Man Beats Minor With Motorcycle Helmet & Pencil

By Matt Wiley

Joseph Esgro, Jr.
Joseph Esgro, Jr.

A Wesley Chapel man has been released after a child abuse arrest involving the man’s fists, a motorcycle helmet and a pencil.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Joseph George Esgro, Jr., of Meadow Pointe, was arrested on Oct. 11 for child abuse following multiple batteries against a 15-year-old boy. The relationship between the two was not disclosed at our press time.

The PCSO report states that the first abusive encounter took place after the unnamed victim admitted to stealing Esgro’s car, for which Esgro allegedly struck the victim in the mouth and temple with a closed fist. The report also states that the second encounter resulted in Esgro being charged with battery using a pencil. Esgro allegedly struck the boy with the pencil, which caused a cut to his bicep and also stabbed him in the shin, just below the knee. Esgro also reportedly struck the victim in the arm with a motorcycle helmet.

Esgro was charged with one count of child abuse and released from the Pasco County jail on a $5,000 bond.

 

North Tampa Behavioral Health Opens To Patients

By Matt Wiley

As of October 1, North Tampa Behavioral Health (NTBH), the area’s newest medical facility, officially is open to patients.

The 53,000-sq.-ft., 75-bed facility, which is located on S.R. 56 about a half mile east of Mansfield Blvd. on a Wiregrass Ranch Development of Regional Impact (DRI) outparcel, serves the mental health needs of the surrounding community, providing care for geriatric, general adult, and dual diagnosis patients who may check into the facility Continue reading

Help The Planning Commission Imagine Hillsborough In 2040

By Matt Wiley

More than 25 years from now, Hillsborough County (especially New Tampa) could be hardly recognizable. With abundant growth projected for the region’s future, anything can happen. However, the groups in charge of setting plans in motion to shape the area’s future want to know what you want to see when the calendar reads January 1, 2040. By just filling out an online survey between now and Sunday, October 20, Hillsborough County residents can weigh in on how they want the county to grow.

Above are artists’ renderings of how the three different Imagine 2040 scenarios (l.-r., “Suburban Dream,” “Bustling Metro” and “New Corporate Centers”) could appear, although the actual growth of the county would likely be some combination of the plans.
Above are artists’ renderings of how the three different Imagine 2040 scenarios (l.-r., “Suburban Dream,” “Bustling Metro” and “New Corporate Centers”) could appear, although the actual growth of the county would likely be some combination of the plans.

Continue reading