- NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
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- Issue #289: Wesley Chapel’s Growth Woes, MLK Events in Tampa, and Starbucks’ New Stance
Issue #289: Wesley Chapel’s Growth Woes, MLK Events in Tampa, and Starbucks’ New Stance
1/14/2025
Ted Grellner
14 Jan
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Local News
— Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Tampa Bay
— Frustration Builds Over Wesley Chapel’s Connected City
— Tampa Nonprofit Assists California Wildfire Victims
Of Interest
— Starbucks to Customers: Buy or Bye
🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:
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Brought to You By:
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay area offers diverse events to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
Tampa MLK Day Parade: On Jan. 20, at noon, enjoy performers and bands like the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats. Parade starts at Cuscaden Park and ends at Middleton High.
St. Petersburg Dream Big Parade: Catch one of the largest MLK parades on Jan. 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hollywood producer Will Packer is the grand marshal.
MLK Dream Big Banquet: Free banquet on Jan. 17, 7–10 p.m., Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park. Limited tickets available.
Plant City MLK Celebration: Events include a parade and live music on Jan. 18, starting 10 a.m.
Volunteer Fair: On Jan. 18, learn about nonprofits at New Port Richey Library.
Celebrate through parades, music, and community service.
Frustration Builds Over Wesley Chapel’s
Connected City
Pasco County’s ambitious “Connected City” project, spanning 7,900 acres in Wesley Chapel, was envisioned as a hub of innovation with green spaces, high-speed internet, and vibrant community amenities. However, residents claim key promises remain unfulfilled.
At recent public meetings, locals expressed frustrations over the lack of district parks, farmers markets, and other proposed features. Tonya Riddlesworth, a homeowner, lamented the project’s unmet expectations, calling it a “disconnected city.”
Residents’ discontent centers on plans to build multifamily housing and commercial space on a 39-acre parcel originally slated for community use. Activists argue this undermines the project’s vision and fails to provide meaningful job opportunities.
County officials acknowledged gaps in oversight and pledged improved planning, tree preservation, and infrastructure updates. Still, residents are mobilizing to ensure promises of parks, green spaces, and innovative development are honored.
A key rezoning decision is scheduled for Jan. 9 at the Dade City Courthouse.
Tampa Nonprofit Assists California Wildfire Victims
Grey Bull Rescue, a Tampa-based nonprofit, has sent over 12 volunteers to aid communities impacted by the devastating Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County, California. The fire has displaced over 100,000 people and caused significant destruction.
The group, composed of veterans and retired first responders, provides essential humanitarian aid, wellness checks, and critical support for those who stayed behind, fearing looters. Founder Bryan Stern noted, “Many didn’t evacuate and are now cut off, needing urgent assistance.”
Grey Bull Rescue has collaborated with local fire departments and agencies, offering Starlink internet to areas where communications were lost. The organization is also bracing for worsening conditions as Santa Ana winds heighten the fire risk.
To support their efforts, Grey Bull Rescue requests donations of respirators, thermal goggles, and fire equipment. They remain steadfast in their mission, ensuring those affected receive aid and hope amidst the devastation.
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Starbucks to Customers: Buy or Bye
Starbucks has introduced a new policy requiring customers to make a purchase to stay in its stores or use restrooms. This shift reverses the 2018 open-door policy, which was implemented after a high-profile incident involving the arrest of two Black men at a Philadelphia location.
The updated Coffeehouse Code of Conduct aims to improve safety and comfort for staff and paying customers. The policy also bans disruptive behavior, smoking, vaping, drug use, panhandling, and bringing outside alcohol into stores. Violators may be asked to leave, with law enforcement involvement if necessary.
Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson emphasized the rules are not meant to exclude anyone but to create a welcoming environment. The company has also pledged to train employees on implementing the policy effectively.
The change follows safety concerns raised by staff, with Starbucks citing incidents of disruptive behavior as a reason for closing 16 stores in 2022.
Reader Comments
“Keep up on the great information.”
“Good local coverage. Great job.”
25 Biggest Music & Comedy Acts Coming to Tampa Bay
& Sarasota
Source: heraldtribune.com
Best Live Music in Tampa Bay this week
1/9 - 1/16
Source: cltampa.com
Top Things to do in Tampa Bay & Wesley Chapel
1/16 - 1/22
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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