Goodwill retail store

The Goodwill superstore going up on Willow Oak Dr., across from the Texas Roadhouse on SR 56 in Wesley Chapel:

Dogtoberfest

Dogtoberfest will be held at The Shops at Wiregrass on October 17th, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• Live concert by Rhythm Hounds


• Doggie costume contest (Over $300.00 in prizes)


• Dog adoptions


• Professional photographer

&

Have A Happy Howloween!

Super Buffet

Sign located in front of former Johnny Carinos restaurant (closed since 2007) on SR 54 in Wesley Chapel:


Other than the photo, I have no additional info at this time.

Arbor Greene market update

Seven single family Arbor Greene homes were reported sold in MLS in the last month. Sold prices ranged from a low of $155,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home to a high of $355,000 for a 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home with a 3 car garage.
This gated New Tampa community has single family homes listed for sale with prices ranging from $200,000. to $700,000.

Chili cookoff today at The Shops at Wiregrass

The Steve Otto Chili CookOff today at The Shops at Wiregrass until 4:00 p.m. (or until chili runs out):

New Tampa community in jeopardy of bond default

The Tampa Tribune reports that Heritage Isles in New Tampa will default on its bond next week. According to the Tribune: "The board said it does not have the money to make the bond payment due Thursday and its debt service funds have been depleted." Full story from the Tampa Tribune

Pasco Zoning/Code Administrator to speak at October PACA meeting

Debra Zampetti, Pasco County Zoning/Code Compliance Administrator will speak at the next Pasco Alliance of Community Associations' (PACA) meeting on October 8, 2009. Many residents and communities are facing issues with distressed properties such as lawns and pools that are not being maintained. Zampetti also will answer questions at the end of the meeting. Where? The Land O Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O Lakes Blvd. When? October 8th at 7 p.m. The public is invited!

PR for Bridgewater

The Tampa Tribune reports that the Wesley Chapel community of Bridgewater has hired a public relations firm to help turn around the image of the community and increase property values. Hit with high foreclosures, (TBO slide show) other issues and list home prices starting at $110,000., Bridgewater is trying this new approach with focusing on the positives of the community. Full Story St. Petersburg Times October 13th piece on Bridgewater: Link

Pretzel Twister at The Shops at Wiregrass

Pretzel Twister is coming to The Shops at Wiregrass and will be located in the Center Court area:

Mall layout link

Another traffic light goes up on Bruce B. Downs

Another traffic light is going up on BBD at Williamsburg Dr. This is only about a mile or so north of a traffic light that was recently installed just south of County Line Road at the entrance to The Cypress (LA Fitness and Sweetbay). It's great that they are finally widening BBD from SR 54 southward, but it sure is going to be a lot of "stop and go" if they keep adding lights!

Footloose in October

The New Tampa Players will present Footloose on October 16-18 & 24-25. Times:

Oct 16 - 8 pm, Oct 17- 2 pm and 8 pm, Oct 18 - 2 pm, Oct 24 - 8 pm, Oct 25- 2 pm. Additional info: Website Phone: (813) 386-6687.

October craft show at The Grove in Wesley Chapel

The Hyundai and Mazda Wesley Chapel Craft Show and the Battle of the Wings contest will be held at The Grove mall in Wesley Chapel on October 17 & 18, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Artists and craftsmen can register up until September 30, 2009 ($100.00 fee). Additional info: Website

Note: The Tampa Palms Arts and Crafts Show will be held on the same dates!

Pasco County continues to grow

Bay News 9 reports that Pasco County continues to grow in spite of a recession while neighboring counties such as Hillsborough and Pinellas show population declines. Pasco, the fastest growing Bay area county for 20 years, expects to have a population increase of 14% over the next two years. Full story and Video

Tampa New Home Builder Survey

J.D. Power & Associates has released the results of the 2009 new home builder customer satisfaction study for Tampa. Topping the Tampa list for customer satisfaction is Pulte Homes; followed by Standard Pacific Homes. Full Tampa Study

Tampa home inventories continue decline

Inventories of homes on the market continue to decline according to information reported by the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors. At its peak, the highest months of inventory reported was 24.9 in January, 2008. The amount of inventory reported for July, 2009 (the most recent data reported) was 8.2; the lowest reported since June, 2006.

AJA at The Shops at Wiregrass hiring

AJA at The Shops at Wiregrass is hiring:

Bartenders, Cocktail Servers, Barbacks, Kitchen Staff, Security/Guest Relations, Hostess. See following link regarding opening date of AJA: http://newtampahomes.blogspot.com/2010/05/aja-at-wiregrass-opens-tonight.html  No phone number is available.

Discovery Point set to open at Lexington Oaks

Discovery Point, a new child development center at Lexington Oaks is set to open later this month. Located at 5415 Post Oak Blvd., at Lexington Oaks, this is the 2nd Discovery Point in Wesley Chapel. The other is located in Seven Oaks. Discovery Point Website Phone: (813) 907-8892.

New water treatment facility for Wesley Chapel

Site work began recently on a new water treatment facility at the NE corner of Boyette Rd. and Overpass Rd. in Wesley Chapel:
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kids R kids opening on Overpass in Wesley Chapel

The new kids R kids located almost next to the community of Palm Cove at 30100 Overpass Rd. in Wesley Chapel is planning to open on September 21, 2009. This will be Wesley Chapel's second kids R kids, with the first located in Meadow Pointe on Mansfield . Phone: (813) 355-4824. Website: http://www.kidsrkidsboyetteroad.com/

Halloween store coming to Highwoods Preserve

Driving Bruce B. Downs, you've probably seen the Halloween signs up too. Spirit Halloween, the largest seasonal Halloween retailer will have a temporary store in the former Circuit City at Highwoods Preserve in New Tampa. Note, 9/14/09: Store is now OPEN! Phone: (813) 978-8239. Website: http://www.spirithalloween.com/

Cypress Creek Town Center update

Well, the Cypress Creek Town Center has had its development permit reinstated after a year and a half of being on hold. Back in February of 2008 its permit was suspended by the Army Corps of Engineers over muddy waters in Cypress Creek. Now, with the suspension lifted, the developer may proceed with construction.

When construction will begin again is uncertain as is any estimate of a completion date for this mall. Full story from the St. Pete Times

International day at New Tampa's newest Sweetbay

The new Sweetbay located at County Line Road and BBD at The Cypress in New Tampa will have International Day on September 12, 2009 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. with diverse wine and foods from around the world and register to win a trip for two to see our Bucs play in London!

Lexington Oaks Market Update

In August, seven Lexington Oaks single family homes were reported sold in our MLS with sold prices ranging from $132,275 to $310,000 for a four bedroom, four bathroom, 3 car garage, pool home. Currently there are over 15 single family Lexington Oaks homes listed for sale in multiple listing and 23 under contract.

Tampa Palms arts and crafts show in October

The 19th annual Arts and Crafts Under the Palms in Tampa Palms will be held on October 17th & 18th at the City Plaza Center. Local craftsmen and artists can obtain applications at: http://www.tampapalmswomensclub.com/.

Annual Steve Otto chili cook off at Wiregrass this month

The 22nd annual Steve Otto cook off will be held this year at the Shops at Wiregrass. The cook off will be held on Saturday, September 26, from 11 am - 4 pm. There's a $1,000 cash prize for the winner; amateur contestants pay a $75.00 entry fee, and you get to taste the different recipes for $5.00. Additional info and application.