Issue #652: Tampa Builds Cutting-Edge Evidence Center, West Nile Raises Pasco Concerns, Dade City Serves Old Florida, Bucs Defense Dominates Heated Jets Practice

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 

— Tampa Begins $27 Million State-of-the-Art Police Forensics and Evidence Center

— West Nile Virus Detected in Pasco County as Wesley Chapel Students Head Back to School

Food

— Gator, Catfish and Local History Fill the Menu at Dade City’s Original Floridian

Sports

— Fights, Injured QB and Dominant Defense Highlight Bucs-Jets Joint Practice

Tampa Begins $27 Million State-of-the-Art Police Forensics and Evidence Center

Tampa has begun work on a $27 million state-of-the-art police forensics and evidence complex, transforming a vacant city-owned Howard Avenue warehouse into a centralized hub for criminal investigations.

The project will renovate roughly 38,000 square feet and add another 7,300 square feet, bringing Tampa Police forensic investigators, evidence technicians, laboratories, storage and an impound operation together under one roof. The adjacent secured lot will accommodate more than 150 vehicles.

Specialized facilities will include high-density evidence vaults, secure intake bays and contamination-controlled rooms for ballistics, fingerprints, biological and digital evidence, along with advanced ventilation and backup power systems.

Originally estimated at $30 million to $40 million, competitive bidding reduced the total cost to approximately $27 million. Mayor Jane Castor said the consolidation should improve efficiency while protecting taxpayer dollars. Completion is expected by May 2028, with 28% of construction work committed to certified local firms.

Read More: tampa.gov

West Nile Virus Detected in Pasco County as Wesley Chapel Students Head Back to School

A mosquito-borne illness advisory remains in effect after West Nile virus was detected in sentinel chickens in south-central Pasco County, which includes the Wesley Chapel area. No human cases have been reported in Pasco County.

The Pasco County Mosquito Control District has increased surveillance and conducted targeted ground and aerial treatments near the two locations where infected chickens were identified. Officials say the birds, tested weekly, can provide an early warning before human infections occur.

The alert comes as Pasco County students return to school Thursday, Aug. 13, putting children outdoors at bus stops during dawn hours when West Nile-carrying mosquitoes can be particularly active.

Officials say recent rains following a dry spring contributed to increased mosquito populations. Residents are encouraged to eliminate standing water weekly, use EPA-registered insect repellent and repair damaged window or door screens to reduce exposure.

Read More: wesleychapelcommunity.com

Here’s a genuinely surprising one:

Mosquitoes can carry more than one virus at the same time—and potentially transmit multiple viruses in a single bite.

Researchers have shown that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can become simultaneously infected with viruses such as Zika, dengue, and chikungunya and can have more than one virus present in their saliva. That means a single mosquito bite can, under the right circumstances, expose someone to multiple mosquito-borne viruses.

For your West Nile story, another striking angle is: about 80% of people infected with West Nile virus develop no symptoms at all, which means the virus can circulate in a community largely unnoticed.

Gator, Catfish and Local History Fill the Menu at Dade City’s Original Floridian

The Florida Cracker restaurant family has opened its 10th location, The Original Floridian Bar & Grill at 31936 St. Joe Road near Dade City, with a concept celebrating the food and history of rural Pasco County.

Brothers Blair and Ethan Hensley, Brooksville natives behind the Florida Cracker brand, designed the restaurant as an Old Florida gathering place filled with authentic signs and memorabilia from St. Joe businesses and farms. Even menu sections honor local families and landmarks.

The kitchen emphasizes Florida favorites, including locally sourced gator tail, fresh catfish, fried okra, burgers made with short rib meat, wings and pizza. Local beers, spirits and Dade City-made Lanky Lassie’s Shortbread reinforce the hometown focus.

Hensley describes the community as “the middle of nowhere, but in the center of everything,” saying Old Florida remains alive in places where neighbors still know one another.

Read More: tampabaybeacons.com

Fights, Injured QB and Dominant Defense Highlight Bucs-Jets Joint Practice

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ first joint practice with the New York Jets delivered plenty of fireworks Tuesday, with multiple fights, a quarterback injury and a dominant showing by Tampa Bay’s defense.

Reports indicated roughly four altercations erupted, including two involving Bucs offensive lineman Luke Goedeke. Defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson was also involved in a confrontation as tempers repeatedly flared between the teams.

More concerning for Tampa Bay, backup quarterback Jake Browning left practice with a back injury and did not return. His status for Friday night’s preseason game against the Jets is now uncertain.

On the field, Tampa Bay’s defense repeatedly pressured Jets quarterback Geno Smith. Alex Anzalone and Damarion “Pepe” Williams recorded pick-sixes, while the defense generated additional turnovers and sacks.

Jets cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers also experienced a frightening medical episode and was taken from the field on a stretcher while conscious.

Read More: atozsports.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

Reader Comments

“Always informative and interesting!”
“I always enjoy reading your updates. Thanks so much!”
“My favorite morning coffee companion!”
“As always! Appreciate the positivity!! Best morning read.”
“I always enjoy these issues. Thanks so much!”
“Best local newsletter!”
“Love seeing all the community events in one place. The calendar is getting crowded. ”“Always has good info and to the point.”
“Read this in the am. I like the new restaurants feature so I know when things will open. ”
“Keep up on the great information.”
“Good local coverage. Great job.”
“News is concise and no nonsense. I always appreciate it!”
“Good mix and balance of interesting, newsworthy and entertaining content.”
“Happy to read something other than politics. Great job.”
“This is my daily morning read. Great info. ”
“Love the attention grabbing topics that encompass what’s going on now as well as future implications. Great job. ”
“I get Information here that I might otherwise miss.”
“I love this newsletter, the type of information without the useless fillers.”

Any suggestions are always welcomed - Thanks

—> Comments are welcomed after voting

If you enjoy starting your day with these short daily news summaries, please refer your friends: