Issue #109: Brazilian Vibes at Water Works, Adventure Island's Latest, & Florida Tops U.S. Rankings - Housing Market Tips Included!

050724

Author

Ted Grellner
07 May

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Dr Ted

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

 🇧🇷 Experience Brazil in Tampa: Water Works Park to Host Colorful Brazilian Festival on May 18

💦 Adventure Island Debuts Castaway Falls: Over 100 Ways to Get Wet!

Of Interest

🏫 Florida's Education and Economic Growth Tops U.S. Rankings Amidst Criticism

Business News

🏡 Navigating the 2024 Housing Market: Tips for Buyers and Sellers

 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

 🎵  

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

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Experience Brazil in Tampa: Water Works Park to Host Colorful Brazilian Festival on May 18

 Tampa’s Water Works Park is set to host the 13th annual Brazilian Festival on May 18, bringing a slice of Brazil's vibrant culture to Florida. This year marks the first time the festival will be held in Tampa, following twelve successful years at other locations. The festival promises a full day of Brazilian music, dance, food, and art from noon to 10 p.m.

Visitors can look forward to performances by Brazilian icons such as the rock band Nenhum de Nós and singer Sandami, along with local Florida talents like O Som Do Jazz. The event will also feature a traditional carnival parade starting at 3 p.m., adding to the festive atmosphere with colorful costumes and energetic dances.

Recognized as the state's largest community event, the festival showcases Brazil’s musical diversity and cultural richness. Organizers emphasize that tickets are selling quickly at $35 each until May 13, after which the price will increase to $40. Admission for children under 12 is free.

For those eager to experience the infectious energy and rich traditions of Brazilian culture, securing tickets in advance is recommended. More information is available on the event's official website.

Adventure Island Debuts Castaway Falls: Over 100 Ways to Get Wet!

Adventure Island in Tampa, Florida, has launched its newest attraction, Castaway Falls, providing guests with a splash-packed adventure featuring over 100 interactive elements.

This latest addition is the highlight of the water park's extensive renovations aimed at enhancing visitor experience. Castaway Falls offers an array of attractions, including two gigantic tipping buckets that deliver over 1,300 gallons of water, simulating a sudden tropical downpour.

Located within a lush, tropical setting, Castaway Falls is designed to entertain visitors of all ages. This attraction joins a series of recent enhancements at Adventure Island, such as Shaka-Laka Shores, Rapids Racer, and Wahoo Remix slides. The park also revamped Captain Pete's and Hang Ten Tiki Bar, introducing new lounge areas and cabanas for the ultimate relaxation in a tropical atmosphere.

Adventure Island, situated across Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, is renowned for its exhilarating water slides and serene surroundings, blending thrill with tranquility. The park features attractions like the Rapids Racer, Wahoo Remix, and the expansive 17,000-square-foot wave pool, catering to both thrill-seekers and those looking to unwind.

Florida's Education and Economic Growth Tops U.S. Rankings

Amidst Criticism

For the second year, Florida tops U.S. News & World Report's education rankings, propelled by its high performance in higher education, characterized by notable graduation rates and the lowest in-state tuition fees. Governor Ron DeSantis’s controversial educational policies, focusing on reshaping the K-12 system and reducing "woke" influences, have kept Florida in the spotlight. These policies include facilitating the conversion of underperforming schools to charter schools and limiting public input on school book selections.

Criticism arises with Florida’s drop to the lowest national rank in teacher pay and concerns over the actual improvement in educational quality over the past decades.

In parallel, Florida's economic growth leads the nation, driven by robust job creation and significant population growth, despite challenges in housing affordability and living costs. Critics argue that the state’s educational and economic strategies may not sustain long-term success.

Navigating the 2024 Housing Market: Tips for Buyers and Sellers

 In 2024, prospective homebuyers face high mortgage rates and a limited housing supply, prompting them to lower their expectations.

Despite a challenging market, real estate experts suggest that this could be beneficial for those willing to make a purchase now. Mortgage rates, lingering around 7%, have not decreased as previously anticipated, dampening the summer selling season’s outlook. However, reduced competition presents a unique opportunity for buyers, according to Susan Huff of Huff Realty. She advises buyers to seize the moment and consider refinancing when rates drop.

Similarly, sellers are adjusting to the market's demands. A survey by Realtor.com indicates over 80% of potential sellers are delaying their plans due to the climbing rates, with a substantial number opting to wait up to two years. Despite this, 2024 remains a promising year to sell due to the strong demand and low inventory.

Both buyers and sellers are encouraged to modify their expectations. Practical steps like improving curb appeal and securing mortgage pre-approval can enhance their prospects in the current market, as waiting might lead to missed opportunities and higher prices once rates eventually fall.

Things to Do in Tampa Bay 5/9 - 5/15

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