In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

📝Hillsborough Board Faces Legal Challenge Over Pebble Creek Golf Course Rezoning Denial

🥕Farmbox Florida: Revolutionizing Local Produce Delivery with Customizable Freshness

Crime

🚘Tampa Police Launch Operation Countdown to Safety for New Year's Holiday Vigilance

Sports

⚾Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco Absent from Key Legal Meeting Amidst Minor Relationship Allegations

The Arts

👨‍🎨Impressionism through Dalí's Eyes: Groundbreaking Exhibition from Boston’s MFA now in St. Petersburg, FL

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

December 29 — Ethos of Aldissi jazz ensemble, Hooch & Hive, Tampa, 8pm

December 30 - Donna the Buffalo, Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa, 8pm

December 31 — New Year’s Eve Skate, AdventHealth Center Ice, click for more information

December 31 — NYE Dueling Piano Party, Trebelmakers, WC, 730pm

December 31 — ^{Donna the Buffalo NYE party & Breakfast, Skippers Smokehouse}, 8pm

December 31 — for a list of area New Year’s Eve events go HERE

December 31 — ^{Fireworks - Where to Go to watch, see list}

January 1 — ReliaQuest Bowl, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, 12pm

January 2

January 3

Hillsborough Board Faces Legal Challenge Over Pebble Creek Golf Course Rezoning Denial

In Tampa, Florida, the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners is preparing to address a lawsuit filed by G.L. Acquisitions regarding the rezoning of the old Pebble Creek Golf Course. G.L. Acquisitions, aiming to develop the site into a residential area, claims the Board's denial of rezoning was illegal.

The Board had earlier rejected the rezoning request, citing environmental and traffic concerns raised by local residents. The lawsuit seeks to overturn the Board's decision, with G.L. Acquisitions arguing that their proposal complies with legal rezoning standards.

Attorney Charles Gallagher III anticipates a lengthy legal process, possibly spanning over two years. This case follows a similar pattern to a previous lawsuit the Board lost in March 2023, concerning a property rezoned for a drug treatment facility in Northdale.

Farmbox Florida: Revolutionizing Local Produce Delivery with Customizable Freshness

Michael Burkett, a Navy veteran, has pioneered "Farmbox Florida" in Clearwater, offering fresh, locally-sourced produce directly to consumers. Operating for over a year, this subscription-based service provides around 400 weekly deliveries to nearly 1,000 customers. Emphasizing freshness and quality, Burkett's model allows for a customizable selection of fruits, vegetables, and other local products, differing from traditional grocery store offerings.

Farmbox Florida's approach not only benefits consumers with fresher, longer-lasting produce but also supports local and regional farmers and artisans, injecting vitality into the community's economy. This innovative venture showcases a sustainable model of connecting residents directly with local food sources.

Editor’s Note: While Farmbox Florida is based in Clearwater, New Tampa is just on the fringe of their delivery area. As they are growing quickly, go HERE to put in your zip code to encourage their expansion to our community!

Tampa Police Launch Operation Countdown to Safety for New Year's Holiday Vigilance

Operation Countdown to Safety, led by the Tampa Police, aims to enhance safety during the New Year's holiday. It focuses on curbing impaired driving, preventing celebratory gunfire, and encouraging community reporting of suspicious activities.

With significant visitor numbers expected, the operation also prioritizes the prevention of drunk and reckless driving. The community is urged to act responsibly, use ride-share services or sober drivers, avoid celebratory gunfire, obey speed limits, and report any unusual activities to maintain public safety.

Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco Absent from Key Legal Meeting Amidst Minor Relationship Allegations

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was absent from a scheduled meeting with a prosecutor investigating his alleged relationship with a minor.

Prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías confirmed the investigation would continue despite his no-show. Dominican authorities previously sought Franco at his home in Baní without success.

MLB is also conducting an investigation under its domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy, placing Franco on administrative leave. The timeline for the conclusion of these investigations and any subsequent actions is currently uncertain.

Local High School Sports Scores

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Impressionism through Dalí's Eyes: Groundbreaking Exhibition from Boston’s MFA now in St. Petersburg, FL

Dalí & the Impressionists: Monet, Renoir, Degas & More," an exhibition at the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is organized in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, from November 18, 2023, to April 28, 2024.

It showcases the influence of Impressionism on Salvador Dalí. It pairs 22 Impressionist paintings from artists like Monet, Renoir, and Degas with 18 of Dalí's early works. The exhibition highlights the stylistic evolution of Dalí, demonstrating the enduring impact of Impressionism on his surrealistic visions, especially those inspired by his Mediterranean homeland.

The interactive YOUR PORTRAIT experience adds a modern twist, allowing visitors to create their own Impressionist art using AI.

Learn more HERE

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