Meadow Pointe Cafe & Deli

The sign is up for the Meadow Pointe Café & Deli in the CVS Pharmacy shopping plaza on County Line Road at Mansfield Blvd., across from the Meadow Pointe II clubhouse. No opening date is available at this time.

Merry Christmas

A Christmas message

9th Annual Suncoast Arts Fest to be held in Wesley Chapel on January 18 & 19, 2014

 

The 9th annual Suncoast Arts Fest 2014 will be held on January 18 and 19, 2014 at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, Florida. This is an upscale venue just off of I-75 in the northern part of the Tampa Bay area and last year over 100,000 people patronized The Shops at Wiregrass the weekend of the Arts Fest.  Video of last year's Suncoast Arts Fest

January 18, 2014 | 10am-6pm

and

January 19, 2014 | 11am-6pm

Pasco Hernando Community College Wesley Chapel campus opens next month

Pasco Hernando Community College will open the new Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel on January 13, 2014, the first day of spring term classes.  The total estimated construction cost for the campus is $45,887,981 and it is expected that the college will have a name change to Pasco-Hernando State College very soon.

Porter Campus features a classroom building linked by a plaza to the library building, built above a three-story parking deck; it boasts four floors—two dedicated solely to health care programs. There are 10 classrooms, four computer labs, four science labs and eight health labs on the campus. A full service library, Teaching-Learning Center and a career and testing center also are housed on campus.

Located at 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, the multi-level campus is set on 60 acres of property adjacent to Wiregrass Ranch High School on the south side of State Road 56, approximately two miles east of Interstate 75.

 

Ciccio Cali opens in Tampa Palms

 

Ciccio Cali opened this week in Tampa Palms at the former World of Beer location.  The restaurant offers California style cuisine with Bowls (13), Stir fries (8), Grilled Wraps (8), and pizza and pasta. Outdoor seating is available and they offer catering and delivery.  Address:  17004 Palm Pointe Dr.

3 Story Medical Office Building Planned For Wiregrass

Wiregrass Ranch today announced a partnership with Dr. Mark Farina to build a 20,000 square foot, 3 story medical office building "which will house his (Farina's) orthodontic practice along with like users". 

This is in addition to the recently announced 5 story Florida Medical Clinic building.

RaceTrac planned for SR 56 in Wesley Chapel

A 5,968 sq. ft. RaceTrac is proposed for the southwest corner of SR 56 and Northwood Palms Blvd.  The proposed project will consist of gas pumps and a convenience store with outdoor seating area.

Wesley Chapel December Real Estate Report

63% of the reported Wesley Chapel single family home sales in November, 2013 were below $201,000.  43% of the total reported single family home sales were between $151,000 and $200,000. All cash sales continue to be popular and represented 44% of the total sales with a median sales price of $176,750.

Currently there are about 300 single family homes for sale in Wesley Chapel with an average list price of $325,563. 

OTB Cafe in Wesley Chapel Hiring!

OTB Café across from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is now hiring so look for an opening soon!

December Real Estate Report for New Tampa

The reported sales of single family homes in New Tampa for November, 2013 showed an improvement in the average sales price, but the volume of sales is lower than November, 2012*:

Total Single Family Homes Sold (Zip code 33647):

November 2012:  115
November 2013:    76

Average sales price:

November 2012:  $282,890.
November 2013:  $313,125.

Average Sales Price/Sq. Ft.

November 2012:  $  97.36
November 2013:  $113.02

Currently there are over 300 single family homes listed for sale in New Tampa (Zip code 33647) with prices ranging from $125,000 to $3,979,000. 

*Sales information reported in our local MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed

Happy Thanksgiving

Black Friday Hours at The Shops at Wiregrass

Pinchers Crab Shack coming to The Shops at Wiregrass

This sign announcing Pinchers Crab Shack is coming to The Shops at Wiregrass is posted in the window of the former AJA nightclub.  I don't have an opening date at this time.

Palm trees "swaying" at The Shops at Wiregrass

Today I noticed that they have removed many of the trees lining the streets at The Shops at Wiregrass and have replaced them with palm trees.

