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- Issue #189: Tampa Incident in Dog Adoption, FL Driving Law Enforcement, & Mortgage Refinance Update
Issue #189: Tampa Incident in Dog Adoption, FL Driving Law Enforcement, & Mortgage Refinance Update
08/27/2024

Keep your finger on the Pulse!
GOOD MORNING
I celebrate the St. Pete resident who complains of left lane stragglers. I call it the “AARP lane” myself since over my entire driving career these slow lane hogs are inevitably elderly. As I’m over 65 yrs I can call out my own for endangering others on the highway needlessly. Be safe and stick to the right hand lane unless you’re passing. (Forgive me - I had to get it out of my system)
Have a great day!
Dr Ted
USAF Retired
In this issue of
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Local News
— Gun Drawn in Tampa Dog Adoption Dispute, Police Investigate Assault
— Florida Law on Left-Lane Driving: St. Pete Resident Highlights Enforcement
Business News:
— Mortgage Rates Hit 2024 Lows: Is Now the Time to Refinance?
Of Interest
— Jane Goodall to Inspire Tampa Bay Youth with Environmental Events and Service Projects
Sports
— NHL Mascots Wild Pool Party in Tampa Bay (video)
🎵Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

This Month’s Events in the NewTampa Wesley Chapel Live Events Calendar
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Gun Drawn in Tampa Dog Adoption Dispute, Police Investigate Assault

A dispute over a dog adoption in Tampa escalated into a serious incident now under investigation for aggravated assault, as reported by the Tampa Police Department.
The incident occurred around noon on Saturday on Meadowbrook Avenue, where two women clashed during an attempted dog adoption. The confrontation took a dangerous turn when one of the women brandished a firearm.
Police have noted that the two women involved provided conflicting accounts of what led up to the altercation. Authorities have since confiscated the firearm as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Tampa Police Department emphasized its commitment to holding those responsible accountable and ensuring justice for all parties involved.
Florida Law on Left-Lane Driving: St. Pete Resident Highlights Enforcement

“AARP” / left lane drivers called out
A St. Petersburg resident is raising concerns about a common issue on Tampa Bay roads: drivers who linger in the left lane without passing. Jennifer Griffin, a frequent commuter, believes this behavior leads to unnecessary traffic congestion, particularly on busy routes like the Howard Frankland Bridge.
Griffin, who travels this route daily, observes that many drivers occupy the left lane while driving below 50 mph, creating bottlenecks and frustration for other motorists. "It’s a chronic problem," Griffin noted, emphasizing that such behavior impedes the flow of traffic.
Florida law supports Griffin’s concerns. According to Statute 316.081, drivers are required to stay in the right lane unless they are overtaking another vehicle. Failure to comply can result in a ticket, as the Florida Highway Patrol actively enforces this rule.

Mortgage Rates Hit 2024 Lows: Is Now the Time to Refinance?

As mortgage rates hit their lowest levels of 2024, many homeowners are considering refinancing to save money. With rates now around 6.5%, down from nearly 8%, the potential savings are significant. Mortgage broker Paul Luck notes a surge in refinance inquiries, as homeowners seek to lower their monthly payments.
However, refinancing comes with costs, including fees that can total around $5,000. Danielle Hale of Realtor.com advises homeowners to consider how long they plan to stay in their homes; refinancing makes more sense if you plan to stay long-term.
While rates could drop further, predicting the future is uncertain. Luck suggests locking in a lower rate now rather than waiting, as it could still result in substantial savings. Homeowners should weigh the potential benefits against costs and use online calculators to assess if refinancing is the right move.
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Jane Goodall to Inspire Tampa Bay Youth with Environmental Events and Service Projects

Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and environmental advocate, will visit Tampa Bay on September 14-15 to inspire community action for the planet. On September 14, Goodall will speak at Tropicana Field at 7 p.m., with tickets available on Eventbrite for $10-$20. Her visit is part of a weekend of events aimed at empowering young people to lead environmental change.
Earlier that day, the Youth Environment Summit at Tropicana Field will gather aspiring conservationists from Grade 4 through college age. The summit will include guest speakers, workshops, and booths from local environmental organizations, focusing on water, shorelines, and cities. Registration is required through Eventbrite.
The weekend concludes with a "Day of Action around Tampa Bay" on September 15, featuring community service projects like beach cleanups and park trash clearing. Participants can sign up on Eventbrite. More details can be found at rootsandshoots.org.
An unexpected fact or insight about Jane Goodall. The renowned primatologist, made an unexpected and ground-breaking discovery when she first observed chimpanzees using tools in the 1960s.
This observation challenged the previously held belief that only humans made use of tools, altering our understanding of primate behavior and intelligence significantly. What was particularly surprising was her observation of chimpanzees stripping leaves off twigs to create tools for fishing termites from their mounds, a behavior that showcased not only tool use but also tool making, an ability that had been thought to be exclusively human.
This discovery played a crucial role in redefining the relationship between humans and animals and had profound implications for the study of evolution and animal behavior.
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