ALBION — “It’s been a while since we’ve had the church filled This is our biggest crowd in recent times,” longtime Minerva Wesley Chapel member Ron Goecke of Marshalltown remarked at the beginning of a special service held Sunday afternoon There was a reason for that: the United Methodist Church (UMC) congregation was gathering for the final time in its 145-year history inside the bucolic and historic sanctuary located about halfway between Albion and Clemons Its numbers had dwindled to an average of about 10 attendees per service but seats were hard to come by Sunday as extra chairs were brought out to accommodate the overflow crowd a former Marshall County Supervisor and faithful member of the church for the vast majority of his nearly nine decades on Earth provided introductory remarks and led the audience in singing several beloved traditional Methodist hymns from “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” to “Amazing Grace” and “Here I Am Lord.” The proceeds from the final offering were donated to the Iowa Wesley Youth camping program Minerva has been served by Pastor Cheryl Ridenour who also leads the State Center United Methodist Church who offered remarks along with District Superintendent Rev Goecke recognized several of the church’s former pastors — none of whom were able to attend but Harold Werley (1991-1996) and Karen Dearchs (1985-1990) shared written correspondence Goecke took time to acknowledge the host of piano accompanists who have contributed their talents over the years and he also asked Garrett Nichols — who is part of the sixth generation of one of the chapel’s co-founding families — to ring the church bell one last time Seagren noted that she had visited Minerva four or five times during her tenure “I just want you to know that Christ has been praised here and Christ has nurtured you here,” she said “Jesus’s name was glorified here and Jesus’s calling and commissioning was launched here Each one of you who have taken an active part in the church this is where you were launched to go and be missionaries to the world.” Hands went up as she asked how many attendees had been baptized and Seagren recounted all of the great memories made within its walls “You worked really hard to maintain this building The building where Christ lives is in your heart,” she said “That’s the mystery and the powerful reality of Jesus Christ’s church and I hope that you will continue to nurture that place for Jesus Christ.” Ridenour admitted that she struggled to find the words for the bittersweet occasion recalling Christ’s journey on Palm Sunday and commending the congregation for its longevity and continuity with several members of the founding families still attending Minerva and oh the commitment that’s been here This congregation is like no other,” she said “I have not been a pastor all my life I have served several churches and all of them (were) wonderful but God made a special blessing on this one.” and Ridenour felt that everyone who has walked through the doors at Minerva “has been loved is loved and will continue to be loved.” you have given all the love that anybody could possibly It is honestly a privilege to have served here and I thank you for all that you have given to all of us was the first to share her memories of growing up and getting married in the church — along with the farmers in the rural congregation frequently turning their discussions to corn — and several others eventually followed suit recounted how a former pastor sent him prayers during his service in the Korean War and Jack Nichols highlighted the special connection he felt with the hymns That really revealed the love of God that he would send his only begotten son to die for us sinners and that’s what I remember about this church as well as the friendships that we all developed when we were here,” Jack Nichols said who joked that she had “the shortest memory” with the church nonetheless described the reception she received as “wonderful.” and I’m going to dearly miss it,” she said except that of knowing that we do your will” before concluding with The Lord’s Prayer “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all Goecke did the honors of extinguishing the candles one last time and the congregation — both young and old members current and former and even their relatives who had made the trip back from other states — joined together for an emotional rendition of “God Be With You.” After the service had concluded and the crowd began to disperse Goecke’s wife Mary reflected on what made the church such a special place for her “I’ve met such wonderful people and I think the hardest thing to go to another church is (that) we worship in quiet here and that’s gonna be a big adjustment to not hear the birds sing and the corn rustling outside but we’ll go and we’ll find the right place,” she said described Minerva as a model for a Christianity based on serving others “It’s a lost art,” she said Carol McDonald Tripp remembered lines down the road for the chapel’s ice cream socials another member of the well-known co-founding family who is now 87 said Minerva had always been a part of his life What will become of the building on Hopkins Avenue remains to be seen but the illustrious history of the Minerva Wesley Chapel will live on for generations in the hearts and minds of all the individuals who were connected to it throughout the church’s 145 years of existence Contact Robert Maharry at 641-753-6611 ext LLC | https://www.timesrepublican.com | 135 West Main Street (WFTS) — Neighbors in one Wesley Chapel neighborhood can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to one neighbor noticed flames behind a row of houses in her neighborhood Firefighters later informed her that homes in the area were just minutes away from being engulfed in flames "I was just driving home when I suddenly saw flames and thought that's a big fire!' My heart stopped," Gigi recounted "I jumped out of my car and started knocking on doors Sherif Botros was one of the neighbors she woke up "I thought it might have been an intruder," he said I saw Gigi knocking on doors and realized something serious was happening." Botros and his family scrambled to gather essential belongings as they witnessed flames engulfing the trees behind their home MORE: Pasco County implements emergency burn ban amid severe drought conditions We didn't know if our home would catch fire," he shared everything was on fire—like the whole backyard and the whole conservation area a fact he largely attributes to Cangeme's quick actions and the responsiveness of the fire department Fire and Life Safety Educator with Pasco County Fire and Rescue emphasized the importance of being vigilant during dry months Pasco County Fire and Rescue has responded to nearly 100 outdoor fires A burn ban is currently in effect for the county Just about anything can start a fire when conditions are this dry—cigarette butts Botros shared his surprise about the wildfire risks in the area We always worried about those pine trees swinging dangerously in storms but we never imagined a fire could threaten us here in Florida,” he said Gigi says she's relieved her neighbors are safe "I didn't think about being a hero; I just wanted to alert everyone The fire reminds us of the importance of community vigilance and preparedness Residents are encouraged to keep their surroundings clear of combustible debris and to heed local burn bans to prevent future incidents and I feel like that's part of where the system failed" Henry Betsey Jr. is facing charges for marrying three Florida women in three different counties at the same time. Now saying the system that handles marriage licenses kept them in the dark Latest Polk County News from ABC Action News Report a typo We recognise you are attempting to access this website from a country belonging to the European Economic Area (EEA) including the EU which enforces the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and therefore cannot grant you access at this time e-mail us at circulation@npco.com or call us at 706-290-5254 This innovative treatment provides hope for patients with high blood pressure who have not found relief through lifestyle changes or medication The procedure, known as Symplicity from Medtronic targets overactive nerves near the kidneys Symplicity is set to transform care for patients struggling with uncontrolled blood pressure ultimately improving their quality of life Since the technology arrived at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel interventional cardiologists Hadi Mahmaljy "Hypertension continues to be a major health challenge globally impacting millions of lives daily," said Dr "Hypertension may not necessarily present with symptoms but does have serious long-term implications The Symplicity procedure offers an innovative always-active solution without the need for a permanent implant helping patients lower their blood pressure keep their heart healthy and reclaim peace of mind." High blood pressure is the single largest contributor to death globally about 80 percent of those who are aware of their condition fail to keep it under control This innovative approach offers hope to those living with chronic hypertension Our website uses cookies. Please review our privacy policy to find out more about the cookies we use Browsing our website means you accept these terms Recently, the Wesley Chapel Cypress Creek Coyotes announced the following slate of games for 2025 including three notable contests against Braden River Land O' Lakes and 2023 Class 3M state semifinalist Gaither Among other teams on the Coyotes' schedule are Fivay River Ridge and at home against rival Wesley Chapel Below is the Coyotes' 2025 regular season schedule with official regular season game times all listed 2025 WESLEY CHAPEL CYPRESS CREEK COYOTES FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Be sure to Bookmark High School on SI for all of the latest high school football news To get live updates on your phone - as well as follow your favorite teams and top games - you can download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App| Download Android App -- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @highschoolonsi ANDY VILLAMARZOAndy Villamarzo has been a sports writer in the Tampa Bay (FL) Area since 2007 writing for publications such as Tampa Bay Times FL area and started as a writer with SB Live Sports in the summer of 2022 covering the Tampa Bay Area He has quickly become one of Florida's foremost authorities