Issue #114: Safer Streets, Pickleball Craze, USF Track Successes & Cold Case Breakthrough

051424

Author

Ted Grellner
14 May

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING!

Little by little you’ll be seeing changes coming to improve our newsletter. We will “drip” out opportunities for advertising with us that will be very affordable as we grow our readership.

We’ve added a second installment story about pickle ball in “Of Interest” because of how its growing in this area.

We’ve just become an Amazon Associate to help fund this little project, and to provide convenient access to niche, seasonal items as well. (We may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.) Thank you for supporting us.

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

Share us with your friends here —> https://pxl.to/NTWCLP 

In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

🎨 Calls for Action on Dangerous Wesley Chapel Boulevard

Of Interest

🎾 Discover Pickleball: The Fast-Growing Sport for Everyone

Sports

🏃‍♂️USF Men's Track Team Dominates, Women Achieve Top Finish in Conference Championships

Crime

⚖️ Florida Cold Case Crackdown: 1968 Disappearance Ends in Identification

 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

 🎵  

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

COMING SOON!!!

A New NT | WC AI Event Bot

**This bot is being completely rebuilt as is a direct way for you to submit events to make it easy for everyone to keep us all informed of great community events!

May 14 thru 18 — August: Osage County, Carrollwood Players Theatre, Fri & Sat’s: 8pm, Sun’s: 2pm

May 15

May 16 — Latin Night - Block Party @KRATE, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd, WC, 6-10pm

May 17

May 18

May 19

Local News Brought to You By:
 NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Calls for Action on Dangerous Wesley Chapel Boulevard

Northern Lights as seen much farther north

In Wesley Chapel, Florida, residents are raising safety concerns over Wesley Chapel Boulevard's lack of a turning lane and traffic light, particularly near Tampa Downs Boulevard and Magnolia Boulevard.

Patricia Strowbridge and Lisa Green, who live in the affected Kings Landing and Quail Hollow subdivisions, describe daily traffic risks akin to "Russian Roulette." The road's design causes vehicles to stack up as drivers attempt risky turns without adequate turning lanes, and existing traffic lights are not well-timed, adding to the congestion.

Local growth has intensified traffic, leading to numerous accidents, including collisions with stationary objects and other vehicles. Despite the upcoming road expansion from two to six lanes, residents fear these changes won't solve the fundamental issues of accessibility and safety.

They urgently request at least one traffic light and better timing of existing lights to prevent further incidents. County officials encourage the use of their Traffic Request Form to report problems, highlighting community feedback as essential for addressing these issues.

Discover Pickleball: The Fast-Growing Sport for Everyone

Part 2

Have you heard of pickleball? This unique sport is swiftly carving out a niche among community sports enthusiasts across the nation. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net, a paddle, and a plastic ball with holes.

Easy to learn but challenging to master, pickleball is played both as singles and doubles and is known for its friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Its rules are simple and the equipment is minimal, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. The smaller court size reduces the need for running and allows for quicker volleys, making the games fast-paced and exciting while still being manageable for those with limited mobility.

Pickleball's appeal lies in its ability to offer a moderate physical workout, strategic gameplay, and plenty of opportunities for socializing. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete looking for a new challenge or a beginner interested in picking up a sport that doesn’t require extensive training, pickleball offers something for everyone.

Local community centers, parks, and sports clubs are increasingly recognizing the benefits of pickleball by adding courts to their facilities. (It looks like Hunters Green could use more with it’s growing popularity).

If you're interested in learning more about the sport,

Click this link: USA Pickleball Association for more information

Dr Ted

USF Men's Track Team Dominates, Women Achieve Top Finish in Conference Championships

 

The University of South Florida's men's track and field team clinched dual conference championships for the first time since 2019, with a dominant outdoor championship win at 217 points. The women’s team also excelled, matching their third-best finish since 2013 by securing third place in both indoor and outdoor championships. Director Erik Jenkins praised the resilience and determination of both teams.

The men triumphed in 10 events, including complete sweeps in the 200m dash and 400m hurdles, and set six program records. Highlight performances included Markel Jones in the 110m hurdles and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu in the 100m dash, who also set a record with the fastest wind-legal time in the program’s history. The women were led by standout runs from Amenda Saint Louis and Zahria Allers-Liburd, contributing significantly to the team's strong finish.

The Bulls are now gearing up for the NCAA Regionals in Kentucky, hoping to continue their impressive form.

Florida Cold Case Crackdown: 1968 Disappearance Ends in Identification

In a breakthrough for a cold case from 1985, Florida authorities have identified the skeletal remains found on Crescent Beach as those of Mary Alice Pultz, who vanished in 1968. Pultz was last seen with her boyfriend, John Thomas Fugitt, before her remains were discovered nearly four decades later in St. Johns County, confirming the case as a homicide.

Advances in DNA technology and genealogy databases facilitated the identification process by matching her DNA with potential relatives, a task undertaken by the forensics lab Othram in 2023.

Born in 1943, Pultz had previously undergone brain surgery, indicated by burr holes in her skull, pointing to severe trauma likely requiring hospitalization. Fugitt, a person of interest in her death and known for using aliases, died in prison before this breakthrough. The identification was hailed by Sheriff Rob Hardwick as a testament to the relentless efforts of their Major Crimes detectives in utilizing cutting-edge technology to solve long-standing mysteries. The case remains open for further investigation.

Things to Do in Tampa Bay 5/9 - 5/15

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

What Did You Think of This Issue?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

The Harvest Market at the Grove, WC, today

Interested in submitting News or an Event?

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse Wants to Hear From You!