Issue #337: AI’s Impact on Business, Facebook Scams, & a $1.2M Truck Scheme

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

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WEATHER

Local News

— USF Forum Explores AI’s Potential and Pitfalls in Business and Security

Crime

— Facebook Scammers Are Stealing Data – Here’s How to Protect Yourself

— Tampa Man Stole and Rebranded $1.2M in Dump Trucks, Deputies Say

Of Interest

— Left-Handed Golfers Gather for 89th Annual National Tournament

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USF Forum Explores AI’s Potential and Pitfalls in Business and Security

At the 2nd Annual USF International Business Forum on March 13, industry leaders discussed the transformative impact of AI—both its benefits and its risks. AI is revolutionizing fields like healthcare, finance, and supply chain management, but it also raises cybersecurity concerns, including deepfakes and AI-powered cyberattacks.

Keynote speaker Gayle Sheppard, a USF alum and tech executive, described AI as a “game changer” for economic growth and sustainability. Tampa General Hospital’s Nishit Patel highlighted AI’s life-saving impact, noting how it has helped reduce sepsis mortality rates from 18% to under 7%. Meanwhile, Raymond James’ Stuart Feld warned that over 1 billion cyberattacks hit their platform annually, underscoring AI’s dual role in both security and risk.

The forum followed USF’s announcement of a $40 million gift to establish the Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity, and Computing, the first U.S. college dedicated to this field. As AI continues to evolve, experts emphasized the importance of education, regulation, and ethical development to maximize its benefits while minimizing threats.

Read More: usf.edu — long but very interesting article

Facebook Scammers Are Stealing Data – Here’s How to Protect Yourself

With online scams increasing, Facebook has become a major tool for fraudsters. According to the FBI’s 2023 Internet Crime Report, phishing—where scammers trick victims into revealing sensitive data—was the most reported crime.

Kentucky real estate agent Devin Todd Ramsey has seen this firsthand. After selling a property, she discovered scammers had stolen her listing photos and advertised the home as a rental. “Absolutely infuriating,” she said. Scammers often target vacant properties, post fake job listings, or impersonate trusted individuals to deceive victims.

One Facebook job scam promised $20-$40 per hour but lacked an employer name and directed applicants to a private message—classic red flags. Recognizing this, Ramsey took action and created a legitimate local job board to protect her community.

How to Spot a Facebook Scam:

• Strangers or celebrities asking for money

• Urgent messages claiming your account is at risk

• Poor spelling, grammar, or missing profile details

• Requests to continue conversations off Facebook

You can report scams via the Better Business Bureau or Facebook’s security resources. Stay vigilant!

Read More: abcactionnews.com

Tampa Man Stole and Rebranded $1.2M in Dump Trucks, Deputies Say

A Tampa man has been arrested for stealing eight dump trucks worth $1.2 million and rebranding them with a local company’s logos, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were investigating a stolen truck from Duval County when they discovered 40-year-old Olansy Marrero altering vehicle identification numbers (VINs) at a business on Hubert Avenue in Tampa. After obtaining a search warrant, authorities found seven additional stolen dump trucks on the property, all taken between 2023 and 2025. The trucks had been stolen from multiple Florida counties—including Hillsborough, Duval, Collier, Lee, and Palm Beach—as well as Georgia and South Carolina.

“These thefts didn’t just hurt business owners, but also impacted families, employees, and construction projects,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.

Marrero faces grand theft and criminal mischief charges as the investigation continues.

Source: wfla.com

Left-Handed Golfers Gather for 89th Annual National Tournament

Left-handed golfers may be a rare sight on the course, but they’ve had their own national tournament for nearly nine decades. The National Association of Left-Handed Golfers (NALG), founded in 1936, hosted its 89th annual tournament this week at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Florida.

“There aren’t many of us,” said NALG member Alan Welch, noting that only about 8% of golfers play left-handed. Historically, lefties have struggled to find equipment, though availability has improved in recent years. However, new club models still tend to release later for left-handers than for right-handers.

The NALG has about 200 members nationwide, and its tournaments are open to all ages and skill levels. Beyond competition, the league fosters lasting friendships. “We look forward to seeing each other every year,” said Jim Mason, a longtime member.

Lefties remain rare on the PGA Tour, with only 18 left-handed winners in history—Phil Mickelson leads the pack with 45 victories.

Next stop for the NALG: New Mexico, May 7-9.

Read More: abcactionnews.com

One of the most unusual and little-known golf tournaments is the "Flogton Open", a competition designed specifically for "non-traditional" golfers—and yes, that's "Not Golf" spelled backward!

This experimental event eliminates many of golf’s strict rules, allowing players to use high-tech, non-conforming clubs, take mulligans without penalty, and even use “magnetic” balls that self-correct flight paths. The idea is to make golf more fun and accessible to casual players who struggle with the game’s usual precision demands.

While traditional golf purists scoff at it, some believe this could be the future of golf for amateurs, helping grow the sport among new audiences. The Flogton movement even has supporters in Silicon Valley, where tech entrepreneurs are working on AI-powered clubs to further enhance play.

Would you ever try a rule-breaking version of golf like this? ⛳

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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

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

For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids

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