on high school sports radio programs and digital broadcasts as an expert on team rankings © 2025 ABG-SI LLC - SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Sports Illustrated or its affiliates All picks and predictions are suggestions only and not a guarantee of success or profit If you or someone you know has a gambling problem crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER Sign in to the Wesley Chapel Community Website to view local news and events SearchLog in / Sign upShould Wesley Chapel, FL Become a City?Community WebsitesMar 167 min readWesley Chapel, FL — Several recent well written articles in local publications like Neighborhood News have talked about the concept of Wesley Chapel becoming a city Wesley Chapel has transformed from a rural outpost into a bustling hub of over 60,000 residents in Pasco County it boasts a thriving economy and rapid growth yet remains an unincorporated Census Designated Place (CDP) under county control This status quo has sparked a debate: Should Wesley Chapel incorporate as a city Proponents argue it’s time for local governance while skeptics highlight the costs and complexities Here’s a detailed look at the case for and against incorporation Wesley Chapel generates significant tax revenue from its healthcare facilities much of this money flows into Pasco County’s general budget funding projects across the region rather than staying local Incorporation would allow the community to keep and direct these funds toward its own needs—think road improvements along State Road 54 The potential for economic autonomy is a key driver A city government could prioritize local infrastructure and create a business-friendly environment by streamlining permitting and zoning establishing a municipal government comes with costs—staff salaries and services—that could require higher taxes or fees raising concerns about financial sustainability and regulations often reflect broader regional priorities rather than Wesley Chapel’s specific needs Incorporation would shift this power locally enabling a city government to craft policies tailored to the community or growth could be guided to preserve the area’s character A local government could also foster a stronger civic identity perhaps through a city center featuring a city hall and public spaces creating a new administrative layer isn’t without risks—initial inefficiencies or disagreements over priorities could slow progress as the community adapts Public safety is a critical piece of the incorporation puzzle Residents frequently report unreasonably long delays for Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies during emergencies A complete lack of traffic enforcement or speed enforcement on community roadways with residents being told to contact FHP for this service that many other counties provide This lag stems from resource allocation: Pasco County focuses law enforcement on the west side Despite contributing heavily to the county’s tax base Wesley Chapel often sees fewer law enforcement deputies as its revenue helps fund safety elsewhere Incorporation could change this by funding a dedicated higher paid and more effective police force performs okay but faces pressure from population growth though startup costs for public safety services remain a hurdle Education UnaffectedOne area untouched by incorporation is education The Pasco County School District would continue to oversee Wesley Chapel’s schools ensuring continuity for students and families regardless of governance changes The case for Wesley Chapel becoming a city rests on several advantages: Tailored governance: Decisions reflect community needs Safety upgrades: Potential for a dedicated police force and enhanced fire services Financial burden: New government costs could mean tax hikes Transition complexity: Shifting from county to city oversight takes time and effort Uncertainty: Benefits must outweigh expenses to justify the move The path to incorporation requires careful planning An economic impact study would provide hard numbers on costs versus revenue while community forums could test public support If the data checks out and residents back the idea Wesley Chapel could submit a charter to the Florida Legislature by 2026 followed by municipal elections to establish leadership Wesley Chapel’s growth demands a reckoning Incorporation offers a chance to seize control of its destiny but only if the numbers add up and the community unites the question lingers: Is cityhood the key to unlocking its potential The answer lies in the facts—and the will of its people the community must evaluate whether it has the population Florida law doesn’t set a minimum population and capable of supporting municipal services business leaders) gauge interest through informal discussions This step ensures there’s enough support to move forward as incorporation requires community buy-in What It Takes: A preliminary study to assess the financial viability of incorporation is often conducted This step is critical to determine if the community can sustain a city government without excessive tax burdens Details: A third-party firm analyzes revenue potential (e.g. This data informs later feasibility studies and builds credibility with residents and lawmakers What It Takes: Florida Statutes (Section 165.041) mandate a feasibility study before incorporation can proceed This study must demonstrate that the proposed city can provide municipal services and remain financially solvent ensuring the area is contiguous and compact Population estimates (current and projected) Revenue sources and cost estimates for at least the first five years Evidence that incorporation won’t negatively impact adjacent areas The community typically hires experts (e.g. consultants or firms) to compile this report What It Takes: Clear boundaries must be established for the new city avoiding overlap with existing municipalities and ensuring a cohesive area the proposed city cannot include land within another incorporated municipality unless that municipality consents Boundaries must be contiguous (no disconnected pockets) and reasonably compact This step often involves negotiation to settle disputes with neighboring areas or the county the legal document defining the city’s structure and powers must be created and submitted as part of the incorporation process Comply with Florida’s constitution and general laws Community leaders or a hired legal team typically draft this document What It Takes: While not required since a 2014 law change (thanks to former House Speaker Will Weatherford) many communities still seek Pasco County’s feedback to address potential conflicts Details: The county might review impacts on its budget or services (e.g. Though county approval isn’t legally necessary cooperation can smooth the process and reduce opposition incorporation required a special act of the Florida Legislature but Section 165.041 now allows a local referendum to suffice in many cases legislative review may still occur if boundaries or charters raise complex issues and supporting documents are submitted to the state The Legislature ensures compliance with Chapter 165 incorporation requires approval by a majority of voters (50% + 1) in the proposed city area via a referendum Details: The vote is organized by the county supervisor of elections Only registered voters within the proposed boundaries participate The ballot must clearly state the question (e.g. “Shall Wesley Chapel incorporate as a city?”) and include the proposed charter A strong public campaign is often needed to secure a “yes” vote the incorporation takes effect once certified by the state unless legislative action is required for special circumstances Details: The Florida Secretary of State records the new municipality The effective date is set by the charter or state law often aligning with the fiscal year (October 1) to ease budgeting transitions council) may be appointed temporarily under the charter The city assumes responsibility for services either by creating its own departments (e.g. police) or contracting with the county during a transition period but the area must support a viable government and not overlap existing cities without consent Services: Must provide at least three services (e.g. Financial Viability: Must demonstrate revenue to cover costs without undue reliance on county support Voter Approval: Majority support in a referendum is mandatory Money: Costs include studies ($75,000-$150,000) and campaign expenses (potentially $200,000 total Funding often comes from donations or grants Effort: Requires coordination among residents plus navigating public opinion and legal hurdles Text Us: (813) 921-0999 (Text Only Number) Advertise With Us! Proudly serving the Wesley Chapel Community since 2009 © 2024 WESLEY CHAPEL COMMUNITY WEBSITE - SINCE 2009 The Wesley Chapel Community Website is part of the Community-Websites.com Network.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED  |  TERMS OF SERVICE & PRIVACY  |  CONTACT THE EDITOR Johns Hopkins All Children's is expanding beyond St It is building an advanced pediatric hospital in Wesley Chapel. The opening is scheduled for 2027, according to a news release All Children’s bought over 100 acres of land near Interstate 75 and Overpass Road in Pasco County a 16-room emergency center and four operating rooms Lea esta historia en español All Children's chief operating officer Justin Olsen said the new hospital will address a dire need in the area 93% of them travel outside of that market for some specialty pediatric care,” Olsen said adding that Pasco's children's population is expected to grow 12% by 2032 Petersburg location often admits patients with complex injuries who require extensive follow-up and acute rehabilitation therapy “We actually have trouble placing them throughout the state because beds are full,” Olsen said “So we wanted to create a really special place where they could do both in-patient and outpatient in one location." The Wesley Chapel locationl will have an in-patient rehab unit All Children's is not new to Wesley Chapel. Last month, physicians began offering “specialized outpatient services in cardiology, endocrinology and general surgery in leased space” in the area “We’re already becoming members of that community and so we expect that to also build robust demand,” Olsen said Construction on a 28,000-square-foot expansion is scheduled to start in the spring adding more exam rooms in the emergency center expanded operating rooms on the second floor and more The