- NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
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- Issue #618: Dangerous Tampa Crosswalks, Pasco Pledge Fight, Wesley Chapel Dirty Soda, Instagram Dining Cash
Issue #618: Dangerous Tampa Crosswalks, Pasco Pledge Fight, Wesley Chapel Dirty Soda, Instagram Dining Cash
6/11/2026
Ted Grellner
11 Jun
Sponsored by
GOOD MORNING
Our little dog Pedro would appreciate any prayers to come his way to help him recover from his medical setback. Thank you!
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.
News
— Tampa Bay Named Florida’s Most Dangerous Region for Pedestrians in New Study
— Parent Files $75,000 Lawsuit Against Pasco School Board Over Pledge Dispute
— Swig Dirty Soda Chain Expanding to Fast-Growing Curley Road Corridor in Wesley Chapel
Food
— New Tampa Bay App Pays Diners to Post Food Photos on Instagram
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Tampa Bay Named Florida’s Most Dangerous Region for Pedestrians in New Study
A new national study has ranked the Tampa Bay region as the most dangerous metro area in Florida for pedestrians and the eighth most dangerous in the United States.
The report, released by Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition, found that nine of the nation’s 27 deadliest metro areas for pedestrians are located in Florida. Tampa Bay placed highest among Florida regions, ahead of areas including Orlando, Jacksonville and Miami.
Researchers reported that Florida recorded 3,726 pedestrian deaths between 2020 and 2024, giving the state one of the nation’s highest pedestrian fatality rates. Officials say dangerous road designs, heavy traffic and limited pedestrian infrastructure continue contributing to the problem.
The report also noted some progress in Orlando, where local leaders have implemented safety improvements that helped reduce pedestrian fatalities in recent years.
Parent Files $75,000 Lawsuit Against Pasco School Board Over Pledge Dispute
A Wesley Chapel mother has filed a lawsuit against the Pasco County School Board and a teacher at Wiregrass Ranch Elementary School after her son was reportedly told he could not kneel during the Pledge of Allegiance.
According to the complaint, Eugenia McDowell says her son Kaden’s constitutional rights were violated during an incident involving his classroom at the elementary school. The lawsuit claims teacher Julie Darland told the family the class was learning about citizenship, which included standing during the pledge.
McDowell argues her son should have been allowed to peacefully kneel while classmates recited the pledge, describing the school’s actions as unconstitutional.
The lawsuit seeks up to $75,000 in damages from the Pasco County School Board. The case also asks a judge to formally declare that the school and teacher acted improperly in handling the situation.
Swig Dirty Soda Chain Expanding to Fast-Growing Curley Road Corridor in Wesley Chapel
Utah-based beverage chain Swig is preparing to open a new location along Curley Road in Wesley Chapel, adding another fast-growing national brand to the booming Epperson corridor.
The company confirmed the future store at 8076 Curley Road, near Overpass Road, where construction is already underway. Swig currently lists the site as “Coming Soon,” though an official opening date has not been announced.
Known for its viral “dirty sodas,” Swig specializes in customizable drinks that combine fountain sodas with flavored syrups, fruit purees and creamy add-ins. The drive-thru concept gained national attention through TikTok and has rapidly expanded across the country.
The Wesley Chapel store will join Swig’s growing Tampa Bay footprint, which already includes two Lutz locations and a Bradenton shop. The addition reflects continued retail growth surrounding Epperson, Watergrass and nearby communities along the expanding Curley Road corridor.
New Tampa Bay App Pays Diners to Post Food Photos on Instagram
A new Tampa Bay startup is hoping to turn everyday restaurant visits into a small payday for diners willing to share photos of their meals online.
The app, Flaer, was launched earlier this year by two 21-year-old entrepreneurs connected to the University of South Florida. The platform allows restaurants to pay diners for posting food photos and videos to Instagram, with payouts typically ranging from $5 to $15 depending on social media reach and engagement.
Participating businesses purchase credits to appear inside the app, while users link their Instagram accounts and earn money when approved posts are published. The creators describe the platform as a more authentic alternative to expensive influencer marketing campaigns.
The company currently has only a handful of participating Tampa-area businesses, but early users say the payouts are legitimate as the startup continues expanding locally.
Tampa Bay Area Live Music Events | Things to Do in Tampa Bay this W/E | TB Weekend Entertainment Guide |
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May | June | May |
Source: | Source: | Source: |
Top Events | |
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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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