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- Issue #284: Tampa Bus Route Goes Fare-Free 🆓 | Chicken Guy! Opens Jan 7 🍔 | Stay Safe from Norovirus 🛡️ | Messi Mania at Raymond James ⚽
Issue #284: Tampa Bus Route Goes Fare-Free 🆓 | Chicken Guy! Opens Jan 7 🍔 | Stay Safe from Norovirus 🛡️ | Messi Mania at Raymond James ⚽
1/7/2025
Ted Grellner
07 Jan
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Local News
— Tampa’s Busiest Bus Route Now Free for a Year, Easing Commutes for Thousands
— Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy! Debuts in Wesley Chapel on January 7
Of Interest
— Norovirus Outbreaks Surge in December: Tips to Stay Safe
Sports
— Lionel Messi’s Tampa Debut Promises Soccer Fever at Raymond James
🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
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NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Tampa’s Busiest Bus Route Now Free for a Year, Easing Commutes for Thousands
Starting Sunday, Tampa’s Route 1 bus line, the busiest in the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) system, is now free for an entire year. Serving over 3,000 passengers daily, the route connects the university area to downtown Tampa, easing commutes and reducing parking stress for riders like Laura Lawson, who relied on the bus during her downtown career.
Supporters, including Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak, highlight the financial relief, saving regular riders around $80 per month. However, not all city leaders agree. Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson questioned the city’s responsibility for funding HART initiatives, while Councilman Bill Carlson emphasized other pressing financial priorities, such as stormwater infrastructure improvements.
Despite differing opinions, many view the $1.65 million investment as a strategic move to support public transit and reduce urban congestion.
Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy! Debuts in Wesley Chapel on January 7
Celebrity chef Guy Fieri is bringing bold flavors to Wesley Chapel with the grand opening of Chicken Guy! on Tuesday, January 7, at 25769 Sierra Center Blvd. This marks the first Tampa Bay location for the popular chicken chain.
Known for its signature chicken tenders and “Big Bite” chicken sandwiches, Chicken Guy! offers both grilled and crispy fried options, paired with a variety of signature sauces. The menu also includes fries, mac and cheese, salads, and hand-spun milkshakes.
Co-founded in 2018 by Fieri and Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl, Chicken Guy! has rapidly grown to 13 locations nationwide, with plans for further expansion.
Fans of Fieri’s bold culinary style and over-the-top personality can now experience his take on fast-casual chicken dining right in Wesley Chapel.
Norovirus Outbreaks Surge in December: Tips
to Stay Safe
Norovirus cases spiked in December, with the CDC reporting 91 outbreaks in the first week—up from 69 outbreaks in late November and surpassing previous years’ averages.
Often called the “stomach flu”, norovirus is highly contagious and causes symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. While most people recover within 1–3 days, they can still spread the virus for days—or even weeks—after symptoms subside.
The virus spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated food or water, and touching contaminated surfaces.
To protect yourself:
Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Thoroughly cook shellfish and wash fruits/vegetables.
Disinfect surfaces regularly.
Wash laundry in hot water.
Stay home for two days after symptoms end.
Read More: fox13news.com
Cruise ships dealt with worst year of stomach illnesses in over a decade, CDC says - Read More: abcactionnews.com
Lionel Messi’s Tampa Debut Promises Soccer Fever at Raymond James
Soccer icon Lionel Messi will make his highly anticipated debut in Tampa on February 14 as Inter Miami CF faces Orlando City SC in a preseason match at Raymond James Stadium. This marks Messi's first-ever appearance in the city, drawing significant excitement from fans and local sports leaders.
Christina Unkel, manager of Tampa Bay Sun FC, hopes Messi's visit will boost enthusiasm for soccer, particularly for her team’s inaugural season. Preseason ticket sales have already surpassed 1,700, showcasing strong regional interest.
Rob Higgins, director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, emphasized the match’s impact on inspiring young players and strengthening the local soccer community. With 20% of tickets sold to out-of-town visitors, the event is set to drive both tourism and local engagement.
Fans can find ticket information at SoccerInTampaBay.com.
25 Biggest Music & Comedy Acts Coming to Tampa Bay
& Sarasota
Source: heraldtribune.com
Top Things to do in Tampa Bay & Wesley Chapel
1/9 - 1/15
Source: tampabeacon.com
This Week in TB area: | This Week in NT | WC |
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
For Kids (Nov-Dec)
- Fun4TampaKids
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