nonprofit academic hospital will be reinvesting its own funds and using community donations to finance the expansion projects WUSF receives financial support from Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital RN has been named president of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel Wilcox has held numerous leadership roles in BayCare throughout her 25-year career with West Central Florida's largest health system she was later promoted to manager of ambulatory services she has held positions as the director of patient services at St Joseph's Children's Hospital as well as the director of operations for both St she served as the regional administrative director of cardiovascular services for BayCare "I have worked with Nanette as she's taken on several different roles at BayCare and each time she takes on the most difficult tasks with energy and passion focusing on our strategy and developing relationships to ensure success," said BayCare Chief Operating Officer Kimberly Guy "I am confident that she will bring the same enthusiasm and professionalism to her new role as the president of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel." who holds a bachelor's and master's degree in nursing with an emphasis in health system leadership will take the reins during a time of great opportunity for BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel The area is undergoing a construction boom and the population is expected to grow by 40% over the next 20 years according to the Pasco Planning and Development Department BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel is well positioned to serve the expanding health care market "I am excited for this new opportunity," said Wilcox "Wesley Chapel is a growing and dynamic community I look forward to working with our team members to earn the trust of those we serve and to deliver the high-quality health care people expect from BayCare." For more information: BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/baycare-hospital-wesley-chapel-welcomes-nanette-wilcox-as-new-president-302440027.html We’d like to share more about how we work and what drives our day-to-day business How we use your information depends on the product and service that you use and your relationship with us To learn more about how we handle and protect your data, visit our privacy center Read our editorial policy to learn more about our process There are two new developments taking shape alongside I-75 in Seven Oaks from the existing Blue Heron Senior Living facility (see map below) recently poured the future dealership’s concrete foundation (photo According to the description in Tesla’s permit the new dealership will include a service center for electric automobiles The service area is slated to be about 41,000 sq which is downright huge for any dealership (with more than 50 service bays) There will be 20 charging station parking spaces behind the building (of which half appear to be super chargers) and close to another 530 parking spaces onsite for inventory and customers’ vehicles.  Tesla might still get an offsite lot for additional inventory depending upon how busy the dealership will be Based on the number of Teslas already cruising around our area the dealership could be one of the busiest in Wesley Chapel.  According to a local Tesla sales representative the dealership is slated to open by the end of this year these relatively new dealerships and the whole Tesla sales experience are very different from most other vehicle brands.  I still remember the very first time I rode in a new Tesla a Tesla sales person came to my office at the time It also was the first time I had ever seen an almost all-white interior.  pulling out of our parking lot and onto the local street He pulled slightly over to the side of the road went to the drive settings on the touch screen and went for a button labeled “ludicrous.”  “Why would anyone label a drive mode that way?” He hit the accelerator and we all found out really quickly how appropriate that name actually was!  The instant torque from the electric motor was nothing like I’d experienced before as both my stomach and my brain were being relentlessly pushed into the seat back until he let off at 80 miles per hour all of us finally able to take a deep breath after what seemed like an eternity but in reality was less than 4 seconds.  I had raced motorcycles when I was younger at the local drag strip “What a great way to sell cars!,” I thought The point of these early demos was to give potential customers more than just a glimpse of these EVs The idea was to allow you to experience the difference between Tesla and vehicles by any other automaker.  the demos were the only way to appreciate a Tesla first hand You could either book an appointment and drive to a small sales office (if you could even call it that) in some back lot of a corporate park or if it was being demoed to enough people the sales people would bring it to your group’s location you couldn’t buy the demo vehicle you tested a deposit was required to secure your place in line to even begin to ‘order’ more popular or upcoming models.  not much of that sales philosophy has changed and the Tesla brand takes great pride in its unique way of selling its vehicles.  which means you still can’t test drive the exact vehicle you want to buy The vehicles are still sold at a set price and a $250 ordering deposit is required to secure the specific vehicle you want to buy although the deposit may be less depending upon the model.  We were told that the vehicle you choose gets removed from the “available inventory” when the deposit is received or if the deposit is for an upcoming or brand new model it secures your place in the ordering queue.  While this may be counterintuitive to the traditional dealership models people are used to most customers have raved about the simplicity of the process in their Google reviews.  and speaking with two different Tesla sales associates one in the national online/call-in sales office and the other a local (Westshore) sales person we spoke with by text The in-person sales associates at the dealership are there to help answer questions (they were good at answering all of mine) review vehicle inventory that may be available locally help customers place their online order to get an inventory vehicle or a custom-ordered vehicle from the factory provide and schedule test drives in their demo vehicles and help customers take delivery of their vehicles when they arrive at the dealership (or if they’re already present in inventory) including providing any remaining paperwork that needs to be signed The sales associates clarified that if a vehicle is in local inventory that vehicle is assigned to one of the physical Tesla sales offices (or dealerships) and you would have to pick up the vehicle from that specific office when purchased explaining that inventory vehicles cannot be transferred or shipped to other dealerships or offices for pickup — which can occur within three days for inventory vehicles.  If purchasing a custom-ordered vehicle from the factory you can specify exactly which Tesla location you want your vehicle delivered to in the app.  One thing I’ve always heard is that Tesla can deliver to your door like Amazon The company does deliver to homes through a service called “Carrier Direct” but the Tesla website states “This fee-based option is available for customers who prefer to have their vehicle delivered and who live more than 220 miles from the nearest Tesla delivery location.” So basically this service isn’t available anywhere near Tampa Bay as the national sales rep confirmed.  That rep also said that Tesla does take trade-ins It’s all done over the app at the time of purchase and there’s never an in-person inspection required They’ll give you a “take it or leave it” price quote for the trade (again and the rep stated that their prices are very competitive with other similar services like Carmax or Carvana They even encouraged getting quotes from one or both of those services in advance to know whose would be the best.  This is not the first full-size Tesla dealership to be built in the Tampa Bay area Jeep-Chrysler-Dodge that had sat vacant for years so Tesla just built a new dealership building on the site in 2018 there are mixed reviews of the existing Tampa dealership; the positives were mostly those absolutely praising the super simple Tesla purchasing and delivery process along with staff’s ability to answer questions.  the negatives were mostly about how others have found that the service department was severely lacking in both the availability of needed parts and installing them communication with/and scheduling of customers the exorbitant cost of non-warrantied issues and the overall quality of the services performed.  We’ll see soon enough how this new Wesley Chapel location will stack up.  The Verve Wesley Chapel luxury apartment complex is quickly taking shape (right photo) adjacent to I-75 just south of the under-construction Tesla Dealership directly across the street from Blue Heron Senior Living and with the bare concrete elevator shafts looming like ancient monoliths next to I-75.  The apartments are being developed by The Collier Companies “a multifamily housing management and real estate development company based in Gainesville [with] 12,000 apartment homes & growing.”  Collier’s Tampa Bay-area portfolio is situated around USF and includes traditional apartment housing called Lakeview Oaks Apartments on N and two student-specific apartment complexes called Reflections Apartments on E immediately south of the Haley Veterans Administration Hospital.  The website for Verve Wesley Chapel doesn’t have much information From the moment you walk through the front door you’ll feel the comfort that makes our residents happy to call us home meticulously-groomed grounds and a dedicated staff contribute to a higher standard of living local museums and parks are all close at hand with sponsored activities to develop new hobbies while getting to know your neighbors.”  situated on 16.8 acres and consisting of six 4-story buildings with 360 apartments total — including 144 1-bedroom The center of the complex will be situated around a large swimming pool with an unobstructed pond view towards the sunsets and 30 rentable 1-car garages will be similar to other newer high-end apartments in the Wesley Chapel area Verve is expected to open sometime later this year; we did not have information at our press time about what the rents might be.  