COMMUNITY PARTNER That’s So Tampa has been the most trusted local resource for discovering All Things Good in Tampa Bay Houston's Westchase District has a new and thoroughly modern greenspace for families to enjoy. After two years of design and construction,Camden Park is now officially open “This is a destination park experience unlike any other in west Houston,” says Irma Sanchez “And as a fully programmed space with year-round activities Camden Park offers something for everyone—whether it’s fitness and serves a community purpose closer to a space like Discovery Green including a water feature children can interact with A dozen mature Bald Cypress and Southern Live Oak trees were relocated from a nearby space on the Beltway after they were due to be destroyed in a construction project Camden also includes multi-purpose pavilions and a 30,000-square-foot lawn space that can host gatherings and events. Outdoor reading chairs are situated near a complimentary lending library for those who just want to enjoy a good book on a nice day. Nearby is Sunday Press an on-site cafe with indoor or outdoor seating as well as a roofed terrace to leisurely survey the park from Westchase District already has several park programs in place for Camden. There will be weekly fitness events including Zumba, Tai Chi, Samba, a running club, and a Sunday boot camp. When Halloween and Christmas roll around, events that were previously held at Woodcase Park will now be held at Camden. A complete calendar of events is available at this link The park is located at 2951 Wilcrest Drive just north of Richmond and sits on 3.4 acres of land It was conceived and designed by Westchase District with construction by D.L Meacham and landscaping by the Office of James Burnett (OJB) The total cost of the project was $18.7 million funded by donations from Camden Property Trust Initial plans for a multi-purpose outdoor space began when the City of Houston purchased the land in 2016 Local and state leaders shared updated plans this month on a first-of-its-kind structure that uses art to generate solar energy Slated to be located at Mason Park in Houston’s East End the new "Arch of Time" is a freestanding sundial art installation that will generate 400,000 kilowatt-hours of power per year using 60,000 solar photovoltaic cells on its south-facing exterior The project will be part of a larger pavilion at the park and is being led by the renewable energy organization Land Art Generator Initiative (LAGI) Architect Riccardo Mariano will design the space It will be funded by donations and cost $20 million The project, originally known as "Arco del Tiempo," was announced in 2023 the city shared the installation would be installed at Guadalupe Plaza Park in 2024 The project's latest update was announced during Houston City Hall’s Earth Day 2025 where organizers described it as "a monument to Houston's past and future leadership as the energy capital of the world." The 100-foot structure will also serve as a 25,000-square-foot shaded area, or microclimate, during hot days. It will also feature a stage performance space and a power hub for emergencies. Due to the artwork's north opening and south narrowing, it is also expected to help channel the breezes, according to LAGI. The organization says it is also expected to generate enough power to fuel all of Mason Park perhaps become the first major park in the country that is powered entirely by the sun,” Houston City Council Member Joaquin Martinez said at the news conference Former Houston Park and Recreation director Joe Turner selected the East End park as the location of the arch and believes it could be used as a STEM tool for students “All the STEM education that can come from the way we use the solar collectors, the way it has a water collection system that's going to collect the runoff water, there's so much we can do to teach kids STEM,” said in a Houston Park and Recreation Department video The project is about two years away from being completed LAGI says the Arch of Time will be the “first public art project of its scale to stand as a net-positive contribution to a sustainable climate.” This story originally appeared on our sister site, EnergyCapitalHTX more time to enjoy new spots in the 65,758 square miles that encompass the Sunshine State If you find yourself searching for the ultimate outdoor getaway that blends beachside relaxation with recreation on the waves that the east coast of Florida is known for look no further than Gamble Rogers Memorial State Park This small gem in Flagler Beach is an ideal spot for campers Gamble Rogers State Park boasts several miles of recently renourished beaches open to the public along with a visitor center and campground facilities picturesque campground with beachside and riverside campsites offers stunning oceanfront views on the east side or tranquil spots along the intracoastal on the west winding waterways of the mangroves offers a chance to spot manatees It’s a great activity not only for campers but for day-trippers as well Waking to the sun rising over the Atlantic and falling asleep to the rhythmic sound of the waves is an experience like no other We even woke one morning to find rangers roping off a loggerhead nest that was dug overnight by one of these magnificent creatures directly in front of our campsite We were sad to have missed seeing it happen on our nighttime beach walk but can definitely see why this state park is a top destination for nature lovers Another highlight of our stay at Gamble Rogers was undoubtedly the pristine uncrowded beach just steps away from our campsite with easy views for supervision while the kids played We spent plenty of time strolling along the shore even walking down to a casual beachfront restaurant one day for lunch Our daily search for seashells didn’t turn up a lot but the wave action got an A+ from my boys Bodyboarding at Gamble Rogers is a must do as it is an excellent spot for both beginner and experienced bodyboarders My guidance came mostly in the form of laughter from my kids The key to a great ride is positioning yourself correctly on the board and timing your takeoff just as the wave lifts you