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- Issue #632: Tampa Advances Massive Riverwalk Vision, Local Mom Leads Fentanyl Awareness, Toddler Discovered Alive In Morgue, USF Spotlights Warhol
Issue #632: Tampa Advances Massive Riverwalk Vision, Local Mom Leads Fentanyl Awareness, Toddler Discovered Alive In Morgue, USF Spotlights Warhol
7/8/2026
Ted Grellner
08 Jul
In partnership with
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.) - Out of Order
Local News
— Tampa’s Vision for a 12-Mile Riverwalk Network Gets Closer to Reality
— After Losing Her Son to Fentanyl, Tampa Mom Devotes Her Life to Saving Others
OMG!
— Toddler Pronounced Dead Found Alive Hours Later in Hospital Morgue
THE ARTS
— Beyond Pop Art: USF Showcases Andy Warhol’s Hidden Photography Collection
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Tampa’s Vision for a 12-Mile Riverwalk Network Gets Closer to Reality
Tampa’s ambitious West Riverwalk Extension is reaching a major milestone as crews install the massive support structures needed for new overwater pedestrian bridges along the Hillsborough River.
Construction teams are currently drilling nearly 70 shafts and piles up to 50 feet deep into the riverbed to support three key features: the Platt Street Pedestrian Bridge, Brorein Street Pedestrian Bridge, and Tony Jannus Park Observation Overlook. Each structure is designed to support more than 130 tons.
The work is part of the city’s $60 million West River BUILD project, which will add two miles of new Riverwalk and three miles of roadway improvements. Once completed, the project will create a continuous 12.2-mile pedestrian-friendly pathway connecting Downtown Tampa with surrounding neighborhoods.
City officials say the expanded Riverwalk will improve safety, encourage recreation, boost tourism, and strengthen connections between West Tampa and downtown.
Construction is about 20% complete and remains on track for completion in Spring 2027.
After Losing Her Son to Fentanyl, Tampa Mom Devotes Her Life to Saving Others
A Tampa mother is transforming personal tragedy into a mission to save lives after losing her only son to a fentanyl overdose.
Colt Baker, a second-generation tattoo artist, began working in the industry at a young age and later joined his mother, Belle Amoroso, at their Ybor City tattoo shop. Despite his talent and outgoing personality, a struggle with anxiety and addiction followed him into adulthood.
Amoroso said Colt’s substance abuse worsened after he was prescribed oxycodone following a dental procedure. Although he experienced periods of sobriety, including after the birth of his daughter, addiction remained a constant battle.
In 2023, Colt died from a fentanyl overdose at age 37.
Today, Amoroso works with local recovery organizations and has installed a free Narcan distribution box at her shop. She also leads Legacy of Love, a support group for parents who have lost children, and volunteers with overdose prevention programs to help others avoid similar heartbreak.
Toddler Pronounced Dead Found Alive Hours Later in Hospital Morgue
An Arizona toddler is being called a miracle after surviving a near-drowning incident despite being declared dead and placed in a hospital morgue.
The 18-month-old boy was pulled from a backyard pool in Gilbert, Arizona, on Feb. 8 and rushed to a hospital after first responders performed lifesaving measures. Doctors later pronounced him dead.
According to recently released police records, officers reported seeing possible signs of life before the child was moved to the hospital’s cold room. Nearly five hours later, medical examiner personnel discovered the toddler was breathing and he was immediately flown to another hospital for treatment.
The child ultimately survived and has since been released, though he reportedly faces ongoing therapy and rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, investigators have recommended negligence charges against the parents, citing concerns about pool access and conditions inside the home. Prosecutors are reviewing the case, while the hospital says it has conducted a thorough review and implemented changes following the incident.
Authorities continue investigating the extraordinary case.
Beyond Pop Art: USF Showcases Andy Warhol’s Hidden Photography Collection
Visitors to the University of South Florida’s Contemporary Art Museum can explore a lesser-known side of Pop Art icon Andy Warhol through July 25 in a free exhibition titled “Uncelebrity.”
The exhibit features more than 150 rare black-and-white photographs, Polaroids, and gelatin silver prints, many of which have never been publicly displayed. Unlike Warhol’s famous celebrity portraits and Campbell’s Soup imagery, these works capture everyday people, candid moments, and scenes from daily life.
Curators say the collection reveals a more personal and intimate perspective of Warhol, highlighting his fascination with ordinary experiences and the culture surrounding fame. The exhibition combines works donated through the Andy Warhol Foundation’s Photographic Legacy Project with later screen print acquisitions.
The museum also features interactive activities inspired by Warhol’s famous “15 minutes of fame” prediction, allowing visitors to contribute their own Polaroid images.
“Uncelebrity” is open Monday through Saturday at the USF Contemporary Art Museum, and admission is free.
Tampa Bay Area Best Live Music Events this week | Things to Do in Tampa Bay this W/E | TB Weekend Entertainment Guide |
|---|---|---|
June 25- July 9 | June 19-21 | May |
Source: cltampa.com | Source: |
Tampa Bay’s Best Things to do this week of July 4 | |
|
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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