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- Issue #085: Preserving Traditions & Savoring Flavors: Tampa's Cigar Legacy and Florida’s Top BBQ | Rugby Championships & Health Warnings
Issue #085: Preserving Traditions & Savoring Flavors: Tampa's Cigar Legacy and Florida’s Top BBQ | Rugby Championships & Health Warnings
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Ted Grellner
03 Apr
Keep your finger on the Pulse!
GOOD MORNING!
Florida’s best bbq, the US’s last active cigar factory, a national wheelchair rugby tournament here, as is an increase in meningitis cases.
Dr Ted
In this issue of
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Local News
🚬 Rolling Through Time: Tampa's Final Cigar Factory Preserves Centuries-Old Tradition
🍡 Big John’s: A Fiery Journey from 1968 to Florida’s Best BBQ Spot
OMG
💇♂️ Beyond the Yuck Factor: The Real Risks of Eating Hair
Sports
👨🦽Wheelchair Warriors Assemble for National Rugby Championship in Wesley Chapel!
Medical News
⏰ Alarm Bells Ring Over Deadly Meningitis Spike: What You Need to Know
This Week’s Events in the NewTampa | Wesley Chapel FL Local Area
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April 3
April 4 — Saxophonist Jack Wilkins debuts his newest jazz masterpiece: Acadia Rhythms, NTPAC, NT, 8-10PM
April 5
April 6
April 7
Rolling Through Time: Tampa's Final Cigar Factory Preserves Centuries-Old Tradition
J.C. Newman Cigar Co., established in Cleveland in 1895 and relocated to Tampa in 1954, now stands as the last operational cigar factory in the United States. Despite the presence of smaller cigar-rolling operations, particularly along Ybor City's Seventh Avenue, these are primarily tourist attractions rather than full-scale production facilities. Unlike these smaller entities, J.C. Newman's factory rolls an impressive 60,000 cigars each day.
Drew Newman, a fourth-generation owner, emphasizes the significance of maintaining the tradition of cigar making in America—a tradition that dates back to the Virginia Colony's first tobacco crop in 1612. To preserve the legacy of Tampa's once-thriving cigar industry, Newman has initiated a chamber of commerce for the remaining local factories, many of which have been repurposed. This organization aims to facilitate the restoration and maintenance of these historical buildings.
At its zenith, Tampa was hailed as the cigar capital of the world, boasting over 200 factories. However, factors like the Cuban Embargo and the rise of cigarettes have led to the closure of many factories. Newman's dedication to continuing this rich heritage underscores the importance of the cigar industry to Tampa's identity and history.
Read More: tampabay.com
Big John’s: A Fiery Journey from 1968 to Florida’s Best BBQ Spot
Big John’s Alabama BBQ, located at 5707 N 40th St in Tampa, has been named the best BBQ spot in Florida by a survey conducted by Southern Living Magazine. Garnering attention from over 20,000 people between July and August 2023, Big John’s has risen to the top of the South’s Best list, a significant accolade for a spot that has been a staple in the Tampa Bay area since 1968.
Founded by the late Rev. John A. Stephens, who moved from Eufaula, Alabama, the restaurant has been kept alive and thriving through the hands of his grandchildren. Despite moving to a new building in 2010, Big John’s maintains its reputation for serving outstanding chicken, sausage, and ribs, utilizing an Alabama-style open pit. The establishment invites patrons and enthusiasts to explore its rich history and diverse menu through their website and encourages checking out Southern Living’s full list of the South’s Best BBQ.
Beyond the Yuck Factor: The Real Risks of Eating Hair
The sight of a hair in our meal can send even the most nonchalant diner into a state of distress. This repulsion, often more psychological than physical, taps into deep-seated cultural and biological instincts. But what's the real risk?
Hair, though dead, is primarily composed of keratin, a protein also found in our skin and nails. Amy K. Bieber, MD, a dermatologist, explains that our digestive system is incapable of processing keratin, meaning consumed hair typically passes through without issue. Surprisingly, we ingest keratin regularly without knowing it, as L-cysteine—an amino acid from keratin—is used in food processing.
The danger of eating hair arises when large amounts are consumed, potentially leading to digestive blockages known as trichobezoars. However, these instances are rare and often linked to trichophagia, a condition characterized by compulsive hair eating.
As for hygiene concerns, hair can carry bacteria and other microbes, but the risk of these causing health issues from a few strands is minimal. According to Bieber, while certain hair infections exist, they are uncommon and unlikely to cause harm if ingested.
This exploration into the science and psychology behind our aversion to hair in food underscores the complexity of human sensibilities. It reassures us that, while finding a hair in your pasta might be off-putting, it's unlikely to pose a significant health risk.
Wheelchair Warriors Assemble for National Rugby Championship in Wesley Chapel!
The United States Wheelchair Rugby National Championship is gearing up for an electrifying showdown from May 3 through May 5 at the AdventHealth Sports Arena at Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel.
This event is a collaborative effort led by the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch in partnership with the Pasco County Sports Coast and other entities. In a heartwarming display of support, PSTA, Transdev, and wheelchair transport services are stepping up to ensure participants have seamless transportation from the airport to their accommodations, honoring these valiant athletes for their sacrifices.
For additional details, enthusiasts and supporters are encouraged to check out Facebook and the official website of the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch.
Alarm Bells Ring Over Deadly Meningitis Spike: What You
Need to Know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about an increase in invasive meningococcal disease cases in the U.S., marking a concerning uptick in both occurrence and fatality rates. Last year, 422 cases were reported, the highest since 2014, with 143 cases already recorded by March 25 this year. This increase is attributed to the serogroup Y ST-1466 strain, particularly affecting adults aged 30 to 60, with a notable prevalence among Black or African American individuals and people with HIV.
Alarmingly, this strain exhibits a higher fatality rate than previously observed, standing at 18% with 17 deaths out of 94 patients, compared to the average rate of 10-15%. Symptoms of this severe illness include fever, stiff neck, headaches, and in more severe cases, bloodstream infections that can lead to death within hours without prompt antibiotic treatment.
The CDC stresses the importance of vaccination, recommending the MenACWY and MenB vaccines for adolescents and those with certain medical conditions, including HIV. With a higher risk of transmission through close contact, health experts advise immediate medical attention for symptoms and vaccination to prevent infection.
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