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- Issue #484: Tampa Traffic Turns Violent | Ghoul of Yesteryear Returns | New Halloween Tradition & Internet’s Favorite Dog
Issue #484: Tampa Traffic Turns Violent | Ghoul of Yesteryear Returns | New Halloween Tradition & Internet’s Favorite Dog
10/23/2025
Ted Grellner
23 Oct
Keep your finger on the Pulse!
GOOD MORNING
Dr Ted
USAF Retired
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THIS WEEK: n/a
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
—> Feel free to post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its easy to do.
Local News
— Tampa Man Crashes Cars, Opens Fire on Driver in Morning Commute Chaos
— Dr. Paul Bearer Rises Again: Tampa Bay's Ghoul Gets a Second Life
Of Interest
— Velvet Drinks & Ghostly Glamour: Tampa’s New Halloween Tradition Begins
— Tampa’s Smiling Weiner Dog Wins the Internet’s Heart
Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:
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Tampa Man Crashes Cars, Opens Fire on Driver in Morning Commute Chaos
A chaotic scene unfolded near downtown Tampa Wednesday morning when a man crashed into multiple vehicles and fired a gun after exiting the Selmon Expressway.
Police say 34-year-old Kevin Arriola drove erratically down the westbound ramp to E. Kennedy Blvd around 8 a.m., striking several cars. He then allegedly exited his gray 2010 Mazda 3, pulled out a firearm, and opened fire on a red Chrysler 300.
Despite at least 10 shots being fired, no serious injuries were reported.
The suspect was quickly located nearby by Hillsborough County deputies and handed over to Tampa police, who have charged him with first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery, and other felony firearm offenses.
Witnesses described the event as terrifying and said it was a “miracle” no one was killed.
TPD no longer considers it a road rage incident.
Dr. Paul Bearer Rises Again: Tampa Bay's Ghoul Gets a Second Life
Three decades after the death of horror host Dick Bennick, a new actor is breathing eerie new life into Tampa Bay’s beloved fright-night icon — Dr. Paul Bearer.
Richard Koon, a Halloween enthusiast from Winter Haven, now dons the doctor’s trademark grim makeup and ghoulish voice, carrying on the tradition of Creature Feature, the cult Saturday afternoon TV show that once aired on Channel 44. Koon grew up watching Bennick’s campy horror movie antics and eventually got the blessing of Bennick’s widow to resurrect the character.
Behind the camera is Michelle LaRose, who directs, edits, and promotes the revived version airing on the Nostalgia Network (NOST). Together, they’ve rebuilt the show's eerie charm — complete with parody props, puns, and black humor.
Though some fans resist the revival, Koon sees his work as homage, not imitation.
“When I’m Dr. Paul Bearer, I don’t have the problems that Richard has. It’s a vacation from myself.”
Read More: tampabay.com — if you can, check out the photos!
Velvet Drinks & Ghostly Glamour: Tampa’s New Halloween Tradition Begins
Water Street Tampa is casting a spell this Halloween with the debut of Whispers After Dark, a free nighttime celebration set for Wednesday, October 29, from 6–9 p.m.
This immersive experience blends art, music, and performance, transforming the district into a stylish, ghostly escape. Expect living statues, ghostly ballerinas, fire dancers, and roaming witches, plus flaming cellists and skeleton jazz artists haunting the streets.
At the heart of the event is the Spirit Walk — a ticketed tasting tour through ten curated food and drink stops at Water Street’s top dining spots. Think velvet espresso martinis, moonlit macarons, and autumnal spritzes. Tickets are already more than halfway sold out.
Whether you're wandering among the undead or savoring elevated seasonal flavors, Whispers After Dark promises a night of enchantment under the stars.
No ticket is needed to enjoy the magic — just come ready to linger, sip, and be spellbound.
Tampa’s Smiling Weiner Dog Wins the
Internet’s Heart
Bella, a 14-year-old Dachshund from Tampa, has become an unlikely viral star — all thanks to her adorably crooked smile.
Her owner, Melanie Savage, says the smirk has always been there, but it’s become more pronounced in Bella’s later years. The family suspects a missing tooth is the secret behind the grin: “Her lip just sits there where the tooth used to be,” says Savage.
Now in her senior years, Bella’s quirky charm has captured millions of hearts online, with commenters calling her the “cutest Dachshund ever.”
Despite her age, she still enjoys beach outings and stroller rides, soaking up the Florida sun.
Savage admits she never expected Bella’s face — made up of “three black dots and a little smirk” — to bring so much joy.
“She doesn’t look real,” Savage jokes. “It’s like looking at a stuffed animal that came to life.”
What’s New In Tampa Bay
Oct 2025
Source: tampamagazines.com
Top Things to do in Tampa Bay |
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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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