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- Issue #674: Hillsborough Backs $75M ZooTampa Expansion, TPA Adds Storm-Surge AquaFence, Tampa Midwife Medicaid Questions, Chandler Simpson Takes AL Steals Lead
Issue #674: Hillsborough Backs $75M ZooTampa Expansion, TPA Adds Storm-Surge AquaFence, Tampa Midwife Medicaid Questions, Chandler Simpson Takes AL Steals Lead
9/18/2026
Ted Grellner
18 Sep
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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) - Sorry - Out of Order
Local News
— Hillsborough leaders OK $75M for ZooTampa expansion
— Tampa International Airport adds AquaFence to protect critical infrastructure
OMG!
— How an Uninsured Tampa Midwife Received Medicaid Payments after Harming Baby, Losing $12M Lawsuit
Sports
— Chandler Simpson swipes his 43rd and 44th bases — taking AL stolen base lead
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Hillsborough leaders OK $75M for ZooTampa expansion
ZooTampa at Lowry Park just received a major vote of confidence, as Hillsborough County commissioners moved forward with a plan that could provide $75 million in county funding over 15 years for a sweeping transformation of the popular attraction.
The money, from the county’s Community Investment Tax, would be matched by ZooTampa as part of an estimated $150 million master plan. Projects include major renovations to the Asia and Africa areas, a new family ride in Australia and, eventually, an expansion across North Boulevard toward the Hillsborough River.
That expansion would introduce a South America section featuring species including jaguars and giant river otters, along with new visitor amenities. ZooTampa describes itself as Florida’s most-attended cultural institution.
The agreement isn’t final yet. County staff must complete negotiations, with a public hearing and funding vote scheduled for Oct. 7.
Tampa International Airport adds AquaFence to protect critical infrastructure
It worked for Tampa General Hosp …..
Tampa International Airport is strengthening its hurricane defenses with a new nine-foot AquaFence barrier system designed to protect critical airfield electrical vaults that keep runway lighting operational during major storms.
The $1.9 million project includes foundations, electrical upgrades, drainage improvements, fencing and pumps near Airside A. The barriers are AquaFence’s tallest model and are designed to withstand storm surge from a Category 4 hurricane.
Airport Sustainability and Resilience Program Director Eric Caplan said protecting the vaults is crucial to restoring operations after a storm because airfield lighting is essential for moving aircraft, particularly at night.
The barriers will remain in storage until severe weather threatens. A contracted emergency response team can install the system within eight to 12 hours. Keeping the airfield operational could also allow TPA to serve as an important supply-delivery hub during regional disaster recovery efforts.
How an Uninsured Tampa Midwife Received Medicaid Payments after Harming Baby, Losing $12M Lawsuit
A 10 Investigates report is raising questions about midwife oversight after a Tampa Bay-area family won a $12 million default judgment over injuries their son suffered during a 2021 home birth — but was unable to collect because the midwife carried no liability insurance.
According to court records cited in the investigation, Victoria Vasser’s son Dylan suffered severe brachial plexus nerve damage during delivery, leaving his right arm permanently impaired. The lawsuit alleged midwife Sizzly Auer caused the injury while attempting to free the baby after his shoulder became stuck.
Despite the judgment, Auer reportedly continued practicing and receiving Medicaid payments. The investigation also found Florida regulators had previously fined her $33,000 in 2015 for operating an unlicensed birth center.
The Florida Department of Health is now investigating, while Dylan’s family has established a GoFundMe to help cover his ongoing medical expenses.
Chandler Simpson swipes his 43rd and 44th bases — taking AL stolen base lead
Chandler Simpson isn’t just stealing bases — he’s stealing the spotlight. The Rays left fielder swiped his 43rd and 44th bases of the season, moving ahead of Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. for the American League lead.
But Simpson’s story goes far beyond speed. He’s also battling Houston’s Yordan Alvarez for the batting title, hitting .306 despite an OPS of just .691. No batting champion has ever finished with an OPS below .700, meaning Simpson could make history.
The contrast is remarkable. Simpson has zero career home runs in 937 at-bats, while Alvarez has 38 this season alone. Yet Simpson keeps producing hits with his legs: 23% of his hits are infield singles, including 14 bunt hits, while his elite sprint speed reaches 29.5 feet per second.
It’s a fascinating late-season storyline as Simpson chases individual history and the Rays chase October.
Read More: mlb.com - see video
Tampa Bay’s Best Live Music Aug | Things to do Around Pasco this weekend: | Things to do Around |
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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