Tag: New Tampa

Happy 104th Birthday, Roy Caldwood…Happy 250th, U.S.A!

Local Dignitaries Fete WWII Vet & Buffalo Soldier Roy Caldwood At New Tampa’s Own Independence Day Celebration

District 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera (below left) organized a unique event to celebrate both the 250th birthday of the United States and the 104th birthday of New Tampa resident, World War II veteran and Buffalo Soldier Roy Caldwood (center in photo above) on June 30. Among the many dignitaries on hand for the event held at the New Tampa Recreation Center in Tampa Palms were Tampa Police Department Major Whitney McCormick (to Roy’s left) and Tampa Fire Rescue Chief Barbara Tripp.

District 7 Tampa City Council member (and New Tampa resident) Luis Viera (photo below) has had a lot of great ideas during his nearly ten years on City Council, but few have ever warmed the hearts of so many people at once as the event he organized on June 30.

In order to honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Viera turned New Tampa’s 4th of July celebration into a joint event also honoring the 104th birthday of a true American hero — World War II combat veteran, Buffalo Soldier and New Tampa resident Roy Caldwood.

Roy, his daughter Diane Royer and their family were on hand for the festivities, which included a sizable roster of dignitaries not only speaking glowingly about Roy but also, in many cases, offering him presents in celebration of his birthday.

In other words, if you weren’t in the crowd of more than 150 people at the New Tampa Recreation Center in Tampa Palms that evening, you truly missed out on something special!

Viera opened the festivities with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence before saying, “We’re here to celebrate our country’s 250th birthday and the 104th birthday of a decorated World War II veteran, a gentleman who won the Bronze Star in Italy, who was a member of the 92nd U.S. Army Regiment and a Buffalo Soldier, Roy Caldwood.”

*The packed house at the New Tampa Rec Center.*

He then introduced the dignitaries on hand, including Maj. Whitney McCormick of the Tampa Police Dept., Chief Barbara Tripp of Tampa Fire Rescue, Hillsborough County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller (and New Tampa resident) Victor Crist, regional director Luis Laracuente of U.S. Sen. Rick Scott’s office, U.S. Army Brigadier General (Ret.) and New Tampa resident Remo Butler and Col. Jim Fletcher and Col. DJ Reyes of the Tampa chapters of two veterans’ organizations. He also thanked the City of Tampa’s Parks & Recreation Dept. for hosting the event inside the New Tampa Rec Center.

Viera also introduced Roy’s daughter Diane Royer, his grandson Chris Royer and his cousins Frankie and Dorothy Newton and Patsy Milner.

“As a country, it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, what God you worship or what your political affiliation you have, this is our country’s 250th birthday and we have to celebrate it,” Viera said. “And to me, there’s no greater symbol of something that brings us together as a country like Mr. Roy Caldwood.

“He’s a gentleman who grew up in Harlem. He was born in 1922, at a time when people who were liberated as slaves were 60-70 years old.

“He lived during the time of the Great Migration, when 6 million African Americans split the south to head up north.

“He grew up during the Harlem Renaissance, when World War I veterans — including the Harlem Hell Fighters — had just returned home from combat and were in their 20s and 30s.

*Roy, his daughter Diane Royer and TFR Chief Barbara Tripp.*

“This man has lived through our nation’s history and nobody is more worth of celebration than our friend Roy.”

Viera then introduced Chief Tripp, who said, “I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done…for your bravery, resilience and being part of the Buffalo Soldiers. You took a lot and that’s why we’re all here today. You took care of people. I can’t thank you enough for being a hero to your family and to our country.”

Among other gifts, Chief Tripp presented Roy with a plaque that said, “In recognition of U.S. Army PFC Roy Caldwood for his dedicated service as a combat medic in the U.S. Army 92nd Infantry Division, also known as the ‘Buffalo Soldiers’ during World War II. Your resilience & dedication to your country & community are a testament to your character & an inspiration to everyone. God bless.”

Next up was Maj. McCormick, who said, “I looked up what the record age is and it’s 122, and I expect you to make that. Thank you for your service from the Tampa Police Dept. Dist. 2.”

