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- Issue #480: $125M ZooTampa Expansion, Where to Trot This Thanksgiving, Haunts Near You & Bucs Rookie Watch
Issue #480: $125M ZooTampa Expansion, Where to Trot This Thanksgiving, Haunts Near You & Bucs Rookie Watch
10/17/2025
Ted Grellner
17 Oct
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
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Local News
— ZooTampa’s $125M Plan Revives Seminole Heights
— Thanksgiving Turkey Trots 2025: Where to Run Before the Feast in Tampa Bay
Entertainment
— Ghoul Guide: Central Florida’s Best Local Haunted Attractions
Sports
— Bucs’ Rookie Elijah Roberts Emerging as Defensive Force
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ZooTampa’s $125M Plan Revives Seminole Heights
ZooTampa’s $125 million “Riverwalk North” project is transforming the Seminole Heights neighborhood, turning overlooked areas into vibrant community hubs along the Hillsborough River. The expansion connects key Tampa landmarks via a water route—from the Florida Aquarium to ZooTampa—creating a unique cultural corridor.
A city maintenance yard near Lowry Park will be revitalized into part of the zoo’s extended footprint. Local businesses like Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters and Bamboozle Heights are investing early, banking on rising foot traffic.
“This is my neighborhood,” said Lynn Pham, owner of Bamboozle Heights. “It was an easy decision to move here.”
ZooTampa now attracts visitors who travel specifically to visit the zoo, which employs over 400 people. The expanded Manatee Critical Care Center, offering 24/7 live streams, is also drawing national attention.
“Every good city deserves a great zoo,” said Mark Haney, ZooTampa’s Chief External Relations Officer. “And that’s what we’re building here.”
Thanksgiving Turkey Trots 2025: Where to Run Before the Feast in Tampa Bay
Cooler air means it’s time for Thanksgiving Turkey Trots! Whether you’re an avid runner or just looking to burn a few pre-feast calories, Tampa Bay has a race for you.
Early races kick off Nov. 8 with Trot Thru The Terrace in Temple Terrace. Then comes the St. Pete Run Fest (Nov. 14–16), a full weekend of fitness and food.
On Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27), there are over 10 races across the region, including the Tampa YMCA Turkey Gobble, Clearwater Turkey Trot, and FishHawk Turkey Trot—offering fun runs, 5Ks, 10Ks, and even virtual races. Many benefit local schools, cancer support, and food banks.
Races feature custom medals, chip-timing, fun shirts, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Some events even have costume contests and turkey selfies!
Proceeds support charities like the YMCA, First Christian Academy, and Turning Points.
Get out, give back, and gobble on!
Ghoul Guide: Central Florida’s Best Local Haunted Attractions
Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights may be Florida’s horror heavyweight, but four local haunts are delivering big scares with smaller crowds this spooky season:
🩸 SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream: Entering its 5th year, this event boasts creative scarezones, live stunts, and improved haunted houses like Widow’s Nest and Water’s Edge. But expect confusion due to poor communication and raunchy themes.
👻 Ominous Descent (Winter Haven): This long-form indoor/outdoor haunt features original monsters, intense scares, and an eerie laser-lit swamp scene. It also offers a mini escape room.
🌲 A Petrified Forest (Altamonte Springs): Three themed trails and two standout add-ons — a haunted safari-style Escape Ride and immersive live actor show — push the limits of what local haunts can offer.
🐊 Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts & Goblins: A daytime, family-friendly event with creepy creatures, themed zones, and a surprisingly theatrical walkthrough attraction.
These haunts prove you don’t need IPs to get big screams.
Bucs’ Rookie Elijah Roberts Emerging as Defensive Force
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have struck gold with fifth-round rookie Elijah Roberts, who’s stepping up big time on defense.
Originally an outside linebacker at SMU, Roberts was converted to a defensive tackle — and has quickly made waves after Calijah Kancey’s injury opened up playing time. Through six games, he’s been the NFL’s most effective rookie interior pass rusher, also ranking among the top edge rushers.
Roberts has posted 4 total tackles, 1 sack, and a TFL, while playing just over 35% of defensive snaps. He notched a sack against the 49ers in Week 6, drawing high praise from head coach Todd Bowles:
“He’s really going to be a very good football player… one of the most slept-on guys on this team.”
Working alongside Vita Vea, Roberts is gaining momentum — and will have a national spotlight Monday night when the Bucs take on the Detroit Lions in Week 7.
What’s New In Tampa Bay
Oct 2025
Source: tampamagazines.com
Top Things to do in Tampa Bay |
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🎭 Tonight in Wesley Chapel & New Tampa (& TB): Entertainment Spotlight
Date (Day) | Time | Act | Venue |
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Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
The Arts
- The Exhibiting Society of Artists (new)
- 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
- Carrollwood Center Events
- Craft Festivals (new)
- Fall (Farmer’s) Market Guide for Tampa Bay (new)
- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC
- visitflorida.com
For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids
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