Issue #277: Kwanzaa in St. Pete 🌟 | Holiday Leftover Tips 🍗 | Post-Christmas Recycling Guide ♻️ | Support for Seminole Heights Family ❤️

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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

WEATHER

Local News

— Kwanzaa in St. Pete: A Celebration of Family, Community, and Culture

Of Interest

— Don’t Waste It! How to Properly Store Christmas Leftovers

— Post-Christmas Clean-Up: What to Recycle and What to Toss

OMG!

— Seminole Heights Family Loses Home After Roof Collapse on Christmas Eve

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

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Kwanzaa in St. Pete: A Celebration of Family, Community, and Culture

St. Petersburg kicks off its annual Kwanzaa celebration on December 26, honoring African American and Pan-African heritage through seven days of reflection and connection.

Created in 1966 following the Watts Riots, Kwanzaa focuses on family, community, and cultural empowerment. 

Each day highlights one of the seven guiding principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

Local business owner Shundra Allison, who hosts Kuumba (Creativity) celebrations at her establishment, Urban Drinkery, emphasizes the importance of actively participating in traditions. "Celebrating community, family, and culture is essential for a thriving life," she shared.

Symbolized by red, green, and black candles representing liberation, hope, and people of African descent, Kwanzaa continues to bring communities together in meaningful ways.

Read More: abcactionnews.com

Don’t Waste It! How to Properly Store
Christmas Leftovers

As Christmas festivities wind down, managing leftovers becomes the next task. According to the USDA, cooked ham and most other leftovers are safe to eat for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you need more time, freezing is an option—ham and similar foods can last up to 4 months in the freezer, though prolonged storage may affect flavor and texture.

Proper storage is key: wrap leftovers tightly in airtight packaging or sealed containers to lock in moisture, prevent odors, and keep bacteria out. Always refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly.

When reheating, ensure food stays out of the “danger zone” (40°F–140°F) where bacteria thrive. If frozen, thaw safely in the microwave, fridge, or cold water.

For baked goods, the news is sweeter. Cookies can last 2-3 weeks at room temperature, 2 months in the fridge, and 8-12 months in the freezer.

Read More: abcactionnews.com

Post-Christmas Clean-Up: What to Recycle
and What to Toss

As the holiday season wraps up, Hillsborough County Solid Waste reminds residents how to properly dispose of wrapping paper, decorations, and Christmas trees.

Recyclable Items: Cardboard boxes, paper boxes, catalogs, glass, plastic bottles, and wrapping paper without foil or glitter can all go in the recycling bin. If the paper feels metallic or has glitter, it belongs in the trash.

Trash Only: Christmas lights, garland, foil, ribbons, and bubble wrap are non-recyclable and should be discarded properly.

For electronics like phones, laptops, or TVs with rechargeable batteries, avoid throwing them away. Many stores offer electronic recycling programs.

When it comes to Christmas trees, remove all decorations and tinsel. Real trees should be cut into smaller pieces for yard waste collection or dropped off at one of Hillsborough County’s yard waste facilities in Gibsonton or Tampa.

Read More: abcactionnews.com

Seminole Heights Family Loses Home After Roof Collapse on Christmas Eve

A Seminole Heights family is grappling with heartbreak after their historic bungalow collapsed during roof repairs on Christmas Eve. Victoria Sowell, her military veteran husband Casey, and their two children narrowly escaped when they heard ominous cracking sounds as workers were on the roof.

The home, already damaged by Hurricane Milton in October, was scheduled for repairs just in time for the holidays. Instead, the structure was deemed unsafe and demolished to prevent further danger. Thankfully, no one was injured.

Currently staying with relatives far from their children’s school and Casey's workplace at the VA hospital, the family is facing uncertainty. Insurance delays due to the holiday season have added to their challenges.

Despite the loss, Victoria remains hopeful. “What matters is we are all together,” she said.

Neighbors have rallied with support, setting up a GoFundMe page to assist the Sowells as they rebuild their lives.

Read More: abcactionnews.com

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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

- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC

For Kids (Nov-Dec)
- Fun4TampaKids

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