Issue #184: Tampa’s Own Deejay Young Debuts Movie, Massive Fentanyl Bust, and St. Pete Welcomes Olympic Champ

08/20/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
20 Aug

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

— From Broadway to Tubi: Tampa Native Deejay Young Debuts First Movie

OMG!

— Record Fentanyl Bust in Citrus County: Enough to Kill 3 Million People Seized

Medical News

— Long COVID Keeps Millions Out of Work, Yale Research Finds

Sports

— Olympic Gold Medalist Bobby Finke Returns Home to a Hero's Welcome in St. Pete


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From Broadway to Tubi: Tampa Native Deejay Young Debuts First Movie

Tampa native and Blake High School graduate Deejay Young has returned to his roots to create his first film, "HiSstory: Primitive," now streaming on Tubi.

Known for his performances on "The Voice" and as Aaron Burr in Broadway's "Hamilton," Young filmed the entire movie in Tampa Bay and Central Florida, showcasing local landmarks like 7th + Grove, a Black-owned business. The film, a series of R&B music videos, tells the story of Young's life, exploring his journey from a young man in Tampa to his current success.

Despite his achievements, Young has remained connected to his hometown, crediting his experiences at Blake High School with shaping his path. Through his film, he hopes to inspire current students to pursue their dreams in the arts, especially as funding for these programs faces cuts. Young is committed to being a voice for the arts in his community.

Record Fentanyl Bust in Citrus County: Enough to Kill 3 Million People Seized

The Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) achieved a record-breaking fentanyl seizure, confiscating over 6 kilograms of the deadly substance—enough to potentially kill more than three million people. This historic bust was the result of a coordinated effort among local, state, and federal agencies, targeting a drug organization operating across multiple counties.

On Thursday, law enforcement executed search warrants at a residence in Homosassa and two other locations in Pasco County. The operation led to the seizure of nearly 150 grams of methamphetamine, 22 firearms (three of which were stolen), and over $10,800 in cash. The fentanyl was found in both pressed kilogram "bricks" and thousands of counterfeit pills designed to mimic prescription opioids like oxycodone and Percocet.

Authorities estimate the street value of the drugs at $735,000. Sheriff Prendergast praised the operation, emphasizing the collaborative effort to dismantle the drug organization and keep dangerous narcotics off the streets.

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Long COVID Keeps Millions Out of Work, Yale Research Finds

A Yale University study has revealed the significant impact of long COVID on the American workforce, with many individuals unable to return to work months after infection. 

Published in PLOS One, the study found that nearly 14% of participants had not resumed work three months after contracting COVID-19, highlighting the condition's widespread effects.

The research, part of the INSPIRE project, surveyed over 6,000 people (average age: 40yrs) across multiple states. It focused on employment and the number of workdays missed due to ongoing COVID-19 symptoms.

Among nearly 3,000 employed participants, close to 10% reported experiencing five or more symptoms three months post-infection, a key indicator of severe long COVID.

The study's findings suggest that long COVID could be responsible for keeping up to 2 million Americans out of work, underscoring the need for policy interventions to support those affected by the condition.

One particularly striking and little-known fact about long COVID is its ability to affect multiple organ systems long after the initial infection has resolved, leading to a wide range of persistent symptoms. This phenomenon, known as "Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection" (PASC), is not only about respiratory issues but can include neurological symptoms, such as brain fog and memory loss, cardiovascular problems, such as heart palpitations and chest pain, and even gastrointestinal disturbances.

What makes this particularly intriguing is the variability of symptoms among different individuals, making long COVID a complex and challenging condition to both diagnose and treat. This diverse manifestation hints at the intricate ways the virus can affect the human body, far beyond the respiratory system, and highlights the ongoing research needed to fully understand and manage these long-term effects.

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Olympic Gold Medalist Bobby Finke Returns Home to a Hero's Welcome in St. Pete"

Olympic swimmer Bobby Finke returned to St. Petersburg from Paris with a hero’s welcome after winning gold in the 1500-meter freestyle, setting a new world record with a time of 14 minutes and 30 seconds. Fans packed the North Shore Aquatic Complex on Saturday to celebrate the local champion, who also claimed gold in the same event at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.

Finke, who has trained at the North Shore Pool for years, expressed his gratitude and love for his hometown supporters. He spent the day signing autographs, taking photos, and sharing his joy over the victory. 

Reflecting on his achievement, Finke noted the pressure leading up to the race and the relief of finishing strong, crediting his competitors for motivating him to stay ahead and secure the win.

The event marked a special homecoming for the swimmer and his devoted fans.

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© 2024 Ted Grellner

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