German Biergarten coming to New Tampa

Mr. Dunderbaks is targeting the end of next week for an opening at the Oak Ramble plaza on BBD:

Additional info: http://www.dunderbaks.com/ (813) 977-4104

New Tampa Skate Park Update

Here's a virtual tour of the New Tampa Skate Park under construction at the New Tampa Recreation Center. Photos were taken today (the third day of laying down concrete). The skate park is expected to be finished in March/April, 2009.

Free Seminar For Seniors To Be Held At The New Tampa Library

A one and a half hour free seminar for seniors and caregivers will be held at 1:00 p.m. on February 24, 2009 at the New Tampa Regional Library. Topics of the seminar will be:

• Coping emotionally with life changes brought on by aging


• Making your home safer and more accessible for changing physical demands


• Keeping up with changes in reverse mortgage financing

Additional information on real estate and investment strategies and home care services will be provided. If you are interested in attending, contact Jamie Goldberg (813) 810-0467 to reserve a seat.

Real Estate Myths Video

From this morning's Today Show--Five Real Estate Myths:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Also, today James Thorner reports on some positive news regarding increased area home sales for four consecutive months. Details

Pasco National Tennis Center

Remember the Pasco National Tennis Stadium that was approved for Wesley Chapel? Well, I understand from Pasco officials that negotiations are still ongoing between the county and Saddlebrook. Gee, I think the Louisiana Purchase took less time to negotiate!

Cory Lake Isles

It looked like things were settling down in Cory Lake Isles but in today's St. Petersburg Times, Dong-Phuong Nguyen writes about an unknown debt for some homeowners in this affluent New Tampa community. (Looks like now might be a good time to dust off their title insurance policies!) Story from the Times.

Recent Openings at The Shoppes Of Wesley Chapel

Hungry Greek and Party Fever--two recent openings at the new Shoppes Of Wesley Chapel , located just north of The Shops at Wiregrass on BBD:

Flagpole/Cellphone Tower in Meadow Pointe

While showing homes today to an out of state buyer I noticed this enormous pole in the distance in Meadow Pointe. When we arrived at its location at the Meadow Pointe III clubhouse, the size of the pole dwarfed the parking lot lights. Upon questioning someone in the new MP IV clubhouse I was informed that the recently installed pole will be a flagpole/cell phone tower. (The cell phone reception in parts of Meadow Pointe can be terrible.) I guess that's a nice way to "disguise" a cell tower.

Circuit City to close

Circuit City--another retailer with local presence is now reported to close, according to The New York Times. Boy, the shopping center The Walk in New Tampa has had a rough go of it lately, with the closings of Bennigans, Linens N Things, and now Circuit City!
Jan. 23 Note: See St. Pete Times story on The Walk, published on January 23, 2009

One More Traffic Light on Bruce B. Downs in Wesley Chapel

Since the opening of The Shops at Wiregrass, trying to exit The Shoppes at New Tampa to proceed south on Bruce B. Downs has become more challenging. Today, Kevin Wiatrowski of the Tampa Trib reports that a new traffic light will be installed on Bruce B. Downs at Williamsburg Drive. This will allow residents of Williamsburg and shoppers at the "Publix" shopping center to be able to exit south onto BBD without the severe risk that exists today.

Wesley Chapel in top eight

What does Wesley Chapel, FL have in common with New Orleans, Queen Creek, Enterprise, Helotes, Indian Trail, Castle Rock, and Elk Grove? According to The Gadberry Group out of Little Rock, Arksansas these "Eight from 2008" were all the fastest growing areas in the United States in 2008! Full Details

State Road 56

Work progresses on the extension of SR 56. Photo shown of SR 56 at Mansfield.

Pasco to hold free Mortgage/Foreclosure Workshop

On Saturday, January 17th Pasco Co. will hold a free workshop from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Victorious Life Church (6224 Old Pasco Rd., Wesley Chapel). Pasco County will offer information to homeowners behind in mortgage payments and who may be facing foreclosure. Additionally, counselors will be on hand to advise on Short Sales, loan restructuring and no interest loans.

McCar Homes

A lien has been filed against McCar Homes-Tampa for over $679,000. Full story from James Thorner, St. Pete Times

New Tampa Average Home Prices For 2008 By Community

The following average sold price information is extracted from data reported to our local mls on single family homes sold in the 2008 calendar year by community in New Tampa: *
*Note: Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Based on information from MFRMLS through December 31, 2008. Some homes that closed in late December 2008 may not be included in the calculations. Information only includes data reported in our local MLS system and may not include all new home sales or private sales.

Watergrass Elementary School

Watergrass Elementary School (under construction) is slated to open in August, 2009. A parent meeting on the proposed attendance boundaries for Watergrass Ele­mentary is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on January 8, 2009 in the Wesley Chapel Elementary School’s cafeteria on Wells Road. Proposed boundary map

Meadow Pointe IV Clubhouse

The new clubhouse in Meadow Pointe IV opened this week.

The Cypress in New Tampa

This is an aerial photo recently taken of The Cypress, currently under construction on the SW corner of County Line Rd. and Bruce B. Downs in New Tampa. Sweetbay and LA Fitness are targeting May/June openings. Leasing space is still available in this shopping center.

2008 Average Sold Prices for Wesley Chapel Homes

This chart depicts the average sales prices of single family homes reported sold in our Multiple Listing System for the 2008 calendar year by community in Wesley Chapel:

Note: Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Based on information from MFRMLS through December 31, 2008. Some homes that closed in late December 2008 may not be included in the calculations. Information only includes data reported in our local MLS system and may not include all new home sales or private sales.

New signs for Tampa Palms