Sprouts Farmers Market Coming To New Tampa!
After years of anticipation, New Tampa is finally getting a green grocer. Sprouts Farmers Market, a popular Phoenix-based food chain that offers more than 19,000 healthy products, of which 90
New Tampa Recreation Center Expansion Plans Put On Hold…Again
Plans to expand the New Tampa Recreation Center (NTRC) — whether by adding more room for a gymnastics program that already has a two-year waiting list, adding a pool or
How Smart Is This Tampa Palms Kid? ‘Very Smart…Final Answer!’
John Barreto not only made it onto “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” as part of the nationally syndicated game show’s “Whiz Kids Week,” he answered a handful of questions
Here We Go Again — Politicians To Debate Kinnan St./Mansfield Blvd. Link
The infamous and befuddling barricades (photo) blocking Mansfield Blvd. in Meadow Pointe from Kinnan St. in the K-Bar Ranch/Live Oak Preserve area of New Tampa continue to stand as the
Interstate 75 at Overpass Road has reopened
All lanes at Overpass Road and southbound Interstate 75 (south of S.R. 5.2. at the 282 milepost) have been reopened this morning after a truck clipped the overpass Monday night
New Tampa Rotary To Re-Launch ‘The Taste Of New Tampa’ In 2017!
An editorial by Gary Nager It’s official! The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) has agreed to allow the Rotary Club of New Tampa — which meets Friday mornings
Arbor Greene Couple Fights To Help The Injured Stay In Step
Romulo “Romy” Camargo rolls past Derrik Amarral, who is working hard with physical therapists to bring legs that were damaged in a car accident back to life. “Come on, Derrik,’’
Suncoast Arts Festival Draws Big Crowds With Eye-Catching Art
Wesley Chapel artist Alan Metzger didn’t sell any of his original art all weekend, but when he packed up Sunday at the conclusion of the 11th annual Suncoast Arts Festival
Harrison’s Contest Winner Helps Pitch New E-Cig Law
By Gary Nager Congratulations to Tampa Palms resident and Liberty Middle School sixth grader Christian Breslin, who sparked the idea for the bill Rep. Shawn Harrison selected as his favorite
Suncoast Arts on tap this weekend at Wiregrass mall
By Celeste McLaughlin On Saturday and Sunday, the “main drag” through the Shops at Wiregrass – Paseo Drive – will again be filled with all kinds of art for the
Freedom High Girl Scout seeking golden result with museum exhibit
Jennifer Guggemos is a junior at Freedom High working toward the highest honor a Girl Scout can receive, known as the Gold Award. To earn this prestigious award, the young
A kind gesture goes a long way
Bruce Leggett didn’t think much of it. He heard a child screech uncontrollably. He saw a mother turn red, fraught with worry. So he smiled, and waved to the girl.
Pssst! We are running short on passwords.
If you, like the Neighborhood News staff, enjoy singing, dancing, enjoying delicious food and sipping some great wine or even whiskey, why not join us at our VIP “Speakeasy” event before our
Pasco's new logo to showcase vibrant places and spaces
After three years of study, Pasco County has unveiled a new logo with a new tagline — “Open Spaces. Vibrant Places.” – that Melanie Kendrick, the county’s acting program administrator
Francisco and Deffs share an adventure
An imaginative 10-year-old fifth grader at Saddlebrook Preparatory Academy (located off S.R. 54 here in Wesley Chapel), Francisco Cobo is now a published author, with his children’s book available for
Survey says: Wesley Chapel pretty darn great for families
With growing businesses, new residential developments, two major malls including the brand new Tampa Premium Outlets, and highly-rated schools, what is there not to like about living in Wesley Chapel?
All-Star game recap and photo gallery
The first-ever Pasco County All-Star Football Game had the county’s all-time leading rusher in Chris Schwarz (of River Ridge High) and another, Glass Wilson of Ridgewood, who ran for more
A ‘Chaotic Symphony’ & A ‘Wobble’ At The Shops At Wiregrass
I was on hand for the “Symphony in Lights” Presented by Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel — the every-hour-on-the-hour (between 6 p.m.-9 p.m.) tree-lighting-set-to-music” event at Wiregrass — on Nov. 25,
Dining Survey 2015! Readers choices for top area eateries
By Gary Nager We had another great year of reader response to our annual Dining Survey & Contest, as nearly 600 of you took the time to enter the contest
Local chess kids competing at Nationals this weekend in Orlando
More than a dozen of New Tampa’s best chess players will be competing this weekend in Orlando, as the United States Chess Federation holds its annual scholastic championships. The 2015 National
10 Things you need to know about Wharton-Freedom Rivalry Night
1. The Wharton girls basketball team beat Freedom 70-49. I’m just going to let that one sit here for awhile. While you’re picking up your jaw, we’ll continue on, but
Help is coming quicker for the SR 56/I-75 interchange…but quick enough?
