Woman Dies In I-275 Crash Near New Tampa

By Matt Wiley,

A woman is dead, following a traffic crash on I-275 near New Tampa.

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reports that around 8:40 a.m. on October 24, Laura Ellen Greco, 54, of Ocklawaha, FL, was traveling southbound on I-275 in her Chevy Blazer in the inside lane at a high rate of speed south of S.R. 56 and the I-275/I-75 split.

At the same time, the FHP report says, James P. Snyder, 59, of Zephyrhills, was driving south on I-275 in his Hyundai Elantra in the outside lane. For unknown reasons, Greco lost control of her vehicle and merged into the outside lane and hit Snyder’s vehicle.

FHP states that both vehicles traveled off the interstate and overturned several times, striking several trees in the process, and came to rest upside down. Both drivers were wearing seat-belts, but Greco died of her injuries at the scene. An alcohol test on Greco still was pending at our press time, but was determined not to be a factor for Snyder.

Grace Episcopal Settles With County On BBD Land

By Matt Wiley

Preparations are under way for the next segment of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. widening, between Palm Springs Blvd. in Tampa Palms and E. Bearss Ave. But, before that “Segment A” widening can begin, Hillsborough County is in the process of obtaining the land it needs to widen the busy roadway, including a triangular-shaped parcel it just purchased from Grace Episcopal Church in Tampa Palms.Continue reading

Redistricting Plan Unlikely To Move New Tampa Precincts Out Of District 7

Although the Tampa City Council districts are being altered, New Tampa residents aren’t expected to have any of their voting precincts moved out of District 7 (pictured above in orange). Map: City of Tampa
Although the Tampa City Council districts are being altered, New Tampa residents aren’t expected to have any of their voting precincts moved out of District 7 (pictured above in orange). Map: City of Tampa

By Matt Wiley

Although the 2015 Tampa City Council elections are still more than a year away, the redistricting process is under way to even out populations in each Council districts, including New Tampa’s District 7, represented by Councilwoman Lisa Montelione. However, New Tampa residents shouldn’t be too worried about their voting precincts being moved into another Council district.Continue reading