Issue #139: Exciting Developments in New Tampa Parks, Tax Updates, and Tampa Bucs Buzz!

06/18/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
18 Jun

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

This seems to be the issue devoted to county commissioner(s) with a splash of coffee mixed in.

Have a great day!

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

 Local News

— New Tampa Set for Park Renaissance: Hagan Unveils Major Projects

— Increased Taxes Likely as Pasco County Tackles Service Needs

OMG!

— Bikini Barista Strikes Back After Customer Throws Drinks

Sports

⚾ MLB All Star Ballot

🏈 Bucs Bet on Baker: Can Mayfield Propel Tampa to Glory?

🎵  Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

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While two potential tropical systems are being monitored by hurricane forecasters, it's not these systems that will bring rain to Tampa Bay. Instead, the familiar daily afternoon and evening storms, typical for this time of year, will be the source of the expected rainfall.

Monitoring Tropical Systems

Two weather disturbances, one in the Gulf of Mexico and another in the Atlantic off the Florida coast, are being watched closely. The Atlantic disturbance could develop further as it moves west or northwest, potentially reaching the Southeast U.S. by Thursday or Friday. Depending on its path, it might bring showers to northern Tampa Bay areas, but it's still uncertain.

The Gulf disturbance, forming over the Bay of Campeche, has a higher likelihood of becoming a tropical depression or storm by midweek, but it's expected to move away from Florida.

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New Tampa Set for Park Renaissance: Hagan Unveils Major Projects

The June 10 town hall hosted by County Commission Chairman Ken Hagan was a notable event for New Tampa residents. Held at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center, the meeting drew around 200 attendees, far surpassing the 95 seats available.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of two major park projects. Phase 1 of Branchton Regional Park, a 42-acre space on Morris Bridge Road, will soon feature pickleball courts, a playground, a dog park, bathrooms, and Hillsborough County's first zipline. This park has been a long-term project for Hagan, dating back to 2005. The ribbon-cutting for this phase is tentatively scheduled for September.

Additionally, Hagan introduced plans for the Cross Creek Recreation Center, located next to Pride Elementary at Cross Creek Park. This $9 million facility will include a gymnasium with convertible courts, classrooms, a fitness center, and a multi-purpose room. The center aims to provide a variety of programs for all ages.

Hagan's updates were well-received, reinforcing his efforts to enhance the community's recreational offerings.

Increased Taxes Likely as Pasco County Tackles Service Needs

Pasco County faces rising costs for services like law enforcement, road maintenance, parks, and social issues. With property values increasing by nearly 13%, higher property tax bills are expected even without a rate change. Commissioners are also considering two new taxes to support parks and roads, potentially adding over $200 annually for a home valued at $300,000.

Sheriff Chris Nocco requests 40 more deputies to keep up with new developments, noting current shortfalls in law enforcement response. Commissioners are exploring linking new deputy hires to residential occupancy rates.

Concerns about homelessness include stricter ordinance enforcement and potential relocation of homeless individuals back to their places of origin. The Pasco Hope project, with a $310,000 allocation, aims to build container homes for the homeless.

County Budget Director Amielee Farrell highlighted $1.8 billion in proposed capital expenses over five years, including significant investments in waste-to-energy facilities, parks, and utilities. Tentative tax rates will be set next month, with public hearings and final budget approval in September.

Bikini Barista Strikes Back After Customer Throws Drinks

A dramatic incident at South Seattle’s Taste of Heaven Espresso has gone viral. On June 11, surveillance video captured barista Emma Lee defending herself by smashing a customer’s windshield with a hammer after he threw drinks at her. The customer, upset over drink prices, refused to leave and behaved threateningly.

Lee posted part of the 15-minute encounter online, emphasizing that women have the right to defend themselves in dangerous situations. While opinions on her actions vary, Lee insists the focus should be on the customer’s inappropriate behavior.

Police arrived at the scene and convinced the man to leave. Authorities confirmed Lee was the victim, and the customer may face a fourth-degree assault charge. Despite the incident, Lee remains committed to her job and has received increased support from the community.

Read More: wtsp.com - see picture of barista vs windshield

One particularly striking and little-known fact about baristas is that the term "barista" itself originates from Italy, where it simply means "bartender."

In Italy, a barista is someone who serves all types of beverages, not just coffee. However, in the English-speaking world, the term has become synonymous with someone who is specially trained in preparing and serving espresso-based coffee drinks.

This shift in meaning reflects the growing appreciation and specialization of coffee culture outside of Italy, where the role of the barista has evolved to include a high level of skill and artistry in crafting the perfect cup of coffee.

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MLB All Star Ballot

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Bucs Bet on Baker: Can Mayfield Propel Tampa to Glory?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the 2024 NFL season with heightened expectations after four consecutive playoff appearances and a surprising NFC South title win last year. With Tom Brady retired and Baker Mayfield stepping in as quarterback, the Bucs aim for their fourth straight division title and another playoff victory.

Mayfield’s journey has been turbulent since being drafted first overall by the Browns in 2018. After stints with the Panthers and Rams, he found a home in Tampa, throwing for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns last season, both career highs. His performance earned him a three-year, $100 million deal, and his familiarity with Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen from their time with the Rams bodes well for continued success.

With a revamped roster and coaching stability, the Buccaneers are poised for another competitive season. Mayfield’s resurgence, coupled with key acquisitions and a promising rookie class, gives Tampa Bay a strong chance to push further into the playoffs.

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