Issue #137: Woman’s Citizenship Surprise, AI in Polk County, Ybor City Mysteries, Restaurant Week Savings

06/14/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
14 Jun

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

This Week’s Newsletter Sponsor:

GOOD MORNING

It seems we’ve lucked out regarding the significant rainfall that SE Florida has gotten recently; what a mess they’re going through.

If you’ve ever taken a walking tour of Ybor, you’ve probably heard about the tunnels that are in Ybor, the topic of one of today’s articles. The original article answered a lot of open questions from that walking tour. Don’t miss reading it.

Have a great day!

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

 Local News

— Citizenship Revelation: Woman Discovers She's Not American After 60 Years

— Polk County Sheriff Teams Up with Florida Polytechnic for AI-Driven Crime Unit

Of Interest

— Unraveling Tampa's Underground: The Mystery Beneath Ybor City

Food

— 67 Restaurants, 11 Days of Savings: Tampa Bay Restaurant Week 2024

Sports

⚾ MLB All Star Ballot

🎵  Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

Events Brought to You By:
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Local News Brought to You By:

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Shocking Citizenship Revelation: Woman Discovers She's Not American After 60 Years

For nearly six decades, Cynthia Downs believed she was an American citizen. Living on her husband’s family land in Florida, Cynthia and her husband built a life filled with family, farming, and community. "I've paid my taxes; I've done everything like everybody else," she told reporter Katie LaGrone.

Cynthia’s mother was Canadian, and her father was American. She moved to the U.S. as an infant, never questioning her citizenship. However, while renewing her driver’s license at 62, Cynthia was informed she wasn’t legally in the country.

To claim dual citizenship, Cynthia needed to prove her father lived in the U.S. for five years before her birth. Despite her father’s military service, crucial records were lost in a fire, making it difficult to prove her case. This left Cynthia unable to collect her estimated $2,000 monthly Social Security benefits.

Cynthia’s story isn’t unique. Another individual, Jimmy Klass, faced similar issues. Both are now fighting for the benefits they believe they earned.

Polk County Sheriff Teams Up with Florida Polytechnic for AI-Driven Crime Unit

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is partnering with Florida Polytechnic University to establish an Advanced Mobility Institute, focusing on autonomous vehicle technology and a new law enforcement unit targeting AI-driven cybercrime. Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized the importance of staying ahead in technological advancements to combat crime effectively. This unit will investigate AI-related crimes, such as cyber harassment, identity theft, and extortion, and keep up with emerging AI trends.

Florida Polytechnic University will provide technical expertise and interns, offering students hands-on experience in AI. The unit will also analyze deepfake media, identify new AI technologies, and establish partnerships for AI crime investigations. Florida Polytechnic University President Randy K. Avent highlighted the alignment of this partnership with the university’s mission to integrate education and practical applications, benefiting both students and the community.

Unraveling Tampa's Underground: The Mystery Beneath Ybor City

Unraveling Tampa's Underground

Beneath Ybor City in Tampa, Florida, lies a hidden network of tunnels that most residents have never seen. Uncovered during a 2018 construction project near the Old Florida Brewery, these tunnels have sparked various theories about their purpose. Researchers from the University of South Florida, who mapped the tunnels, described them as substantial but with barely enough room to stand.

Theories about their use range from alcohol smuggling during Prohibition to human trafficking and transporting cash. Rodney Kite-Powell of the Tampa Bay History Center believes the tunnels were initially part of a sewer system built in the early 20th century and later abandoned. Despite the discovery of old bottles suggesting Mafia use, experts argue that organized crime didn’t need such means due to corrupt police.

Dr. Gary Mormino theorizes the tunnels might have been used for smuggling Chinese laborers and prostitutes in the early 1900s. With no public access points, the true purpose of these tunnels remains a mystery.

Read More: boredpanda.com — this article is outstanding and has great pictures of the tunnels - don’t miss it!

Does Your Business Have an Interesting Story to Tell?  

67 Restaurants, 11 Days of Savings: Tampa Bay Restaurant Week 2024

 Creative Loafing's Tampa Bay Restaurant Week returns for its eighteenth year, offering food enthusiasts an affordable way to explore new dining spots. From June 13 to June 23, 67 participating restaurants across the Tampa Bay area will present three-course prix fixe meals. Many establishments will also feature special deals on whiskey, vodka, and wine. Menus can be viewed at TampaBayRestaurantWeek.com.

By visiting any of the participating restaurants and requesting the special Tampa Bay Restaurant Week menu, diners can enjoy significant savings. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Feeding Tampa Bay, supporting local food security initiatives.

Notable restaurants involved include 15 Olives, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, American Social, Bon Appetit Restaurant, Driftlight Steakhouse, and Sea Salt.

The event also includes a "check-in to win" contest, where patrons can earn points via the Restaurant Week app by visiting restaurants, ordering select drinks, staying at local hotels, or taking a cooking class at the Dunedin Fine Arts Center.

Prizes include restaurant gift cards and $500 in Creative Loafing deals. For contest details, and see long list of restaurants involved visit the abcactionnews link below:

MLB All Star Ballot

Vote Your Favorite (Rays) Player!

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

Things to Do Brought to You By:
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