You must be logged in to post a comment with the new additions expected to be ready by late this year.This major expansion will support the growing community of Pasco County and features a new three-story North Wing and a two-story South Courtyard Infill adding 80,373 square feet of new space and renovating 8,837 square feet of existing space The expansion will increase the hospital's licensed beds from 169 to 193 with room for two more 24-bed units in the future February 3 to celebrate the work completed so far on this vertical expansion The hospital expansion is also supported by the AdventHealth Office of Design and Construction (Design Engineers) and Atwell (Civil Engineering) From state-of-the-art equipment to the most intricate building details AdventHealth Wesley Chapel was designed from the ground up to maximize healing the hospital has earned national recognition as a leader in patient satisfaction including being recognized as a World’s Best Hospital by Newsweek for three consecutive years The hospital offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient health services 24/7 emergency room opened in January 2018 in Central Pasco to better serve the emergency health needs of residents in West and central Pasco the hospital opened a new 100,000-square-foot medical office building on campus a new Oncology unit with 24 in-patient rooms For more information about the hospital and ongoing updates, please visit www.AHWesleyChapel.com SearchLog in / Sign upWesley Chapel Ball Hawks Host Free Basketball Tryouts for Local YouthCommunity WebsitesApr 241 min readWESLEY CHAPEL – The Wesley Chapel Ball Hawks invite local sixth graders interested in competitive basketball to join their upcoming free tryouts on Sunday Tryouts will take place at the Temple Terrace Recreation Center The Ball Hawks organization emphasizes skill development providing an affordable and supportive basketball experience for dedicated young athletes in Wesley Chapel While tryouts will be hosted in Temple Terrace the team’s regular practices will be conveniently held twice a week at Wesley Chapel District Park Additional details on practice schedules will be announced shortly Participants interested in attending tryouts must complete a brief registration form available here For ongoing updates and more information about the team, residents can follow the Wesley Chapel Ball Hawks on Instagram @wesleychapelballhawks Questions can be directed to Coach Henry by emailing wesleychapelballhawks@gmail.com or by texting 813-777-4853 Ryan Quattlebaum has been named president/CEO for AdventHealth Wesley Chapel AdventHealth has named Ryan Quattlebaum president/CEO for AdventHealth Wesley Chapel who also provides market leadership for Hardee and it is a joy to see him grow and step into this new role His vision and leadership will be instrumental in driving our continued growth and success in Wesley Chapel which is one of the fastest-growing communities in the West Florida Division,” said Wandersleben Quattlebaum has served as president/CEO for AdventHealth North Pinellas in Tarpon Springs the facility earned national accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) the bronze standard – Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department (GEDA) accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians and “A” Hospital Safety Grades from the Leapfrog Group in 2023 Quattlebaum held a variety of leadership roles at Adventist Health including as chief financial officer at Adventist Health Ukiah Valley and Adventist Health Howard Memorial where he helped to grow revenue and improve EBIDTA margins that would allow for the overall advancement of key services His previous experience also includes serving as a finance and valuation consultant for GE Healthcare and as a senior associate at Ernst & Young “I'm honored to return to AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and work with dedicated care teams physicians and leaders who are committed to providing whole-person care,” said Quattlebaum I look forward to building and strengthening relationships in our Wesley Chapel facility and surrounding community to expand our faith-based care and services.” Quattlebaum has a master’s degree in business administration from the Hough Graduate School of Business at the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in finance from La Sierra University serving as committee member for the workforce improvement committee for the Florida Hospital Association AdventHealth is expanding its nursing workforce enhancing hands-on training programs and reinforcing its commitment to exceptional patient care our organization embarked on multiple global mission projects that made a significant impact on the lives of two families in need AdventHealth Carrollwood has been awarded an “A” Hospital Safety Grade by The Leapfrog Group a national nonprofit upholding the standard of excellence in patient safety in hospitals and ambulatory.. Dozens of community members and several organizations came together to help support the AdventHealth Lake Placid and Wauchula Foundations during the 11th annual Clays and Camo fundraiser we honor the extraordinary acts of kindness and compassion demonstrated by our nurses across the region Three remarkable nurses from AdventHealth Avista's surgery center have embarked on.. AdventHealth is proud to join Nemours Children’s Health System as the official medical services provider for the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona A local nurse and a CEO were recognized by the Central Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce the new senior executive officer of AdventHealth for Children speaks with Becker's Hospital Review about the future of pediatric care AdventHealth North Pinellas achieves elite national status as a straight- ‘A’ for patient safety  All AdventHealth hospitals in Pasco County continue to earn straight ‘A’ hospital safety grades from The Leapfrog Group AdventHealth Hendersonville has once again earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group an independent national nonprofit watchdog dedicated to patient safety Fish Memorial and New Smyrna Beach earn top marks from national watchdog — Cornelius Demps opened his law firm in Wesley Chapel and moved his family here from St “If you tell people you live in Wesley Chapel you might as well tell them you live on Mars They think it’s on the other side of the universe,” Demps said “People are surprised to see how much Wesley Chapel has grown and how it’s changed and how it’s continued to thrive economically,” Demps said We are one of the fastest growing communities in all of Florida,” said Jamie Hess a member of the North Tampa Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and some are wondering if it’s time to change that They say I’m from Wesley Chapel,” said financial advisor Ralph Sevelius The population has grown to more than 80,000 The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce wants to see if Wesley Chapel is finally ready to incorporate and become a city “We would have a governing body that would decide where our money is spent and where it isn’t spent And all the tax dollars would stay in Wesley Chapel They are raising money for an economic study to see if it makes financial sense “There’s been enough talk in my 23 years of living in Wesley Chapel around this issue that I think it’s merited to gather the facts and then we can make our decision,” said Sevelius Those against the idea say it will bring more taxes and another layer of government If the studies show a benefit for the people of Wesley Chapel the incorporation paperwork could go to the Florida legislature during next year’s legislative session We checked with Pasco County to see what they think about potentially losing millions in tax dollars if Wesley Chapel is incorporated it's too early in the process for the county to comment on this.” Latest Pasco County News from ABC Action News Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More — It’s a question being raised by some Pasco County businesses: should Wesley Chapel become a city The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is raising money to research the pros and cons “The timing is right,” said Hope Kennedy President & CEO of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce “The business community came to the chamber and said we want to look into incorporation of Wesley Chapel.’ Not for right now is an unincorporated census-designated place and is governed by the Pasco County government “The business community has come to us because the growth is outpacing the infrastructure and the different services within our community,” said Kennedy “The business community sees it as an opportunity to keep the tax dollars here in this area.” She says the study is a way to see if Wesley Chapel becoming a city makes financial sense It’s not the first time this has been discussed “The business community wasn’t as engaged in that process Now the business community is engaged in the process and so we want to make sure that an economic impact study and a feasibility study It will show what a municipality would look like and what sort of structure the city would have “There might be a redistribution of those taxes," she said we won’t know those dollar amounts or what that looks like What we’re hoping to get out of this study is here’s what you get now for your taxes at this amount and here’s what you’re going to get for your taxes at this amount.” She says the goal is for the study is to show the impact becoming a city may have on local residents “It’ll be a very good look at what Wesley Chapel is and what Wesley Chapel can be,” she said Kennedy says they hope to have the first study funded in the next 2 to 3 months It’ll then take another few months to complete it SearchLog in / Sign upFire at Green Swamp East Preserve Impacting Wesley Chapel Air QualityCommunity WebsitesFeb 141 min readWesley Chapel FL – Residents of Wesley Chapel are experiencing smoky conditions due to a large prescribed burn conducted today at the Green Swamp East Preserve The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) conducted the 4,025-acre aerial prescribed fire along with several smaller fires conducted by other agencies in the area While SFWMD staff have completed their work for the day a shift in wind direction is potentially carrying smoke into some Wesley Chapel communities The SFWMD has been conducting prescribed burns in the Green Swamp area since Tuesday without