Issue #432: Tampa Museum Expands • Whataburger’s Comeback • Phone Scam Alert • Bucs Crush Titans

8/11/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
11 Aug

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

I’m back from attending live speaker training in Amsterdam. It was an exhausting yet rejuvenating trip in which I learned a lot. Apologize for the hiatus in the newsletter issues; there was no time to do them there. BTW the weather was 20 degrees cooler so returning to Tpa was a shocker.

Dr Ted
USAF Retired


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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar —> Feel free to post events of interest to our community; its quite easy to do.

Local News

— Tampa Museum of Art Breaks Ground on Major Expansion

— Whataburger Returns to Tampa Bay After Decades

Crime

— Tampa Police Warn Residents About New Phone Scam Tactics

Sports

— Bucs Dominate Titans 29-7 in Preseason Opener

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Tampa Museum of Art Breaks Ground on Major Expansion

The Tampa Museum of Art has begun its long-awaited 78,000-square-foot expansion, marking a significant milestone in the city’s cultural growth.

This month, crews will relocate the Tampa Dog Park at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park to make room for the new facilities. The redesigned parks—featuring separate areas for small and large dogs—are expected to open by year’s end.

The museum’s addition will feature a 150-seat auditorium, an art lounge, dining areas, a large event space, and a potential rooftop venue.

Campaign director Bill Faucett says the structure will jut out over the Hillsborough River, creating “a spectacular architectural landmark.”

Planning began in 2019, with over $100 million raised from public and private sources.

Construction will take two years, reshaping the downtown riverfront and expanding the museum’s role as a cultural hub.

Whataburger Returns to Tampa Bay After Decades

Whataburger, the beloved Texas-based burger chain, is making its first Tampa Bay-area comeback in decades.

The new location will be at 25340 Sierra Center Blvd in Wesley Chapel, in the former Aussie Grill building near State Road 54.

Permits outline a full interior and exterior remodel—fresh paint, updated wall finishes, renovated restrooms, kitchen upgrades, and refreshed lobby and dining areas. The exterior will also feature Whataburger’s signature branding.

The 75-year-old company operates more than 1,100 restaurants in 17 states, including over 45 in Florida. Wesley Chapel marks the beginning of the chain’s planned regional expansion, with several new locations set to open by 2026.

In the late ’90s and early 2000s, Tampa Bay had multiple Whataburger restaurants, but they all eventually closed. Now, the orange-and-white stripes are back to stay.

Tampa Police Warn Residents About New Phone Scam Tactics

The Tampa Police Department is alerting residents to a surge in phone scams where suspects impersonate law enforcement, banks, and other agencies.

Scam types include:

  • Emergency scams claiming a loved one was arrested or injured, demanding payment.

  • Spoofed agency numbers to appear legitimate.

  • Retail barcode scams instructing victims to scan codes at stores for payment.

  • Bank fraud impersonation urging victims to withdraw cash or surrender debit cards.

TPD advises: Never share personal or financial details with unknown callers, and don’t trust caller ID. Instead, hang up and call the agency directly to confirm.

Police stress that law enforcement will never request cash, gift cards, or barcode payments, and banks will not send someone to collect money or cards.

Suspicious calls can be reported to 813-231-6130.

Bucs Dominate Titans 29-7 in Preseason Opener

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicked off the preseason with a 29-7 win over the Tennessee Titans at Raymond James Stadium, fueled by strong quarterback play and a ball-hawking defense.

Kyle Trask led the offense early, completing 12 of 16 passes for 129 yards, connecting often with Ryan Miller (5 catches, 63 yards). Sean Tucker capped a 17-play drive with a short touchdown, and Chase McLaughlin added two first-half field goals for a 13-7 halftime lead.

The defense shined with three interceptions, including a 39-yard pick-six by Roman Parodie in the closing minutes. Nick Jackson recorded a sack and an interception, while rookie Jacob Parrish impressed with tight coverage.

Owen Wright led the ground game with 87 yards and a touchdown, sealing the victory in the fourth quarter.

Reader Comments

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