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- Issue #276: Local ‘North Pole’ Magic, Heroic Owl Rescue, Florida Court Verdict & USF Bulls’ Epic Victory
Issue #276: Local ‘North Pole’ Magic, Heroic Owl Rescue, Florida Court Verdict & USF Bulls’ Epic Victory
12/26/2024
Ted Grellner
26 Dec
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Local News
— Land O’ Lakes Resident Creates Magical ‘North Pole Experience’ for the Community
Of Interest
— Minnesota Woman Rescues Two Owls in One Day, Including a Snowy Owl from Car Grille
Crime
— Florida Woman Convicted in Targeted Attacks on Pro-Life Clinics
Sports
— USF Bulls Triumph in Record-Breaking Five-Overtime Hawai’i Bowl Thriller
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Land O’ Lakes Resident Creates Magical ‘North Pole Experience’ for the Community
For the second year, Greg Mueller has transformed his Land O’ Lakes home at 3552 Ballastone Drive into the North Pole Experience, an immersive holiday display featuring animated sets, themed lights, music, scavenger hunts, and even artificial snow—all free of charge.
Mueller, inspired by his late mother’s love for Christmas decorations, spends nearly the entire year planning and building the display with help from his wife, Ale, and supportive neighbors. Visitors are welcomed with hot chocolate, cookies, and festive cheer every Thursday through Sunday, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
“This is about giving, not collecting,” Mueller said, honoring his mother’s wish never to charge for the experience.
The event has become a beloved local tradition, drawing families who delight in the magic of the season. Plans are already underway for an even bigger display next year.
For updates, visit the North Pole Experience Facebook page.
Minnesota Woman Rescues Two Owls in One Day, Including a Snowy Owl from Car Grille
In an extraordinary day of wildlife rescues, Annabell Whelan, a 22-year-old guest experience manager at Lake Superior Zoo, saved two injured owls in northeastern Minnesota.
On Monday, Whelan first rescued a great gray owl she found injured in Two Harbors, carefully wrapping it in a blanket and transporting it to Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Hours later, she encountered a snowy owl lodged in the grille of a car in Duluth.
With Wildwoods closed for the night, Whelan crated the snowy owl—affectionately named Nowl (a play on Noel)—and kept her in a dark, quiet room overnight. The next morning, Nowl was taken to Wildwoods for treatment before being transferred to the University of Minnesota's Raptor Center.
Wildlife experts advise anyone encountering injured animals to stay calm, move them to a safe, quiet space, and seek professional help.
Whelan’s dedication highlights the power of compassion and quick thinking in saving wildlife.
Florida Woman Convicted in Targeted Attacks on Pro-Life Clinics
Gabriella Oropesa of Cooper City, Florida, has been convicted for her role in vandalizing pro-life pregnancy centers across the state between May and July 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Oropesa and three accomplices—Caleb Freestone, Amber Stewart-Smith, and Annarella Rivera—targeted the facilities at night, wearing masks to conceal their identities. They spray-painted threats like “YOUR TIME IS UP!!”, “WE’RE COMING for U”, and “If abortions aren’t safe than niether [sic] are you” on clinic walls.
The DOJ highlighted the FACE Act, which protects access to reproductive health services, including alternatives to abortion. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke reaffirmed the DOJ's commitment to preventing intimidation and threats.
Oropesa faces up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for March 19, 2025. Her co-conspirators have already pleaded guilty.
The FBI Tampa Field Office led the investigation with local law enforcement assistance.
USF Bulls Triumph in Record-Breaking Five-Overtime Hawai’i Bowl Thriller
In a game for the ages, the USF Bulls (7-6) defeated the San Jose State Spartans (7-6) in an exhilarating 41-39 five-overtime victory at the Hawai’i Bowl. The clash, now the longest bowl game in history, ended in dramatic fashion when Bryce Archie connected with Keshaun Singleton for a three-yard score, followed by Mac Harris breaking up San Jose State’s final attempt in the end zone.
Key performances included Sean Atkins, who became USF’s all-time leading receiver with 2,167 career yards after an 11-catch, 104-yard night. John Cannon was clutch, hitting a 41-yard game-tying field goal with two seconds left in regulation. Ta’Ron Keith’s 93-yard kickoff return touchdown also provided a pivotal highlight.
Coach Alex Golesh praised his team’s resilience, emphasizing their determination to "keep swinging." The victory not only capped a season of highs and lows but also set a promising tone for next year. For the Bulls, the night in Honolulu was not just a win—it was pure paradise.
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TampaMagazines.com: Tampa Bay’s Best Holiday Events
Top Things to do in Tampa Bay & Wesley Chapel
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Things to Do Brought to You By:
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Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
The Arts
- USF College of the Arts
- USF Steinway Piano Concert Series
Theater
-NTPAC - New Tampa Performing Arts Center
- New Tampa Players
- USF School of Theatre & Dance
- Wesley Chapel Theater Group
- Carrollwood Players Theatre
Misc
For Kids (Nov-Dec)
- Fun4TampaKids
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