Branchton Farms Has New Tampa's Freshest Produce

Branchton Farms owners Wayne and his daughter Mikele Branch are lifelong residents of the Branchton/New Tampa area along Morris Bridge Rd. and also sell a whole lot of farm-fresh, free range eggs and other produce.
Branchton Farms owners Wayne and his daughter Mikele Branch are lifelong residents of the Branchton/New Tampa area along Morris Bridge Rd. and also sell a whole lot of farm-fresh, free range eggs and other produce.

By Gary Nager

Whether you live in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel, I strongly urge you to visit Branchton Farms — the amazing fresh produce-and-so-much-more stand located on Morris Bridge Rd., south of Cross Creek Blvd., in the New Tampa area (about two miles south of the Pasco County line).Continue reading

Swiftmud Holds Meeting About New Flood Plain Maps In Wesley Chapel

Flood plain maps filled the cafeteria of Wesley Chapel High School on May 22 during a meeting with residents to identify flood-prone areas in Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills.
Flood plain maps filled the cafeteria of Wesley Chapel High School on May 22 during a Swiftmud meeting with residents to identify flood-prone areas in Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills.

By Matt Wiley

As the rainy season (and hurricane season) begins, we almost automatically can expect rain to be in the forecast on a regular basis. However, regular rain also poses the threat of flooding, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (or “Swiftmud”) is working with the public to draw the most up-to-date and accurate flood plain maps. Continue reading

Hurricane Season Is Here: Get Prepared, Have A Plan!

Photo: NOAA
Hurricane season has begun. Be prepared, have a plan. Photo: NOAA

By Matt Wiley

If you’re reading this, then you probably already know that hurricane season has begun, but it’s never too late (or early) to get prepared. Despite ominous predictions for a busy season with big storms last summer, tropical activity in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean remained relatively quiet. This year’s predictions call for another slow hurricane season.Continue reading