Issue #404: Whataburger Coming to Wesley Chapel | Life Sentence in Coach’s Murder | Sheriff Criticized for Speeding | Rays Sale Reignites Stadium Talks

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar 

WEATHER 

Local News

— Texas Favorite Whataburger Targets 2026 Opening in Wesley Chapel

Crime

— Life Term for New Tampa Coach’s Murderer: Jury Convicts Neighbor in Lakeside Killing

OMG!

— Sheriff Slammed for Speeding in Lamborghini After ‘Zero Tolerance’ Pledge

Sports

— Rays Sale Sparks Fresh Momentum for Local Stadium Deal

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

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Texas Favorite Whataburger Targets 2026 Opening in Wesley Chapel

Whataburger, the iconic Texas burger chain, is officially returning to the Tampa Bay area with a new location planned in Wesley Chapel. The restaurant will be located at 25340 Sierra Center Blvd, inside the former Aussie Grill building near State Road 54 and Wesley Chapel Blvd.

Plans filed with Pasco County include a full interior and exterior renovation—upgraded restrooms, a refreshed kitchen, and a redesigned dining area showcasing Whataburger’s signature orange-and-white stripes.

Founded in 1950, Whataburger now operates more than 1,000 restaurants across 15 states, generating over $3 billion in annual sales. Known for made-to-order burgers and 24-hour service, it has a fiercely loyal following.

Though a proposed Suncoast location never materialized, this project is on track, with an estimated opening in 2026.

Fans don’t have to wait—online ordering is available via the Whataburger app, and their sauces and gear can be found at WhataStore.com and in select retailers.

Read More: wfla.com

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Life Term for New Tampa Coach’s Murderer: Jury Convicts Neighbor in Lakeside Killing

A jury convicted 25‑year‑old Kristopher Chandler of first‑degree murder in the July 2022 killing of his neighbor and beloved Little League coach, Tony Finley.

Finley’s body was discovered early one morning on a lakeside dock in a gated community straddling Hillsborough and Pasco counties, having suffered three gunshot wounds. Surveillance footage captured Chandler driving in the area around the time of the shooting and later strolling through the neighborhood singing and smoking.

Witnesses reported seeing someone matching Chandler’s description with a firearm near the scene shortly after gunshots were heard. Investigators recovered a gun and Chandler’s sweatshirt—spattered with blood—from his home.

During the trial, Chandler claimed self‑defense, stating he shot Finley during an argument over a firearm. Prosecutors countered that Chandler fired two fatal shots into Finley’s back after he was already wounded and never called 911. Chandler received a life sentence plus five years for a concealed‑weapon conviction.

Source: yahoo.com

Sheriff Slammed for Speeding in Lamborghini After ‘Zero Tolerance’ Pledge

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, known for his public stance against street racing, is facing scrutiny after being caught on video speeding in a black Lamborghini Huracán. The footage, filmed by former friend Ken Romano, shows Marceno accelerating past traffic on South Tamiami Trail in Estero, while Romano urges him on. At one point, Romano’s speedometer reads 74 mph in a 50 mph zone, and he’s still behind the sheriff.

Marceno had recently condemned reckless driving after arresting an 18-year-old street racer, declaring “zero tolerance” for such behavior. His office has not responded to media inquiries regarding the video.

The incident adds fuel to an ongoing federal grand jury investigation reportedly triggered by Romano. Allegations include over $100,000 in gifts, no-work consulting contracts, and kickbacks involving the sheriff’s father. There are also claims of improper home renovations using county resources. The probe into Marceno’s actions is still ongoing.

Source: cltampa.com

Rays Sale Sparks Fresh Momentum for Local Stadium Deal

The pending sale of the Tampa Bay Rays has reignited talks of a new stadium to keep the team rooted in the region.

With Stu Sternberg entering exclusive negotiations to sell the team for $1.7 billion to a Jacksonville-based group led by Patrick Zalupski, Tampa and St. Petersburg leaders are dusting off old stadium proposals. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor aims to revive a plan for a ballpark in Ybor City, stating, “We’re going to do everything we can to keep them in Tampa Bay.”

Meanwhile, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch emphasized the need to fulfill community promises tied to redeveloping the Gas Plant District, where Tropicana Field currently sits.

Both cities are preparing to compete once again, with county and possibly state involvement expected. Despite Zalupski’s Jacksonville roots, MLB’s support for keeping the team in Tampa Bay and the area’s strong media market make relocation unlikely..

Read More: ballparkdigest.com

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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

- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC
- visitflorida.com

For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids

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