Ciccio's California Tampa Palms now hiring and opening soon

The new Ciccio's California located at the former World of Beer location in Tampa Palms (17004 Palm Pointe Drive), is hiring now and plans to open in the second week of December.  Website

Florida Medical Clinic purchases 14+ acres from Wiregrass

Late last month Florida Medical Clinic purchased a little over 14 acres of Wiregrass property located just north of The Shops at Wiregrass mall. The reported sales price was $4 million. Note:  On 12/8/2013 Wiregrass Ranch provided the following additional information:  The building will be a 5 story, 100k square foot facility.
 

Funding approved for extension of SR 56 in Wesley Chapel

The Tampa Tribune reports today that the FDOT has approved $32 million in funds for the four lane extension of SR 56 from Meadow Pointe Blvd. to US 301. According to the article, right of way acquisition will begin in 2015 and construction in 2017-2018.

Adding pizzazz to your house for selling

Some tips from real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran to add pizzazz to your house:

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Chanukah Celebration at Wiregrass on December 1st

Construction on new outlet mall at the Cypress Creek Town Center site could begin next summer

File photo of Cypress Creek Town Center sign

The Tampa Tribune reports that the outlet mall at SR 56 & I-75 is moving forward. (We've heard this before!)  The Cypress Creek Town Center location experienced years of delays over environmental lawsuits.  According to the Tribune, the Premium Outlet Center would be built on 50 acres south of SR 56 and construction could begin next summer and could be home to retailers such as Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, J. Crew and Nike. 

It was previously reported that the outlet mall should employ 6,100 people and would generate nearly $24 million a year in sales and property taxes and more than $1.5 million in revenue for the school board.

Glory Days Grill coming to New Tampa

 

The former Lee Roy Selmon's restaurant on Dona Michelle Drive in New Tampa will become a Glory Days Grill.  The chain has 21 restaurants in Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia and the New Tampa location will be its first in Florida.  The New Tampa Glory Days Grill plans to open the first quarter of 2014 and employ about 100 people.  Glory Days Grill website

November real estate report for Arbor Greene in New Tampa

Last month 12 single family homes were reported sold in the gated and guarded New Tampa community of Arbor Greene in our MLS.  None of the homes sold were classified as distressed sales (Short Sales or Foreclosures).  Sold prices ranged from $242,500 to $470,000 with an average reported sales price of $377,417.

Currently there are 20 single family homes listed for sale in Arbor Greene.  The list prices range from $214,900 to $485,000.

D'Alessio Italian Ristorante opening soon in Wesley Chapel

D'Alessio Italian Ristorante plans to open in the next few weeks.  It is located in the former Baja Fresh location across from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel on BBD.  The restaurant will offer gourmet pizzas, and veal, chicken, and pasta entrees.  Phone:  813-406-4889.

 

Next door, another new restaurant has its sign up too.  OTB Café has an announcement in the window promising "farm fresh and locally sourced produce, humanely raised meats without nitrates, antibiotics or hormones, unprocessed or minimally processed food whenever and wherever possible".  I don't know when this new restaurant plans to open.

Tis the season...



The trees go up at The Shops at Wiregrass (2013)

The Shops at Wiregrass mall in Wesley Chapel, FL is in the process of erecting the huge Christmas tree which is part of its annual Symphony In Lights show. The 55' tree is trimmed with over 250,000 lights, 47 miles of wire, and 10 tons of holiday décor. The show premieres on November 16, 2013 beginning at 5:00 with a holiday light show choreographed to music featuring Trans-Siberian Orchestra, a 10-piece horn band, strolling carolers and Santa.

Wesley Chapel real estate report for November 2013

The reported sales for Wesley Chapel single family homes in October in our MLS show mixed news--some good and some not so good.

The total number of reported sales for single family homes in Wesley Chapel in October was 66 which is down 12% from a year ago.  The average sales price was $209,490 which is up 8.5% from last October.

The percentage of distressed single family home sales for the month also showed a decline.  In October 2012 37% of the reported sales were distressed compared to 20% last month.  Cash sales represented 36% of all sales compared to 32% a year ago.

Lastly, 59% of the reported sales were below $200,000.

With just under 300 homes listed for sale, there is plenty of inventory on the market.

Pasco soon to claim largest reclaimed water reservoir in nation

The Tampa Times reports that Pasco recently began construction of a 500 million gallon reclaimed water reservoir in Wesley Chapel with the construction of roads and berms.   The "big dig" should begin in a couple of weeks.  Located in Wesley Chapel at Overpass Road and Boyette Road, the massive 80 acre and 28 feet deep reservoir will be the size of 60 football fields and have a cost of $36 million.

