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- Issue #435: Hillsborough’s Hurricane Takeaways • Rees Jones Transforms Saddlebrook • Tunnel to Towers Tribute • Heat & Heart Danger
Issue #435: Hillsborough’s Hurricane Takeaways • Rees Jones Transforms Saddlebrook • Tunnel to Towers Tribute • Heat & Heart Danger
8/14/2025
Ted Grellner
14 Aug
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
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Local News
— What Hillsborough Must Learn from 2024’s Hurricane Devastation
— Rees Jones Revamps Saddlebrook into 27-Hole Championship Experience
Of Interest
— Tunnel to Towers Welcomes Tampa Hero Home
Medical News
— Tulane Study: Humid Heat Boosts Heart Risk by 6x
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What Hillsborough Must Learn from 2024’s Hurricane Devastation
A new Black and Veatch report reveals how Hillsborough County’s flood infrastructure failed during the historic 2024 hurricane season, which saw more than $2.4 billion in damage. The back-to-back impacts from hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton overwhelmed stormwater systems, with Milton alone dumping 16 inches of rain in one day.
Despite past investments, the report warns that outdated infrastructure, rapid development, and more intense weather patterns are exposing vulnerabilities. Rainfall last year hit record highs—80 inches total, with 32 inches falling in just three months.
While Tampa and Hillsborough are committing millions in upgrades, a $26 million annual funding gap remains. The report urges immediate and long-term investment, especially as the county develops its 2026 budget and prepares to use part of a $709 million federal grant.
Most crucially, officials must rethink land development policies to manage flood risk as climate extremes intensify.
Rees Jones Revamps Saddlebrook into 27-Hole Championship Experience
Rees Jones is leading a bold transformation of Florida’s Saddlebrook Resort, converting its original 36 holes into a versatile 27-hole layout. Located in Wesley Chapel, just north of Tampa, the course overhaul combines legacy elements from the Arnold Palmer-designed tracks with modern design and infrastructure.
The new routing will feature three nine-hole layouts—Pine, Oak, and Cypress—each designed to rotate in daily combinations to form three distinct 18-hole challenges. The renovation began in late 2024, incorporating six holes from the original Palmer Course and relocating the driving range for better accessibility.
Upgraded practice facilities now span 13 acres, including a 360-yard double-sided range, TifEagle putting greens, and short game zones. Jones is rebuilding all green complexes to USGA specs, reshaping bunkers, and installing advanced irrigation and drainage for long-term sustainability.
Cypress is currently open, with Oak debuting in late 2025 and Pine set for January 2026.
Tunnel to Towers Welcomes Tampa Hero Home
Retired Tampa Master Police Officer Christopher LaFramboise became the first local first responder to receive a mortgage-free home in the Let Us Do Good Village in Land O’ Lakes, courtesy of the nonprofit Tunnel to Towers. After suffering three debilitating strokes on duty, LaFramboise was forced to medically retire after 29 years of service with both Pasco and Tampa law enforcement.
On August 7, he and his family were welcomed into their ADA-compliant smart home, becoming the 19th family to move into the growing village for injured first responders, veterans, and Gold Star families. The home features safety-driven technology tailored to LaFramboise’s needs.
From growing up in Temple Terrace to serving Tampa's toughest neighborhoods, LaFramboise's journey has come full circle. Now surrounded by fellow heroes and supportive neighbors, he reflects: “I’m blessed. I’m humbled. I’m happy.”
Tulane Study: Humid Heat Boosts Heart Risk by 6x
A new Tulane University study has found that extreme heat combined with high humidity can increase heart-related emergency room visits sixfold. Published in Science of the Total Environment, the research analyzed 340,000 ER visits in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 2014 to 2019, showing a 26.7% rise in heart emergencies on humid days above 82% relative humidity.
While high heat alone caused an 8% rise in risk, humidity dramatically compounded the danger by limiting sweat evaporation, the body’s main cooling mechanism. The effect was consistent across age and gender.
Lead author Mostafijur Rahman warns that the findings are critical for developing nations lacking widespread air conditioning. As global temperatures rise, the study urges public health policies that consider heat and humidity together.
Practical advice includes staying hydrated, seeking shade or air-conditioned spaces, and adjusting behavior during dangerous weather conditions.
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