incident making today’s smoke impact an unforeseen circumstance Pasco County officials have also acknowledged the presence of smoke in eastern and central Pasco County due to these prescribed burns They advise residents to anticipate dense smoke conditions for the remainder of the day The SFWMD notes that these controlled burns while potentially causing temporary inconvenience are a crucial preventative measure against the spread of uncontrolled wildfires similar to those that have recently devastated areas of California These prescribed fires help reduce the buildup of flammable vegetation The SFWMD typically posts notifications of planned prescribed burns on X (formerly Twitter) the morning of the burn The award list was announced on February 26th, 2025, and can be viewed on Newsweek’s website The World’s Best Hospitals 2025 ranking lists the best hospitals in 30 countries: USA The countries were selected based on multiple comparability factors such as standard of living/life expectancy Newsweek and Statista awarded the best hospitals based on four data sources: Based on the above four pillars and their respective weights a final source was calculated for each hospital AdventHealth Wesely Chapel is excited to again be recognized on Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2025 list and to also be recognized by Newsweek as a leader for Infection Prevention “We are honored to receive this recognition from Newsweek,” said AdventHealth Wesley Chapel CEO Ryan Quattlebaum “Being awarded World’s Best four years in a row is a testament to the expertise of our committed team members and physicians and our dedication to deliver world-class health care services in a growing Pasco County community.” SearchLog in / Sign upNew Development Proposed for Key Wesley Chapel IntersectionCommunity WebsitesMar 91 min readA new development could soon take shape at the northwest corner of Curley Road and State Road 54— a road set to be permanently renamed Wesley Chapel Boulevard later this month the site has been the subject of various proposals including plans for a Lowe’s home improvement store and a tax-exempt affordable housing project that was ultimately halted due to amendments to the Live Local Act a new application has been submitted to Pasco County for a Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD) on the site The proposal outlines plans for eight four-story apartment buildings each featuring 10 residential units per floor Two of the buildings would also include ground-floor commercial space the project would incorporate two standalone bringing the total planned commercial space to approximately 47,600 square feet the development would introduce 300 residential units to the area Public hearings will be required before the project can proceed though specific dates have yet to be determined SearchLog in / Sign upJohns Hopkins to Build Pediatric Hospital in Wesley ChapelCommunity WebsitesJan 121 min readWesley Chapel FL – In a major healthcare development for the community Johns Hopkins Medicine has announced plans to break ground on a new 56-bed pediatric hospital in Wesley Chapel in 2025 named Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Wesley Chapel is expected to open its doors in the third quarter of 2027 By Hopkinsallchildrens - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66601606Spanning 239,000 square feet the hospital will cater to the region’s growing demand for specialized pediatric care The first phase will include 44 inpatient acute care beds designed with dedicated family amenities such as sleeping accommodations ensuring comfort for both patients and their families the hospital will feature a 12-bed inpatient rehabilitation program and provide ICU-level care The facility will also house a 16-bed emergency department making it a comprehensive healthcare hub for children in the area Johns Hopkins’ decision to bring a pediatric hospital to Wesley Chapel marks a significant milestone for the community expanding access to world-class healthcare closer to home Local families will benefit from having cutting-edge medical resources and specialized pediatric care within the rapidly growing region Westlake Ace owns and operates 14 stores in North Carolina under the Westlake Ace and Outer Banks Ace brands Two new Westlake Ace locations in the greater Charlotte area will follow the one scheduled to open Feb 28 in Charlotte’s Rozzelle Crossing Shopping Center CHARLOTTE – Westlake Ace Hardware has signed lease agreements to open new stores in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte and the village of Wesley Chapel A 9,000-square-foot store will be developed in the Ballantyne Commons East Shopping Center (15221 John Delaney Drive) Renovations to the space will begin this spring with an anticipated soft opening in late summer A 15,000-square-foot store in the Village Commons at Wesley Chapel shopping center (6422 Weddington Road Wesley Chapel) is scheduled to open in early 2026 The stores will sell lawn and garden supplies plumbing and electrical supplies as well as key cutting automotive key fob replacement and propane tank exchange Stores will also showcase specialty departments and store-within-a-store concepts Ego and Milwaukee outdoor power equipment; Benjamin Moore and Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines paints; and Milwaukee “We are excited to open two new locations in the greater Charlotte area and deepen our relationship with the community as a friend a trusted neighbor and an employer,” said Joe Jeffries the parent company of Westlake Ace Hardware “We look forward to serving our new neighbors and showcase how we live the Ace Helpful Promise daily through reliable service helpful advice and the products our customers need to get their projects done right.” The Ballantyne Commons store will begin accepting applications in late spring. Applications for the Wesley Chapel location will be accepted in late fall. Interested applicants are encouraged to email jobs@westlakehardware.com with “Westlake Ace Hardware – Charlotte N.C.” or “Westlake Ace Hardware – Wesley Chapel” in the subject line Email notifications are only sent once a day there are no recent results for popular videos there are no recent results for popular commented articles Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: This project features a new three-story North Wing and a two-story South Courtyard Infill "We are expanding to help accommodate the health care needs of Pasco County and provide even more access to high-quality president and CEO of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel "This expansion allows us to prepare for the future ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional award-winning care to every patient who walks through our doors." The hospital expansion is supported by the AdventHealth Office of Design and Construction Atwell (Civil Engineering) and Batson Cook as the general contractors 24/7 emergency room opened in January 2018 in Central Pasco to better serve the emergency health needs of residents in west and central Pasco For more information about the hospital and ongoing updates, please visit www.AHWesleyChapel.com Local Business Community Begins Investigating The Possibility Of Incorporation; Feasibility & Boundaries Will Be Determined By Studies  The last time we posted a map of Wesley Chapel on our front cover it was pretty obvious that a lot of people didn’t know what the boundaries of the fastest-growing community in the state of Florida actually were even though a small group of local business leaders is now talking about incorporating Wesley Chapel as its own municipality again where to draw the boundaries of the proposed new city is still a work in progress.  at least according to Jamie Hess (at right in photo) the owner of the Computer Emergency Room locations on Bruce B is that the time for Wesley Chapel to become a city is now.  “We already have almost everything we need here other than maybe a true city center and a post office,” Hess told me during an exclusive interview at the North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) office along with NTBC president and chief executive officer Hope Kennedy (left in photo) Hess has been an NTBC Board member for several years and he and his fellow Board members gave Kennedy the O.K to at least look into what an incorporated Wesley Chapel would look like the group is using the zip codes currently called “Wesley Chapel” — 33543 but Hess and Kennedy acknowledge that “fixing” those boundaries is a long way off.  Kennedy already has a proposal from a company in Texas to conduct two studies that she says would both have to have favorable results before the subject of incorporation can gather any real momentum.  Hess said that the catalyst for the NTBC Board to begin seriously considering the possibility began with a seemingly innocent comment made at an NTBC Coffee event in Oct where District 20 State Senator Danny Burgess himself at one time the youngest-ever Mayor of Zephyrhills said that the one goal he had before he retired from government service was “For Wesley Chapel to become its own city.”  who was sitting in the front row (with yours truly) that day “Wesley Chapel is basically a cash machine for Pasco County so it would be great for us to keep our tax dollars right here.” Kennedy added the following Op-Ed piece by Hess appeared in the Tampa Bay Business Journal on March 7:  The Time is Now: Why Wesley Chapel Must Take Control Of Its Future  Wesley Chapel is no longer just a suburb — it’s a thriving economic powerhouse with no direct control over how our tax dollars are spent yet much of it is allocated to projects outside our community It’s time to consider incorporation to ensure our tax dollars are reinvested where they belong — right here in Wesley Chapel.  Wesley Chapel has evolved into one of Florida’s fastest-growing areas yet we lack a local government to advocate for our needs all decisions affecting our growth — zoning business regulations — are made at the county level Incorporation would allow us to shape policies that align with our community’s unique needs and priorities Incorporation would allow us to establish a true city center — a place where businesses thrive and residents can engage with their local leaders A true city center would create a hub for commerce A dedicated city hall would bring the government closer to the people A local post office would provide more convenient service rather than relying on locations serving multiple communities Wesley Chapel is large enough to sustain these services it’s time we took ownership of them.  incorporation means stability and efficiency and economic incentives would be handled locally reducing delays and creating a business-friendly environment Instead of waiting for county-wide initiatives we could take immediate action to enhance our economic future.  