The Times reports that the treated sewage reservoir should not create any significant unpleasant odors and nearby residents have been assured that it won't smell like rotten eggs:

"Pam Wright, Pasco's reclaimed water program coordinator, said it's understandable if some folks are put off by the thought, but reclaimed water has come far since its debut 30 years ago in Pinellas County.

"There's still a lot of education that needs to be done," she said. "The misconception is that it smells like rotten eggs. The truth is there's almost no odor. If anything, there's a faint chlorine smell."

The Times further reports that the reservoir should be completed in 2015 and that Pasco County produces 20 million gallons of reclaimed water a day.

Link to full story in The Tampa Times

Wiregrass Ranch

Wiregrass Ranch

Signs recently went up on SR 56 for Wiregrass Ranch.

Fall fair setting up in Wesley Chapel

Fall Fair 2013 at The Shops at Wiregrass

 

They are in the process of setting up for the Fall Fair at The Shops at Wiregrass (October 31st-November 10th, just north of JC Penney). Rides, games, etc.

 

Fair Hours
 Monday - Thursday:  5pm - 9pm
 Friday - Saturday:  Noon - 10pm
 Sunday:  Noon - 9pm



Dogtoberfest 2013

Beekeepers

 

Hippies

Pumpkin Patch

This Wesley Chapel pumpkin patch is located at 28125 County Line Road in Meadow Pointe.

Dogtoberfest 2013 Tomorrow

Don't forget Dogtoberfest 2013 will be held tomorrow at The Shops at Wiregrass beginning at noon.

Here are some scenes from last year's event:

Construction begins on Wesley Chapel Walmart

 



Construction of the 200,000 sq. ft. "Wiregrass" Walmart building and 21,000 + sq. ft. garden center at SR 54 & Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. began this week.  I have heard that it will open in the summer of 2014.

Tampa one of best places to live in the US

Tampa ranked as one of the best places in the United States to live, work and play, and came in 19^th on Livability.com’s survey of the Top 100 Most Livable Cities in America. 

The survey was based on eight categories for small to midsized cities with populations between 20,000 and 350,000.  The categories included economics, housing, amenities, infrastructure, demographics, social and civic capital, education and healthcare. Tampa’s overall Livability Score totaled 620, scoring highest for amenities at 93, tied with Irvine, Ca.

“We received the highest score for our amenities – our waterfront city, attractions, sports teams, festivals, culinary focus, outdoor activities – all of these things make Tampa a great place to live,” said Santiago Corrada, President & CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “And we all know great places to live make great places to visit.”

Here are the overall rankings of the Florida cities that made the top 100 list:

Miami Beach #5
Tampa #19
Fort Lauderdale #24
Gainesville #34
Orlando #39
Tallahassee #42
St. Petersburg #59
West Palm Beach #67

Here's the complete list provided by Livability.com

Festival of flight this weekend

 (Pictures in slide show are photos I have taken in Wesley Chapel)

While Wesley Chapel typically is fortunate to enjoy scenes of hot air balloons on most weekends, on October 19-20 we will have an opportunity to see them (and a whole lot more) up close at the Tampa North Flight Center.  This airport is located in Lutz at 4241 Birdsong (located west of I-75 and south of Wesley Chapel Blvd).

From the airport's Facebook page:

"American Balloons, a hot air balloon ride company and Tampa North Flight Center are hosting the Grand Opening for the newly renovated Tampa North Aeropark and the Happy Hangar Café. We will have sponsors displaying their items, hot air balloon launch on Saturday and Sunday with a Hot air Balloon Glow on Saturday Evening. Planes flying in all day and a wonderful Kite Display from Kiting TampaBay and live music and aerial displays."

Here is the schedule of events published on the event's website:  http://www.festivalofflightwesleychapel.com/ 

Saturday, October 19, 2013

7:00 AM                       Hot Air Balloon Launch

8:00 - 9:00 AM            Vendors Open

9:00 AM                       Open Runway for Fly-In Aircraft

9:00 AM                       Wesley Chapel Cadet Squadron – Civil Air Patrol  - OPEN HOUSE and Activity

9:00 - 12:00PM          Kites and Bubble Demo

10:00 AM                   Hot Air Balloon Tether Rides (Weather Permitting)

11:00 AM                   Hot Air Balloon Tether Rides (Weather Permitting)

