Issue #328: Stay Safe from Norovirus | Tampa Bay’s Best Getaways | MLB’s Nastiest New Pitches

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

WEATHER

Local News

— Florida Hit Hard by Norovirus: How to Stay Safe from This Nasty Virus

— Getaway Guide: 5 Perfect Florida Trips from Tampa Bay

Of Interest

— Experience the Thrill of Synchronized Skating at SunCoast's Free Open House

Sports

— MLB’s 15 Nastiest New Pitches of 2025 – Who’s Throwing Heat?

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:

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Florida Hit Hard by Norovirus: How to Stay Safe from This Nasty Virus

A highly contagious norovirus strain is surging across Florida, bringing severe stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and fatigue. The virus spreads rapidly, with one infected person passing it to up to seven others.

Why Is This Outbreak Worse?

A new strain, GII.17[P17], is fueling this year’s outbreak, displacing older strains and hitting harder due to lower population immunity. Cruise ship outbreaks linked to Florida’s ports may also be driving up cases.

How to Protect Yourself:

✔ Hand sanitizer won’t help—only soap and water can kill the virus.
✔ Disinfect surfaces with bleach, as the virus can survive for weeks.
✔ Stay hydrated—Pedialyte is recommended over sports drinks.
✔ Avoid antidiarrheal medications without a doctor’s advice.
✔ You can still spread the virus for days after symptoms stop, so strict hand hygiene is crucial.

With no vaccine or antiviral treatment available yet, preventing infection is key.

Read More: tampabay.com

(Warning: May be uncomfortable to read this, but it’s important to know)

One astonishing but little-known fact about norovirus is that it can become airborne when an infected person vomits. Tiny virus particles can linger in the air and settle on surfaces, making it easier for others to inhale or ingest them, leading to infection.

This is one reason norovirus spreads so quickly in enclosed spaces like cruise ships, schools, and hospitals.

Getaway Guide: 5 Perfect Florida Trips from
Tampa Bay

No need to leave Florida for an unforgettable spring break road trip! Whether you're into history, nature, or food, these five destinations offer adventure just a drive away.

1. Winter Park

Escape Orlando’s crowds and explore Winter Park’s charming Park Avenue. Take a scenic boat tour, visit the Morse Museum’s Tiffany glass collection, and enjoy top-notch dining at The Briarpatch or The Ravenous Pig.

2. St. Augustine

Step back in time in America’s oldest city. Ride the Old Town Trolley, visit the Castillo de San Marcos, and grab cocktails at The Ice Plant. On the way, stop in Gainesville for a bite at Afternoon and a visit to The Lynx bookstore.

3. Silver Springs

Paddle the Silver River, take a Glass Bottom Boat Tour, and spot manatees. Stay overnight in Ocala and visit the World Equestrian Center for a unique equestrian experience.

4. Lakeland

Savor Lakeland’s food scene at The Joinery food hall, walk scenic Lake Mirror, and explore the 168-acre Bonnet Springs Park. End the trip with a visit to Bok Tower Gardens for its stunning Singing Tower concerts.

5. Sarasota

Enjoy the arts and nature in downtown Sarasota. Wander through Selby Gardens, visit The Ringling Museum, and dine at Kojo, Sage, or Florence and the Spice Boys for an incredible culinary experience.

Read More: tampabay.com — another great article

Experience the Thrill of Synchronized Skating at SunCoast's Free Open House

The SunCoast Figure Skating Team in Wesley Chapel, Florida, is inviting figure skaters of all levels to a free Synchronized Skating Open House at AdventHealth Center Ice on Sunday, March 16, and March 30. This is a fantastic opportunity for skaters to explore team-based figure skating, which blends artistry, athleticism, and teamwork in an exciting sport.

Participants will learn about the Aspire and IJS synchronized skating programs, with on-ice sessions and Q&A discussions scheduled throughout the event.

Event Schedule:

• Aspire Q&A: 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM

• Aspire On-Ice Session: 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

• IJS On-Ice Session: 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

• IJS Q&A: 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM

Whether you're an experienced skater or just curious, this event is a great way to discover synchronized skating in a fun and supportive team environment.

Source: ahcenterice.com

MLB’s 15 Nastiest New Pitches of 2025 – Who’s Throwing Heat?

Spring Training is all about experimentation, and 2025 is bringing some nasty new pitches from top MLB arms. From cutters to sweepers, sinkers to kick-changes, pitchers across the league are refining their arsenals to gain an edge.

Standout New Pitches This Spring:

🔹 Paul Skenes (Pirates) – Cutter: The top young pitcher in baseball adds a 91 mph cutter to his already dominant mix.
🔹 Jackson Jobe (Tigers) – Curveball: A high-spin hammer with elite movement at 83 mph.
🔹 Max Scherzer (Blue Jays) – Sinker: The future Hall of Famer adopts a heavy-moving sinker.
🔹 Dylan Cease (Padres) – Changeup: Transforms his ultra-slow changeup into an 83 mph weapon.
🔹 Joe Boyle (Rays) – Sinker: A high-velocity "splinker" to complement his 100+ mph fastball.

With Spring Breakout set for March 13-16, fans will soon see these new weapons in action!

Read More: mlb.com — a very interesting article on pitching

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25 Biggest Music & Comedy Acts Coming to Tampa Bay
& Sarasota thru March

Source: heraldtribune.com

Best Live Music in Tampa Bay
3/21 - 3/28

Source: cltampa.com

Top Things to do Around Tampa & WC
3/6 - 3/12
Source

Things to Do Brought to You By:
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

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

- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC

For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids

—> Comments are welcomed after voting

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