- NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
- Posts
- Issue #232: Sen. Burgess on Wesley Chapel's Future, Hurricane Beach Updates & FL Hospitals Ranking
Issue #232: Sen. Burgess on Wesley Chapel's Future, Hurricane Beach Updates & FL Hospitals Ranking
10/24/2024

Keep your finger on the Pulse!
GOOD MORNING
Dr Ted
USAF Retired
SUBSCRIBE: Share with your friends here —> https://pxl.to/NTWCLP
Finding Previous Newsletter Issues —> https:/pxl.to/NTWCchatbot
NOTE to New Subscribers:
— If Gmail cuts off your newsletter, click “Read Online” in UR corner
— Despite minimizing sources that require a 3rd party subscription to read, I will use stories from these sources that are very informative: ($) tampabay.com
In this issue of
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Local News
— Sen. Burgess Backs Wesley Chapel Incorporation, Addresses Impact Fee Issues
— Tampa Bay Beaches Reopen After Hurricanes
Of Interest
— America’s Best In-State Hospitals 2025 (Florida)
— Florida’s 6 Constitutional Amendments on the 2024 Ballot
🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

This Month’s Events in the NewTampa Wesley Chapel Live Events Calendar
Our Live Events Calendar: https://pxl.to/NTWC-LIVE-event
or click the image below:
Problems with submitting an event? Email me by replying to your newsletter
Brought to You By:
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Click Here to Become a Section Sponsor This Month!

Sen. Burgess Backs Wesley Chapel Incorporation, Addresses Impact Fee Issues

State Senator Danny Burgess addressed local issues during the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s “Coffee & Conversation” on October 1 in Wesley Chapel. He expressed strong support for Wesley Chapel's incorporation, emphasizing the benefits of local governance and a distinct community identity, although online reactions were mixed.
Burgess also discussed recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, including zero-interest loans and the Hope Florida program, aimed at helping affected residents. He acknowledged ongoing challenges in the state’s insurance market and highlighted legislative efforts to stabilize it, especially after the recent impact of Hurricane Milton.
Addressing impact fees, Burgess criticized the lack of transparency in fund allocation and advocated for a statewide approach to ensure fees benefit impacted areas. He also touched on affordable housing issues, calling for adjustments to the "Live Local Act" to better support middle-income residents.
Read More: neighborhoodnewsonline.net — (excellent article)
Tampa Bay Beaches Reopen After Hurricanes

Current Beach Status by County:
Citrus County: Check the county's website for the latest beach conditions.
Hernando County: Visit the county's site for updates on beach and park access.
Pinellas County: While there are no county-wide beach restrictions, some areas have limitations. Treasure Island beaches are mostly open, but Sunset Beach remains closed, with limited parking and closed public restrooms. Fort De Soto Park, Sand Key Park, Honeymoon Island, and Caladesi Island State Parks are still closed.
Sarasota County: Several beaches have reopened, including Siesta Beach, Nokomis Beach, North and South Brohard, and Maxine Barritt Park. Access to barrier islands and boat ramps at key locations has also resumed.
Manatee County: Visit the county’s website for the latest updates on beach conditions.

America’s Best In-State Hospitals 2025
(Florida)

Newsweek and Statista present the America's Best-in-State Hospitals 2025 rankings, featuring 700 top hospitals across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The rankings are based on quality metrics from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), data from the AHA Annual Survey of Hospitals, feedback from HCAHPS patient experience surveys, and a voluntary survey on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs).
Florida’s 6 Constitutional Amendments on the 2024 Ballot
Florida voters will decide on six constitutional amendments alongside choosing candidates. Here’s a quick overview of each amendment:
Amendment 1: Would make school board races partisan by requiring candidates to disclose party affiliation. Supporters say it provides more information, while opponents prefer politics stay out of education.
Amendment 2: Aims to enshrine the right to hunt and fish in the state constitution, potentially blocking future restrictions. Critics argue it’s unnecessary and could hinder animal protection efforts.
Amendment 3: Seeks to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults 21 and older, allowing possession of up to three ounces. Supporters see it as beneficial for law enforcement and the tax base; opponents fear negative impacts on quality of life.
Amendment 4: Would protect abortion rights up to “viability,” estimated around 23-24 weeks. Supporters want to roll back the six-week ban, while opponents cite concerns about vagueness.
Amendment 5: Proposes incorporating inflation into homestead exemption calculations. Critics worry about revenue losses affecting public services.
Amendment 6: Aims to repeal public funding for statewide candidates’ campaigns, sparking debate over campaign finance fairness.
Each amendment requires 60% voter approval to pass.
(please consult other sources than this summary for more information)
Reader’s Comments:
“Good info on hurricane help for the affected.”
“Concise and well done. Quick links are great for all that is available in our area.”
Thank You!
Does Your Business Have an Interesting Story to Tell?
Would you like our readers
to become your customers?
Click Here to
Put Your Business Logo & Link
in front of our many subscribers
Brought to You By:
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Best Live Music coming to Tampa Bay
9/20 - 10/26
Creative Loafing Tampa: 12 Must See Concerts in TB this Fall
Top Things to do in Tampa Bay
This Week | This Weekend |
The Ultimate Tampa Bay Fall Market Guide
Things to do in New Tampa and WC
10/24 - 10/30
Source: Tampa Beacon
Things to Do Brought to You By:
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
The Arts
- USF College of the Arts
- USF Steinway Piano Concert Series
Theater
-NTPAC - New Tampa Performing Arts Center
- New Tampa Players
- USF School of Theatre & Dance
- Wesley Chapel Theater Group
- Carrollwood Players Theatre
Misc
SPORTS
What Did You Think of This Issue? |
—> Feel free to leave a comment after you vote