Issue #116: Zephyrhills Freezes Development, SeaWorld Honors Veterans, Poodle Triumphs at Westminster, Debt Relief Caution

05/16/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
16 May

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GOOD MORNING

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Dr Ted
USAF Retired

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

💧 Zephyrhills Extends Development Freeze Amid Water Supply Struggle

 👨‍👨‍👦  Saluting Service: SeaWorld Orlando's Memorial Day Discounts for Veterans

Of Interest

🐩 Sage's Perfect Farewell: Poodle Wins at Westminster in Handler’s Last Show

Business News

💲 Debt Relief Dilemma: Woman's Trust in Relief Firm Leads to Deeper Debt

 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

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

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May 14 thru 18 — August: Osage County, Carrollwood Players Theatre, Fri & Sat’s: 8pm, Sun’s: 2pm

May 15

May 16 — Latin Night - Block Party @KRATE, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd, WC, 6-10pm

May 16-18 — Ricky Reyes, Side Splitters Comedy Club @The Grove, 8pm

May 17 — MOSI, Science after Dark, 4801 E Fowler, Tpa, 6-9pm, tickets for sale on MOSI link above

May 18 — Fresh Market @Shops of Wiregrass, 10am-2pm

May 19

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Zephyrhills Extends Development Freeze Amid Water Supply Struggle

Zephyrhills, famously known for its bottled water, is likely to extend a development moratorium for another year as it confronts water supply limitations. The city, which has reached its regulatory water draw limit, is in negotiations with the Southwest Florida Water Management District to potentially increase its daily water usage from 3.3 million to 4.48 million gallons. This strategic pause also halts all city annexations.

Efforts to address the water shortage involved a potential partnership with a nearby landowner, who could provide an additional 790,000 gallons per day through existing wells. However, the water district expressed concerns about environmental impacts and demanded more detailed monitoring plans.

City Manager Billy Poe indicated that comprehensive negotiations might extend several months, necessitating the moratorium's continuation. Discussions about alternative water sources are postponed until a resolution is reached.

The city council is considering all options carefully, acknowledging the need for sustainable growth without compromising environmental standards.

Saluting Service: SeaWorld Orlando's Memorial Day Discounts for Veterans

SeaWorld Orlando is celebrating Memorial Day by offering significant discounts to veterans and active military members, including up to 50% off on tickets, Fun Cards, and passes. This announcement aligns with the park's 60th Anniversary Celebration, which is marked by exciting new shows, parades, and the nostalgic return of "Shamu & Crew."

The special discounts are available for a limited time and are part of SeaWorld's broader commitment to honoring military personnel through its annual Waves of Honor program. This program extends special pricing and promotions to active-duty members, veterans, and their families throughout the year.

Additionally, SeaWorld has introduced an anniversary promotion with tickets starting at just $60. Fun Cards allow entry until the end of 2024, while an annual pass offers 12 months of unlimited access.

Veterans must register by May 19 to receive complimentary single-day tickets for themselves and up to three dependents, with redemption required by July 7. Eligible service members and their families can enjoy one-day complimentary admission as part of the Waves of Honor program by presenting a valid, active military ID.

Future Business Directory:
(Logos of local businesses w/links to their websites)

Sage's Perfect Farewell: Poodle Wins at Westminster in Handler’s Last Show

Though typical cut for poodle - see article

In a memorable evening at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, a miniature poodle named Sage clinched the top prize, marking a storied conclusion to handler Kaz Hosaka’s career. After 45 years in the competitive dog showing world, Hosaka decided that this event would be his last. This victory adds to the poodle's impressive history at Westminster, with Sage becoming the 11th poodle to win, trailing only behind the wire fox terriers in total victories.

Sage faced stiff competition, outperforming six other finalists including a German shepherd named Mercedes who placed second, and notable contenders like Monty, a giant schnauzer, and Louis, an Afghan hound. The event also had its share of drama as a protester was swiftly removed by security for attempting to disrupt the show with a "boycott breeders" sign.

Best in show judge Rosalind Kramer lauded the lineup as "excellent, glorious," emphasizing the high caliber of all competing dogs. The show, held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, had no shortage of crowd-pleasing moments. Notably, a lagotto Romagnolo named Harry amused spectators by begging for treats, and a vizsla named Fletcher endeared himself by leaping up on his handler post-performance.

In addition to the primary competition, the Westminster show also celebrated its diverse entries and the unique characteristics of each dog, reinforcing the event's role in not just recognizing top dogs but celebrating their individual stories and the bond they share with their handlers.

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Debt Relief Dilemma: Woman's Trust in Relief Firm Leads to Deeper Debt

Amid a national credit card debt exceeding $1 trillion, many Americans, like Nicole—a recent divorcee buried in debt—seek help from debt relief firms. Nicole turned to a firm that promised to negotiate her debts. However, after following their advice to stop paying her credit cards and instead send $200 bi-weekly to them, she found herself in deeper trouble. The firm only allocated $31 monthly across her creditors, leading to legal actions for non-payment.

Financial attorney Leslie Tayne warns against such services, advising individuals to negotiate directly with creditors or consult reputable advisors.

She points out that upfront fees and unrealistic promises are major red flags. The Better Business Bureau also suggests checking a company's track record before engagement.

After experiencing mismanagement of her funds, Nicole's situation serves as a cautionary tale against hastily choosing debt relief services without thorough research.

Things to Do in Tampa Bay 5/9 - 5/16

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