Issue #639: Potential Bertha Soaks Tampa Bay, Wright's Expands, Cook Out Debuts Near USF, Ohio River Rescue Turns Tragic

7/21/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
21 Jul

Sponsored by

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.) - Sorry - Out of Order

— Potential Tropical Storm Bertha Keeps Tampa Bay Under Wet Weather Threat

Local News 

— Wright’s Gourmet House Expanding to Brandon and Wiregrass Ranch

— Cook Out Opens First Tampa Bay Restaurant Near USF

OMG!

— Five Die Trying to Save Struggling Swimmer in Ohio River Tragedy

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Potential Tropical Storm Bertha Keeps Tampa Bay Under Wet Weather Threat

Tropical Depression Two is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha as early as Monday, according to the National Hurricane Center, while continuing to bring heavy rain and dangerous beach conditions to parts of Florida.

As of the latest advisory, the system was located about 110 miles south of Panama City with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, moving northwest at 3 mph. Forecasters say gradual strengthening is expected through Tuesday.

For the Tampa Bay area, bands of heavy rain remain in the forecast, while residents along Florida's Gulf Coast should also be alert for life-threatening rip currents and rough surf.

The National Hurricane Center warns the system could produce 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated totals up to 8 inches from western Florida to the Middle Texas Coast through Friday. An isolated tornado or two is also possible Monday across Florida's Big Bend region.

Wright’s Gourmet House Expanding to Brandon and Wiregrass Ranch

For the first time in more than 63 years, Wright’s Gourmet House is expanding beyond its iconic South Tampa location with two new restaurants planned for Brandon and Wiregrass Ranch.

The Brandon location is expected to open in summer 2027 at 328 Brandon Town Center Drive, while the Wiregrass Ranch location on SR 56 and La Juana Road in Pasco County is scheduled to open in summer 2028.

Both 15,000-square-foot hub-style stores will offer Wright’s full menu, including breakfast, deli sandwiches, salads, cakes, pastries and cookies. Customers can also enjoy an espresso bar, grab-and-go meals, take-and-bake options, expanded catering, wedding and event desserts, plus a gourmet market featuring Wright’s branded products and local favorites.

The expansion marks a significant milestone for the beloved Tampa institution, which changed ownership in 2024 while preserving its longtime reputation for exceptional food and desserts.

Cook Out Opens First Tampa Bay Restaurant
Near USF

Cook Out, the popular North Carolina-based fast-food chain, has officially opened its first Tampa Bay-area restaurant, marking the brand's long-awaited debut in the region.

The new location at 5501 E. Fowler Ave. in Temple Terrace, near the University of South Florida, celebrated its grand opening Saturday after a soft opening last week. The restaurant occupies a former Boston Market, part of the company's strategy of redeveloping closed locations.

Known for its chargrilled burgers, barbecue, chicken, hot dogs and more than 40 milkshake flavors, Cook Out has built a loyal following since opening its first restaurant in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1989.

The expansion is just getting started. Additional Tampa Bay locations are planned at former Boston Market sites in St. Petersburg and Carrollwood, giving even more local diners a chance to experience the fast-growing Southern favorite.

Five Die Trying to Save Struggling Swimmer in
Ohio River Tragedy

Five people died after a rescue attempt turned tragic along the Scioto River in Powell, Ohio, authorities said Monday.

The group had gathered near the river Sunday when one person entered the water to swim and began struggling. Several others immediately jumped in to help, but they also encountered trouble in the river's current.

Two women were rescued from the water Sunday but later died at a hospital. Search crews returned Monday and recovered the bodies of three men, bringing the death toll to five.

The emergency began after a passing motorist spotted a frightened child running along a nearby road and called 911. Two children under the age of 10 who were with the group have since been placed in the care of family services.

Authorities continue investigating the tragedy and are reminding the public that swift-moving rivers can become dangerous even for experienced swimmers and rescuers.

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