In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

This Week’s Events

WEATHER

Local News

🌴From Party Island to Property Listing: Beer Can Island's $14.2 Million

🍺Cheers to More Beers: Magnanimous Brewing Expands with Seminole Heights Location

💨 Why Tampa's Sky is Smoky: Insights into the Withlacoochee Burn

Crime

⚖️ 37 Years Lost, $14 Million Gained: Tampa's Historic Settlement for a Wronged Citizen

Sports

🏀 Hoops Hype: USF Bulls' Unexpected Domination Shakes up AAC

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

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February 16 — TB Symphony - Masterworks Concert, NTPAC, 8PM

February 16 — Gasparilla Music Fest -- 2/16-18, Julian B Lane Park, Tpa, 

February 17 — Rays Fan Fest, Tropicana Field, 1-5PM

February 17 — Jukebox Big Band, Carrollwood Cultural Cntr, 730-930PM

February 18 — Steinway Piano Series: Vedrana Subotic, Barness Recital Hall (MUS 107) TPA, 4-530PM

February 18 — The Big Babka Bake, Chabad Jewish Ctr @Wiregrass, 630pm

February 19 — Spring Fling - music, face-painting, vendors, Texas Roadhouse, 26409 Silver Maple Pkwy, WC 2-6pm

February 20

February 21

February 22 — Ubiquity as Legacy: A Lecture -- College of Arts, USF Fine Arts Bldg (FAH) 101, TPA, 6-7pm

From Party Island to Property Listing: Beer Can Island's $14.2 Million Tag

In a twist reminiscent of a National Lampoon film, Tampa Bay's unique Beer Can Island, originally a floating bar hotspot, is now on the market for $14.2 million. Four adventurous friends – Cole Weaver, Russell Loomis, James West, and John Anthony Gadd – originally purchased the apostrophe-shaped Pine Key over six years ago. Their journey began with Tiki Bay Island, a motorized tiki bar, which led them to seek a permanent spot, ultimately landing on Pine Key, not initially for sale.

Acquiring the island for a mere $63,650 in 2017, the group transformed it from an unruly party zone into a more organized venue with amenities like bathrooms, food trucks, and security. The island, once around 23 acres, has faced significant erosion challenges, and was even submerged under 5 feet of water during Hurricane Idalia.

The sale includes the 9-acre island and an additional 60 acres of submerged land. Despite the island's current popularity, ongoing discussions with Hillsborough County about zoning and its future as a private nature preserve could influence its next chapter. The friends, ready for their next adventure, leave behind a legacy of camaraderie and innovation, with the island offering potential for creative development in the hands of its new owner.

Read More —> Tampa Bay Times

Cheers to More Beers: Magnanimous Brewing Expands with Seminole Heights Location

 Magnanimous Brewing continues to expand its presence in Tampa, opening a third tasting room in Seminole Heights. This new venture, located at the previous 7venth Sun Brewing Company site at 6809 N Nebraska Ave, opened on February 2.

The decision for this location, close to their original Florida Avenue spot, was influenced by a leaking roof issue and the end of their lease approaching. The Seminole Heights location was a cost-effective choice, requiring minimal renovations, just TVs and retiled bathrooms. This expansion also enhances Magnanimous Brewing's production capacity, essential as they brew for other companies too.

The new taproom, distinct from the Florida Avenue site, boasts 24 taps, arcade units, and a vibrant atmosphere. It's open Wednesday through Sunday, serving a different crowd and continuing the brewery's commitment to community-focused business.

Why Tampa's Sky is Smoky: Insights into the Withlacoochee Burn

Residents of Tampa Bay noticed unusually smoky skies on Wednesday evening, but authorities assure there's no cause for alarm. The Florida Forest Service has confirmed that a 450-acre prescribed burn in the Withlacoochee State Forest's Homosassa Tract, Citrus County, is responsible for the haze. Conducted by the Withlacoochee Forestry Center, the burn's location is north of West Brunt Bridge Road and 1.5 miles west of U.S. Highway 19.

The smoke, carried south by the wind, has led to reports of reduced air quality, particularly around North Dale Mabry and Fletcher in Tampa.

Prescribed burns, like this one, are crucial for ecosystem health and wildfire prevention, as they eliminate excessive vegetation and improve wildlife habitats.

For more information on the current prescribed burns, visit whyprescribedfire.org.

37 Years Lost, $14 Million Gained: Tampa's Historic Settlement for a Wronged Citizen

Robert DuBoise's wrongful 37-year imprisonment for a 1983 crime ends with a $14 million settlement from Tampa. DuBoise, imprisoned at 18 for the rape and murder of Barbara Grams, was exonerated in 2020 following new DNA evidence. His conviction, based on now-discredited bite mark analysis, overlooked two other perpetrators, Amos Robinson and Abron Scott, currently facing trial for Grams' murder.

The settlement, confirmed by the Tampa City Council, represents a major correction for a decades-long miscarriage of justice. Police Chief Lee Bercaw acknowledged the lasting impact of DuBoise's case, emphasizing improved police training and forensic methods since the 1980s.

DuBoise, represented by civil rights law firm Loevy & Loevy, will receive the compensation in installments until 2026. His case underscores the evolution of forensic science and the importance of revisiting past convictions.

"I prayed to God every day and hoped for it,” DuBoise remarked upon his release, now finally seeing justice served.

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Hoops Hype: USF Bulls' Unexpected Domination Shakes up AAC

The USF men's basketball team has become the talk of the town, dominating the American Athletic Conference with an 18-5 record. Their remarkable turnaround, led by Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, has not only energized the student body but also captured the attention of sports fans throughout the Tampa Bay area. With a pivotal game against the Florida Atlantic Owls on ESPN, the Bulls are basking in the national spotlight.

Esteemed commentators like Andy Katz and Seth Greenberg have lauded the team's impressive late-game execution and the vibrant energy Abdur-Rahim has instilled. Starting the season with a 2-4 record, the Bulls have since been on a tear, winning 16 of their last 17 games, including a second-best 10-game winning streak in school history.

Their focus remains on reaching the NCAA Tournament, a goal that seems within reach given their current form. Despite facing challenges in securing an at-large bid, their performance has made them a team to watch out for. This season marks a significant leap for USF, showcasing a team that's not just winning games, but building a legacy.

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