Issue #476: Winter Village Returns | SR 52 Sees Wawa Growth | Bucs Battle Back | Battery Safety Alert | Ballet Shines in Tampa Bay

10/13/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
13 Oct

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
USAF Retired


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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar 

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Local News

— Snowflakes, Skates & Small Biz: Winter Village Returns Nov. 21

— Wawa Joins the Surge of Development Along SR 52 Near I-75

Of Interest

— Fire Officials Urge Caution with Lithium-Ion Batteries at Home and in Transit

The Arts

— Coastal Ballet Brings Classical Dance Center Stage in Tampa Bay

Sports

— Down but Not Out: Banged-Up Bucs Beat 49ers


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Snowflakes, Skates & Small Biz: Winter Village Returns Nov. 21

Downtown Tampa’s favorite holiday event is back. Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park returns November 21 through January 4, bringing festive fun, ice skating, and a marketplace of 70+ local vendors to the waterfront.

This year marks the event’s 10th anniversary, and organizers are going big. New features include a Winter Village Time Capsule, expanded River of Lights boat tours, and two curling lanes for visitors to enjoy.

The real ice skating rink, under a glowing tent, remains the heart of the celebration. Tickets are $17 for 75-minute sessions.

Other highlights include the Winter Village Express train ride, live ice shows, and themed nights like Grinchmas, trivia, and silent disco Fridays.

To promote inclusivity, new features like a Sensory Relief Zone, ADA-friendly paths, and multilingual signage have been added.

More info and tickets available at WinterVillageTampa.com.

Wawa Joins the Surge of Development Along SR 52 Near I-75

Pasco County continues to grow, with plans now submitted for a new Wawa gas station and convenience store along State Road 52, just east of I-75 and near the Double Branch development.

According to county filings, the new location will feature multiple fueling stations, ample parking, and Wawa’s signature convenience market. The site is strategically positioned to serve residents in Double Branch, Epperson, and Mirada, plus travelers on SR 52 and I-75.

This project reflects the rapid commercial and residential expansion across northeast Pasco, fueled by major infrastructure improvements and housing growth.

The application is in its early stages and includes plans for utility coordination and traffic studies. No timeline for construction has been announced.

If approved, the new Wawa would join several others already open in Wesley Chapel and Central Pasco.

Fire Officials Urge Caution with Lithium-Ion Batteries at Home and in Transit

As the holiday travel season approaches, fire safety experts are urging travelers to handle rechargeable batteries—like those in phones, laptops, and e-cigarettes—with care.

Do not pack these devices in checked luggage, warns Michael McLeier, President of ESCAPE Inc. “The battery pack could overheat and start a fire,” he says.

If you must check a device, follow airline instructions to prevent contact with other batteries or metals.

Another key tip: buy batteries only from trusted brands with certified safety seals (UL, FM Global). Poor-quality batteries increase fire risks.

Never throw lithium-ion batteries in regular trash. They should be taken to an approved recycling center or your local fire department to avoid potential fires at recycling facilities.

At home, experts also stress having working smoke alarms on every floor and near sleeping areas.

Safe packing could mean the difference between peace of mind and a dangerous holiday.

Coastal Ballet Brings Classical Dance Center Stage
in Tampa Bay

Longtime dancers Lauren Birnbaum and Heather Ossola have launched the Coastal Ballet of Florida, the only professional classical ballet company based in the Bay area.

Their mission: make ballet more accessible and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the artform in the region.

For dancer Hannah Dragan, performing with the company is a dream realized. “It makes my little girl heart happy,” she said.

The company will debut its first full season on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo with Modern Motions and Romantic Reveries — a program combining classical and neo-classical ballet.

The show features Les Sylphides, a plotless romantic ballet, and a new work by Birnbaum filled with emotion, humor, and depth.

Coastal Ballet’s founders hope to inspire and enchant audiences, while building long-term support for ballet in the Tampa Bay area.

Down but Not Out: Banged-Up Bucs Beat 49ers

Despite losing all starting skill players mid-game, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pulled off a 30–19 win over the San Francisco 49ers in what may be their most complete game of the season.

The Bucs defense made an early statement with an interception that led to a Rachaad White touchdown. Rookie Sean Tucker added another on the ground, and Tez Johnson hauled in a spectacular 45-yard TD from Baker Mayfield.

The 49ers struggled to find the end zone, settling for field goals while Tampa’s defense forced three turnovers, including a late-game pick by Jamel Dean to seal the win.

Though kicker Chase McLaughlin missed a key field goal, the Bucs ran down the clock and tacked on three more to end the game.

With this win, the Bucs move to 5–1 and show they’re real contenders in the NFC, regardless of who's on the field.

What’s New In Tampa Bay
Oct 2025
Source: tampamagazines.com

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