Dear Friends:
I want to stay in touch and help keep you informed about what is going on in our community. Periodically I will send you information about precautions the county is taking to combat the COVID virus, business incentives, park updates, government operations and general good news about our community that you want to know.
If you have good news or have an upcoming community event, send it to me and it could be included in a a future Community News.
Sincerely,
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Hillsborough County to funnel $93M into Big Bend Road widening and I-75 improvements
Hillsborough County entered a funding agreement to absorb most of the cost to improve one of its busiest road systems. On Wednesday, Hillsborough County commissioners approved a locally funded, three-party escrow agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for the county to provide up to roughly $93.4 million for the Big Bend Road widening and Interstate 75 interchange improvements.
Part of the county's share is covered by a $25 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant awarded last year through the Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development program. The project's remaining county funds will be provided by proceeds from an upcoming non-ad valorem bond issue, which is included in the 2021 county budget and the fiscal years 2021-25 capital improvement program budget.
The project is expected to be complete in 2024, according to project documents.
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USF launches research cruise to study Piney Point's environmental impact
The wastewater emergency at the former Piney Point phosphate plant in Manatee County has sparked a lot of questions. The state of Florida says quality tests show there is a high amount of nutrients in the water, including phosphorous and nitrogen. And it's being released at a rate of about 23,500 gallons a minute, in an effort to avoid a larger uncontrolled collapse of the retention pond.
A team from the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science launched the first research cruise into Tampa Bay Wednesday to study the environmental impacts of the Piney Point reservoir release.
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Pasco County has rescinded the Executive Order requiring face coverings
Pasco County Government is recommending the continued use of face coverings in most indoor public places where social distancing cannot be maintained; however, effective immediately, the county is issuing Executive Order 20-10, rescinding the previous Executive Order requiring face coverings.* In deciding to relax face covering requirements, Pasco County weighed several factors, including lower COVID-19 hospitalization rates and increasing vaccination rates.
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New Gandy span of Selmon to open April 19
Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) announces its plan to open the Selmon West Extension. This elevated 1.9-mile toll lane will provide a seamless connection and a safe transportation option for drivers traveling from Brandon to Pinellas County. Construction of the $230 million project began in late 2018 and will be open to the public in the afternoon of April 19, 2021.
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New Ferman Center for the Arts opens at University of Tampa
The newly opened Ferman Center for the Arts at the University of Tampa provides practice and performance space for students while serving as a venue for community members to see UT's talent.
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Tampa Airport debuts new online parking booking system
Tampa International Airport is debuting a new online booking tool for parking that will, for the first time, offer passengers discounted rates, contactless convenience and future perks.
Guests can book online by clicking the parking banner at TampaAirport.com. Parking visits can be booked up to one year in advance of a trip. Booking online will always be cheaper than at the gate.
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We're back for the 15th Annual Taste of South Tampa!
Enjoy this tasty, socially distant experience as you indulge in an afternoon tasting 20+ local Tampa restaurants. The Taste of South Tampa, presented by Older Lundy Alvarez & Koch, is an annual event hosted by the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce.
Join us for a day fun in the sun while enjoying food and beverage samples from South Tampa's best restaurants, live entertainment, beer garden, games, prizes & more!
Click Here to Purchase Tickets
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New Locally Owned Fields & Table Grocery Store Comes To Riverview
Riverview is about to get a one-stop grocery option unlike any other. Fields & Table, a new concept grocery market located at 11531 Balm Riverview Rd., is opening this spring.
Owned by local residents Brentt and Mirna Skinner, the 8,000-square-foot indoor market and 2,000-square-foot outdoor retail space has scrapped the traditional grocery store layout with its vast center aisles and shelves of neatly stacked processed foods (you won’t find 12-packs of your favorite colas here) in favor of providing quality, fresh, locally sourced and affordable produce, meats, dairy and baked goods.
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Spring weather brings out residents and wildlife
The recent cooler temperatures, and breezy, sunny Spring days brought out an abundance of residents and wildlife at Lettuce Lake Park. The Hillsborough County-run park, which opened in 1982, is 240 acres, just outside the city limits of Tampa, on Fletcher Avenue between Interstate 75 and the University of South Florida. The Hillsborough River runs through it.
https://lakerlutznews.com/lln/?p=86465
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Local troop donates cookies
The Girl Scouts just finished the 2021 cookie season and Troop 389 of Zephyrhills was able to donate 48 boxes of cookies to Meals on Wheels East Pasco – the group’s ‘hometown hero.’
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Dentist office donates food to animals in need every time they receive a new patient
The next time you go to a dentist, you could be helping a sheltered animal receive dinner. The Dental Boutique in Westchase is donating food to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay every time they receive a new patient.
Dr. Andrew Vallo has had a soft spot for animals in shelters ever since adopting his own dog from a shelter in Ohio. “When we first adopted our dog Sampson he was very underweight and malnourished, he was missing patches of hair,” said Vallo. Vallo made a pledge, once he opened his own practice, he would find a way to give back.
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Blending glass, wood, and stone, the waterfront home weaves intricate detail in nearly room.
4937 Lyford Cay Rd in Tampa, Florida, is currently listed for $7,000,000 by Premier Sotheby's International Realty.
Described by Florida Design Magazine as "one of the most unforgettable homes in Florida," the four-bedroom dwelling was completed in 2008 by architect Sol Fleischman, A.I.A. Its idyllic siting presents unobstructed views of Tampa Bay, as well as Downtown St. Pete. Inside, the home offers over 5,600 square feet, including spacious living areas lined with floor-to-ceiling glazing and custom wooden built-ins.
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