Issue #121: Pasco Traffic Plans Unveiled, Skunk Ape HQ's Fame, Carson Williams Shines, PTSD Foundation Support

05/23/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
23 May

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

 Local News

 🚚 Pasco County's Traffic Troubles: Innovate Pasco 2050 Plans for Relief

 🦧 Florida's Skunk Ape Headquarters Ranked Among Top U.S. Roadside Attractions

Sports

⚾ Carson Williams Dominates as MiLB Player of the Week Again

Of Interest

🎖️ Tampa Chapter of PTSD Foundation Offers Lifeline to Struggling Veterans

🎵  Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

Events Brought to You By:
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This Week’s Events in the NewTampa Wesley Chapel FL Local Area

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A New NT | WC AI Event Calendar

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May 24

May 26 — 13th Annual Int’l Cuban Sandwich Festival, Centennial Park, 1800 E Eighth Ave, Tampa, 12-6pm

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Pasco County's Traffic Troubles: Innovate Pasco 2050 Plans for Relief

 Traffic congestion in Pasco County has become a major issue, prompting county officials to devise solutions through the Innovate Pasco 2050 plan. This long-range transportation initiative involves over 1,100 residents through meetings, workshops, and online surveys to identify transportation needs.

At a recent North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce briefing, county planners discussed updates to the transportation plan, aiming to address issues such as congested roads and problematic intersections. Key areas of concern include New Port Richey, the State Road 54/U.S. 41 intersection in Land O’Lakes, and various locations in Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel.

Transportation consultants highlighted the need for better anticipation of growth, especially given rapid development and pandemic-related changes. Local business leaders expressed concerns about long project timelines and the need for better planning.

The Innovate Pasco 2050 plan will explore multimodal transportation options, including walking, biking, and public transit. The goal is to develop a prioritized list of projects that can be funded and implemented effectively. Community engagement remains crucial, with planners encouraging residents to participate through InnovatePasco.com.

Florida's Skunk Ape Headquarters Ranked Among Top U.S. Roadside Attractions

If you're planning a road trip and looking for a unique stop, Shealy’s Official Skunk Ape Headquarters in Ochopee, Florida, should be on your list. Recently ranked the second-best roadside attraction in the United States by USA Today’s 10Best, this quirky landmark offers a glimpse into the legend of the Skunk Ape, Florida’s version of Bigfoot.

Located at 40904 Tamiami Trail East on the Trail Lakes Campground, the Skunk Ape Headquarters features various intriguing exhibits. Visitors can see a plaster cast of a Skunk Ape footprint and view photographic evidence of the creature, captured by Dave Shealy. The attraction also includes tours of Everglades National Park and Big Cypress Swamp, providing a deeper look into the natural habitat of this mythical creature.

For animal enthusiasts, the site boasts an animal exhibit that includes Goldie, a 24-foot-long, 400-pound reticulated python, one of the largest snakes in captivity.

Read More: wfla.com
see original article for pictures and other notable roadside attractions (great list!)

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

Carson Williams Dominates as MiLB Player of the Week Again

At 20, Carson Williams is excelling in Double-A baseball with the Montgomery Biscuits. Recently named Minor League Player of the Week in the Southern League for the second time this season, he hit 8-for-18 with seven extra-base hits, including a multi-homer game, achieving a 1.787 OPS from May 13-19. This follows his earlier recognition for the week of April 8-14.

Williams, the Tampa Bay Rays' No. 2 prospect and MLB's No. 16 overall prospect, credits his success to learning from mistakes and support from coaches and teammates. Defensively, he ranks third in the Southern League with a .977 fielding percentage at shortstop.

Drafted in 2021 as the 28th overall pick, Williams began this year with the Rays' Major League Spring Training, showing promise in 10 games. Last season, he played across three levels of Tampa Bay's system, finishing with Triple-A Durham and achieving career-highs in several categories.

His progress highlights the effectiveness of the Rays' player development system, positioning him as a standout future star.

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Tampa Chapter of PTSD Foundation Offers Lifeline to Struggling Veterans

In Tampa, Florida, the PTSD Foundation of America offers crucial support to veterans struggling with PTSD.

Stephen Bradbeer, a veteran of Iraq, initially denied his PTSD until a car accident led him to seek help at Camp Hope. There, he found understanding and solidarity with fellow veterans. Nick Eckley, a Marine injured in Afghanistan, reached a breaking point with his addiction and PTSD, prompting him to join Camp Hope. His recovery inspired him to start the Tampa chapter of the PTSD Foundation, providing weekly support meetings and assistance for veterans in crisis.

Chris Thompson, another Marine veteran, faced worsening PTSD and alcohol addiction while working as a police officer. The foundation's support helped him regain stability. Joe Maddage, who served with a bomb detection dog in Afghanistan, also found solace in the organization, recognizing shared experiences with other veterans.

The Tampa chapter has supported over 130 veterans, aiming to help every local veteran in need. For more information, contact the Tampa chapter at 346-206-3676.

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