Issue #311: Valentine’s Fun, I-4 Growth & Rays’ McClanahan Shines!

2/13/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
13 Feb

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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

Local News

— Valentine’s Day in Tampa: Romantic Dinners, Fun Events & Sweet Deals!

— Major I-4 Expansion Begins: Two New Lanes Coming in 2025

Business News

— Joann Fabrics Struggles Continue: 500 Stores Closing, Including in Tampa

Sports

— Rays’ Pitching Looks Strong—And McClanahan Makes It Even Better

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links


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Valentine’s Day in Tampa: Romantic Dinners, Fun Events & Sweet Deals!

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples—it’s a great excuse to treat yourself, enjoy a fun night with friends, or indulge in delicious food. Here are some standout ways to celebrate in Tampa Bay:

  • Haven: A five-course tasting menu ($125 per person) with wine pairings ($75) is available Feb. 14-15, featuring lobster with Osetra caviar, roasted duck breast, and honey butter-roasted lamb chops. Reservations required.

  • Timpano Hyde Park: A prix fixe menu ($85) includes options like Wagyu beef carpaccio, veal osso buco, and chocolate-hazelnut semifreddo. À la carte available. Details.

  • Half-off Shows: Use promo code LOVE for 50% off tickets to The Aluminum Show and Cirque Zuma Zuma at Largo’s Central Park Performing Arts Center. Get tickets.

  • Sal Y Mar’s Rooftop Party: A prix fixe Valentine’s dinner ($65) on Friday, and a Galentine’s event ($15) on Saturday with music, cocktails, and a pop-up shop.

  • Vow Express: Say “I do” again with a romantic trolley vow renewal ($99) benefiting charity.

Major I-4 Expansion Begins: Two New Lanes
Coming in 2025

Drivers on Interstate 4 between Tampa and Orlando may soon see relief as work ramps up on two new lanes aimed at easing congestion. This is part of the "Moving I-4 Forward" initiative, a multi-year project to improve traffic flow and safety across Central Florida.

🚧 Key Updates:

  • Two new lanes (one in each direction) are under construction from east of U.S. 27 in Polk County to east of World Drive in Osceola County.

  • Target completion: End of 2025.

  • This stretch of I-4 sees 140,000 vehicles daily, making it a high-priority improvement.

  • After the lanes open, work will begin on widening ramps at ChampionsGate, a major congestion point.

These upgrades are just the beginning. Over the next several years, I-4 will expand to 12 lanes in some areas, with new ramps and connections to improve travel across Polk, Osceola, and Orange counties.

Relief is on the way—though construction delays are likely in the meantime! 🚗💨

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Joann Fabrics Struggles Continue: 500 Stores Closing, Including in Tampa

Joann Fabrics is set to close 500 of its 800 stores, including nine locations in the Tampa Bay region, as part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The retailer is seeking court approval to sell "substantially all of its assets" after filing for bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year.

Florida is among the hardest-hit states, with 36 store closures, alongside major cuts in California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Despite the restructuring, Joann plans to keep many stores open, and employees will continue receiving pay and benefits.

Tampa Bay locations closing:

  • Spring Hill (Commercial Way)

  • Port Richey (U.S. 19)

  • New Tampa (Commerce Palms Blvd.)

  • Tampa (Citrus Plaza Drive)

  • St. Petersburg (66th St N.)

  • Dunedin (Curlew Road)

  • Sarasota (S. Tamiami Trail)

Rays’ Pitching Looks Strong—And McClanahan Makes It Even Better

Shane McClanahan is back, and both he and the Tampa Bay Rays couldn’t be more excited. After missing all of last season due to his second Tommy John surgery, the ace left-hander is fully healthy and ready for Opening Day 2025.

During the Rays’ first Spring Training workout, McClanahan threw a bullpen session with new catcher Danny Jansen, drawing a crowd that included manager Kevin Cash, pitching coach Kyle Snyder, and even team ownership. Cash praised McClanahan’s talent, calling him one of baseball’s elite starters over the past four years.

While the Rays won’t limit him this spring, they’ll monitor his workload during the season. McClanahan is eager to compete but trusts the coaching staff to manage his innings wisely.

With Drew Rasmussen, Taj Bradley, Ryan Pepiot, and Shane Baz backing him up, Tampa Bay’s rotation looks deep. But McClanahan remains the difference-maker, boasting a 3.02 ERA, two All-Star appearances, and 456 strikeouts in 74 starts.

McClanahan summed it up best: “I missed it a lot, man. It’s cool to be back.”

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
2/6 - 2/13

Source: cltampa.com

Top Things to do Around Tampa & WC
2/13 - 2/19
Source: tampabeacon.com

This Week in TB area:
2/13 - 2/20
Source: tampabay.com
This Week in Pasco area
2/6 - 2/12
Source: suncoastnews.com

Guide to the Florida State Fair

See: tampabay.com — lots of good information

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