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- Issue #077: USF’s 2025 AI & Cybersecurity Leap, Florida’s Film Dilemma, Caitlin Clark Phenomenon, Bizarre Carjacking Hoax, NFL’s Sutton in the Spotlight
Issue #077: USF’s 2025 AI & Cybersecurity Leap, Florida’s Film Dilemma, Caitlin Clark Phenomenon, Bizarre Carjacking Hoax, NFL’s Sutton in the Spotlight
032224
Ted Grellner
22 Mar
Keep your finger on the Pulse!
GOOD MORNING!
USF steps out with interesting new college offerings in AI and Cybersecurity. 2 crazy crime stories. Enjoy!
Dr Ted
In this issue of
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Local News
💻USF to Pioneer Florida’s First AI & Cybersecurity Powerhouse College by 2025
🎞️ Lights, Camera, Inaction: The Dire State of Florida’s Film Industry
Sports
🏀March Madness Magnet: Caitlin Clark Draws Fans Like Never Before
Crime
🚗 Twisted Tale of Theft: Man's Carjacking Hoax to Outsmart Girlfriend Backfires
🚔 Warrant Wednesday Alert: NFL's Cameron Sutton Wanted in Domestic Battery Case
This Week’s Events in the NewTampa | Wesley Chapel FL Local Area
NT | WC AI Event Bot — Check dates and Submit Events (Beta)
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March 22 -23 — Harry Potter and the half-blood prince in concert, Straz Center, strazcenter.org
March 23 — Happyfest, WC District Park, 7727 Boyette Rd WC, Registration req’d,, $2/person, 10am-1pm
March 23-24 — Hyde Park Village Annual Art Fair, 1622 Snow Ave, 10am-5pm
March 23-23 — Tampa Home Show, Tampa Convention Center, 10am-5pm,
March 25
March 26
March 27 — Wesley Chapel Elks Membership Drive Open House part 2, Lexington Oak Community, 26330 Lexington Oaks Blvd, 7-8pm
USF to Pioneer Florida’s First AI & Cybersecurity Powerhouse College
by 2025
The University of South Florida (USF) is set to establish Florida's premier college dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, aiming for a launch by fall 2025.
This innovative college, pending approval from the USF board of trustees, plans to offer comprehensive educational programs including undergraduate and graduate degrees, certifications, and continuing education opportunities, leveraging the expertise of around 200 USF faculty members already engaged in AI, cybersecurity, and computing research. This initiative responds to the escalating demand for AI skills, spotlighted by a significant increase in national AI research funding.
USF President Rhea Law emphasized the university's strategic positioning to lead globally in these pivotal tech fields, highlighting the necessity for professionals adept in AI and cybersecurity amidst the rapid technological evolution.
The college intends to collaborate closely with industry partners and is in the process of determining its structural and leadership needs, alongside an ongoing faculty recruitment drive aimed at bolstering its academic and research capabilities. The initiative also focuses on the ethical dimensions of AI, underscoring the importance of responsible technology usage to prevent adverse outcomes.
Lights, Camera, Inaction: The Dire State of Florida’s Film Industry
Florida's filmmaking scene, once vibrant and bustling, has hit a slow patch since the state's movie production incentives were scrapped in 2016. Filmmakers like David Siracusa, who transitioned from insurance to cinema, are now voicing their concerns.
Siracusa, involved in a project titled "The Uncivil War: America Divided," shot across Pinellas County, is one of the local talents spotlighting the state's potential as a prime filming location. Despite the natural beauty and unique settings Florida offers, the absence of financial incentives has stifled its competitiveness in the film industry.
Film Florida's John Lux and independent producers underscore the significant economic impact and cultural enrichment local film projects bring. They argue that reinstating incentives could reinvigorate Florida’s film industry, attracting more significant projects, creating jobs, and showcasing the state's allure.
Meanwhile, local cinemas like the one owned by Chanel Casteel find a lifeline in indie films, which, despite their smaller scale, contribute to the community and the local economy.
March Madness Magnet: Caitlin Clark Draws Fans Like Never Before
Caitlin Clark, the sensational Iowa women's basketball star, has soared to unparalleled fame in college basketball, transcending gender boundaries in the sport.
The latest Seton Hall Sports Poll reveals a staggering 44% of Americans recognize Clark's name, a figure that ascends to 68% among avid sports fans. Her prominence outshines all other NCAA basketball players, with her closest rival, LSU's Angel Reese, recognized by just 18% of Americans.
Clark's remarkable achievements, including shattering the all-time scoring record and drawing massive TV audiences, have not only elevated her status but are also set to boost this year's women's March Madness viewership to unprecedented heights.
With the tournament on the horizon, nearly three-quarters of avid sports fans are gearing up to watch, indicative of a surging interest in women's college basketball, now celebrated as more popular than ever.
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Twisted Tale of Theft: Man's Carjacking Hoax to Outsmart Girlfriend Backfires
In Polk County, Florida, a man's deceptive bid to reclaim his car from his girlfriend led to his arrest. Kenneth Davis, Jr., 32, fabricated a carjacking tale, claiming his Chevrolet Camaro was stolen at gunpoint. His ruse unraveled when he confessed to law enforcement that the false report was an attempt to retrieve the vehicle, which his girlfriend had taken.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd highlighted that Davis, well-versed in police interactions, thought his lie would expedite their response. However, the scheme backfired, resulting in charges for falsifying a police report and additional drug-related offenses, as authorities discovered marijuana and paraphernalia in his possession. Davis also faced an outstanding warrant related to a prior domestic violence incident.
Warrant Wednesday Alert: NFL's Cameron Sutton Wanted in Domestic Battery Case
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is seeking public assistance to locate 29-year-old Cameron Sutton, a player for the Detroit Lions in the NFL, currently wanted for Domestic Battery by Strangulation.
The authorities have issued a warrant for his arrest as part of their "Warrant Wednesday" initiative. Sutton is believed to be driving a Jeep Grand Wagoneer, with the license plate FL-AZ33QB.
Anyone with information regarding Cameron Sutton's location is urged to contact the sheriff's office at 813-247-8200.
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