yet local infrastructure projects often take a backseat to county-wide priorities we could direct funding toward much-needed road improvements and explore expanded transit options Wesley Chapel relies on county services spread thin across a vast area Incorporation would allow us to create a dedicated police and fire department ensuring faster response times and better community-focused safety measures.  we need a comprehensive economic impact study to assess the feasibility of incorporation This study will provide critical data on how incorporation would affect residents we can make informed decisions about our community’s future.  Wesley Chapel has outgrown its unincorporated status Our businesses and residents deserve a government that prioritizes local needs reinvests tax dollars into our own infrastructure The time has come to take control of our destiny and build a Wesley Chapel that works for us.  The future is ours—let’s take the next step — Reprinted from the Tampa Bay Business Journal  Hess and Kennedy assured me that the process currently being undertaken has been a “very thoughtful one,” according to Kennedy “It’s going to be very much data-driven.”  “We’re starting by raising money for an economic impact study,” Hess added the NTBC Board had not yet ratified the decision to officially retain a neutral third party — Austin TX-based Angelou Economics — to conduct the economic impact study Hess was confident that the Board would approve Kennedy’s recommendation at the Board meeting on Mar “My initial conversation with [Angelou] was so extraordinary,” Kennedy said ‘This situation (the possibility of incorporating Wesley Chapel) is incredible.”  If and when that economic impact study comes back with a positive result another $75,000 would be needed to fund a second study — an actual incorporation feasibility study — that also would be conducted by Angelou.  “If the economic impact study doesn’t come back favorable we’re probably not going to need that other $75,000 There would be no need to raise money for a feasibility study we’re confident that both studies are going to end up giving us the green light to move forward.”  “We’re actually planning to try to raise a total of $200,000 because we estimate that we’re also going to need about $50,000 for community engagement and marketing we believe that doing it incrementally is a good idea Angelou isn’t going to require us to pay for the second study until the first one comes back positive we won’t be on the hook for the whole $200,000 but we haven’t made an official ‘ask’ yet and we’re not ready to announce any major donors at this time.”  “That a lot of people have already told us they want to help but until enough people actually write a check we’ll still be in fund-raising mode.” He noted that even small amounts contributing to the fund-raising campaign as a couple of local business owners have offered Hess and Kennedy said they are thankful to former Florida House Speaker (and Wesley Chapel resident) Will Weatherford who got legislation passed before he left the house in 2014 that said a community wanting to incorporate did not need to get permission from the county in which it is located “It will be a referendum for those impacted,” Kennedy said “and we believe that 50% + 1 vote of the registered voters who show up to the polls for the referendum from the area proposing incorporation will have to vote in favor of it for it to pass.”  Kennedy also acknowledged that this is not the first time incorporating Wesley Chapel has been considered a group of Wesley Chapel residents came to the Chamber and said ‘We want to incorporate,’ which gave us quite a lift but it fell apart for two main reasons — arguing over what the boundaries should be and the lack of involvement from the business community.”  there are dozens more large-scale businesses located within what could become the City of Wesley Chapel now than there were ten (or even five) years ago “Because we’re starting with the business community and the studies we feel confident there will be more momentum for it this time around.”  that the Chamber has its own 501(c)(3) foundation that the funds for the studies could flow through “because it’s in our Foundation bylaws that we can use Foundation funds for ‘Studies of Community Impact.’ So any donations to this cause would be tax deductible because you’d be funding a study.”  with Kennedy) essentially lit this idea on fire,” Kennedy said of the Oct “Our Board came back to me after that meeting and said One of the first things Kennedy and Hess had to look into was law enforcement.  “We approached (Pasco) Sheriff Chris Nocco’s office about establishing a police presence in Wesley Chapel,” Kennedy said ‘[PCSO’s] official position is that we will support whatever the citizens of Wesley Chapel decide for their future.”  That could mean hiring additional Pasco Sheriff’s deputies just for Wesley Chapel or establishing a municipal police force (as in the cities of Dade City and Zephyrhills) police protection would be paid by the residents of the new City of Wesley Chapel.  “The only thing we have out here in terms of services that’s doing O.K “The fire [and emergency medical] services are pretty good we can’t seem to get a post office and we have no municipal buildings of any kind.”  the fund raising is beginning in earnest now and Hess is quick to point out that the group is not looking for one or two sweetheart donors to fund the whole $75,000 starting cost.  “We’re looking for local business people and residents who want to donate anything from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to get the ball rolling,” he said “We don’t want anyone thinking that because they funded most or all of it that they have control over how we proceed.”  Kennedy also has made an initial inquiry with Pasco supervisor of elections Brian Corley who said he would have to look into how it would work to set up an initial municipal election and how potential voters would be notified.  “There are a lot of examples over the last 10 years or so of communities in Florida incorporating so at least we have some examples to study.”  which became the 411th municipality in Florida on June 22 the master-planned unit development known as Westlake only had about 900 residents when it incorporated (it’s up to about 6,000 today) anywhere from about 60,000 to more than 100,000 residents of what would be the City of Wesley Chapel depending upon whose population estimates you use and where the boundaries would be set.  there’s only a handful that aren’t incorporated,” Hess said not an incorporated town or village.”  Kennedy and Hess also discussed the type of municipal government that might be set up in the City of Wesley Chapel.  The current cities in Pasco County — Dade City Leo is an incorporated town)— are all run by City Councils with mayors selected from the Council members.  Kennedy said that because Wesley Chapel is so much bigger the government could be set up as a strong mayoral form of government with City Council members representing the districts in which they live “All of that needs to be figured out in the future,” she said.  They both said that if the studies come back favorable the goal is to get the proposed city charter written in time for consideration by the 2026 State Legislative session the governor could then select a charter mayor and there could be municipal elections sometime during the following election cycle As for who might be interested in serving as (or running for) the Mayor of Wesley Chapel “It’s just so early in the process,” Hess said.  the “working” boundaries for the proposed city are the three Wesley Chapel zip codes (33543 Kennedy would prefer to use the Census Designated Places (CDP) map which uses natural boundaries for CDP boundaries which would move the boundary of Wesley Chapel well west of I-75 This would allow Wesley Chapel to also include the Tampa Premium Outlets but using the CDP map also would mean that places like Watergrass the northern half of Epperson and other parts of the so-called “Connected City” would not be included in the city limits.  No matter which boundaries end up being used the City of Wesley Chapel would include all three local hospitals 13 (on Old Pasco Rd.) and 26 (in Meadow Pointe) and could include No Hess said that until the economic impact study comes back there’s no reason to try to set the boundaries.  “is that if our taxes would have to go up significantly to make this happen For more info about the City of Wesley Chapel email Jamie Hess at jamie.hess@computeremergencyroom.com You must be logged in to post a comment SearchLog in / Sign upWhole Foods and Life Time Fitness, may be Coming to Wesley ChapelCommunity WebsitesFeb 142 min readUpdated: Feb 16 FL – After years of anticipation and several false starts a new five-building shopping center at the intersection of Bruce B Downs Boulevard and Aronwood Boulevard appears to be moving forward Full site development plans were submitted last week signaling progress for the long-awaited project Possible design type for Wesley Chapel Whole Foods Actual design is unknown.While an official announcement has not been released pre-application proposals submitted suggest that Whole Foods Market and Life Time Fitness are the likely anchor tenants for the development This news has generated considerable excitement within the Wesley Chapel community an undeveloped field adjacent to the Meadow Pointe fire station has been earmarked for retail development for over a decade Previous attempts to develop the site have stalled This new project represents a renewed effort to bring much-needed retail and commercial services to this rapidly growing area of Wesley Chapel A Whole Foods Market would be a significant addition to the community Whole Foods aligns well with the desires of many Wesley Chapel residents A nearby Whole Foods location would offer convenient access to a wide range of specialty items It would also likely attract shoppers from surrounding areas These large-scale fitness centers offer a comprehensive approach to health and wellness A Life Time Fitness in Wesley Chapel would provide residents with a