12:00 PM                    Delta Flyer Demonstration

12:30 - 1:30 PM         A Moment with The Classics - James A Williams Performance

1:00 PM                      Wesley Chapel Cadet Squadron – Civil Air Patrol  - OPEN HOUSE and Activity

2:30 PM                      Parachute Demo Team(pending)

4:00 PM                      Tethered Balloon Rides (Weather Permitting)

5:30 PM                      Delta Flyer Demo

7:00 - 9:00 PM           Live Performance By Harold Jones Entertainment

7:00 - 9:00 PM           Hot Air Balloon Night Glow (Runway closed)

* Live Bands Playing Throughout the Day
* Food Served All Day

 

Sunday October 20, 2013

7:00 AM                        Hot Air Balloon Launch

9:00 AM                        Plane Fly-In

10:00 AM                      Music, Planes and Vendors Open

11:00 AM                      Balloon Awards Ceremony

12:00 PM                       Festival Closed

 

If you go, I suggest you go early and WITH CHAIRS!  Birdsong is not a road that looks like it can accommodate a lot of traffic.

October, 2013 Real Estate Report for New Tampa

The majority of single family New Tampa homes reported sold in our local MLS last month sold below $299,000. The average single family home sale price in New Tampa in September was $296,263 with an average reported sales price/sq. ft. of $107.70, compared to $253,519 with an average sales price/sq. ft. of $91.20 a year ago. 



Sold prices ranged from a low of $137,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,502 Sq. Ft. home built in 1972 in Pebble Creek to a high of $740,000 for a 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom, pool home in Tampa Palms.

There are 275 single family homes currently listed for sale in New Tampa.

Dogtoberfest 2013 at Wiregrass

 

The 5th Annual ASPCA Mega Match-a-thon Dogtoberfest will be held on October 20th from 12:00 to 6:00 at The Shops at Wiregrass.  The widely popular event will include a doggie costume contest, a doggie obstacle course, and on-site pet adoptions from various Tampa Bay area rescue organizations.  Pet costume contest registration and judging is from 12:00 to 2:00  and the presentation of the awards is at 3:00.  The costume contest categories are:  Owner/Pet Look-A-Like, Cutest, Scariest, Best Homemade Costume, and Best Celebrity Look-A-Like.  Official rules

Cappy's Pizzeria Tampa Palms opens Monday

Cappy's Pizzeria Tampa Palms

Cappy's Pizzeria Tampa Palms will open Monday at 11:00 AM in City Plaza. 16019 Tampa Palms Blvd., 813.512.8947   Buon appetito!

Arts & Crafts Under The Palms 2013 Cancelled

The Tampa Palms Women's Club has cancelled this year's Arts & Crafts Under the Palms. I have heard that the reason for cancelling the event this year was due to BBD road construction and that it will return next year.

What are single family homes selling for in Wesley Chapel?

61% of the Wesley Chapel, single family homes reported sold in MLS* sold for $200,000 or less in August, 2013.  The median sales price was $185,000 compared to $165,000 last August and the median sales price/sq. ft. last month was $93.82 compared to $79.39 last year.

The percentage of homes sold by sales price:

Search Homes For Sale in Wesley Chapel

 

*Information from MLS deemed reliable but not guaranteed

New restaurants opening in Tampa Palms

Cappy's Pizzeria & Vallarta's Mexican Restaurant in Tampa Palms

It looks like Cappy's Pizzeria in Tampa Palms will be opening any day now.  Just a couple doors down, Vallarta's Mexican Restaurant is still under construction.  Both restaurants are located in City Plaza on BBD. (Stein Mart & Publix)

Porter Campus at Wiregrass (Pasco Hernando Community College)

PHCC Campus in Wesley Chapel

Construction of the new PHCC Porter Campus at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel continues.  The new campus is scheduled to open for spring term, 2014.

New Businesses coming to Meadow Pointe

Three new businesses are coming to the Meadow Pointe plaza located at CLR (County Line Road) & Mansfield across from the MP II Clubhouse:

1.  Dolce Gelato & Crepes Café has a sign up,



and 2.  Pro Martial Arts, and 3.  a Swim School:

September Real Estate Report For Seven Oaks In Wesley Chapel

Last month ten single family homes in Seven Oaks were reported sold by our local MLS*.  Two were short sales and two were foreclosures.  The sold prices ranged from a low of $170,750 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, 1,871 sq. ft. home with a list price of $185,000,  to a high of $405,000 for a foreclosure 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 3 car garage 3,384 sq. ft. home with a list price of $329,500.

