Issue #347: Mall Makeover Kicks Off | City Eyes Morris Bridge Upgrades | Trop Renovation Moves Forward | Rays Adjust Smoothly to Tampa

4/4/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
04 Apr

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Dr Ted
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

Local News

— From Ghost Town to Village: University Mall's $4B Makeover Begins

— Tampa Council Eyes Fixes for Congested Morris Bridge Road

— City Council to Vote on Trop Roof Fixes as Renovation Ramps Up

Sports

— Wind, Wins, and No Complaints: Rays Embrace Tampa Transition

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From Ghost Town to Village: University Mall's $4B Makeover Begins

University Mall is getting a $4 billion transformation into a walkable, mixed-use community called Rithm at Uptown. Located just five minutes from the USF Tampa campus, Rithm aims to blend housing, retail, food, and research facilities over the next 10 years. The project, led by RD Management, will repurpose the once-thriving but now fading mall into a vibrant space for students, locals, and innovators.

With updated signage already in place and the full 100-acre property under RD Management’s control, Rithm is being promoted as a “blueprint for the rest of Fowler Avenue.” Some students, like Aurelia Vo and Angelina Knox, are cautiously optimistic, noting the area’s decline since major retailers like Macy’s and JCPenney closed. Others, like Angel Pacheco, are hopeful the redevelopment will bring students back if marketed well.

RD Management’s vision is to “bring life and soul” to a space once labeled a “ghost town.”

Tampa Council Eyes Fixes for Congested Morris Bridge Road

Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera is pushing for the city to work alongside Hillsborough and Pasco counties to address long-standing safety and traffic issues on Morris Bridge Road, a heavily traveled route connecting North Tampa and Pasco to I-75. Viera argues the road is no longer rural and needs intergovernmental attention, not isolation.

While widening the road is not being proposed, a $2 million safety upgrade by Hillsborough County will begin later this year. The project includes reflective lane striping, curve warnings, speed feedback signs, and flashing intersection beacons. Additionally, Tampa recently approved $650,000 for pumping station updates to combat frequent flooding.

Residents, frustrated by frequent accidents and backups, are pushing for broader changes, including road expansion. But for now, improvements will focus on visibility and signage, aiming to reduce shutdowns that ripple onto major nearby corridors like Cross Creek Boulevard and Bruce B. Downs.

City Council to Vote on Trop Roof Fixes as Renovation Ramps Up

St. Petersburg City Council will vote Thursday on a $22.5 million roof replacement plan for Tropicana Field as part of a larger renovation push during the Rays’ temporary relocation to Tampa. The new roof will be made of tensile fabric, a stronger material built to modern windload standards, replacing the one damaged in storms.

City Architect Raul Quintana said the roof will be fabricated in Germany and assembled in China, with shipments arriving in phases. Though tariff concerns could impact costs, funding plans account for this. Construction would begin during hurricane season, so efforts are being made to shield sensitive areas from rainfall.

Despite visible water intrusion, city officials confirmed there are no mold issues after multiple environmental inspections. Still, additional funding will be needed to repair drywall, ceiling tiles, and carpeting.

Mayor Ken Welch’s administration will request separate funds for lighting, A/V systems, and architectural work, aiming to welcome fans back by spring 2026.

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Wind, Wins, and No Complaints: Rays Embrace Tampa Transition

The Tampa Bay Rays opened their 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees’ spring training home, and adjusted seamlessly during a six-game homestand. Though only five home runs were hit total—including three by the Rays—players noted how windy conditions and limited foul territory altered game dynamics.

Brandon Lowe, who hit two home runs, joked about trusting the “baseball gods” for future luck, while Drew Rasmussen earned a win in his first true start since elbow surgery. Despite predictions, the ball didn’t fly as expected in the warm, breezy conditions.

Manager Kevin Cash praised the venue transformation, completed just four days after the Yankees’ final Grapefruit League game. He highlighted plans to replace the infield clay by the next homestand with MLB-standard dirt used at Tropicana Field.

With LED lighting, compact foul zones, and a strong effort from stadium staff, the Rays’ temporary home debut was a success—both operationally and on the scoreboard.

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