In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

🗓  This Week’s Events

🌦 WEATHER

📰 Local News

💧Groundbreaking Water Treatment Tech Unveiled in Tampa

🍽️From Rooftop Bars to Michelin Stars: Tampa Bay's Dining Evolution in 2023

🚓Crime

👮‍♂️USF Student Deported to China, Avoids Charges in Opioid Injection Case

⛹️Sports

🏀South Florida's Blasigh Claims AAC Freshman of the Week, Again

This Week’s Events in the NewTampa | Wesley Chapel FL Local Area

December 12

December 13 — Live Music: Nunes at Night, Treblemakers, WC - 6-9pm

December 14 — Christmas Movies Trivia/Ugly Sweater/ice skate, AdventHealth Center Ice - 7pm

December 15 — Candlelight Ballet: Tchaikovsky - Centro Asturiano - 630pm, 9pm

December 15 — Live Music: J2-Classic Rock Duo, Dade City Brewhse - 6p

December 16 — Breakfast w/Santa, Bubba’s 33, WC - 8am

December 17 — Nutcracker from Tampa City Ballet, NTPAC - SOLD OUT

December 18 —

Groundbreaking Water Treatment Tech Unveiled in Tampa

In Tampa, a groundbreaking initiative is underway to significantly improve the city's drinking water quality by eliminating "forever chemicals." A recent U.S. Geological Survey revealed that these persistent chemicals, resistant to degradation in nature and the human body, are present in nearly half of America's tap water.

To address this, the Tampa Water Department is introducing a state-of-the-art technology called Suspended Ion Exchange (SIX) at its David L. Tippin treatment facility. This innovative method involves filtering water through a unique resin that captures and replaces harmful chemical particles.

The full implementation of SIX will position the Tippin facility as the first and largest of its kind in the U.S. This technological leap is expected to enhance water quality, reduce treatment costs by $1.4 million annually, and improve safety at the plant. The move aligns with the upcoming Environmental Protection Agency regulations, marking a significant step in Florida's environmental stewardship

From Rooftop Bars to Michelin Stars: Tampa Bay's Dining Evolution in 2023

Tampa Bay's dining scene has experienced a remarkable transformation in 2023, showcasing an array of new and exciting culinary destinations. The area witnessed the introduction of several innovative eateries, each offering a unique dining experience. Here's an overview of some of the standout new restaurants:

(2 restaurants are highlighted for their proximity to our North Tampa Bay area)

1. Ebbe: Located at 1202 N Franklin St., Tampa, this internationally-acclaimed restaurant by two-time Michelin star winner Chef Ebbe Vollmer offers a seasonal menu featuring ingredients from Florida and Scandinavia.

2. Beacon: This rooftop bar at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street offers breathtaking views from the 27th floor and a selection of craft cocktails and shareables.

3. Sunda New Asian: Bringing a diverse array of Asian cuisines, this Chicago-based restaurant at 648 Midtown Dr, Tampa, offers everything from sushi rolls to crispy pork belly.

4. The Pearl: A blend of vintage and urban design, The Pearl at 823 Water St, Tampa, serves up brunch favorites and dinner specialties along with city views.

5. Kosen: A New York and Tokyo flavored concept at 307 W Palm Ave., Tampa, offering an exclusive omakase experience with a 10-course tasting menu.

6. Small Giant: A casual dining spot at 1011 E Cumberland Ave., Tampa, known for its Columbus-style pizza and kimchi bacon cheeseburgers.

7. Tori Bar: Located at 442 W Grand Central Ave #190, Tampa, this late-night Japanese tapas spot focuses on Japanese whisky and craft cocktails.

8. Boulon Brasserie: A French-style brasserie with a modern twist at 1001 Water St., Tampa, offering dishes like scallop risotto and duck confit.

9. Ro: Helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Kiichi Okabe, this restaurant at 1500 W Swann Ave, Tampa, offers a variety of sushi and specialities like table-side Peking duck.

10. Union New American: Located at 1111 N Westshore Blvd. Annex B, Tampa, this restaurant features a menu centered around an American white oak fire hearth.

11. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar: A unique dining experience with a conveyor belt system serving over 140 Japanese-style dishes at 214 Westshore Plaza C-39, Tampa.

12. Coasis: Opened by Chef Melissa “Melly” Gardner at 7701 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa, this restaurant offers a variety of brunch and steakhouse dinners.

13. Pete’s Ybor: Famous for its breakfast and bagels, this eatery at 1804 E 4th Ave., Ybor City, also offers sandwiches, local beer, and wine.

14. Bamboozle: A health-focused Vietnamese spot at 7107 N Florida Ave., Tampa, offering a range of spring rolls, pho, and curries.

15. The Dan: A modern take on speakeasies located in the historic Floridan Palace Hotel at 905 N Florida Ave., Tampa.

16. Pepper’s Island: A Trinidadian restaurant at 1701 E 4th Ave., Ybor City, offering Caribbean dishes like stewed chicken and curry duck.

17. Sal Rosa Kitchen + Bar: Replacing Le Méridien’s Bizou Brasserie, this Caribbean-inspired restaurant at 601 N Florida Ave., Tampa, also features a cafe and dessert shop.

18. Ybor Seoul: A Korean restaurant at 1531 E 7th Ave., Ybor City, specializing in street food-inspired bites and everyday Korean fare.

19. Yard House: Known for its extensive beer list and classic bar bites, this chain opened at 450 Channelside Dr., Tampa.

20. Lepley's Kitchen + Lounge: A Southern-Caribbean fusion cuisine restaurant at  Tampa, offering craft cocktails and a spacious dining area.

These restaurants have enriched Tampa Bay's dining landscape, each contributing a distinct flavor and style to the region's culinary tapestry

Click HERE for link to full Creative Loafing Tampa article

USF Student Deported to China, Avoids Charges in Opioid Injection Case

A student from the University of South Florida, originally from China, will not face prosecution due to his deportation following accusations of injecting chemical opioids under his neighbor's door. Xuming Li, 36, was pursuing a doctoral degree in chemistry in Florida on a student visa. His actions reportedly caused illness in the family living in the apartment above his.

The conflict began after the birth of the neighbor's daughter, when Li complained about noise. The family, led by Umar Abdullah, experienced symptoms like vomiting and grogginess, and often noticed a chemical smell in their home. Despite multiple responses from Tampa Fire Rescue, the source remained undetected.

Abdullah's suspicions led him to install a hidden camera, which captured Li injecting a liquid into his apartment. A hazardous material test identified the substance as a combination of methadone and hydrocodone, both opioids. Li was arrested and faced several charges, including battery and possession of a controlled substance, but pleaded not guilty. Following his expulsion from the university, his visa was canceled, leading to his deportation. Abdullah filed a lawsuit against Li, and the condominium association sought his eviction.

South Florida's Blasigh Claims AAC Freshman of the Week, Again

USF women's basketball standout, Vittoria Blasigh, has claimed her second American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Week title this season. Blasigh's remarkable performance featured a career-high of 31 points, including five 3-pointers, during South Florida's 105-75 victory over Gardner-Webb. This outstanding achievement marks the first time a player on the team has scored over 30 points since December 2022.

Blasigh, a native of Udine, Italy, has consistently impressed by scoring double-digit points in seven games this season, with three games where she scored 21 or more points. Nationally, she ranks 13th for her impressive 31 total 3-pointers, making her the second-leading freshman in this category among NCAA players.

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