Issue #413: Growth in Pasco | Heroic Firefighters & Two Shaken Pups | Turtle Surprise on Sanibel | RB Bucky Irving Shines

7/8/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
08 Jul

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
USAF Retired


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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

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Local News

— Boom Time in Pasco: A Look at the County’s Megaprojects

Of Interest

— After the Crash: Firefighters Comfort Two Shaken Dogs

— Sanibel Family Gets the Ultimate Beach Photobomb—By a Sea Turtle

Sports

— Bucky Irving: Tampa Bay’s Breakout RB and Future Core Piece

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Boom Time in Pasco: A Look at the County’s Megaprojects

Amazon Robotic Sorting Center:
A 517,220 sq ft, $150 million facility at SR 52 & Bellamy Brothers Blvd, set for 2026. Features fully robotic sorting, expected to create 500 jobs, including 300 full-time positions.

Moffitt Speros Campus:
Located in Land O’ Lakes, this 775‑acre, $600 million+ health and research complex will include clinics, labs, housing, and a Proton Therapy Center powered by a 55‑ton cyclotron, generating 11,000 jobs by 2033 and 2,400 by end of 2026.

Ridge Road Extension Phase II:
This $85 million roadway expansion will stretch 3.75 miles, adding sidewalks, bike lanes, a bridge over CSX, and utilities—due late 2026.

Double Branch & Wesley Chapel Boulevard:
Double Branch is a 965‑acre, mixed‑use development near I‑75/SR 52 with offices, housing, retail, and hotels over a decade. Wesley Chapel Blvd is being expanded to six lanes by May 2027.

Additional infrastructure: Old Pasco Road is being widened, and a $300 million Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital is under development.

After the Crash: Firefighters Comfort Two
Shaken Dogs

A car crash on Florida’s Turnpike turned into a touching moment of compassion when Palm Beach County firefighters comforted two frightened dogs after their owner, Gabriella Obregon, lost control and hit a barrier.

While Obregon was physically unharmed, her dogs, Simba and Aslan, were visibly shaken. When first responders arrived, they gently carried the dogs away from traffic and placed them in the quiet safety of the fire truck to help soothe their nerves.

Obregon, deeply moved, praised firefighters Jared Skinner, Matthew Poulin, Will Pantoja, and Nick Horn. “They were full of heart,” she said, “and reminded me there’s still so much good in this world.”

The story has since resonated online, with many praising the crew’s empathy. In a high-stress job often defined by urgency and danger, these firefighters’ calm and kindness made a lasting impact—not just on a shaken woman, but on her beloved pets.

Read More: fox13news.com - see article for actual pics of the dogs involved

Sanibel Family Gets the Ultimate Beach Photobomb—By a Sea Turtle

A Sanibel family had their beach photo shoot turned into a magical wildlife moment when a loggerhead sea turtle unexpectedly emerged from the ocean right in the middle of the session.

Photographer Brooke Benjamin of B + A Coastal Photo & Video captured the rare scene. The turtle, a mother coming ashore to lay her eggs, calmly walked past the group—providing a once-in-a-lifetime photobomb.

“Sea turtles hardly ever come out during the day,” Benjamin said. “We were shocked when this beautiful one walked right out of the water while we were taking photos.”

The group took a few respectful snapshots before stepping back, allowing the endangered sea turtle to safely reach her nesting site.

Loggerhead turtles typically lay eggs at night, making this encounter especially rare. The beachgoers’ reaction—admiration and distance—offered a gentle reminder of how to coexist with Florida’s remarkable wildlife.

Bucky Irving: Tampa Bay’s Breakout RB and Future Core Piece

Last season, Tampa Bay’s ground game struggled—ranking among the worst under OC Dave Canales. With him now leading Carolina, Liam Coen stepped in as offensive coordinator and things turned around. A key move was drafting Oregon running back Bucky Irving in the 4th round—a choice that paid off immediately.

As a rookie, Irving led Tampa Bay with 1,122 rushing yards and 1,514 scrimmage yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry—well above teammate Rachaad White’s 4.3 YPC, according to Bleacher Report. White matched Irving in receptions but added six TD catches, hinting he may leave via free agency next season.

Looking ahead, QB Baker Mayfield, along with Evans, Godwin, McMillan, Egbuka, and Otton, could power a potent passing attack—but Irving brings the elusive balance. If White departs, Irving could easily surpass 300 touches in 2026 and beyond, cementing his role as a true building block for the Buccaneers.

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