Median sales price August, 2013:
$310,500
Median sales price August, 2012:
$289,900

Average Sales Price/Sq. Ft., August, 2013:
$108.91
Average Sales Price/Sq. Ft., August, 2012:
$104.17

Currently there are 42 single family homes in Seven Oaks listed for sale in our MLS with prices ranging from $219,900 to $699,000 with an average list price/sq. ft. of $120.98.

*Information provided by MLS deemed reliable but not guaranteed

3,388 Sq. Ft. 5 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom Home For Sale in Wesley Chapel

This spacious 5 bedroom 3 bathroom home has brand new carpeting and is in a gated community.  Downstairs you will find an office with FRENCH DOORS, a formal Dining Room, Family Room, and a bedroom with over 9' high ceilings.  The gorgeous eat in kitchen downstairs offers GRANITE countertops with tiled backsplash, 42" maple cabinets, a walk in pantry, STAINLESS STEEL appliances and a breakfast bar that is open to the Living Room. 

Upstairs will find the huge master bedroom with coffered ceiling, a walk in closet and a master bath with a double sink vanity, garden tub & separate shower.  Three more large bedrooms and another bathroom are upstairs along with an enormous BONUS ROOM with trayed ceiling!  This home also has a covered lanai, inside laundry room and a three car garage. List price: $304,995

Contact me for additional information on this new listing that just has hit the market:  Russ Perlowski, People's Choice Realty, 813.505.7460.

September Real Estate Report For Cross Creek in New Tampa

MLS reported 15 single family homes sold in Cross Creek in August.  The average reported sales price was $231,940 at $98.99/Sq. Ft.  53% of the reported sales were "all cash" deals and the average reported sales price was 98% of the list price.  11 of the reported sales were "normal" sales and four were distressed sales (3 foreclosures and 1 "Short" sale).

Currently there are 9 single family homes listed for sale in MLS with asking prices ranging from $169,900 for a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with 1,409 sq. ft.,  to $375,000 for a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, pool home with 3,258 sq. ft.  Two of the nine are distressed sales (foreclosures).

Search single family homes for sale in Cross Creek.

Fresh market day at Wiregrass tomorrow

Remember fresh market day at Wiregrass tomorrow from 10:00 to 3:00.

Fresh market day at The Shops at Wiregrass

Another new car dealership for Wesley Chapel

A proposal for another new car dealership in Wesley Chapel may make it easier to "see the USA in your Chevrolet"!  Plans have been submitted to Pasco County for a 660 sq. ft. Chevy sales office building at CR 54 and Progress Pkwy. 

City Grill opens tomorrow in Wesley Chapel

City Grill opens for lunch tomorrow at 11:00.  The new restaurant is in the location of the former Winners Sports Grill in the Village Market at SR 54 & BBD.  Village Market also is home to Bealls Outlet and Ace Hardware. 

The new Gastropub features a game room, large wine selection and an interesting menu with foods such as: Cuban Cigars, Spicy Ahi Poke Tartar and Golabki!  Owner, Gerry Malynowsky says the new restaurant will open tomorrow and a grand opening is also planned but no date has been set at this time.  Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/citygrillwesleychapel Phone:  813.973.9988

A $2 billion expressway for Wesley Chapel?

Imagine traveling from BBD at SR 56 all the way to US 19 without stopping for one red light.  Sounds like heaven, right?  Well, right now heaven has an estimated construction cost of $2 billion and an estimated toll for that 28 mile heavenly trip ranges from $4.00-$5.00.  Additionally, between 67,800 and 86,000 trips per day are anticipated on this privately funded elevated SR 54/56 expressway which includes a third phase extending it to US 301 in Zephyrhills.  The Tampa Tribune reports that as many as eight park and ride lots at key interchanges are envisioned.  All this from an unsolicited bid recently submitted to the FDOT.  The Tampa Tribune adds that the construction company is PCL — the same firm that built Tampa’s elevated Lee Roy Selmon Expressway and is building the I-4 connector between the interstate and Port of Tampa.

 

Stay tuned.  Last week, the FDOT advertised a formal Request For Proposals (RFP) to see if any other firms can meet or beat this unsolicited proposal and those are due Oct. 23.