*Hillsborough Clerk of the Court & New Tampa resident Victor Crist.*

Next came Crist, who is not only the current Clerk of the Court, but who also served 18 years in the State Legislature, both House and Senate, as well as two terms on the County Commission and who founded the University Area Community Development Corp.

Crist said, “Today’s a very special day and I’m honored to be here. Growing up in a military family, I truly appreciate the men and women who have sacrificed their lives on behalf of our country and our lifestyle, so we can be free. So often, people take for granted what we have here and don’t truly understand or appreciate the sacrifices that you and others like you have made. I want to sincerely thank you for all that you have done for us in this country, in this world and this community. I’m so proud to have you as a neighbor and a friend. And I look forward to another hundred-plus years.”

Viera then took the time to introduce several people in the audience who are running for political offices, including County Commission candidate Aileen Rodriguez, Louie Aguila and Sara Peacock (who are running against each other for Circuit Court Judge) and New Tampa residents Morris Lopez and Alan Cohn, who will vie for Viera’s soon-to-be-vacated seat on City Council. Also speaking at the event was Dist. 5 City Council member Naya Young, who, like Chief Tripp and Crist before her, also mentioned that she’s seen videos of how impressive Roy’s dance skills are and how much she appreciated Viera’s invitation to attend.

Then, Laracuente mentioned Roy’s penchant for doing pushups before reading a letter from his boss, Sen. Scott:

“Dear Mr. Caldwood: Congratulations on your 104th birthday. You’re among a special segment of our population known as centenarians. That is a tremendous accomplishment. As Floridians, we feel a deep sense of appreciation for your leadership of our elder population. As Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I am proud to represent Florida’s centenarian community. As a Navy veteran myself and the son of a World War II veteran, I know firsthand the sacrifices our veterans, military members and their families make to defend our freedom. Veterans of our Armed Forces truly represent the best of what it means to be an American and a Floridian. None of the opportunities and freedoms we have as Americans would be possible without the dedicated service of our brave heroes. Again, congratulations on your 104th birthday and thank you for your service & sacrifice on behalf of this great nation. You served honorably and bravely. And, after receiving the Bronze Star and being a Buffalo Soldier, you truly represent the best of what it means to be an American & a Floridian. May this be a special time of celebration and recalling family and friends and looking forward to many years. — Sincerely, Rick Scott, U.S. Senator”

(*l.-r.) Mylitta Butler, Gen Remo Butler, Roy & Diane.*

Next, Viera introduced Gen. Butler, who was commissioned in the U.S. Army in 1974, towards the end of the Vietnam era.

“Gen. Butler served almost 30 years in the Army,” Viera said, “and became the first Black Special Forces officer to earn the rank of Brigadier General in American history. He served in Special Forces and Special Operations Command.”

“It’s an honor to be here to celebrate Roy’s birthday,” Gen. Butler said. “I’m a history nut.

Without Roy, there would not have been a Remo Butler. I stand on his shoulders. People don’t realize the impact of the Black soldier. The first person killed in the Revolutionary War was Crispus Attucks, a Black man. Many Black slaves fought in the Revolutionary War. They fought for their freedom, but after the war was over, they [were told], ‘You need to go back.’

“In the Civil War, they wouldn’t take Blacks in. Why? ‘Aww, they won’t fight. They can’t think fast. But they fought. I can’t tell you how many Medals of Honor were won by Black soldiers during the Civil War, but there were quite a few.

“I wrote a paper [that looked into] the Army War College (AWC), one of the most prestigious schools the military has. [The AWC] did a 1930 study on Blacks in the military. You know what they said? The same thing — ‘Blacks won’t fight.’ This came from educated officers.

“But let me tell you something. World War II came and things started getting dicey, so they said, ‘Let’s bring them in. And, the Harlem Hell Fighters have the longest continuous time fighting in any unit.

“Roy and I sit around and chit-chat and he tells me stories from World War II and you know what’s changed? Not a lot. You still have people out there to this day who have preconceived notions of what Black people can and can’t do.

“Like the late, great James Brown said, ‘Open the door and I’ll get it myself.’ Well, Roy, I want to thank you for opening the door for me.

“It’s great to see all these people here to celebrate this veteran, 104 years old and he walks better than I do. He can do more pushups than I can, and I respect him for that. So Roy, happy birthday. I got your present. It’s liquid and I’ll bring it over to your house.”

