Issue #134: 150 Jobs in Pasco, Tampa's Staycation Ranking, Florida's Cold Case Cards, SunPass Scam Warning, & MLB All Star Voting

06/11/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
11 Jun

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Significant Rainfall Expected in Tampa Bay Area This Week

Local News

💊 Belmar Pharmacy Opens in Pasco, Bringing 150 Jobs and Custom Medications

🌅 Tampa Ranks No. 5 in Best U.S. Cities for Staycations

Of Interest

🎴Deck of Justice: Florida's New Cold Case Cards Aim to Crack Unsolved Crimes

OMG!

 ☀️ SunPass Scam Alert: What Every Florida Driver Needs to Know

Sports

⚾ MLB All Star Ballot

 

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Significant Rainfall Expected in Tampa Bay Area This Week

After a dry and hot weekend, significant rainfall has begun in the Tampa Bay area. Highs reached the low to mid-90s yesterday, with heat index values between 100-105 degrees. Today, tropical moisture moved in overnight, causing early morning downpours.

The heaviest rain is expected south of I-4, where drought conditions are most severe. Rain chances are at 40%, with off-and-on showers throughout the day and week. Tropical moisture continues to spread across the state, with 2-4 inches of rain predicted north of I-4 and higher amounts further south. The rain and clouds are also lowering temperatures, keeping highs in the upper 80s.

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Belmar Pharmacy Opens in Pasco, Bringing 150 Jobs and Custom Medications

Belmar Pharmacy has opened a new compounding center in Pasco County's Asturia Corporate Center, investing $15 million in a 25,000-square-foot facility. This move is part of the county’s "life sciences corridor" initiative and is expected to generate 150 local jobs over the next three years. Unlike traditional pharmacies, Belmar specializes in custom medications, focusing on hormone health and wellness.

Belmar, the largest national compounding pharmacy for hormone health, operates seven facilities nationwide and supports over 500,000 patients annually. The Asturia Corporate Center, located off State Road 54 in Odessa, is a $26 million development aimed at supporting Pasco's growing industrial sectors.

Bill Cronin, CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council, highlighted the center's role in enhancing local healthcare services. Belmar CEO Rob Kilgore announced a collaboration with Wendell Krinn Technical High School to develop future talent. Commissioner Kathryn Starkey welcomed Belmar, emphasizing the county's commitment to attracting innovative companies.

Tampa Ranks No. 5 in Best U.S. Cities for Staycations

 Tampa is one of the best cities for staycations, ranking No. 5 in a WalletHub report.

The study evaluated over 180 cities based on recreation, food and entertainment, and rest and relaxation. Nearby St. Petersburg also made the list at No. 33. Orlando topped the list, celebrated for its numerous amusement parks, nightlife activities, and festivals. Enjoy Tampa's parks, vibrant food scene, and local spas for a fun-filled staycation.

Read More: wfla.com — see article for full list of cities

One particularly striking and little-known fact about staycations is that they can have a profound impact on your mental health and creativity. Unlike traditional vacations, which often involve the stress of travel, planning, and adjusting to new environments, staycations allow you to relax in the comfort of your own home and surroundings. This familiarity can significantly reduce stress levels and promote a deeper sense of relaxation.

Because you are not in a new environment filled with distractions and novel stimuli, your mind is freer to wander and engage in creative thinking. Studies have shown that people often come up with their best ideas when they are relaxed and not actively trying to solve a problem. During a staycation, the combination of reduced stress and increased leisure time can lead to a surge in creativity and problem-solving abilities. This means that staycations not only provide a break from daily routines but also create a fertile ground for innovation and creative thinking.

Deck of Justice: Florida's New Cold Case Cards Aim to Crack Unsolved Crimes

Playing cards that are criminal

Florida law enforcement leaders have reintroduced an initiative using playing cards to help solve cold cases. Attorney General Ashley Moody announced the program in Tampa, distributing decks to jails and correctional facilities statewide. Each card features a photo and information about an unsolved murder or missing person case, along with details on how to anonymously report tips via TIPS (8477).

The program aims for inmates to recognize faces or details, providing vital information to authorities. A similar initiative in 2007 helped solve two cases, bringing closure to the families of James Foote and Ingrid Lugo. Now, over 5,000 decks will be distributed, and the cards are also available online for public access.

At least three cases in the new deck are from the Tampa Bay area. This initiative complements the new Florida Cold Case Investigations Unit, launched earlier this year. Moody emphasized, "We are not playing games," hoping this approach will bring finality to these cases.

Does Your Business Have an Interesting Story to Tell?  

SunPass Scam Alert: What Every Florida Driver Needs to Know

Florida residents are being warned about a new scam involving fake SunPass messages. Ron Carlson, a Florida driver, received a text claiming he had unpaid tolls with a link to a site mimicking the SunPass website. Instead of clicking the link, Carlson, who is knowledgeable about cybersecurity, contacted SunPass directly. A recording confirmed the Florida Turnpike Enterprise was aware of a phishing scam targeting drivers through text messages.

Attorney General Ashley Moody has been actively combating these scammers, shutting down ten fraudulent sites in the past month. However, new scam sites continue to emerge. Some of the fake SunPass sites include:

Carlson advises, "Watch out for text messages. Don’t click on things. If it’s a company you’ve done business with before, try and access that company the way you normally have done in the past." SunPass will never ask for payments or account actions via text. Legitimate messages from SunPass will come from the number 786-727. For more information, visit Attorney General Moody’s website at myfloridalegal.com.

MLB All Star Ballot

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Future Business Directory:
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