Issue #638: Data Center Pause In Pasco, 18,000 Mosquitoes Raise Alarm, Ybor’s Creative Tribute Grows, Rays Star Avoids Disaster

7/17/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
17 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 

— Pasco County Freezes Large Data Centers for One Year as Growth Concerns Mount

— 18,000 Mosquitoes in One Trap Prompts Emergency Response in Hillsborough County

The Arts

— Artists Honor Ybor City’s Legacy Through Photography, Film, Poetry and Print

Sports

— Tampa Bay Dodges Disaster: Caminero Cleared After 98 MPH Hit-by-Pitch

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Pasco County Freezes Large Data Centers for One Year as Growth Concerns Mount

Pasco County commissioners have unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas, including Wesley Chapel, temporarily stopping new server-farm developments while officials evaluate their long-term impacts.

The measure pauses permits and site plans for facilities consuming more than 2.5 megawatts of electricity, enough power to serve roughly 1,500 to 2,500 homes. County leaders say the delay will give staff time to develop regulations addressing concerns about electric grid demand, water usage, land use compatibility, and infrastructure capacity.

Commissioners strengthened the proposal before approving it by lowering the exemption threshold from 10 megawatts to 2.5 megawatts, significantly expanding the number of projects affected.

For Wesley Chapel residents, the decision offers a temporary safeguard as the community continues to manage rapid growth and increasing pressure on roads, utilities, and public services. Over the next year, county officials will determine how future data centers can fit into Pasco’s long-term development plans without overwhelming local resources.

18,000 Mosquitoes in One Trap Prompts Emergency Response in Hillsborough County

Recent rains following months of drought have triggered a dramatic mosquito explosion across Hillsborough County, prompting aerial spraying operations in South Tampa.

County officials reported that a mosquito trap in South Tampa captured 18,000 mosquitoes this week, compared with just 142 mosquitoes in June. According to Hillsborough County Mosquito Management, the count far exceeds the typical 4,000 to 6,000 mosquitoes normally found in traps this time of year.

Experts say the surge is tied to the region’s prolonged dry conditions. Mosquito eggs can remain dormant in soil for months, waiting for rainfall to create ideal hatching conditions. After recent storms soaked the area, thousands of eggs hatched simultaneously.

To reduce populations, crews conducted aerial spraying south of Gandy Boulevard and plan additional treatments. Officials are also testing captured mosquitoes for diseases, although results have not yet been released.

Scientists continue monitoring mosquito species and treatment effectiveness as residents across Tampa Bay report increasing mosquito activity.

Artists Honor Ybor City’s Legacy Through Photography, Film, Poetry and Print

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is preparing to retire one of its most iconic attractions. Kumba, the park’s oldest operating roller coaster, will close on August 2 after thrilling guests for 33 years.

Since opening in 1993, Kumba has become a favorite among coaster enthusiasts, known for its towering drops, powerful loops, and signature roar. The closure is part of Busch Gardens’ broader $100 million investment aimed at enhancing and transforming the park experience.

Fans still have time for one final ride, with annual pass members receiving exclusive ride time on August 1 before the coaster officially closes.

But Busch Gardens says this is not the end of Kumba’s story. The park has announced plans for “Kumba’s Revenge,” a next-generation attraction designed to honor the original while delivering an entirely new thrill experience.

For Tampa Bay coaster fans, it’s the end of a legendary chapter—and the beginning of a new one.

Tampa Bay Dodges Disaster: Caminero Cleared After 98 MPH Hit-by-Pitch

Junior Caminero gave Rays fans a scare during Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game, but the outcome could not have been much better.

The 23-year-old Tampa Bay third baseman was struck on the left hand by a 98 mph sinker from St. Louis pitcher Riley O’Brien in the third inning. Caminero immediately showed signs of pain and left the game, raising concerns about a possible fracture.

Fortunately, X-rays came back negative, and the Rays avoided what could have been a devastating setback. Caminero enters the second half of the season as one of baseball’s hottest hitters, having launched 28 home runs before the break, the fourth-most in the majors. He also became the youngest player since at least 1900 to homer in six consecutive games.

The injury scare came during an otherwise successful All-Star week for Tampa Bay. Five Rays earned All-Star selections, and Rays pitchers helped lead the American League to a 4-0 shutout victory.

Caminero says he expects to play in both games of Friday’s doubleheader in Boston, giving first-place Tampa Bay and its fans plenty of reason to exhale.

Top Events in Tampa Bay this week of:

Things to Do in Tampa Bay this W/E

TB Weekend Entertainment Guide

July 13

July

May

Source: tampabay.com

Source: 

Source:

Tampa Bay’s Best Things to do this week of July 14
Source:
cltampa.com

 
Things to do Around Pasco this coming week:
6/ - 6/
Source:


Things to do Around
Tampa & WC
7/16- 7/22
Source:
tampabaybeacons.com

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