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- Issue #308: 89 Sick on Radiance of the Seas | Tampa Shelter Dogs Get a Helping Hand | USF Honors Late Coach
Issue #308: 89 Sick on Radiance of the Seas | Tampa Shelter Dogs Get a Helping Hand | USF Honors Late Coach
2/10/2025
Ted Grellner
10 Feb
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Local News
— 89 Sick as Norovirus Hits Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas
— Chicago Duo Runs with Tampa Shelter Dogs to Help Find Them Homes
OMG!
— Rising Opioid Deaths Among Tampa Bay Seniors Spur Action
Sports
— USF Honors Late Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim with Emotional Double OT Win
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89 Sick as Norovirus Hits Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas
Passengers disembarked from Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas this weekend after a norovirus outbreak left 89 people sick.
Among those on board were Donna and Bob Cox, who, despite the outbreak, remained healthy. "It’s kind of scary, but we just tried to be careful and wash our hands a lot," said Donna.
Fellow passenger Amy Barker recalled meeting several people who fell ill. "Some were sick for six hours, some for longer, but the crew did a great job handling it," she said.
The Feb. 1 sailing included stops in Mexico, Honduras, and Belize. Some passengers and crew were isolated due to the outbreak, while the cruise line implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures.
Dr. Daniel Haight of Lakeland Regional Health noted that norovirus spreads easily in crowded settings, as it can survive stomach acid and linger on surfaces.
The CDC is investigating the cause, and stool samples from sick passengers have been collected for testing.
Chicago Duo Runs with Tampa Shelter Dogs to Help Find Them Homes
A pair of social media stars known as “The Dog Guys” are on a mission to help shelter dogs get adopted—one run at a time.
Eric Noxon and Joey Masloski, runners from Chicago, travel to shelters nationwide, taking dogs out for jogs and sharing their stories online. Their latest stop: Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center in Tampa.
“We’re about to take Nimbus for a quick jog,” Eric said, highlighting how exercise and social media exposure make shelter dogs more appealing to adopters. Some dogs they’ve featured have been adopted the same day.
With nearly 200 dogs still waiting for homes, shelter staff appreciate the help. “They need to get out of here,” said Chelsea Waldeck.
For Eric and Joey, it’s about more than just running—it’s about changing lives. They follow up with shelters to see when the dogs find their forever homes.
Rising Opioid Deaths Among Tampa Bay Seniors Spur Action
New data from the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and FDLE reveals a troubling trend: opioid overdose deaths among seniors in Tampa Bay are rising. According to Live Tampa Bay, seniors are the second-largest age group affected, trailing only those aged 35-54.
"The persistence of people 65 and older dying is unique to our area," said Jennifer Webb, CEO of Live Tampa Bay. She stressed the need for targeted programs to understand and address the crisis.
To combat this, Hillsborough County’s Health Care Services is calling for program submissions, offering $25 million in funding from a class-action opioid settlement. These funds will support education, prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.
"We need to reduce the stigma," said Kevin Wagner, county director of health care services, who lost his stepsister to an opioid overdose. Live Tampa Bay plans to apply, viewing this funding as a vital lifeline for the community.
USF Honors Late Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim with Emotional Double OT Win
This one was for Coach Abdur-Rahim.
In a gritty, double-overtime battle, the USF Bulls defeated Temple in a game their late head coach would have loved. But the night was about more than basketball—it was about honoring Amir Abdur-Rahim’s lasting impact.
The American Athletic Conference (AAC) recognized Abdur-Rahim as its honorary Coach of the Year, presenting the award to his family. In addition, they donated $15,000 to the Future Foundation, his contracted bonus for the award.
“He had a short-term permanent impact,” said AAC Commissioner Tim Pernetti.
To ensure his legacy endures, the AAC announced the annual Amir Abdur-Rahim Sportsmanship Award, recognizing a player who exemplifies fair play and leadership.
His presence is still felt at USF—in the student section named after him, in the "Love Wins" t-shirts, and in the Bulls’ determined play. He gave the program pride, vision, and belief—and they continue to honor him on and off the court.
There have been several shocking cases of college coaches passing away prematurely, often under unexpected or tragic circumstances. Here are a few that stand out:
Skip Prosser (Wake Forest Basketball Coach – 2007)
Cause of Death: Heart attack at age 56
Astonishing Fact: Just hours before his fatal heart attack, Prosser had finished a routine jog and was in good spirits. His death was completely unexpected, as he had no known severe health issues.
Randy Walker (Northwestern Football Coach – 2006)
Cause of Death: Sudden heart attack at 52
Astonishing Fact: Despite being a fitness enthusiast and seemingly healthy, Walker had an undiagnosed heart condition (idiopathic cardiomyopathy). He had shown no clear warning signs leading up to his death.
Don James (Washington Football Coach – 2013)
Cause of Death: Pancreatic cancer, diagnosed just weeks before his passing.
Astonishing Fact: James, one of the most successful coaches in Washington’s history, was given a clean bill of health just months before his diagnosis. His rapid decline shocked the college football world.
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25 Biggest Music & Comedy Acts Coming to Tampa Bay
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