Issue #399: AI Predicts Hurricanes 15 Days Out | Florida’s 988 Use Lags | Inside a Chef’s Fridge | Lightning to Olympics

6/17/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
17 Jun

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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar - FIXED

— New AI Hurricane Tool Offers 15-Day Predictions With Promising Accuracy

Local News

— 988 Hotline Use in Florida Lags Behind National Average

Of Interest

— The Gut-Smart Fridge of a Chef With IBD

Sports

— Lightning’s Elite: Five Named to 2026 Olympic Hockey Rosters

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New AI Hurricane Tool Offers 15-Day Predictions With Promising Accuracy

Google has launched a new AI-powered tropical cyclone model designed to enhance hurricane forecasting this season. Integrated into the WeatherNext model suite from DeepMind and Google Research, the tool can predict a storm’s formation, track, intensity, size, and structure—up to 15 days in advance with 50 potential scenarios.

Unlike traditional physics-based models like the GFS or ECMWF, which rely on equations and current atmospheric data, Google’s AI is trained on historical reanalysis data and storm metrics from nearly 5,000 past cyclones spanning 45 years. Internal testing showed Google’s model was, on average, 140 km more accurate in 5-day track forecasts than top global models.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) will begin using this tool experimentally in 2025, combining it with conventional forecasts. While promising, Google emphasizes that this model is not yet official and should complement—not replace—NHC warnings and local guidance.

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988 Hotline Use in Florida Lags Behind
National Average

Florida ranks 49th nationwide in use of the 988 suicide and mental health crisis line, with just 15.6 contacts per 1,000 people in 2024, new research from JAMA Network Open shows. Only Delaware (12.5) and Alabama (14.4) posted lower usage rates. In contrast, Alaska (45.3), Vermont (40.2), and New York (38.8) led the nation in per-capita use.

The 988 hotline, launched in 2022, has fielded over 16.3 million calls, texts, and chats nationwide, offering an accessible alternative to hospital emergency rooms for those in crisis. Researchers note that the national average in 2024 was 23.7 contacts per 1,000 people, far below the rate of adult ER visits for mental health issues.

Experts see the low usage in Florida as a missed opportunity and call for better public education and accessibility, especially given that 988 is a free, confidential, and immediate resource for mental health support.

The Gut-Smart Fridge of a Chef With IBD

After being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) at 21, chef Abigail VanHoose transformed her cooking to support her health without sacrificing flavor. Now 31, she shares gut-friendly staples she always keeps in her fridge to minimize flares and maximize nutrition.

VanHoose opts for separated coconut cream over dairy, using it in smoothies, soups, and coffee. Frozen green beans offer an easy, fiber-rich veggie option, while R.W. Knudsen’s apple juice adds natural sweetness to sauces and condiments without added sugars or preservatives. Pickled fruits and vegetables, like dill pickles and peaches, deliver probiotics and a softer texture easier on digestion.

Her fridge also holds cauliflower for homemade grain-free rice, eggs for protein-rich, easy meals, and mushrooms—a prebiotic she loves to caramelize in cast iron. Through her blog, VanHoose empowers others with IBD to embrace anti-inflammatory, accessible, and satisfying cooking.

Foods to Avoid with Ulcerative Colitis

During ulcerative colitis flare-ups, certain foods can irritate the gut and worsen symptoms. Common triggers include high-fiber vegetables (like broccoli, cabbage, and corn), raw fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains—all of which can be hard to digest. Fatty or fried foods, spicy dishes, and processed snacks may also increase inflammation. Dairy products can be problematic, especially for those with lactose intolerance. Caffeine, alcohol, and sugar substitutes like sorbitol or xylitol can stimulate the bowels or cause diarrhea. While individual triggers vary, it’s helpful to keep a food diary to identify personal sensitivities.

During flares, opt for bland, low-fiber options like white rice, cooked carrots, lean proteins, and non-dairy alternatives. Always consult a healthcare provider or dietitian before making dietary changes.

Lightning’s Elite: Five Named to 2026 Olympic Hockey Rosters

Lightning captain Victor Hedman will finally debut in the Winter Olympics, as Sweden names him to its preliminary 2026 roster. After 17 NHL seasons, Hedman—34—has competed in 10 international tournaments but missed the Olympics due to Sweden sitting NHL players out in 2022.

In February, Hedman led Sweden in the inaugural 4 Nations Faceoff, a showcase that helped pave the way for NHL players’ return to the Olympics. That event, won by Canada under Lightning coach Jon Cooper, featured intense US‑Canada matchups.

Also selected: Zemgus Girgensons (31) for Latvia—who appeared in Sochi 2014—along with three Lightning teammates earning their Olympic debuts: Brayden Point (Canada, 29), Erik Cernak (Slovakia, 28), and Oliver Bjorkstrand (Denmark, 30). The Winter Games run from Feb 11–22, 2026, culminating in the gold‑medal match in Milan.

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