Issue #335: Join Veterans in Service, House Hunters in Tampa, & Rays’ Rule 5 Gem

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

WEATHER

Local News

— Veterans Needed: Join The Mission Continues for Community Service in Tampa

Business News

— Tampa Realtor Robert O’Connor Showcases Florida’s Market on HGTV’s House Hunters

Medical News

— Experts Say Keto is Here to Stay Despite Ongoing Controversy

Sports

— Rays’ Rule 5 Pick Mike Vasil Shuts Down Mets in Spring Win

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:

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Veterans Needed: Join The Mission Continues for Community Service in Tampa

The Mission Continues, a national veteran service organization, is calling on veterans to volunteer for community projects in Tampa during its ninth annual Mass Deployment.

From June 20 to June 24, hundreds of veterans will work on projects aimed at improving under-resourced communities in the Tampa Bay area. This initiative provides a unique opportunity for veterans to give back, build connections, and make a lasting impact.

How to Get Involved:
✅ Who: Veterans looking to serve their community
✅ When: June 20–24, 2025
✅ Deadline to Apply: Friday, March 21
✅ How to Apply: Visit MissionContinues.org/Operation-Tampa-Bay-Blitz

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this powerful mission of service and leadership!

Read More: abcactionnews.com 

Tampa Realtor Robert O’Connor Showcases Florida’s Market on HGTV’s House Hunters

Tampa’s booming real estate market took the national spotlight as Robert O’Connor, founder of Patriot Home Group by SERHANT., guided a California couple on their search for the perfect Florida home on HGTV’s House Hunters.

The episode, “A Cinderella Story in Tampa,” followed Melissa and James, who relocated from California for a better lifestyle and lower cost of living. They sought a luxurious waterfront home that balanced Melissa’s love for modern elegance and James’ preference for rustic charm—all within a budget of $800K to $1.2M.

Their search reflected a growing trend of Californians moving to Tampa for affordability, coastal living, and investment opportunities. O’Connor helped them secure a stunning waterfront property that met their lifestyle and financial goals.

“This was more than just a home search—it was a chance to showcase Tampa’s incredible real estate market,” said O’Connor.

Catch the episode on HGTV On Demand or during re-airings on April 7 at 10 PM and April 8 at 1 AM.

Experts Say Keto is Here to Stay Despite
Ongoing Controversy

A new study in Nutrients dispels common myths about low-carb and ketogenic (keto) diets, confirming their effectiveness in managing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

With over 90% of American adults affected by cardiometabolic conditions, dietary interventions are critical. Thousands of clinical trials support the benefits of carb restriction, with organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) recognizing its potential for weight loss, better blood sugar control, and improved heart health.

While concerns remain—such as the “keto flu” or potential effects on cholesterol—experts note these issues are either temporary or not strongly linked to long-term health risks. Studies also dispute claims that red meat and saturated fat contribute to chronic disease.

With strong adherence rates, affordability, and sustainability, keto remains a viable option for those seeking a science-backed approach to metabolic health.

Read More: news-medical.net — great article

Rays’ Rule 5 Pick Mike Vasil Shuts Down Mets
in Spring Win

Mike Vasil gave the New York Mets a glimpse of what they might have lost on Monday, throwing three shutout innings in the Tampa Bay Rays’ 2-0 victory in Port St. Lucie.

Vasil, a Rule 5 draft pick from the Mets in December, is competing for a spot on the Rays’ 26-man roster. If he doesn’t make the cut, Tampa Bay must offer him back to New York. The right-hander struggled with control in Triple-A last season, posting an 8-10 record with a 6.04 ERA, but he impressed Monday with two-hit, scoreless pitching despite allowing three walks.

Game Highlights:
✅ Josh Lowe is heating up before Opening Day, going 4-for-6 with two homers over the Rays' road trip.
✅ Eric Orze, another former Met, continued his strong spring with a 1.42 ERA in 6 1/3 innings.
✅ Jose Siri struggled, striking out four times against Tampa Bay.

The Rays face the Pirates on Wednesday at 1:05 PM in Port Charlotte.

Read More: tampabay.com

One astonishing but little-known fact about the MLB Rule 5 Draft is that it played a crucial role in the career of Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente—but in a controversial way.

In 1954, the Brooklyn Dodgers tried to hide Clemente in their minor league system, deliberately limiting his playing time with their Triple-A affiliate in Montreal. Their goal was to prevent other teams from noticing his talent so he wouldn’t be selected in the Rule 5 Draft. However, the Pittsburgh Pirates saw through the deception and drafted him anyway.

Clemente went on to have an iconic 18-year career with the Pirates, collecting 3,000 hits, 12 Gold Gloves, and two World Series titles, forever changing baseball history.

This sneaky tactic—“stashing” a player to avoid Rule 5 selection—is still attempted today, though MLB teams are much better at scouting hidden talent.

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Spring Concerts Coming to Tampa Bay Area

Source: suncoastpost.com

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

Source: cltampa.com

Top Things to do Around Tampa & WC
3/20 - 3/26
Source: tampabeacon.com

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

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