Folks tired of pulling their hair out during frustrating morning and evening drives through the I-75 and S.R. 56 interchange got some good news recently when the Florida Department of
Volunteers make New Tampa food drive a success
Thanks to New Tampa volunteers, 1,700 local families that could have gone hungry on Thanksgiving were treated to all the food necessary to enjoy a great meal on the recent
Indoor sports facility could be next for Wiregrass Ranch
Will the fourth time be the charm for a Pasco County sports complex? After three failed attempts since 2001 to build tennis, baseball and outdoor facilities, Pasco County commissioners are
Busy weekend ahead for area road construction
Traffic around the I-75 intersections at Bruce B. Downs and State Roads 56 and 52 are expected to be busy construction zones through the rest of the month, and especially
Boys basketball tips off tonight
The boys basketball season tipped off this week. Wesley Chapel opened up with Anclote. Wharton, winners over Strawberry Crest in its first game, travels to Wiregrass Ranch tonight for a neighborhood
Junior Woman’s Club Members Accompany Vets On ‘Honor Flight’
Tampa Palms resident Melanie Otte remembers her grandfather’s stories about World War II. He would regale the family about his wartime exploits, as they leafed through his photo albums, and
Montelione files to challenge Harrison for seat
Two-term Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione (D) filed paperwork Wednesday morning to run in 2016 for State House District 63, the seat currently held by incumbent Shawn Harrison (R-New Tampa).
Have bike, will travel…across the country
Rotary Club of Temple Terrace member, USF professor and Saddlebrook Resort Tampa director of wellness Dr. Nick Hall, Ph.D., M.D., recently completed a cross country trip from Oceanside,CA, to St.
Freedom and Wharton set to tip-off promising boys, girls hoops seasons
Most coaches would be fretting over the loss of a player who averaged 35 points a game, a player who became Hillsborough County’s all-time leading girls’ scorer and was the
Shoppers tolerating not-so-bad traffic, seem pleasantly surprised
While traffic in and around the new Tampa Premium Outlet mall (2398 Grand Cypress Dr., at the interchange of I-75 and S.R. 56) is bound to get worse as the
Tampa Premium Outlets launches (w/ photo gallery)
For those who have been anxiously awaiting the opening of the Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO) for many years now, Wesley Chapel resident Lisa Bastone may have summed it up best.
Making Strides Event At Shops At Wiregrass Expected to Raise $175K+!
Congratulations to the American Cancer Society (ACS) of the South Nature Coast of Florida (serving Pasco, Hernando & Citrus counties), which hosted another amazing “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of
Former WC Resident Helping Control Area’s Coyote Population
Chris Wirt doesn’t live in Wesley Chapel anymore, but he still has a soft spot for the area. So, when the Westchase-based trapper received a call from a Quail Hollow
Check Out Our Revamped Website & Condolences To Nikki & Jeff
For those of you who haven’t been checking out either our page at Facebook.com/Neighborhood News or our website (NTNeighborhoodNews.com) or both every day, you’ve been missing out on daily posts
Wharton’s Viloria Steps Up For Varsity Ahead Of Harvest Volleyball Tourney
By John Cotey The Wharton volleyball team opened the season with a lofty goal — to compete for a State Championship. After winning their first nine matches, the Class 7A,
City Grill — The Sports Bar With The Authentic French Twist
By Gary Nager “Bonjour, Mes Amis,”says City Grill owner Eth (he goes by Eric) Thueltrouve to a couple of his regulars as they cozy up to the bar at the
New Tenants Coming To Shoppes Of Wesley Chapel
By Gary Nager Some new tenants are coming to the Shoppes Of Wesley Chapel shopping plaza, the retail center located across Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from Florida Hospital Wesley
Simon Officially Announces More Stores For Tampa Premium Outlets
Simon Property Group has “officially” announced several more stores that will be open on Thursday, October 29, when the Tampa Premium Outlets mall opens on S.R. 56.