convenient and high-quality option for pursuing their fitness goals While the majority of the community appears enthusiastic about the prospect of this new shopping center These concerns often relate to increased traffic A timeline for the project's completion has not yet been established but estimates suggest it could be finished within the next 18 months The Wesley Chapel community is eagerly awaiting further updates on this exciting development SearchLog in / Sign upFlorida Highway Patrol Cracks Down on Street Racing in Wesley ChapelCommunity WebsitesDec 26 FL – The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is stepping up efforts to combat the growing problem of street racing in Wesley Chapel responding to residents’ frustrations about reckless drivers turning public roadways into dangerous stunt tracks A street racing incident in Wesley Chapel on Saturday night led to the arrest of a 16-year-old boy while authorities continue searching for a second suspect involved in the illegal activity The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) released video footage showing the two teens performing dangerous stunts in the middle of a local intersection a 17-year-old driving a silver Corvette with Vermont plates Newer Florida laws now impose severe penalties on all forms of street racing which includes not only racing but also drifting and other stunts performed on public streets with fines starting at over $1,000 per violation law enforcement has the authority to seize vehicles used in street racing making the consequences even more significant for those caught engaging in these activities Law Enforcement emphasizes that arrests can be made based on video evidence or social media posts if investigators can identify the driver combined with increased patrols in high-risk areas are part of the state’s broader crackdown to address the issue Local residents have been vocal on social media expressing concerns about the risks posed by these irresponsible drivers Many have shared personal stories of close calls and frustrations over noise and safety hazards caused by street racing urging law enforcement to take swift action FHP is urging the public to report street racing incidents call FHP (347) from any mobile phone or dial 911 if the activity is in progress Sharing video evidence with authorities can also help identify violators and hold them accountable SearchLog in / Sign upJohns Hopkins All Children’s Breaks Ground on New Wesley Chapel HospitalCommunity WebsitesMar 302 min readWESLEY CHAPEL — Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital officially broke ground this week on a new pediatric hospital in Wesley Chapel marking a significant expansion in Pasco County’s healthcare services The 56-bed hospital is set to be constructed on a sprawling 112-acre site near Interstate 75 and Overpass Road The decision to open a second Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in Wesley Chapel underscores the rapidly growing demand for pediatric specialty care in Pasco County and neighboring regions Population studies anticipate a 12% increase in pediatric residents between 2023 and 2032 across Pasco 93% of pediatric patients from these counties must travel outside their communities to access specialized medical care vice president and chief operating officer at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital emphasized the critical need for the facility "We strive to bring care closer to home for families," Olsen stated noting the 50-mile distance between Wesley Chapel and the hospital's main campus in St "There is a profound need for specialized pediatric care in this growing community and we’re proud to become their local children’s hospital." The state-of-the-art hospital will include a 16-room emergency center The new campus will also provide extensive space for future expansion to meet the evolving needs of the community In anticipation of the hospital's opening All Children's Specialty Physicians have already begun offering outpatient pediatric specialty services in cardiology Pulmonology services will also be available starting this month Funding for the construction and development of the hospital will come from a combination of hospital resources and philanthropic contributions But now, Hope Kennedy and the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce say it’s time to pour a glass and see if the idea is finally ready to be served. Under Kennedy’s leadership, the chamber announced this month that it is taking a major step forward in exploring incorporation. The chamber has launched a campaign to raise funds for an economic study that will determine whether Wesley Chapel as a city makes financial sense. While Kennedy insists that the chamber board is neither for nor against incorporation, she says it is in prime position to facilitate the study. The chamber board voted unanimously to at least pursue the idea, which will begin with an economic impact analysis followed by a more in-depth feasibility study. And potentially, a vote by Wesley Chapel residents to settle the age-old debate. “It’s going to be done in phases, so that the citizens and residents of Wesley Chapel will know the benefits and or the challenges, quite frankly, with becoming its own city,” she said. “The issue has been percolating and percolating, and now we have to look at the future.” The chamber has already engaged AngelouEconomics, a nonpartisan economic development consulting firm based in Austin, Texas, to conduct the study. But first, it needs to raise $75,000 to fund the research. The chamber will try to raise the money through its foundation, a 501(c)(3) that serves as its philanthropic arm. That means no tax dollars or member dollars will be used — just money that is raised and earmarked for the study. “If we don’t raise the funds, we don’t move forward,” she said. The idea of incorporation has been raised before, most notably in 2003 when a group of Wesley Chapel residents explored the possibility of turning their community into a city. Their concerns were familiar — residents wanted more bang for their tax bucks, and more fire stations, police, libraries, sports fields and infrastructure, and they argued that Pasco County’s government wasn’t meeting their needs. Opponents, however, pointed out the downsides: higher taxes and another layer of government. That is likely to drive any opposition again. “Obviously the No. 1 question is, ‘Are my taxes going to go up?’” Kennedy said. “That is, you know, a concern.” Eventually, the 2003 effort never attracted the full support of the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (which later evolved into the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce), and most of the area’s largest landowners stayed out of the debate. Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter You’re all signed up!Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started. The attempt to incorporate Wesley Chapel failed when the group failed to complete the necessary paperwork for the 2004 ballot. Two decades later, many of those same concerns remain, even though Wesley Chapel has changed dramatically due to its rapid development and growth. Like Land O’ Lakes, Hudson and Trinity, to name a few, Wesley Chapel remains part of the 90% of Pasco County that is unincorporated. The county has six incorporated cities — Dade City, Zephyrhills, San Antonio, St. Leo, Port Richey and New Port Richey — home to combined population of roughly 55,000. Wesley Chapel alone had a population of 64,866 in the 2020 Census, and estimates today suggest that number is now well over 80,000. If Wesley Chapel were to incorporate, it would instantly become the largest and wealthiest city in Pasco County. The local business community seems to think it’s ready to take on that responsibility. “This is the farthest we’ve gone, but the chamber has had this conversation at least three other times,” Kennedy said. This latest effort was fueled by state Sen. Danny Burgess, who stoked the flames in October when he spoke at a chamber event. “The first words out of his mouth were, why is Wesley Chapel not a city?” Kennedy said. After the meeting, some of the chamber’s board members and others had the same question. And they asked what needed to be done to make it happen. The economic study is just the first step. If the results are favorable, a feasibility study will follow, outlining governance structure, services and financial projections. The studies could then lead to the chamber submitting the necessary paperwork to the Florida Legislature in time for next year’s session — before Gov. Ron DeSantis leaves office, which Kennedy feels is paramount if any effort is to succeed. “It could be on the ballot (as a referendum) in 18 months,” she said. That is a lofty goal, but an attainable one if the forces behind the effort really want to see Wesley Chapel incorporated. “Ultimately it will be the decision of the residents,” Kennedy said. “And our goal is to have the data needed to ensure the residents can make an informed decision.” Proponents argue that county services are stretched thin. There are endless complaints about the need for more roads and infrastructure, and maybe less development and some preservation of green space. A post office in Wesley Chapel would be nice, they say, maybe a city hall, too, and the kind of municipal services not currently available. All factors that have pushed the conversation forward once again. but the former Beef O’Brady’s located at 1660 Bruce B in the Shoppes at New Tampa plaza in Wesley Chapel has reopened (only about four months after Beef’s closed) as Inchin’s Bamboo Garden states and Canada) chain of “IndoChinese Fusion” restaurants with an existing Florida location in Orlando.  All I can tell you after two quick visits to my new friends Mohan and Suresh’s new restaurant is that it no longer looks anything like Beef’s (it’s actually quite elegant) has a beautiful full-liquor bar (with at least ten beers on tap and many others in bottles) and absolutely everything I’ve sampled so far has been en pointe.  