The next speaker was retired U.S. Army Col. Jim Fletcher, the former president of Tampa’s Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 787, who served almost 30 years in the Army, including in Vietnam, the Gulf War and numerous other conflicts. He also is a senior mentor of Hillsborough’s Veterans Treatment Court.

“I am also honored to be here,” Col. Fletcher said. “And I’m most proud of all the veterans who are here. It speaks of what we mean to each other and what [you mean to us], Roy. And I love you for all that you are and all that you did. I was most impressed when I went through your bio and saw how, when you were in Italy, you reached out to the community [there].

“In Special Forces, we understand how important that is and what it means to be with those people and for them to realize that you were there on their behalf.”

Col. Fletcher then took over the introduction of his fellow retired Army Col. DJ Reyes, who was appointed by Gov. DeSantis to be the Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Dept. of Veterans Affairs. “Col. Reyes is a Korean War veteran who served 33 years in the Army. He is the leader of the Florida Mentor Program in the 13th Judicial Circuit, the Veterans Treatment Court, a proud father of special needs children, a Lightning Community Hero and an inductee in the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.”

*The Tampa Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club salutes Roy.*

Col. Reyes said to Roy, “Luis told me about your birthday celebration and I listened intently to the General’s remarks and one of the things that stood out. And, that is, there are a lot of people who have stood on your shoulders to get to where they are today. On behalf of the 1.4 million veterans who stand on your shoulders, I’d like to present you with a special coin from the Florida Dept. of Veterans Affairs.”

A group from the Tampa Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club then told Roy they were very proud to even be able to be called Buffalo Soldiers and that, “because of you, we are proud to wear our colors in representation of you.” The group then gave Roy the club’s cross-armed salute that ended with, “It’s all good!,” and joined Col. Fletcher and Col. Reyes in each giving Roy their own commemorative coin.

Thoughts About Roy & Our Country

Before introducing Roy’s daughter Diane, Luis gave the following thoughts from his heart:

“When I think about our country being founded 250 years ago, we don’t think about the words of a 33-year-old attorney who wrote, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,’ but at that time, it was all white men with property who were created equal. Generation by generation, more and more Americans will be included under that branch of equality, freedom, liberty and justice. That’s the American journey that started 250 years ago, that started with the aspirations of that Declaration.

“Roy Caldwood’s life is a real reflection of that journey and where we are today as Americans, having been born about 100 years after Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the same day.

“In 1943, Roy signed up for the U.S. Army. One day, he was reading Stars & Stripes about the 92nd Regiment and said ‘I want to be a Buffalo Soldier. I want to go into combat.’

“He would go to Italy, where he would earn the Bronze Star serving as an Army medic. He came under enemy fire numerous times and suffered injuries. He would give Last Rites to soldiers who were dying on the battlefield.

“Then, in 1946, Roy would put down his arms and come home and get married for 77 years. He also became an assistant warden at Riker’s Island prison.

“He had stood up for the values of his fellow Americans overseas against the Nazis and then, here at home against injustice and racism. A truly great American. Mr. Roy Caldwood.”

His daughter Diane said, “This is all quite overwhelming and a moving outpouring of love for my Dad, whom I affectionately call ‘Poppi.’ He has a lot of other names, too — deal-breaker, rabble rouser, Harlem Cotton Club dancer — you name it, I think he’s done it.

“I want to thank Councilman Viera. You are absolutely amazing. And, General Butler and his wife for coming out. From the time we first met you — thanks to Luis — we’ve bonded, like you’ve known Roy your whole life. Thank you so much for your friendship and who you are.

“A little about my Dad. My husband and I moved him down here, kicking and screaming, from New York about five-and-a-half years ago. He was a die-hard New Yorker who said, ‘I’m not moving to Florida,’ but we finally convinced him.

“His time here has created a whole new chapter of life for him and put a spotlight on his service because, prior to coming down here, I knew nothing of his life as a Buffalo Soldier. He kept it very quiet. It was only with moving and actually going through boxes of his things that I discovered a lot of pictures and memorabilia.

And then…Tampa, you guys just opened your hearts and arms to him. You put him in the Gasparilla parade. You name it, he’s been in it.

“But, one of the things I wanted to share is one of his axioms and sort of what he lives by. He says, ‘Whenever you see someone…anyone… you make sure you figure out how to reach out and help them, whether it’s something small or something big. Never turn your head or walk away.’ And, I have to say, that’s how he’s lived his life. He’s gotten into a lot of trouble doing it, but he’s always wants to help somebody. And I think that’s what gives him that momentum to keep him going forward.

“It’s God that continues to bless him and when he does those things, God blesses him a hundred-fold. So, I just want to thank you all so much for coming out.”

Viera then said, “Let’s have some cake!”

Welcome To New Grill At Morris Bridge Executive Chef Zach Thorpe

You have to hand it to Frank Gouveia, the owner of The Grill at Morris Bridge, which has been one of my two favorite restaurants in New Tampa since it first opened back in late 2021.

The restaurant has gone through several chef changes — including losing the most recent chef Mike Touranjoe, who left to become a top chef at a cruise line — but Frank seems to have no problem finding outstanding new talent to lead the restaurant’s culinary team.

The latest case in point is new Executive Chef Zach Thorpe (at right in top right photo, with Frank), who moved to the Tampa Bay area from Phoenix, AZ, five years ago. Zach was most recently a sous chef at Caretta on The Gulf at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater and he says he is excited for his first opportunity to be an Executive Chef.

“What appeals to me most at The Grill is the chance to use my creativity,” Zach says. “I feel like menu changes are necessary. I look forward to putting my mark on this restaurant in a good way and hope everyone will love my food and the atmosphere we try to create here at The Grill.” He adds that his favorite cuisine types are both Southern and Southwestern American.

“Currently, my favorite items to make off the menu are the shrimp scampi and the ribeye steak,” he says, but he also is already using his creativity on a constantly-changing “Chef’s Features” menu.

On our most recent visit, Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I were able to sample three of those Chef’s Features — and we’re hoping that all three will stay on the menu.

We started our meal with Chef Zach’s refreshing and tasty Watermelon Salad (top left), which combined slices of seedless fresh watermelon, spring mix, pickled Fresno chiles, a slightly sweet blueberry compote, feta cheese, pepita (pumpkin) seeds and a delicate white balsamic vinaigrette.

We all also loved the blackened chicken linguine (above right), which had roasted tomatoes, peas, bacon and a light Alfredo sauce that was creamy the Italian way, without being loaded with heavy cream. The blackened chicken had just the right amount of spice, too.

My favorite of the specials was the braised lamb shank (left) which was topped with a rich, savory and slightly sweet port wine reduction and the tastiest, crispiest yucca frites I’ve sampled and fresh broccoli. The lamb was so tender you barely needed a knife to cut it.

I’m also hoping that the crispy pork belly with sweet potato purée, bourbon caramel sauce and candied pecans and the lump blue crab cake (with charred lemon aji Amarillo aioli, jicama, Kohirabi slaw and scallions) will either both be added to the regular menu or at least stick around long enough for us to try them.

But, speaking of seafood (and the regular menu), Charmaine also was able to sample the seafood risotto (below left), which included large shrimp, scallops and a lobster claw, in a lobster cream sauce and micros greens. Charmaine said the seafood was “perfect” and she loved the overall flavor of the risotto.

And, even though we all already loved several of The Grill’s famous “Southshore Bar Pizzas,” we tried one we hadn’t had before — the spicy “New Bedford” pizza (above right), which was topped with hot chicken, onions, scallions and spicy peri-peri sauce. If you’re a beer lover, this super-crisp-crusted New England-style beauty is a perfect complement to a Sam Adams seasonal draft or any of The Grill’s other draft, bottled or canned beers.

Speaking of great bar-friendly food, if you want to watch a World Cup soccer match, The Grill’s bar (right) is a great place to talk “futbol” with other local fans and enjoy an order of crispy grouper bites, mushroom arancini (rice balls) or one of the menu’s many great “Handhelds,” from a ground brisket, short rib and chuck smash burger to a fried, blackened or Nashville hot chicken sandwich to an excellent shaved ribeye sandwich (below left), which is topped with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese on an amoroso roll and served with au jus for dipping.

And, The Grill also has more upscale regular menu items, like the seared Florida grouper (bottom left), served on a bed of goat cheese and pea risotto, with a confit of baby vegetables. The Grill’s fresh fish and the filet mignon and NY strip steaks have always been among mine and Jannah’s favorites in the area and the prime rib (available Fri.-Sun. only) also is extremely tender and seasoned just right.

Other favorite menu items of ours at The Grill include the meatballs and the spinach & artichoke dip “Shareables,” the New England clam chowder, the grilled Caesar salad and the braised beef short ribs in cabernet demi-glace.

If you’re craving dessert, we’re still partial to the Chef’s cheesecake, but we tried the bourbon-glazed chocolate chip bread pudding (below right) and even though I’ve never been the biggest bread pudding fan, it was delightfully dense, not overly sweet and topped with house-made bourbon glaze, a streusel swirl and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Truly delish!

Jannah absolutely loves The Grill’s sparkling French (with Grey Goose vodka, Chambord, LaMarca prosecco and pineapple juice) and strawberry basil martinis and, of course, not only does The Grill have my Jameson, but on this most recent visit, I tried a super-smooth Dunbrody Irish whiskey and will almost definitely be enjoying it on my next visit to the Grill, too.

We don’t usually drink wine when we visit The Grill, but I firmly believe Frank, who was previously in the wine distribution business, has assembled the largest and best wine list in the area, with more Italian reds (Barolos, a Brunello, etc.), California pinot noirs and chardonnays and sparkling options than you’ll find anywhere in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel.

And, The Grill’s wine dinners are legendary and always sell out, so keep your eyes peeled or call to reserve your spot at the next one! Or, to elevate your next event, call Frank about The Grill’s catering.

The Grill at Morris Bridge (10920 Cross Creek Blvd.) is open every day for dinner, and for brunch/lunch and dinner on Sat. and Sun. For more info, call (813) 388-5353, visit TheGrillatMorrisBridge.com, or email Frank at info@thegrillatmorrisbridge.com.

Executive Chef Frank Gouveia Grill at Morris Bridge Mike Touranjoe New Tampa Wesley Chapel Zach Thorpe

No Takers Yet? The Most Expensive House In The Tampa Bay Area Is Just Next Door!

Property Owner Who Sold A $50-Million Miami Mansion To Superstar The Weeknd Is Making Waves Locally

*All photos/renderings of The Oaks Estate in Thonotosassa are from One Sotheby’s International Realty.*

Nestled along a perfectly tree-lined road, amid gently rolling pastureland, stands something truly unique at 12321 Fort King Hwy. in Thonotosassa (just a few miles south and east of Cross Creek Blvd.) — the highest-priced home ever listed for sale in the entire Tampa Bay area.

The garages alone are larger than many mansions in the Tampa Bay area, and the premium lakefront property is roughly the acreage of a small community. There really isn’t much this estate doesn’t have.

The main house is an absolute masterpiece of French Normandy architecture.

The 43,000-square-foot (total) château features 9 bedrooms and 26 bathrooms, and it looks more like something that belongs in the European countryside than where it’s actually positioned — just outside of both Wesley Chapel and New Tampa, on the edge of sleepy Lake Thonotosassa.

And for those wondering why anyone needs 26 bathrooms, only 12 are full baths. The remaining 14 are half baths spread throughout the estate’s many gathering spaces. The primary suite alone features separate his-and-hers bathrooms.

The 87-acre property includes impeccably manicured grounds, multiple equestrian facilities, a go-kart race track, a car museum complete with an executive boardroom, a dual-lane bowling alley, movie theater, private spa with sauna, adjacent fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a private dock featuring a covered boat lift and party deck.

There is simply nothing else like it anywhere in the greater Tampa Bay region, and brokers at One Sotheby’s International Realty are counting on that fact as they attempt to make this the highest-priced single-family residential sale in Tampa Bay history.

The asking price: $115 million.

If the property ultimately sells anywhere near that figure, it could represent a dramatic shift in how luxury real estate is valued throughout the region. Especially considering the estate last sold in April 2021 for $16.7 million, when it “only” included approximately 36 acres.

Property records also show that roughly 51 additional acres, much of it greenbelt land, sold separately that same year for approximately $3.65 million. Combined, the transactions totaled roughly $20.35 million.

So how does a property purchased for approximately $20 million in 2021 arrive at a $115-million asking price just five years later, with relatively few major additions or changes to the estate itself?

How Did We Get Here?

The property was originally owned by Donald and Erika Wallace, who acquired the sprawling and largely undeveloped land in 2007, around the same time Donald Wallace retired.

Wallace was the founder and chairman of Lazydays RV Supercenter, which grew into the largest RV dealership operation in the world.

Almost immediately after purchasing the property, the existing home was demolished and construction began on what would become known as The Oaks Estate.

The main residence and its extensive amenities would take nearly five years to complete, with few expenses spared in the process.

What makes the estate particularly unusual is its location. It’s not tucked behind the gates of an exclusive master-planned community or hidden within one of Florida’s traditional luxury enclaves.

Instead, it sits in a part of eastern Hillsborough County where old orange grove homes still stand, where a historic Methodist church remains a local landmark, and where a small post office and library continue to serve the surrounding community. And yet, Lake Thonotosassa has quietly attracted a number of impressive homes over the years.

The 947-acre lake is the largest in Hillsborough County and one of the region’s premier recreational lakes. Its size even makes fly-in, fly-out access possible for seaplane owners. For those who prefer helicopters, the estate’s expansive grounds provide plenty of room for a landing.

An Exercise in Marketing?

The property is currently owned by former oil executive and investor Steven Lempera, who made headlines last year after selling a Miami Beach mansion to music superstar The Weeknd for a reported $50 million.

That sale came after Lempera acquired the property at auction in 2019 for $25.5 million.

That history naturally raises an interesting question: Is the $115 million asking price for The Oaks Estate purely a reflection of its actual value, or is it also part of a carefully crafted marketing strategy?

In the world of ultra-luxury real estate, asking prices often serve a purpose beyond establishing market value. A record-breaking price tag can transform a home into a conversation piece, generating headlines in real estate publications, business journals and local news outlets across the country. The listing itself becomes the story. And in many cases, that publicity is free.

Whether the strategy originated with the owner, the brokerage, or a combination of both remains unclear. Representatives involved with the listing declined to discuss how the asking price was determined. But one thing is certain: very few homes generate this level of attention without first attaching a number large enough to make people stop scrolling.

When we spoke with listing broker associate Eddy Martinez, he said the property had already secured two private showings on the same day shortly after officially hitting the market in late April.

Even seeing the estate requires extensive vetting. Prospective buyers must demonstrate the financial capacity to complete a purchase before they are granted access. According to Martinez, those restrictions extend beyond buyers and even apply to members of the media and other real estate agents.

That level of exclusivity may itself be part of the appeal. For ultra-high-net-worth buyers, scarcity often carries value of its own. There are luxury homes, and then there are trophy properties — properties so unique that traditional comparisons become almost impossible.

At that level, the question is no longer whether one home is worth more than another, but whether there is anything remotely comparable available at all.

Of course, publicity alone does not guarantee a sale. Even some of the country’s most heavily marketed luxury listings have struggled to find buyers.

Celebrity Broker Ryan Serhant famously lost one of New York City’s highest-profile listings after the property failed to sell despite extensive media attention and marketing efforts.

Still, timing may be working in The Oaks Estate’s favor. Recent luxury housing data has shown Tampa Bay’s high-end market among the strongest-performing luxury markets in the nation, with premium home values continuing to rise.

Whether The Oaks Estate ultimately sells for anywhere near its $115 million asking price remains to be seen. But, regardless of the final number, the property has already accomplished one thing: Everyone is talking about it.

And perhaps that was always the plan.

The Bigger Picture

The next highest-priced residential listing in the area is currently asking approximately $20 million. Coincidentally, it is located just down the road from The Oaks Estate.

While that property offers fewer amenities and significantly less acreage, it does feature one amenity the $115 million estate cannot claim: a full-scale replica of the Oval Office.

Even so, the gap between a $20 million listing and a $115 million listing illustrates just how ambitious The Oaks Estate’s pricing strategy truly is. Whether it ultimately sells for $115 million, $80 million, or something significantly less, the estate has already secured its place in local real estate history.

Donald Wallace Eddy Martinez Erika Wallace Mansion New Tampa One Sotheby’s International Realty real estate Steven Lempera The Oaks Estate

Eight Of 11 New Tampa Schools Earn ‘A’ Grades

Eight of New Tampa’s eleven Hillsborough County public schools have earned “A” grades from the Florida Department of Education (DoE) this year, including Tampa Palms Elementary, which improved from the “B” it received in 2025.

Only three schools in New Tampa received either a “B” or a “C” grade, including Turner-Bartels K-8 School, which dropped from an “A” in 2025 to a “B” this year. Wharton High also received a “B,” after earning a “C” in both 2024 and 2025, and Freedom High received a “C” again this year.

Overall, the Hillsborough School District received its first-ever “A” grade from the Florida DoE, after earning a “B” each of the last two years.

The Neighborhood News applauds the excellence of our New Tampa schools.

New Tampa New Tampa School Grades new tampa schools school grades

Drivers Rejoice! New Tampa Blvd. Repaving To Finally Begin Soon

*The Google Map above has been modified by Neighborhood News to show where the repaving of New Tampa Blvd. is planned to go.*

Drivers can expect a smoother ride on New Tampa Blvd. in West Meadows in just a few months, as Tampa is finally set to begin work on improving the primary east-west thoroughfare connecting all of the subdivisions in the community. Stretching 1.8 miles from Meadow Pine Dr. (just east of the Gateway Bridge connecting Tampa Palms and West Meadows; see map) to Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., the project will address concerns that locals have raised about the condition of the roadway.

Once construction has been completed, West Meadows residents can expect a number of upgrades along New Tampa Blvd. Planned improvements include fresh pavement, upgraded crosswalks, enhanced roadway signage and new ADA-compliant curb ramps designed to improve accessibility for pedestrians. The contracted cost of the project is about $2.5 million.

For many residents, the improvements cannot come soon enough, as drivers have complained about deteriorating pavement, potholes and general wear and tear that have made travel less comfortable and, at times, more hazardous.

The project represents a significant investment in one of the area’s most heavily traveled local roadways, shepherded by outgoing District 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera (who is running in Nov. to replace term-limited Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell in District 67). Viera says that New Tampa Blvd. was one of the last few items he wanted to cross off his priorities list before leaving City Council.

“I only have a few things I still want to get done and this repaving project was one of them,” Viera says. “I have been hearing about this road for years from my constituents and this is a basic quality of life issue for New Tampa. Mobility is a huge issue for zip code 33647. We live with it every day.”

The saga of improving New Tampa Blvd. is a long one, as what seemed like a straightforward road project became a years-long advocacy effort paved with funding issues and administrative delays. There was once a belief that the road would have been repaved with funds raised following the passage of the 2018 All for Transportation ballot referendum for Hillsborough County. The measure, approved by voters, was intended to provide billions of dollars over several decades for transportation improvements throughout the county, including road resurfacing, transit projects and safety enhancements.

That opportunity disappeared when the courts, following legal challenges led by former Hillsborough County Commissioner Stacy White, scrapped the tax and deemed it unconstitutional. The county already had collected $570 million in escrow while the referendum played out in the courts. Following the ruling, the fate of that money was left up to the Florida Legislature, which ultimately only allocated about half of those funds for local projects to be selected by county officials. Unfortunately, the New Tampa Blvd. project was not among those selected. The remainder of the money went to a refund program for residents, a countywide sales tax holiday and attorneys’ fees.

While the city was able to later fully fund the project, Neighborhood News informed our readers in our Apr. 21 issue that the start of the project had been delayed until June or July of this year. At issue was a processing delay of the approved contract by the City Council, according to a memo sent by the city’s engineering department to Councilman Viera’s office. When the city announced in early June that the project would move forward, Viera said he was relieved it finally got across the finish line.

“When you represent ‘the Alaska of Tampa’ on City Council, you have to bang the desk a little harder to get projects done. I did that with this and I am glad it got done.”

New Tampa Blvd. is now another win for Viera to promoter as he heads out on the campaign trail, while West Meadows commuters can now spend more time listening to their favorite podcasts instead of avoiding potholes.

construction New Tampa New Tampa Blvd repaving road construction