Our Editor Again Cooks Up Advice With Dr. June
By Gary Nager I am proud and honored to have now made two appearances on “Cooking Up Advice with Dr. June,” which airs every Sunday at 8:30 a.m., on WTTA-TV
Grand Cypress Dr./S.R. 56 Light Now Live
It may seem like traffic signals already are too abundant on S.R. 56 near the I-75 interchange, but the flashing stoplight at the entrance to Tampa Premium Outlets is now
‘Festival Of Flight’ Likely Heading To Zephyrhills
By Gary Nager After a weekend filled with insane traffic jams, heavy rains and/or the threat of major storms — and sadly, precious little flying, — the abbreviated third annual
Deacon Blues Band To Host Teen Cancer Benefit At Peabody’s Sept. 19!
For teens with cancer, the ages between 13-18 are a time of transition to adulthood, but during treatment, most hospitals don’t have a place for them to hang out and
More Than 3,000 Attend Tampa Premium Outlets Job Fair!
By Gary Nager If you happened to miss the Simon Property Group’s Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO) Mall Job Fair on August 27 (at the USF Embassy Suites hotel off E.
RaceTrac Coming To Northwood Palms Blvd., S.R. 56 Intersection
Right now, it just looks like a bunch of turned dirt at the corner of S.R. 56 and Northwood Palms Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. But, in a few months, it
Overnight Closures For Northbound S.R. 56 Exit Ramp From I-275 This Week
Attention New Tampa & Wesley Chapel drivers, if you’re planning on using the S.R. 56 exit from northbound I-275 tonight, you might want to consider another route.
Festival Of Flight Takes Off Sept. 11-13 In Wesley Chapel
If you’re in or near Wesley Chapel the weekend of September 11-13, look up. You might see something cool that you don’t see too often. It could be a fleet
Beach House Senior Living Coming To S.R. 56
While the Legacy at Highwoods Preserve (off Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. in New Tampa) recently opened as the area’s first assisted living facility, it won’t be the only one in our
Wesley Chapel Chamber Announces 'Excellence In Business' Finalists
It’s that time of year, time for the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) to name the year’s best nominated local businesses for its annual “Celebrating Excellence In Business” awards
Rest In Peace, Cindy Freeman
By Gary Nager I was shocked, saddened, heartbroken and devastated by the news that Cindy Freeman, the membership director for the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce the last three
Tampa Premium Outlets Announces Job Fair Vendors
Looking for a new job at the Tampa Premium Outlets mall on S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel? Hundreds of jobs are set to be filled on Thursday, August 27 during
Tampa Premium Outlets GM Teases Epic Grand Opening
By Matt Wiley If what general manager Stacey Nance told the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) during its recent Monthly Business Breakfast, the opening weekend for Simon Property
Chick-fil-A Eyes New Wesley Chapel Location
What now is an empty field at the northeast corner of S.R. 54 and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Wesley Chapel could soon be home to a long-awaited fast
Zaytoun Grill: New Tampa’s Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurant!
By Gary Nager Sure, there are alotof decent Mediterranean and Greek restaurants in our area already, but I can assure you there is nothing in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel
New Tampa Spared Most Of Severe Flooding
By Matt Wiley It’s no secret that it’s been a little wet out there in recent weeks. In fact, if our recent weather pattern was just a little more windy,
On The Border, Wawa To Open Wesley Chapel Locations
The S.R. 56/I-75 interchange is a hot bed for economic growth in Wesley Chapel, and it’s not slowing down, as more businesses and restaurants are meeting with Pasco County about
Neighborhood News Team Successfully Defends Spelling Bee Title!
By Gary Nager So, I’m not going to lie, I was having a really bad day on April 10 (my son Jake’s birthday) and it showed as I and my
Another Construction Project To Follow BBD 'Segment A'
By Matt Wiley Construction has been steadily increasing along Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in New Tampa between E. Bearss Ave. and Palm Springs Blvd. in Tampa Palms (also known
Fool Me Once On BBD, Shame On Me…But Fool Me Twice Or 3 Times?
I have now owned and edited this publication for more than 21 years, which means that I have been waiting for Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. to be widened for
Walk Now For Autism Speaks Tampa Bay Raises Nearly $270K At The Trop!
As we announced in our last issue, 2015 marks the first time we decided as a company to dedicate to supporting one cause for an entire year, and we’re proud
LA Fitness Building New Facility In Tampa Palms
Months after packing up their weights in the Shoppes of Amberly, LA Fitness has broken ground on a new facility in Tampa Palms.
