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- Issue #549: End of Bahama Breeze? | St. Pete’s Calming Capybaras | Facebook Rental Scam in Tampa | USF’s Top Basketball Threat
Issue #549: End of Bahama Breeze? | St. Pete’s Calming Capybaras | Facebook Rental Scam in Tampa | USF’s Top Basketball Threat
2/4/2026
Ted Grellner
04 Feb
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
Please post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its easy to do.
Local News
— Bahama Breeze to Close or Convert All Remaining Locations
Of Interest
— Meet the Giant Rodents Creating Calm in St. Petersburg
OMG!
— Scam Alert: Tampa Home Used in Fraudulent Facebook Listing
Sports
— Why Josh Omojafo Is USF Basketball’s Toughest Matchup
Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:
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Bahama Breeze to Close or Convert All
Remaining Locations
Bahama Breeze, the Caribbean-themed restaurant chain, is scaling back after nearly 30 years in business, with parent company Darden Restaurants announcing plans to close or convert its remaining locations.
Of the final 28 restaurants, 14 will close entirely by April 5, including several in Florida, while 14 others will be converted into different Darden-owned brands over the next 12 to 18 months. Converted locations will continue operating as Bahama Breeze until renovations begin.
Florida will see the biggest impact, with closures and conversions affecting Tampa, Brandon, Lutz, Orlando, and surrounding areas. Darden says the decision follows declining traffic as inflation and reduced consumer spending continue to pressure casual dining chains.
The company says its priority is supporting employees, noting many workers will be offered roles within its broader restaurant portfolio, which includes Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.
Meet the Giant Rodents Creating Calm in St. Petersburg
Capy Cove, a nonprofit sanctuary-in-progress in downtown St. Petersburg, is bringing the world’s largest rodent—the capybara—into the spotlight.
Founded by Brianna Holzerland, who owns three capybaras and holds a wildlife permit, the project aims to educate the public and offer a calming, Amazon-inspired animal experience. Visitors will eventually explore a lush grotto, where these semi-aquatic creatures can thrive.
To help fund the sanctuary, Holzerland has partnered with Kawah Coffee in Tampa for $40 capybara encounters, which include a free drink and time with the gentle animals. Proceeds support Capy Cove's construction, with hopes to open by summer.
“They’re sweet, docile—like mythical creatures,” one guest said. Capybaras can weigh up to 150 pounds and hold their breath for five minutes.
Capybara hours: Monday to Friday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Scam Alert: Tampa Home Used in Fraudulent Facebook Listing
Tampa realtor Andrea Stoll was shocked to discover her townhouse listed on Facebook as a fake rental for $1,180/month, far below its actual value.
Scammers copied her photos and listing description, then posted the fraudulent ad under a fake profile. Despite multiple reports, Facebook initially refused to remove the post, stating it didn't violate commerce policies.
"I had a pit in my stomach," Stoll said, after being alerted by a concerned caller. Frustrated by inaction, she reached out to investigative reporter Susan El Khoury, who contacted Meta. Within 24 hours, the listing was finally taken down for violating privacy standards.
Local officials urge renters to verify listings via Florida’s property appraiser website and watch for red flags like underpriced listings and unverified posters.
Stoll hopes her story raises awareness:
“Facebook must do better to protect users and stop these scams before they cause harm.”
Why Josh Omojafo Is USF Basketball’s
Toughest Matchup
Goalie Fight?!
Josh Omojafo has quietly become one of USF men’s basketball’s most valuable weapons during a critical stretch of the season.
The 6-foot-5 senior guard, a transfer from Robert Morris, brings versatility that impacts every possession. He scores (12.7 ppg), rebounds (5.4 per game), distributes (47 assists), and lives at the free-throw line, ranking among the nation’s leaders in attempts and makes.
“I like to get downhill. I like to attack,” Omojafo said—an approach that gives defenders few good options. Bigger players can’t keep up, while smaller guards struggle with his strength.
Often overshadowed by flashier teammates, Omojafo serves as the connective tissue, defending top assignments and doing whatever the team needs to win.
From overlooked recruit to NCAA Tournament contributor, his journey reflects resilience, belief, and consistency—qualities now fueling USF’s push toward postseason success.
All the Best Gasparilla Events of 2026
Source: cltampa.com
Top Events in Tampa Bay for week of |
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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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