Local Groups to Perform at The Shops At Wiregrass

A number of groups from local schools will be performing at The Shops At Wiregrass in December: Schedule of performances

Tampa Home Sales in October --Mixed Results

The home sales reported in October for Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater provide some mixed results. While the volume of homes reported sold in October, 2008 shows an 11% increase over 2007, sold prices are down 26% from the previous year. Florida Detail

Josephines Authentic Soul Food Restaurant To Open

Josephine's Authentic Soul Food Restaurant, our community's newest restaurant is scheduled to open on Friday, November 28, 2008. The New Tampa owners, Tony (pictured & with 26 years of restaurant experience) and Lisa Herlong live in Live Oak Preserve. Tony says the new restaurant is named for his mom, and the menu features fried chicken, baked chicken, pork chops, whiting fish, pot roast, ribs, and meafloaf dinners along with side dishes and desserts. Catering also is available. Open M-Th 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Fri. 10:00 to 9:00 p.m., Sat. 10:00 to 9:00, & Sun. 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

So, when you get tired of shopping at The Shops at Wiregrass this weekend, try out some soul food at Josephine's, just a short drive south of the mall.

Additional info: Address--20729 Center Oak Dr., Tampa, FL, 33647 (Behind Walgreens, between County Line Rd. & Live Oak Preserve) Phone: (813) 929-6767. WIFI available.

Big crowd for The Symphony In Lights Show debut at The Shops At Wiregrass

Crowds at The Shops At Wiregrass mall have been large since it recently opened and Saturday night the center court of the mall was packed with people for the Symphony In Lights Show debut. (The light show continues nightly, thru December.)

Northbound traffic on BBD was bumper to bumper! What a difference a year makes in traffic patterns for shopping!

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Suspend Foreclosures

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae announce that they are suspending all foreclosure sales on occupied homes from the day before Thanksgiving until January 9, 2009. Full Story

Changes at Cory Lake Isles

In an election year where change has been the buzzword at the national and local levels, changes are already underway at Cory Lake Isles in New Tampa. Full story by Dong-Phuong Nguyen of the St. Pete Times.

Meadow Pointe News

Just a quick update on some projects in Meadow Pointe:

• The two new traffic lights in Meadow Pointe (BBD & Aronwood and County Line Road & Aronwood) are now operational.


• The new CVS/pharmacy at the Meadow Pointe Center on County Line Road is looking to open around the end of January, 2009.


• Meadow Pointe's newest clubhouse (Meadow Pointe IV) is projecting an opening after Thanksgiving. The amenities at the clubhouse are similar to the MP III clubhouse, ie. clubhouse, sand volleyball, pool, tennis, etc.
  
• The construction activity across from Heatherstone on Meadow Pointe Boulevard is for 218 townhomes.

Pine Needle Art

The New Tampa Arts Festival was held this past weekend and one of the most fascinating art works at the festival was Pine Needle Art by Teri Thompson. If you are looking for a unique and special gift this holiday season from a local (Wesley Chapel) artist, you might consider a piece by Teri. Additional Info: Website

New Tampa Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday

The third annual New Tampa Arts Festival will be held this weekend. Hours: Saturday--10:00 to 5:00 p.m., Sunday--10:00 to 4:00 p.m. Location: Near the Publix and Grace Episcopal Church in Tampa Palms.

Second Annual Holiday Festival In The Park for Wesley Chapel Scheduled

The Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce has scheduled the 2nd annual "Holiday Festival In The Park" for December 6, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. In addition to the tree lighting, the event will have a children's parade, contests, and musical performances. The event is free and open to the public. Additional info is available on the Chamber's website.

GTAR releases Tampa average home prices

The Greater Tampa Association of Realtors® recently released the average sold prices for homes reported sold in our MLS in the Tampa area for the month of September in 2008.

New Tampa: $396,822.

Pasco County: $182,144.

Carrollwood: $270,878.

South Tampa: $424,912.

Temple Terrace: $165,427.

Lutz/NW Hillsborough: $322,349.

Wesley Chapel Medical Center

According to reports from The Tampa Tribune and the St. Petersburg Times, Wesley Chapel is one step closer to getting its own hospital. The 80 bed, joint venture hospital proposed by University Community Hospital and Adventist Health System was previously granted a certificate of need by the state of Florida. A proposed competing hospital by Baycare was denied its request at that time and filed suit. Now, the judge hearing the case has ruled in favor of UCH and Adventist Health System, clearing a major hurdle.

The planned hospital is proposed to be built on Wiregrass Ranch property, just north of the new Wesley Chapel mall, The Shops at Wiregrass with an estimated cost of $122 million.

Symphony in lights announced for The Shops At Wiregrass

One quarter of a million LED lights, 1,000 watts of sound, and 10 tons of holiday décor combine to create "Symphony in Lights," one unbelievable holiday experience that debuts in Tampa on Saturday, November 22 at The Shops at Wiregrass and runs nightly through December 31.

The twinkling, blinking, ever-moving, computer-programmed extravaganza, choreographed to the holiday music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), runs four times per evening, every hour on the hour, beginning at 6 p.m. To celebrate the show's kick off on November 22, a concert will be held in Center Court at The Shops at Wiregrass featuring a 10-piece brass band that will play throughout the night. It is free and open to the public.

Heritage Isles Closing Restaurant Kitchen

In a cost reducing measure, Heritage Isles is closing its restaurant kitchen according to the Tampa Tribune. Full Story

Epperson Ranch

The Epperson Ranch project planned for the Curley Road area received approval by Pasco County for a revision to the plan formerly proposed by the previous owner/developer Lennar Corp. I don't believe the new revisions alter the previous plans for a town center and to realign Curley Road to connect to Meadow Pointe Blvd at SR 54. Don't plan on shopping for a new home there anytime soon though. This project is probably a few years away from starting.

November 19 note: See the following blog post by the St. Petersburg Times real estate expert, James Thorner. Story

Vote on Tuesday!

Links:

Supervisor of Elections--Hillsborough County

Supervisor of Elections--Pasco County

Some Scenes From The Opening of The Shops At Wiregrass

The Cookie Mouse and Pasco Superintendent of Schools from storytime at the Barnes and Noble's Preview Party:
This morning from PRINT PINK at The Shops At Wiregrass:

Members of the community can honor their loved ones who've been touched by breast cancer and leave a lasting impression in a tribute that will raise funds to support the American Cancer Society and fight the disease, with The Shops at Wiregrass Print Pink! program. On November 1 & 2, for a $50.00 donation to the American Cancer Society, you receive one clay tile for a personalized message imprint or hand imprint. The colorful 6x6-inch tiles will be signed, glazed and installed at The Shops at Wiregrass.