Wharton Hosts Successful First Food Truck Rally

Hungry New Tampa residents eye the options from Nico’s Arepas Grill, one of the four food trucks that took part in Wharton High’s inaugural food truck rally on April 13.
Hungry New Tampa residents eye the options from Nico’s Arepas Grill, one of the four food trucks that took part in Wharton High’s inaugural food truck rally on April 13.

By Matt Wiley

Smoke rises along Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in New Tampa from the Paul R. Wharton High parking lot. The haze floats above the area, carrying with it scents not usually associated with a fire. In fact, they smell downright delicious. The source? Wharton’s first food truck rally, “Food Trucks Fighting Hunger,” which was held on April 13.Continue reading

Night of 5000 Raises More Than $10K

Each year, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC)’s New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club (NTJWC) hosts the “Night of 5000” charity gala to great success, and this year’s event was no exception.

NTJWC president Candice Melton (left) with Melissa Fort under ‘The Giving Tree’ at the 2014 ‘Night of 5000.’
NTJWC president Candice Melton (left) with Melissa Fort under ‘The Giving Tree’ at the 2014 ‘Night of 5000.’

The NTJWC held its 17th annual “Night” on April 12 at the University Area Community Development Center on N. 22nd St. The theme this year, “A Night of Giving” encompassed the heart of the event. A giving tree served as the focal point in the center of the room with brightly colored glittery leaves dangling off, tempting guests to take a closer look. On the back of each leaf was an organization the club supports or a project the club completes each year and the opportunity for every guest to pick a leaf and dedicate a donation towards that specific cause.Continue reading