiving payment via these platforms. 

It's crucial for individuals to maintain accurate records in anticipation of the upcoming tax season.

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