Issue #123: Gold Star Reflections, Cicadas Emerge, Tampa to Frankfurt Flights, and 46 Memorial Day Events

05/27/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
27 May

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

- Celebrate Memorial Day with **46 Events Around Tampa Bay

 Local News

- Gold Star Mothers Reflect on Memorial Day's True Meaning

- Record Cicada Emergence in 2024, Followed by Brood XIV in 2025

Medical News

- Nicki Minaj Fined and Released in Amsterdam, Manchester Show Postponed

Of Interest

- Discover Airlines Introduces Daily Nonstop Flights from Tampa to Frankfurt


🎵  Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

Events Brought to You By:
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This Week’s Events in the NewTampa Wesley Chapel FL Local Area

COMING SOON!!!

A New NT | WC AI Event Calendar

**The Calendar will be completely rebuilt to make it easy for everyone to keep us all informed of great community events!

(Hope to have it functional and populated in possibly 2-4 more weeks - you will love it)

Submit events to: https://pxl.to/NTWCevent

May 27 — Celebrate Memorial Day with **46 Events Around Tampa Bay

May 28

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

Gold Star Mothers Reflect on Memorial Day's True Meaning

The Tampa Bay community gathered to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Sunday's ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Hillsborough County held a special tribute to Gold Star families, who have lost loved ones in military service.

Hundreds attended the ceremony, filling the air with a sense of reverence as they paid their respects. A poignant moment came when a garden of gold flags, adorned with 44 names, was unveiled, symbolizing the sons and daughters who gave their all.

Toni Gross, a Gold Star mother, emphasized the importance of Memorial Day. Her son, Frank R. Gross, was killed in 2011 by an IED explosion. She urges people to observe the holiday while also enjoying time with family, reflecting on the true essence of the day.

Annette Kirk, another Gold Star mother who lost her son Paul in Afghanistan, shared the deep personal connection and understanding she has with other grieving families. Losing Paul at just 23 years old, she finds solace in shared tears and the communal remembrance of their sacrifices.

For these mothers and many others, Memorial Day is a time to honor and express gratitude to those who sacrificed everything, ensuring their legacy is remembered.

Record Cicada Emergence in 2024, Followed by Brood XIV in 2025

Cicadas signal summer in the Midwest

Residents currently dealing with cicadas can soon expect relief as these insects will disappear, emerging again in several years. Cicadas follow a 13 or 17-year cycle, depending on the brood. This year’s explosion includes Brood XIX, appearing every 13 years, and Brood XIII, on a 17-year cycle. A U.S. Forest Service map shows Brood XIX in Missouri and Illinois, extending across the Southeast from Oklahoma to Maryland, marking it as the largest geographic brood.

In 2025, Brood XIV, the second-largest periodic brood, will emerge, primarily affecting Southern Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. Joint emergences, like this year's with Broods XIX and XIII, are rare and last occurred in 1803. The numbers are staggering, potentially reaching hundreds of trillions.

Despite their overwhelming presence, cicadas are harmless. Their main activity is climbing trees and releasing a fluid that is mostly water. An even larger joint emergence is expected in 2076 with Broods XIX and XIV, promising a spectacular natural phenomenon termed "cicada-palooza."

Read More: wfla.com (check out map and videos!)

Future Business Directory:
(Logos of local businesses w/links to their websites)

Nicki Minaj Fined and Released in Amsterdam, Manchester Show Postponed

A recent study in Neurology explores why older adults stop driving, focusing on early Alzheimer's signs. Led by Dr. Ganesh M. Babulal from Washington University, the study involved 283 participants, aged around 72, driving weekly. Over 5.6 years, they underwent cognitive tests annually, with brain scans and cerebrospinal fluid samples every few years.

Results showed that 24 participants stopped driving, 15 died, and 46 developed cognitive impairments. Factors for stopping included neurological issues, vision changes, health problems, and moving to assisted living. Notably, women, those with cognitive impairments, and participants with lower cognitive test scores were more likely to stop driving. However, Alzheimer's biomarkers, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles, did not predict driving cessation.

Women were four times more likely to stop driving than men, and those with cognitive impairment were 3.5 times more likely to stop. This study supports guidelines advising individuals with mild cognitive impairment to stop driving.

Discover Airlines Introduces Daily Nonstop Flights from Tampa to Frankfurt

Discover Airlines is expanding its nonstop service from Tampa International Airport to Frankfurt, Germany, now offering daily flights starting Monday, May 27. This enhancement provides travelers from Tampa Bay with convenient daily access to a major European hub and further connections worldwide.

Previously operating five days a week, the route has seen significant usage with over 270,000 passengers since its inception in 2021. Initially launched by the Lufthansa Group under the name Eurowings Discover, the service has been rebranded to Discover Airlines as of last year.

Headquartered in Frankfurt, Discover Airlines operates a fleet of 24 aircraft. The airline has also upgraded its onboard amenities, with Premium Economy Class passengers now enjoying meals and beverages served on porcelain and glassware instead of plastic and aluminum. Complimentary soft drinks, wine, and beer are available to all passengers.

Travelers can book tickets for Discover Airlines through Lufthansa's official website.

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