Issue #140: Swimming Ban at Tampa Beaches, Cycle Scenic Trails, and Shocking McDonald's Incident

06/19/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
19 Jun

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Despite it being a light news day, today’s issue has more crime in it than usual, because the New Tampa shooting was very close to my neighborhood.

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Dr Ted
USAF Retired

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

 Local News

— Enterococcus Bacteria Found: Swimming Ban at Four Tampa Beaches

— Cycle Tampa Bay: Unforgettable Views on Two Popular Trails

OMG!

— Drive-Thru Drama: McDonald's Employee Opens Fire After Argument

Crime

— Residents Alarmed as Fatal Shooting Occurs Near Homes and Businesses in New Tampa

Sports

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Enterococcus Bacteria Found: Swimming Ban at Four Tampa Beaches

The Florida Department of Health has issued a water quality advisory for three Hillsborough County beaches—Bahia, Davis Islands, and E.G. Simmons—due to elevated levels of Enterococcus bacteria, which indicate possible fecal contamination. Tests from last week showed the water at these beaches does not meet recreational water quality criteria.

Picnic Island is also affected. Enterococcus bacteria, commonly linked to fecal waste, can cause urinary tract infections, meningitis, wound infections, and abdominal infections. The advisory warns against water-related activities at these locations to reduce the risk of illness and will remain in effect until bacteria levels return to acceptable standards.

Cycle Tampa Bay: Unforgettable Views on Two Popular Trails

Discover Tampa Bay’s vibrant scenery and natural beauty by biking two captivating trails. Ideal for locals and visitors, these trails offer stunning rides and adventures.

Courtney Campbell Trail
Stretching 9.5 miles from Tampa to Clearwater, the Courtney Campbell Trail offers breathtaking views of Upper Tampa Bay. It features two bridges and numerous shelters for rest. Starting at the Veterans Expressway in Tampa and ending at Bayshore Boulevard in Clearwater, it connects to the Pinellas Trail and Duke Energy Trail via Clearwater’s Ream Wilson East-West Trail. Parking is available at Cypress Point Park and Skyway Park.

Upper Tampa Bay Trail
Situated in northwest Hillsborough County, the Upper Tampa Bay Trail runs along Channel A. Starting at Memorial Highway/Montague Street, it extends north, passing Waters Avenue and Ehrlich Road, ending at Peterson Road Park. A northern extension from Van Dyke Road connects to the Suncoast Trail at the Veterans Expressway. Parking is available at the Memorial Trailhead and Channel Park Trailhead.

Read More: thatssotampa.com - check out picture of Courtney Campbell Trail

One particularly striking and little-known fact about contaminated water at beaches is that the primary source of contamination is often stormwater runoff rather than direct pollution.

After heavy rains, runoff can carry pollutants from urban areas, including oil, pesticides, trash, and bacteria from animal waste, into the ocean. This can lead to elevated levels of harmful bacteria and other pathogens in beach water, posing health risks to swimmers.

Addressing this issue involves improving stormwater management systems, such as creating green infrastructure (like rain gardens and permeable pavements) to filter and reduce runoff before it reaches the ocean.

Public awareness campaigns about proper waste disposal and pet waste management also play a crucial role in mitigating beach water contamination.

Drive-Thru Drama: McDonald's Employee Opens Fire After Argument

A late-night argument over a wrong order at a Lakeland McDonald's drive-thru escalated into a shooting incident. Around 1 a.m. on Friday, Chassidy Gardner, 22, clashed with customers at the East Memorial Boulevard location.

The altercation began when Gardner threw a drink at the customers, who then got out of their car and retaliated by throwing drinks back. The customers drove to another side of the building, where Gardner confronted them again and fired shots at their car as they left the parking lot, striking the vehicle at least once.

Gardner was subsequently arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The incident was detailed in a Facebook post by the Lakeland Police Department.

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Residents Alarmed as Fatal Shooting Occurs Near Homes and Businesses in New Tampa

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is seeking public assistance to identify those responsible for the fatal shooting of a man near Regents Park Drive and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. Deputies responded just before 3 p.m. to a call about a man found dead with multiple gunshot wounds. Detectives are investigating the circumstances leading to the shooting.

Nearby residents reported hearing gunshots, prompting a heavy police presence. Regents Park Drive was closed from Lakeview Villas to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard during the investigation. La Petite Academy, a nearby daycare, assured parents about their children's safety through emails and texts.

Parents Serena Hamelin and Marielle Bellamy expressed concern about the shooting's proximity to their homes and the daycare. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 813-247-8200 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800-873-TIPS or through their website.

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