Issue #164: Robotics Summer Camp Success, Plane Drops to 300 Feet, Trump Threat Arrest, Mayfield's Struggles

07/23/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
23 Jul

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Dr Ted
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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

— Student-Run Robotics Team Empowers Future Engineers Through Summer Camp

— Close Call: Southwest Plane Drops to 300 Feet Over Courtney Campbell Causeway

OMG!

— Arrest in Florida for Threats to Kill Trump, Vance Days After Attempted Assassination

Sports

— Analysts Predict Tough Year Ahead for Bucs Quarterback Baker Mayfield

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Student-Run Robotics Team Empowers Future Engineers Through Summer Camp

Phoenix Robotics, a student-run group at Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School in Tampa, recently created a summer camp to share their love for robotics and engineering with younger students. Partnering with the Caribbean American National Development Organization (CANDO), they provided hands-on experience where campers built and coded their own robots using Lego-like materials. The activities included missions like saving astronauts and placing satellites in a Mars simulation.

The camp received enthusiastic participation and positive feedback from parents. Kristofer Gajabharsingh, Phoenix Robotics' chief marketing officer, highlighted the excitement and growth seen in the campers, aiming to inspire them to consider careers in engineering.

In June, Phoenix Robotics competed in the MATE ROV competition, an underwater robotics challenge, securing 17th place out of 79 international teams.

Close Call: Southwest Plane Drops to 300 Feet Over Courtney Campbell Causeway

A Southwest Airlines flight to Tampa International Airport experienced a dramatic drop in altitude, descending to 300 feet above Old Tampa Bay due to bad weather. Departing Ohio around 4 p.m. on July 14, the plane faced several weather-related detours. FlightAware data indicated the aircraft descended to 300 feet over the Courtney Campbell Causeway, which is 45 feet above the water.

One Mile at a Time reported the plane descended as low as 150 feet, using ADS-B data. ATC recordings captured officials warning the pilots about their low altitude. The aircraft then ascended and diverted to Fort Lauderdale, landing at 7:45 p.m.

A Southwest spokesperson confirmed the plane returned to Tampa after a brief stop in South Florida. The airline is investigating the incident with the FAA.

One particularly striking and little-known fact about flying in bad weather is that lightning can actually strike an aircraft without causing significant damage. 

Modern airplanes are designed with advanced engineering that allows them to withstand lightning strikes. The exterior of the aircraft is made from conductive materials that allow the electric charge to pass through and exit the plane, often without passengers or crew even noticing. 

This design ensures the safety of the aircraft and its occupants, making air travel during thunderstorms much safer than most people realize.

Arrest in Florida for Threats to Kill Trump, Vance Days After Attempted Assassination

A 68-year-old Florida man, Michael M. Wiseman, has been arrested for allegedly making "written threats to kill" former President Donald Trump, Senator J.D. Vance, and their families. This arrest comes just days after a failed assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania.

The Jupiter Police Department reported that Wiseman posted the threats on his Facebook account. Multiple community members alerted authorities to the threats, which included plans of bodily harm. Wiseman was taken into custody without incident.

The investigation was conducted in coordination with the United States Secret Service and the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office.

Jupiter, Florida, is located about 20 miles north of Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach.

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Analysts Predict Tough Year Ahead for Bucs Quarterback Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield enters his second season with the team after securing a new contract. Despite a career-best performance last year, analysts are skeptical about his potential for the upcoming season.

Mayfield led the Buccaneers to a 5-1 record after a rough 4-7 start, with strong chemistry with wide receiver Mike Evans. This year, the Buccaneers have a new offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, adding uncertainty to Mayfield's performance.

Mayfield and the Buccaneers have faced considerable skepticism, with CBS Sports listing him among quarterbacks expected to underperform in 2024. Shanna McCarriston of CBS Sports noted that while Mayfield earned his new contract, his track record suggests he might struggle, especially with the departure of former offensive coordinator Dave Canales.

Despite these concerns, Mayfield and the Buccaneers remain hopeful. Last year, Mayfield achieved career-high stats and, if he adapts well to Coen's scheme, the Buccaneers could compete for another division title and postseason appearance.

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