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- Issue #421: Tampa Bay Rodeo This Weekend • Brightline Eyes Expansion • HOA Dispute Ends in Jail
Issue #421: Tampa Bay Rodeo This Weekend • Brightline Eyes Expansion • HOA Dispute Ends in Jail
7/18/2025
Ted Grellner
18 Jul
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar — taking submissions w/o phone confirm required
Local News
— Southeast’s Best Saddle Up for Tampa Bay Rodeo This Weekend
— Brightline Aims to Raise $400M for Tampa Rail Expansion
OMG!
— From Brown Grass to Jail: A Florida Homeowner’s HOA Nightmare
— Feds Charge Man Who Threatened to Behead Tampa General CEO
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Southeast’s Best Saddle Up for Tampa Bay Rodeo This Weekend
Get ready for two days of high-energy rodeo action and family-friendly fun as the Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival returns to the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds on July 18 and 19.
Top rodeo athletes from across the Southeast will compete in thrilling events like bull riding, bronco busting, barrel racing, calf roping, and bull dogging. The rodeo promises edge-of-your-seat excitement for fans of all ages.
But the fun doesn’t stop in the arena—the Family Festival features live music, delicious food, and interactive attractions, creating a festive atmosphere before the main event even begins.
Beamon Battie of the Crossfire Creek Band shares what attendees can look forward to on and off stage.
More details available at TampaRodeo.com.
Brightline Aims to Raise $400M for Tampa Rail Expansion
Brightline is pursuing $400 million in tax-exempt bonds to fund an ambitious expansion of its high-speed rail service from Orlando to Tampa, aiming to eventually connect Tampa to Miami.
The proposal will be discussed July 17 by the Florida Development Finance Corporation, which could approve the financing to design and build the new route.
Brightline already operates between Orlando and Miami, and ridership has steadily increased—280,000 passengers in March alone. Riders praise the service for its comfort, convenience, and lower stress compared to driving.
Extending to Tampa could boost tourism and reduce traffic on I-4, says UCF transportation expert Naveen Eluru. But cost could impact commuter usage: “Business travelers might use it, but daily commuters may hesitate,” he noted.
If approved, the expansion would make Brightline the first private intercity rail system to span major Florida metros without needing a car.
From Brown Grass to Jail: A Florida Homeowner’s HOA Nightmare
A Hillsborough County woman spent seven days in jail over a homeowners’ association (HOA) dispute involving brown grass. Irena Green was arrested on May 23 after Riverview’s Creek View HOA pursued civil contempt charges over repeated violations.
Citations escalated from lawn issues to complaints about a dented garage, a mildew-covered mailbox, and a parked van. Green claims she complied, but missed a court date, saying she wasn’t properly notified. A judge ordered her jailed for contempt.
“It’s horrible to be treated like that for brown grass,” Green said. Legal experts affirm HOA power stems from private contracts and judicial enforcement. However, critics argue this case reveals excessive HOA authority.
Green was freed after an emergency hearing. Her case comes amid new Florida laws curbing HOA overreach, including bans on excessive fines, interest, and petty infractions.
“We need HOAs, but we also need to feel like our homes are ours,” said Rep. Kimberly Daniels.
Feds Charge Man Who Threatened to Behead Tampa General CEO
A Pennsylvania man is facing federal charges after allegedly threatening to behead Tampa General Hospital CEO John Couris in a disturbing, years-long campaign of harassment.
Lawrence Brunn, 63, formerly employed under Couris at Jupiter Medical Center in South Florida, was fired in 2014. Following an embezzlement accusation and a 2020 lawsuit—which Couris won—Brunn allegedly escalated his threats online and by mail.
Since at least 2023, Brunn has posted graphic videos and messages calling for Couris’ execution, including one declaring, “You should be scared… It’s called a guillotine.”
The FBI says Brunn also sent threats to Couris’ neighbors and board members. Couris now uses full-time private security and avoids public outings with his family.
Brunn is charged with cyber harassment and could face up to five years in prison if convicted.
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Biggest Concerts & Comedians in Tampa Bay, Sarasota
in July
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Best Live Music in TB area 07/10 - 7/17
Source: cltampa.com
This Week in TB: |
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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
For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids
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