The 2011 Hurricane Season Is Here...Are You Ready?

Published on 30 June 2011 by Sean Bowes in News

Ripped screen enclosures, power outages, and severe flooding can be expected if a hurricane hits the Tampa Bay Area.

Wesley Chapel Chamber’s EDC Hosts Circuit Court Clerk Paula O’Neil

Published on 30 June 2011 by Gary Nager in News

Since she was first elected in 2008, Paula O’Neil, the first female Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller in Pasco County’s history, has made great strides for the efficiency of her office. O’Neil has implemented a new seal for the Clerk of the 6th Circuit Court, brought in library books for those waiting for a court hearing, and brought Wi-Fi into the office (in case prospective jurors need to check their Facebook or email while waiting their turn to be interviewed for jury duty).

Panhandling in Pasco County Restricted To Sundays Only

Published on 30 June 2011 by Sean Bowes in News

It looks as if the days of panhandlers, newspaper hawkers and beggars are numbered, as the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners recently passed a preliminary approval of a ban that will outlaw any person soliciting drivers on the county’s roads and intersections, with the exception of Sundays.

The Sunday exception is a compromise between the county and local newspaper vendors for the right to sell Sunday papers. According to published reports,The Tampa Tribune typically sells 14,000 newspapers by hawkers each Sunday in Pasco County.

Meadow Pointe Woman Arrested After House Fire

Published on 30 June 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.

Power Line Stops Traffific On BBD & CC Blvds.

Published on 30 June 2011 by Sean Bowes in News

A live power line fell down across the intersection of Cross Creek Blvd. and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in New Tampa on June 3 around 1 p.m., shutting down both north and south sides of Bruce B. Downs’ traffic until the power line could be lifted. Tampa Electric Company (TECO) was called to the scene to secure the area and correct the problem.

Saying A Sad Good Bye To Michael Smith (1964-2011)

Published on 30 June 2011 by Gary Nager in News

Somehow, Mike not only endured, he excelled at pretty much everything he did, especially writing and reporting, and those talents had taken him to any number of small community newspapers like ours, the last one before he moved back to Florida in North Carolina, where this very private person who talked very little about his family, made quite a few friends who loved him to the very end.

Husband Arrested For Beating Restaurant Owner

Published on 30 June 2011 by in News

Lixin (Lisa) Tian, the mother of a University of South Florida student, and owner of the Joy of Tokyo Japanese restaurant in the Oak Ramble Plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., is still in critical condition at our press time in St. Joseph’s Hospital, after sustaining a severe beating from her husband on May 20, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HSCO) deputies said.

Wesley Chapel Issue 14-11

Published on 30 June 2011 by Gary Nager in News