In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

🎤Swift Studies: USF Offers New Course on Taylor Swift's Artistry and Influence

🐊 Florida Woman Faces Roadblock of Reptilian Proportions on Bike Ride

The Arts

🎨Skyway 2024: Five Museums, One Vision—Celebrating Tampa Bay's Artistic Spirit

Crime

💵'Bank Jugging' Hits Tampa: Police Seek Public's Help to Catch Thief

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

April 18

April 19

April 20 - 4th Annual Pasco Beer & Burger Festival, LOL Heritage Park, 5401 LOL Blvd, 12-6pm, Call 727-674-1464 for more info

April 21

April 22

April 23

Swift Studies: USF Offers New Course on Taylor Swift's Artistry and Influence

The University of South Florida (USF) will offer a new course this fall that delves into the cultural and musical impact of pop icon Taylor Swift. Spearheaded by English professors Jessica Cook, Emily Jones, and Michelle Taylor, the course is part of three Swift-themed sections under LIT3301. Students will analyze Swift's business strategies, her cultural significance, and her sophisticated songwriting skills, comparing her to literary giants like Shakespeare and Emily Dickinson.

The curriculum is aimed at exploring the portrayal of American and international cultures in various media and emphasizes critical thinking and writing skills. It's open to all majors who have completed basic English composition courses.

The timing of this course coincides with Swift's continued success, marked by her recent Grammy win, her listing as a billionaire by Forbes, and the buzz around her upcoming album "THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT."

USF joins other Florida universities in recognizing Swift's influence, which has become a subject of academic interest nationwide.

Read More: wfla.com

Florida Woman Faces Roadblock of Reptilian Proportions on Bike Ride

 In Bonita Springs, Florida, a routine bike ride through the Bonita National Golf & Country Club neighborhood took a startling turn when a cyclist encountered not one, but two massive alligators. The incident occurred last Friday, disrupting the tranquility of the area.

Brandy Dentzbau, an electrician on a work assignment nearby, witnessed the scene. She reported that two alligators were seen navigating the residential area, moving from one lake to another and walking between houses. During this unusual sighting, one of the alligators crossed the road directly in front of a woman on a bike, compelling her to halt and allow the large reptile to pass.

The encounter was captured on video, where the alligator's calm crossing and the cyclist's cautious pause were evident. A second recording features Dentzbau humorously attempting to guide the alligator back towards the lake, urging it to avoid confusing swimming pools with its natural habitat.

Residents and visitors in the area are reminded to maintain a safe distance from alligators, avoid feeding them, and keep pets leashed and away from water bodies. Concerns about alligator encounters can be directed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Nuisance Alligator Hotline.

Read More & See Videos: fox13news.com

Skyway 2024: Five Museums, One Vision—Celebrating Tampa Bay's Artistic Spirit

The Tampa Bay area is buzzing with artistic activity as "Skyway 2024: A Contemporary Collaboration" gears up to showcase a groundbreaking art exhibition. This year, the event links five prestigious art institutions across the region, including the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, the Tampa Museum of Art, and the University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum. Together, they celebrate the extraordinary talent of 63 local artists and art collectives, making this a must-see for art enthusiasts.

Spanning several months and venues, each museum will display unique pieces that highlight the diverse artistic landscape of Tampa Bay. Notable artists such as Caitlin Albritton, Mohsen Azar, and many others will have their works featured in various forms such as paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia presentations.

Curated collaboratively by respected curators from each participating museum, this exhibition is a testament to the vibrant creativity brewing within the region's contemporary art scene. It is supported by contributions from local foundations and includes a comprehensive catalog detailing the artists and their works.

Exhibition Dates and Locations:

• The Ringling, Sarasota: May 25, 2024 - January 26, 2025

• Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg: July 13 - November 3, 2024

• USF Contemporary Art Museum, Tampa: July 19 - November 23, 2024

• Sarasota Art Museum: July 28 - October 27, 2024

• Tampa Museum of Art: August 28, 2024 - January 5, 2025

With its collaborative spirit and dedication to promoting local artists, "Skyway 2024" promises to leave a significant impact on the Tampa Bay art community, fostering inspiration for both current and future generations.

Read More: einnews.com

'Bank Jugging' Hits Tampa: Police Seek Public's Help to Catch Thief

 The Tampa Police Department is currently investigating a case of 'bank jugging,' a crime involving the theft of cash from individuals who have just made withdrawals from banks or ATMs. This particular incident took place on the afternoon of Friday, April 5th, 2024.

After withdrawing money from a bank located on W. Kennedy Blvd, the victim parked their truck at a restaurant nearby. The thief, who had been following the victim from the bank, broke into the truck through the front passenger window and stole the cash left inside the center console.

Described as a black male aged between 18 and 25 with short black hair, pierced ears, and a medium build, the suspect was last seen wearing a white hoodie, yellow and black gloves, and a blue disposable mask. He was driving a white Kia Sportage. Authorities believe the suspect may be connected to a criminal group that operates between the Houston and Tampa Bay areas.

The Tampa Police are collaborating with detectives from the Houston Police Department to track down the suspect. They urge anyone with information to contact them at 813.231.6130 or to reach out to Crimestoppers of Tampa Bay at 800.873.TIPS.

In response to this incident, the Tampa Police Department is advising the public to stay vigilant and take several safety measures to prevent similar crimes. These include avoiding the display of cash in public, varying bank visit routines, being cautious of loiterers around banks, securing large sums of cash immediately, and utilizing night deposit boxes. Additionally, they recommend driving to a well-lit, populated area and contacting the police if one suspects they are being followed.

Read More: tampa.gov

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://pxl.to/NTWCLP

Interested in submitting News or an Event?

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse Wants to Hear From You!