Issue #687: SoHo Stormwater Project Sparks Alarm, Wesley Chapel Corvette Chase Ends Badly, Free Mammograms Coming, Tampa Halloween Street Goes National, Rays Surprise Cleveland

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

WEATHER 

Local News

— Bern’s Warns Massive Stormwater Project Could Devastate SoHo Business District

— 130-MPH Corvette Chase Ends in Two-Car Crash Near Wesley Chapel

Medical News

— Free Mobile Mammograms Coming to Tampa Bay During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Of Interest

— Tampa’s South Rome Avenue Earns National Recognition as Halloween Hotspot

Sports

— Rays Make Surprise Pitching Change Ahead of ALCS Showdown With Cleveland

Bern’s Warns Massive Stormwater Project Could Devastate SoHo Business District

Bern’s Steak House and several South Howard Avenue property owners have filed two class-action lawsuits seeking to stop Tampa’s controversial stormwater project, warning that years of construction could devastate SoHo businesses.

The project would install 6,500 feet of underground culverts to relieve chronic flooding in Palma Ceia Pines and Parkland Estates. Approved by City Council in September, construction is expected to last more than three years.

One lawsuit challenges the city’s use of stormwater assessment funds, alleging improper notification and escalating costs. Originally estimated at $76 million, the project’s total cost could reach $181 million to $230 million, according to the plaintiffs’ attorney.

The second lawsuit alleges construction would infringe on private property rights beneath South Howard Avenue.

Business owners fear prolonged road closures, lost customers and potential closures. Tampa officials declined to comment on the pending litigation, while maintaining the project is necessary to address persistent flooding.

Read More: wusf.org

130-MPH Corvette Chase Ends in Two-Car Crash Near Wesley Chapel

A 19-year-old Wesley Chapel man was arrested following a dangerous high-speed pursuit that reached 130 mph on Interstate 275 before ending in a two-vehicle collision near State Road 56.

According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, Yaseen Algmaiee was driving a black Chevrolet Corvette late Saturday night when troopers first spotted him speeding north through Pinellas County.

The driver was later observed speeding through Hillsborough County, reportedly flashing his headlights to force other motorists out of his way. When a trooper activated emergency lights and siren, Algmaiee allegedly accelerated and fled.

The pursuit continued into Wesley Chapel, where the Corvette exited onto State Road 56. While attempting to squeeze between two vehicles, the driver reportedly struck both cars.

A trooper subsequently performed a PIT maneuver, ending the pursuit.

Algmaiee was booked into Hillsborough County Jail on charges of aggravated fleeing to elude and hit-and-run involving property damage.

Read More: patch.com

Free Mobile Mammograms Coming to Tampa Bay During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Free mobile mammogram screenings are being offered across Tampa Bay during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, helping women access potentially lifesaving early detection services.

The Florida Department of Health and AdventHealth are bringing mammography services closer to local communities. AdventHealth’s mobile units serve Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties, offering advanced 3D mammography equipment and private screening facilities.

In Hernando County, free mammograms will be available Wednesday, October 21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Health Department office, 7551 Forest Oaks Boulevard in Spring Hill.

Eligible women must be ages 40–64, uninsured and have household incomes at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one in eight American women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.

Health officials emphasize that regular mammograms can detect cancer before symptoms appear, improving the chances of successful treatment.

Read More: wtsp.com

Tampa’s South Rome Avenue Earns National Recognition as Halloween Hotspot

A South Tampa neighborhood is earning national recognition as South Rome Avenue lands on Reese’s list of America’s “trick-or-treatiest” streets, celebrating communities that go above and beyond for Halloween.

Candy maker Hershey analyzed thousands of neighborhoods nationwide, combining neighborhood data with community insights to identify exceptional Halloween destinations.

South Rome Avenue earned a haul score of 88.7 and a haunt score of 89.8, placing it among the Southeast region’s standout trick-or-treating locations.

The company praised the street’s towering oak trees, historic homes and festive Halloween atmosphere, describing it as a premier destination for families seeking candy and spooky fun.

A special panel called the Halloween Council reviewed the findings to help select the nation’s top streets.

The recognition puts Tampa alongside some of America’s most celebrated Halloween neighborhoods, with the overall national winner scheduled to be announced October 20, just ahead of Halloween festivities.

Read More: wfla.com

Rays Make Surprise Pitching Change Ahead of ALCS Showdown With Cleveland

The Tampa Bay Rays have finalized their 26-man roster for the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians, making just one change after sweeping the New York Yankees in the Division Series.

Top pitching prospect Brody Hopkins, 24, replaces left-handed reliever Garrett Cleavinger, giving manager Kevin Cash another powerful arm for the best-of-seven series.

Acquired from Seattle in the 2024 Randy Arozarena trade, Hopkins possesses exceptional pitching talent but has struggled with control. After transitioning from starter to reliever, he showed improvement in the minors before receiving a September major league audition.

His brief big league appearance exposed lingering problems, including six walks and three wild pitches in 5⅓ innings, despite displaying elite-quality pitches.

With the longer championship series expected to require greater bullpen depth, Hopkins could play a significant role as Tampa Bay pursues its first World Series championship.

Read More: draysbay.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

—> Comments are welcomed after voting

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

Reader Comments

“As always, great read with valuable information. Thanks Dr. Ted!”
“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