Issue #645: Friend Of Reality Star Dies At Florida Fort, Hundreds Of Pets Await Families, Wesley Chapel $80 Dinner Buzz, Baker Talks Paused

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar - (Please post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar) - Sorry - Out of Order

WEATHER 

Local News 

— Friend of ‘Real Housewives’ Star Dies After Fall at Florida Historic Fort

Of Interest

— Meet Anthony: One of Nearly 450 Pets Hoping for a Forever Home

Food

— $80 Marketplace Dinner in Wesley Chapel Goes Viral After ‘10 Out of 10’ Review

Sports

— Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield Table Contract Talks Until After 2026 Season

Friend of ‘Real Housewives’ Star Dies After Fall at Florida Historic Fort

A 20-year-old woman died after suffering fatal injuries in a fall while visiting Fort Dade on Egmont Key, according to family friends. Victoria Zardoya, a childhood friend of "Real Housewives of New Jersey" personality Milania Giudice, was reportedly exploring the historic military ruins with friends when the accident occurred Sunday.

According to a statement shared on social media, Zardoya sustained critical injuries in what was described as a "devastating fall." She was airlifted to a hospital, where she later died despite emergency treatment. Officials have not released details about what caused the fall.

Giudice and members of her family shared emotional tributes online, remembering Zardoya as a beloved friend and sister. Giudice's father, Joe, said the families had been neighbors for years and described Victoria as being like a daughter to him. The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of condolences from friends and supporters.

Read More: fox8.com

Meet Anthony: One of Nearly 450 Pets Hoping for a Forever Home

The Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center is encouraging residents to help find homes for nearly 450 adoptable animals, including almost 300 dogs and about 150 cats currently in its care. As Hillsborough County's only open-admissions animal shelter, the center accepts pets regardless of age, health, or circumstances, making community support especially important.

Residents who cannot commit to permanent adoption are encouraged to foster animals temporarily or join the shelter's volunteer program, which provides essential help caring for pets awaiting new families. One of the featured adoptable dogs is Anthony, who is currently looking for a forever home.

The shelter will also host its Splish Splash Adoption Bash on August 15, giving prospective pet owners another opportunity to meet adoptable animals and help reduce shelter overcrowding. The Pet Resource Center is located at 440 N. Falkenburg Road in Tampa and welcomes visitors interested in adopting, fostering, or volunteering.

Read More: tampabay28.com

$80 Marketplace Dinner in Wesley Chapel Goes Viral After ‘10 Out of 10’ Review

A Florida TikTok creator is drawing attention to a Wesley Chapel food seller after purchasing an $80 Puerto Rican meal through Facebook Marketplace and declaring it a "10 out of 10." Gabriel Rivera documented the experience, showcasing two generously portioned meals that included steak, shrimp, wings, rice, tostones, loaded fries, and pineapple lemonade.

While Rivera said the lemonade could have used more pineapple flavor, he repeatedly praised the food itself, calling the seasoning "immaculate" and describing the rice as some of the best he has ever eaten. The steak, shrimp, wings, and tostones also received high marks.

The review sparked lively debate online. Some viewers questioned whether $80 was too expensive, while others said the meal looked worth trying and even inspired them to visit Florida. Rivera, who frequently reviews Facebook Marketplace food vendors, encouraged viewers to check out the Wesley Chapel seller for themselves.

Read More: themarysue.com

Astonishing Fact: Facebook Marketplace was never designed to be a food delivery platform, yet thousands of home cooks across the U.S. quietly use it to sell prepared meals every week. 

Many operate through private listings, pickup arrangements, or direct messages because Marketplace has become an unexpected way to build a loyal customer base without paying the high commissions charged by traditional food delivery apps.

Why it's surprising: Unlike restaurant delivery platforms that can take 15–30% of each order, Facebook Marketplace and local Facebook groups often let sellers connect directly with nearby buyers, helping some home-based cooks turn a hobby into a thriving side business through word-of-mouth and repeat customers.

(Buyers should remember that regulations governing home-prepared food vary by state, and not every food sale advertised through Marketplace necessarily complies with local cottage food or food safety laws.)

Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield Table Contract Talks Until After 2026 Season

Baker Mayfield will begin the 2026 season without a contract extension after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the veteran quarterback paused negotiations before training camp. According to multiple reports, both sides agreed to shelve talks and focus on the season rather than continue discussions during the regular schedule.

The 31-year-old quarterback is entering the final season of the three-year, $100 million extension he signed in 2024 and is scheduled to earn $40 million this year. Since arriving in Tampa Bay, Mayfield has revived his career, leading the Buccaneers to back-to-back NFC South championships while earning consecutive Pro Bowl selections.

The two sides are expected to resume negotiations after the season. If they fail to reach a long-term agreement, Mayfield could become one of the top quarterbacks available in 2027 free agency, although Tampa Bay would also have the option of using the franchise tag to retain him.

Read More: wiod.iheart.com

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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