Former Macaroni Grill Could Become National Mexican Chain

Macaroni Grill has been vacant for more than a year, but that could change in the next few months.
Macaroni Grill has been vacant for more than a year, but that could change in the next few months.

For more than a year, the former Romano’s Macaroni Grill location has remained vacant on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in New Tampa. However, that may not be the case for long, as a national Mexican restaurant reportedly is in negotiations to lease the former Italian restaurant space, just north of Highwoods Preserve Pkwy.Continue reading

New Tampa Childhood Teammates Are University Of Miami Walk-Ons

New Tampa residents and life-long teammates Heath Grady (left) and Jake Romp (in green) both will be attending the University of Miami in the fall, as well as playing together as walk-ons on the school’s prestigious football team.
New Tampa residents and life-long teammates Heath Grady (left) and Jake Romp (in green) both will be attending the University of Miami in the fall, as well as playing together as walk-ons on the school’s prestigious football team.

By Matt Wiley

Young football players dream of playing in college for a chance to make it to the NFL. While it’s common for friends to play on the same team in recreational leagues and in high school, it’s not nearly as likely that those same two friends will walk on to the same college team — but that actually is the case for two New Tampa athletes who both have walked on to the University of Miami football team.Continue reading