My favorite Indian dishes so far are the fried momo dumplings (I had them with chicken photo left; they’re also available in veggie and with paneer and steamed); the “Toothpick lamb,” which is skewered chunks of lamb with mild rendang curry sauce curry leaves and chili peppers; and my current favorite hakka noodles (thin eggless noodles Napa cabbage and celery) with chicken (top photo) Other Indian dishes recommended by friends of mine who also happened to be visiting the new Inchin’s are the garlic naan bread and the “Chicken 65” (with curry leaf Considering that most Chinese restaurants in Wesley Chapel are take-out only you also have to sample some of Inchin’s Chinese dishes My faves to date include the crunchy veggie spring rolls the crispy chili baby corns (bite-sized pieces of baby corn deep fried with onion and green chilis) and the delicious Mongolian beef (above left) sautéed with onions and served on a bed of crispy rice noodles It also was served with a side of white rice but I definitely plan to try it with one of Inchin’s four different fried rice options — burnt garlic chili (which sounds amazing) Szechwan-style and just “regular” fried rice Other Chinese-style entrées include Manchurian extra-spicy Szechwan peppercorn and AK 47 (with ghost pepper sauce described on the menu as “dangerously spicy”) dishes I’ve also been told I need to try Inchin’s version of Chinese “Hot Pot,” which is described on the menu as “numbing.” Many of these entrées are available with vegetable “coins,” cauliflower I’ve also yet to sample any of the soups or any other starters so you can rest assured that Jannah and I will be visiting Inchin’s Bamboo Garden again in the future — and soon!  Inchin’s Bamboo Garden is open every day for lunch (11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.) & dinner (5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. daily, except Sun. until 10). It closes daily between 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. For more information, call (813) 388-2818 or visit Bamboo-Gardens.com You must be logged in to post a comment COMMUNITY PARTNER That’s So Tampa has been the most trusted local resource for discovering All Things Good in Tampa Bay SearchLog in / Sign upProtest Draws Hundreds to Wesley Chapel IntersectionCommunity WebsitesApr 62 min readWESLEY CHAPEL — More than 250 residents gathered at the intersection of State Road 56 and Bruce B Downs Boulevard in Wesley Chapel on Saturday marking one of the largest political demonstrations in the area's recent history The peaceful event was part of a nationwide series of "Hands Off" protests against the policies and actions of the current presidential administration The demonstrations were coordinated across over 1,200 locations nationwide by a coalition of more than 150 diverse groups Participants voiced concerns over issues such as government downsizing While Wesley Chapel is traditionally not known for significant political activism Saturday’s demonstration broke records for local participation Protesters from both major political parties attended representing a wide range of ages and economic backgrounds underscoring the broad appeal of the event law enforcement reported minimal disruption with only a brief incident involving one counter-protester holding a Trump flag who was asked to leave the roadway median by deputies for safety reasons The national movement saw simultaneous gatherings in major cities and small towns alike Thousands of Floridians participated statewide echoing similar peaceful demonstrations taking place in major urban areas nationwide Organizers emphasized the demonstrations were intended to show collective support for democratic principles many attendees described the protest as an important opportunity to express their concerns publicly highlighting Wesley Chapel’s increasing involvement in broader political and civic conversations The development is proposed as a high-end retail center just north of Aronwood Boulevard, at the northernmost entrance to Meadow Pointe off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. There will be an entrance and exit on both Aronwood and Bruce B. Downs. SJC Ventures, a privately held, mixed-use, commercial real estate and retail development firm, has not confirmed the tenants. However, plans that were originally filed in March included Whole Foods and a Life Time fitness center as the two anchors. Those plans were withdrawn two days later — many corporations are leery about being tied to a development before the process is finalized — and were then later resubmitted without the names of the potential tenants. The latest plans still don’t include the names of the primary tenants. SJC Ventures, however, has 24 completed projects listed on its website, and 18 of those are anchored by Whole Foods stores. The only other project it has completed in the Tampa Bay area was the St. Petersburg Station at the former Sunshine Plaza strip mall property, which was completed in 2023. Wesley Chapel social media regulars have long clamored for a large green grocer, and Whole Foods would satisfy that desire for many. The only fully organic option in Wesley Chapel is the Nutrition Smart on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, but it is not a full-size grocery store. An Earth Fare opened to much applause in 2019 in the Cypress Creek Town Center on State Road 56 and shockingly closed a year later. The latest plans for the proposed upscale retail development at Meadow Pointe in Wesley Chapel were submitted to Pasco County planners. [ Pasco County ]The updated plans for the Wesley Chapel project show “Major Tenant A,” which will be the Whole Foods, as a 35,518-square-foot building, adjoined by a building with 10,416 square feet of shops. Both are slightly smaller than in the original plans. There are an additional combined 30,034 square feet of shops planned for two other buildings. A third 5,400-square-foot retail building has been removed from the original plans. In between the two shopping strips and the Whole Foods are intentions for 386 parking spots. Major Tenant B will be Life Time, which was founded in 1992 as Life Time Fitness and touts itself as “an athletic country club.” It is unclear what the two-story, 84,500-square-foot building will offer, though its centers across the country have fitness and yoga rooms, swimming pools and saunas, and in 2021 the company announced plans to become America’s No. 1 pickleball destination. The only other Life Time location in Tampa Bay is at the former Harbour Island Athletic Club. According to the latest layout, there don’t appear to be any outdoor pickleball courts, but there are two pools. According to the county, the most recent submittal is still going through “content completeness” and has yet to be distributed for review. The project is almost certain to eventually be approved, and the most likely opening of the development wouldn’t be until sometime in 2027. SearchLog in / Sign upHooters in Wesley Chapel: New Location Set to Open Summer 2025 Despite Corporate ChallengesCommunity WebsitesMar 84 min readWESLEY CHAPEL — Big news is brewing in Pasco County this week as HMC Hospitality Group announced plans to bring a brand-new Hooters restaurant to Wesley Chapel The buzz around this development is electric especially given the rocky financial headlines swirling around the Hooters brand nationally But here’s the kicker: this new spot at 25245 Wesley Chapel Boulevard right next to the Harley-Davidson dealership and locals are already marking their calendars A Fresh Wing in TownThe new Hooters will span 4,500 square feet complete with an outdoor patio that’s sure to become a go-to hangout for Wesley Chapel residents It’s the third Hooters location in Pasco County joining existing spots in Port Richey and New Port Richey and it’s expected to pump some serious energy into the local economy say it’ll create about 60 new jobs—everything from servers to cooks—offering a boost to an area that’s already one of Florida’s fastest-growing hubs “We’re thrilled to expand in Wesley Chapel,” an HMC spokesperson said “This is a community that’s ready for something new the franchisor behind much of the chain’s U.S The Wesley Chapel location is part of a broader expansion that includes new restaurants in The Villages and even Las Vegas signaling confidence in their business model despite the corporate storm clouds “We’re in a strong financial position,” HMC told the Tampa Bay Times in a March 8 “No ties to the parent company’s troubles here.” Hooters of America has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons lately—rising food costs and a post-pandemic slump in foot traffic have pushed the chain to the brink with Bloomberg reporting a potential bankruptcy filing in the coming months the company shuttered at least 40 locations nationwide led by the original Hooters founders from that first Clearwater spot back in 1983 with 22 locations across Tampa Bay and Chicago and they’re riding high off record sales in 2024 While some might raise an eyebrow at the timing wondering if the Hooters name could take a hit “I don’t care what’s happening up top,” said Mike Torres a Wesley Chapel regular at the nearby Tampa Premium Outlets what can folks expect when those doors swing open next summer modern setup with that classic Hooters vibe—think orange shorts and a menu stacked with fan favorites like buffalo wings and their signature Daytona Beach-style sauce The outdoor patio promises to be a game-changer especially in a town where warm evenings are practically a year-round guarantee though; HMC’s betting on this spot becoming a community hub Wesley Chapel Boulevard is a bustling corridor and pairing up next to Harley-Davidson adds a gritty all-American flair that fits Hooters like a glove With the area’s rapid growth—Pasco County’s been one of Florida’s fastest-expanding counties in recent years—this Hooters could tap into a swelling population hungry for new dining options Add in nearby developments like a potential Whole Foods and the Legacy Wiregrass Ranch downtown project and it’s clear Wesley Chapel’s on the cusp of a boom They’ve already broken ground on a Hooters in The Villages and they’ve got eyes on Las Vegas for more growth down the line They’re even dipping their toes into new waters with a licensing deal for Tacos & Tequila Cantina hinting at a broader vision for the Tampa Bay-based group which could set the tone for their ambitious plans “It’s about time we got something fresh around here,” said Sarah Jennings a Zephyrhills mom who’s already planning a summer outing Win-win.” That’s the kind of vibe HMC’s banking on—tying into the community’s pulse Wesley Chapel’s new Hooters will be more than just another restaurant—it’s a statement While the Hooters of America saga plays out in boardrooms and bankruptcy courts If the chatter around town and HMC’s track record are any clue For more on the story, check out the Tampa Bay Times coverage here