New Tampa Issue 15-11

Published on 16 July 2011 by Gary Nager in News

Meadow Pointe Woman Arrested After House Fire

Published on 16 July 2011 by Sean Bowes in News

Deana Marie Melendez, 51, was outside her home at 1108 Crimson Clover Ln. in The Woodlands subdivision of Meadow Pointe, where Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies and Pasco Fire Rescue (PFR) were dispatched to control a blazing fire on June 21. As flames swallowed up Melendez’s home, she attempted to enter the home to find the cat. A PCSO deputy restrained Melendez who then struck the deputy “in the face with a closed fist,” according to the PCSO report.

Local Personal Trainer Arrested with Sexual Assault

Published on 16 July 2011 by Sean Bowes in News

James Elbert Williams, a 39-year-old New Tampa-based personal trainer, is in even more hot water, than we originally reported, as additional charges of battery and sexual battery against Williams are coming in. In the July 16 issue of the New Tampa Neighborhood News we reported that Williams was arrested on July 1 at his home in the upscale Cory Lake Isles subdivision for sexually assaulting a woman by reaching behind her while she was lifting weights, and assaulting her through her workout pants. Since then, however, two more women have come forward similar stories.

Prescription Drugs Blamed In Two Separate Shootings

Published on 16 July 2011 by Sean Bowes in News

This shooting is just the latest in a spree of shootings in Wesley Chapel since June 13. Two other separate instances are believed to involve the sale of prescription drugs, and have yet to result in any arrests. One shooting involved Cesario Acosta III, a convicted felon, who shot Tony Barnes, 20, in the abdomen at the Ashley Pines Community Playground near Smith Rd. and Ashley Pines Pl. Police are still looking for Acosta, who PCSO say should be considered armed and dangerous.

HCSO Identifies Woman Found In North Tampa Pond

Published on 16 July 2011 by Sean Bowes in News

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has identified the woman’s body found floating in the middle of a retention pond at Ashton Park Apartments, just south of New Tampa, as Alex Elizabeth Paish, 24. Paish’s body was found at the apartment complex where she lived, located at 14609 Banyan Bluff Dr., near the intersection of E. Bearss Ave and N. 22nd St.

New Tampa Gateway Bridge Construction Has Begun

Published on 16 July 2011 by Sean Bowes in News

After years of deliberation, debate and red tape, the construction of the New Tampa Blvd. Gateway Bridge that will connect Tampa Palms to West Meadows has begun, 24 years after it first appeared in a study by the North Tampa Transportation Network.

On June 20, city workers began the first phase of the construction — clearing of the land. Workers have begun mowing down overgrown weeds and clearing out trees to make room for the new structure. The West Meadows (north side) of the project will be where the actual bridge construction starts. At present, there is heavy equipment and barricades on both sides of the project which ultimately will connect to the bridge between New Tampa Blvd. and Commerce Park Blvd.