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- Issue #302: Big Traffic Fix for SR 54/US 41 • FL State Fair’s Newest Ride • Local Shrimp Missing from Menus
Issue #302: Big Traffic Fix for SR 54/US 41 • FL State Fair’s Newest Ride • Local Shrimp Missing from Menus
1/31/2025
Ted Grellner
31 Jan
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Local News
— SOF Network – Supporting Special Operations Forces with Mental Health Care
— Florida State Fair Unveils Thrilling New Ride for 2025
— FDOT’s Plan to Fix SR 54/US 41 Traffic Jumps to $516 Million
Food
— Seafood Surprise: 96% of Tampa Bay Restaurants Don’t Serve Local Shrimp
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SOF Network – Supporting Special Operations Forces with Mental Health Care
A new nonprofit, SOF Network, is dedicated to providing mental health support for Special Operations Forces (SOF) members and veterans. Founded by Dr. Christopher Ostrander, the organization offers a national directory of over 85 licensed clinical providers across 46 states, many of whom are former SOF members themselves.
Ostrander, a licensed mental health professional whose home office is in Land O’Lakes, created the SOF Network to address a significant gap—SOF personnel often struggle to find mental health professionals who truly understand their experiences. Many feel unheard or misunderstood when seeking therapy. The organization’s three pillars—Clinical Directory, Clinical Mentorship, and Clinical Research—aim to bridge this gap.
The mentorship program supports SOF veterans and spouses pursuing careers in mental health, and research efforts focus on culturally competent care. Since launching as a nonprofit in 2023, SOF Network has facilitated 400 therapy sessions per week, with 50-60 in the Tampa region alone.
For more information, visit SOF Network’s website.
Florida State Fair Unveils Thrilling New Ride for 2025
(see article for photo of ride)
The Florida State Fair is bringing even more excitement in 2025 with the debut of The Kraken, an 80-foot-tall, 147-foot-high pendulum-style ride that promises to be a must-try for thrill-seekers. This colossal ride, the first of its kind to travel across U.S. fairs, swings with intense speed and height, offering an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
The Florida State Fair runs February 6-17 at the Florida State Fairgrounds (4800 US Hwy 301 N). Tickets are available online, and parking is free.
For families, the fair is also introducing the Candy Adventure Fun House—a colorful, interactive experience featuring a fun house and mirror maze. At 131 feet long, it’s packed with dazzling lights, exciting sounds, and sweet aromas, making it a perfect attraction for all ages.
Don’t miss out on these exciting new additions at one of Tampa’s biggest annual events!
FDOT’s Plan to Fix SR 54/US 41 Traffic Jumps to $516 Million
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is proposing a $516 million overpass to ease congestion at the heavily trafficked SR 54/US 41 intersection in Land O’ Lakes. This new price tag is nearly double the original $260 million estimate from early 2023.
A public hearing is scheduled for March 25 at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex (5:30 p.m., formal presentation at 6:30 p.m.) to discuss the recommended design and gather feedback.
The four-lane elevated overpass would run east-west on SR 54, crossing over US 41 and the CSX railroad. US 41 would remain a six-lane highway with new bike lanes and sidewalks. However, the project would impact 36 businesses, four homes, and several wetlands, as well as Pasco County Fire Rescue Station No. 23.
The design phase runs through 2027, with land acquisition set for 2028-30. No funding is secured before 2030, but FDOT says that could change.
One astonishing fact about the Florida State Fair is that it was the first state fair in the United States to feature both cattle and citrus exhibits together, highlighting Florida’s unique agricultural diversity.
Another lesser-known fact: The fairgrounds are home to The Mildred W. and Doyle E. Carlton Jr. Cracker Country, a living history museum that recreates 19th-century Florida pioneer life with original historic buildings, including a schoolhouse, general store, and homes. Many fairgoers don’t realize they can step back in time and experience authentic Florida history right on the fairgrounds!
Seafood Surprise: 96% of Tampa Bay Restaurants Don’t Serve Local Shrimp
A recent genetic testing study by SeaD Consulting revealed that only 2 out of 44 tested restaurants in Tampa Bay serve authentic, wild-caught Gulf shrimp. The Salt Shack on the Bay (Tampa) and Stillwaters Tavern (St. Petersburg) were the only locations confirmed to use local shrimp.
Despite Tampa and St. Pete’s reputation for fresh Gulf seafood, the study found that 96% of sampled restaurants serve imported, farm-raised shrimp from countries like India, Vietnam, and Ecuador—even when menus advertise "fresh" shrimp dishes.
“This is a wake-up call for the area’s food scene,” said David Williams, founder of SeaD Consulting.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission notes that pink shrimp (Penaeidae) is the most commonly harvested variety in Florida. SeaD Consulting plans to notify restaurants of potential mislabeling violations and may publicly disclose their names if they do not correct the issue.
Reader Comments
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25 Biggest Music & Comedy Acts Coming to Tampa Bay
& Sarasota
Source: heraldtribune.com
Best Live Music in Tampa Bay this week
Source:
Top Things to do This Weekend in Tampa
1/31 - 2/2
Source: wild941.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
- Fun4TampaKids
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