Issue #623: Wesley Chapel's Saddlebrook Named Florida Getaway, Riverview Hot Car Tragedy, Volunteers Needed To Test New Local Weather App

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

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WEATHER  

Local News 

— Wesley Chapel's Saddlebrook Resort Named One of Florida's Unique Getaways

OMG!

— Riverview Family Tragedy Highlights Deadly Danger of Hot Vehicles

Of Interest

— Volunteers Needed To Test a New Local Weather App

Wesley Chapel's Saddlebrook Resort Named One of Florida's Unique Getaways

Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel is gaining national attention after being featured as one of Florida's most unique resort destinations, highlighting its car-free walking village, expansive outdoor amenities and recently completed $100 million renovation.

The nearly 500-acre resort, located about 25 miles north of downtown Tampa, offers more than 450 renovated guest rooms, 41 tennis and pickleball courts, three redesigned 9-hole golf courses, scenic walking trails and a 500,000-gallon Super Pool. Guests can also enjoy an adults-only Serenity Pool, spa, multiple restaurants and abundant Florida wildlife throughout the property.

Originally developed in the 1980s, Saddlebrook's pedestrian-friendly design allows visitors to explore the resort on foot while remaining just a short drive from Tampa's attractions. Day passes are also available, giving non-guests access to the popular pool complex and other resort amenities.

Read More: islands.com

A 3-year-old boy has died after being left inside a parked vehicle at a Riverview home, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies responded around 10:40 p.m. Saturday to a residence on Emerald Shore Drive, where the child's father discovered his son unresponsive inside the vehicle. The boy was rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Sheriff Chad Chronister called the incident a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers posed by hot vehicles, noting that temperatures inside a parked car can become deadly within minutes. He urged parents and caregivers to never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even briefly.

No charges have been filed, and the death investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to determine exactly what happened. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the child's death.

Read More: wtsp.com

Volunteers Needed To Test a New Local Weather App

Have you ever looked at the weather app on your phone, seen "20% chance of rain," and still gotten drenched walking the dog?

I have.

That's why I've spent the last several months developing RainReady, a new weather app designed to answer one simple question:

"Do I need to be ready for rain?"

RainReady focuses on your immediate area rather than an entire city, giving you more precise rain timing information so you can decide whether it's a good time to:

• Walk the dog
• Play golf or pickleball
• Work in the yard
• Attend an outdoor event
• Take an evening walk
• Get to your car before the rain starts!

As a New Tampa resident, I believe our area is the perfect place to test this app. Florida's afternoon storms can appear out of nowhere making it challenging, and I want to know if RainReady can help families make better timing decisions.

I'm looking for local volunteers to use RainReady for a few weeks and provide honest feedback.

Participation is completely free.

If you're interested, simply email: [email protected]

Subject line: I'm In

Please include:

• Your name
• Mobile phone number
• Best email address
• What outdoor activities you regularly enjoy

Your feedback will help shape RainReady before its public launch.

Thank you for helping build something new for our community.

Dr. Ted Grellner
Founder, RainReady

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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