'The Real Voice Of Wesley Chapel' At City Grill
By Gary Nager If you think you’ve got “The Voice,” come out to City Grill and prove it during April and May!
Wesley Chapel Burger King Employee Burglarizes Own Restaurant
Wesley Chapel’s king has been robbed by one his own. Wesley Chapel’s Burger King, that is.
Crash Snarls Weekend Traffic On Northbound I-75
Were you stuck in the major backup on I-75 near the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. interchange on Saturday? Here’s what happened.
Wesley Chapel McDonald's Lets You 'Create Your Taste'
By Matt Wiley McDonald’s is everywhere, with tens of thousands of restaurants around the world. But, the Wesley Chapel location on S.R. 54, just west of Oakley Blvd., is a
Pasco Sheriff Asks County For Improvements At 9-1-1 Call Center
By Matt Wiley Every day, hundreds of calls come in to the Pasco County Emergency Communications/9-1-1 Center from all over the county, including right here in Wesley Chapel. Residents expect
Florida Medical Clinic To Add Wesley Chapel Complex
By Matt Wiley If you’ve been driving along Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. north of S.R. 56, you may have noticed that dirt is being turned between the Shops At
Southern Living 'Showcase Home' Complete In Brookside
By Matt Wiley The Southern Living magazine “Showcase Home” in Brookside (located next to Saddlebrook Resort & Spa on S.R. 54) is complete, and soon will be featured in the
FDOT: I-75 Widening To Wrap In Early Summer
After years of construction, I-75 may soon finally be rid of the orange cones and barrels in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel in just a few months.
Wesley Chapel's Brooke Adee Advances On 'The Voice'
By Gary Nager OK, so here’s an update on what’s been happening on “The Voice” since I first told you about Wesley Chapel’s own budding indie/alt music artist Brooke Adee.
Player Struck By Former USF Coach Jim Leavitt Didn't Break Story
In 2010, former USF coach Jim Leavitt was fired for allegedly striking former Bulls player, Joel Miller, who recently told his side of the story to the Neighborhood News. Click
Cypress Creek Ice & Sports Complex Officially Breaks Ground
By Matt Wiley Wesley Chapel’s claim to ice hockey fame could open late this year, if all goes to developer Gordie Zimmermann (of Z Mitch, LLC)’s plan, who officially broke ground
Culver's Coming To Cypress Creek Town Center
As development kicks into high gear in the Cypress Creek Town Center Development of Regional Impact (DRI) in Wesley Chapel, more tenants are announcing plans to move into the area.
Chili's Of Wesley Chapel Is Now Open
If you’ve been looking forward to the opening of Wesley Chapel’s newest “neighborhood” bar, the wait is officially over.
Not Many Improvements Planned For Morris Bridge Rd.
By Matt Wiley Traveling south on Morris Bridge Rd. from S.R. 54, it’s hard to imagine that there are thousands of homes planned for developments on both sides of the
Estancia At Wiregrass Cuts A Ribbon
After years of hearing about the thousands of residential units that will be coming to the Wiregrass Ranch Development of Regional Impact (DRI) in Wesley Chapel, Estancia at Wiregrass by
Check Out Rhythm & Brews At Double Branch June 19!
Where can you enjoy a variety of craft beers, delicious food and listen to some outstanding music, all to support a couple of great causes? On Saturday, June 19, 4
Don’t Shoot The Messenger! A Hopeful Update About Olympus Pools
There’s no doubt that it’s been a difficult several months for Olympus Pools, the swimming pool contractor that has built more pools in the Tampa Bay area than any other
Pick of the Week: Ice SSSScreamin’
If you’re looking for truly delicious, gourmet ice cream and treats, you have to check out the new Ice SSSScreamin’ shop, located at 14933 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., next
Goofy Turtle Offers A Huge Variety Of Fun, Educational Toys!
Before you visit the new Goofy Turtle toy store inside the Tampa Premium Outlets (located next to Saks Off 5th), you should get rid of all of the preconceived notions
Mahana Fresh To Offer Free Bowls On June 12 — Don’t Miss It!
The fact that restaurants serving a variety of bowls have taken over the collective consciousness (and appetites) of the local community hasn’t been lost on Ryan Mortti, now the co-owner
Dining & Entertainment
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