you’ll be gliding toward the shore and enjoying your ride the Atlantic offers plenty of opportunities for swimming Keep an eye out for dolphins when you visit; we saw them each morning hunting breakfast and always be aware of riptides and know how to “break the grip of the rip.” be sure to reserve your campsite well in advance as these coveted spots tend to fill up quickly A trip to Gamble Rogers isn’t complete without visiting the charming and historic town of Flagler Beach surfing culture and scenic oceanfront views this coastal town is home to several restaurants unique shops and a few great ice cream places which we frequented while we were visiting we sat and watched local surfers catching waves for hours regardless of age or activity level in this quaint little beach town Camping at Gamble Rogers State Park offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation Whether you’re bodyboarding on the Atlantic heading into town or simply enjoying a beachside campfire under the stars this destination delivers an unforgettable experience not to be missed HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — There are plans to build a 195-foot T-Mobile cell tower behind the Waterchase neighborhood in Hillsborough County’s Westchase community It would be on the Philippine Cultural Foundation property WATCH: Frustrations grow over cell tower construction in Westchase neighborhood Last year, dozens of residents attended the Land Use hearing to protest the development “I don’t see a way that I can stop fighting this as a parent and as somebody who cares about my home and its value and the neighborhood and safety,” said Anna Labat Labat is one of the neighbors upset about a cell tower being built so close by She lives across the street from where the tower would be and has been vocal about opposing it you’re going to be able to see a 200-foot tower It’s 195 feet after everything is said and done That alone would be pretty aggravating when you have a home and you’re trying to have a nice She believes there aren’t enough trees in the area to hide the tower, despite documents submitted to the county which say otherwise—something else she and her neighbors take issue with and the cell tower will be like right through there,” said Labat She also has safety concerns about the cell tower and believes there is no need for a tower this close to the neighborhood “We do not want this cell tower in our backyard like in an industrial easement,” said Labat At last year’s Land Use hearing a T-Mobile representative said the cell tower would have a pine tree camouflage design and would be built to all necessary safety standards Representatives also argued against the idea that it would lower property values they’ve continued to fight and are growing more frustrated which is the company that’s building the tower… We sued them and we sued the Philippine Cultural Foundation,” said Labat They plan to fight for as long as they can “We have another trial coming up in May where we argue various things,” said Labat and the Philippine Cultural Foundation for comment on this story and have not heard back yet Report a typo Show Breaking News BarCloseLocal NewsPublished: April 12 Residents say the fire spread with alarming speed “We saw a whole bunch of smoke and as soon as I opened the sliding door described seeing flames erupt from inside one unit and rapidly engulf the patio area “I was telling 9-1-1 the street was black from the smoke,” she said Among those who lost everything is Leslie Traore and her family She described the chaos of fleeing their home with her grandchildren “We were just in the apartment when our neighbor came running yelling that there was a fire,” Traore recalled I moved my car and watched everything go up in flames.” She says the flames consumed irreplaceable items—her husband’s and dog’s cremated ashes her granddaughter’s cap and gown for graduation next month “I think I’m still in shock that I have nothing.” Arson investigators are still working to determine how and where the fire started Some units in the building were vacant at the time the Red Cross is helping them find shelter and begin the long road to recovery Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us Meet the Team Careers at KPRC Closed Captioning / Audio Description Public File Current EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Info FCC Applications Copyright © 2025 Click2Houston.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group As owner of the former seafood restaurant Catch 23, he decided to renovate his business. Not only did he get a whole new concept of a restaurant, he ended up getting two — by splitting Catch 23 into Memo Modern Italian and Vudu Tacos, both of which opened at 10103 Montague St. on Nov. 12. “I really had always just wanted (to own) a good, modern Italian restaurant because it’s difficult to get or find that around here,” said Cottrell, a former chef who bought Catch 23 in late 2019. “Just an Italian restaurant with real, authentic food and ingredients, but we noticed with (Catch 23), the bar was always full, but sometimes not all the tables. “Splitting it into two restaurants — which share a kitchen — allowed us to have two concepts, both with its own bar, where one (with tacos) was a little more quick-in, quick-out eats with drinks and another where it’s more a casual dining setting, where you take a more slow approach to the meal and experience. “It really is two different types of concepts and restaurants here,” Cottrell said. “As soon as I bought it,” he added, “people were like, ‘You can’t get rid of Catch (23), you have to keep it, and even then I thought, well, it had been here for so long that maybe it was a good idea to keep, just redo the inside. “So, I held off, and that was a mistake. I should have changed it right off the bat. Seafood prices jumped up and I decided about a year ago to change it to two concepts, and so far, everyone has been really receptive to the new restaurants.” While Cottrell has always had a desire to have his own Italian restaurant, even dating back to when he was a chef at The Breakers, a luxury resort in Palm Beach, he turned to gourmet fusion tacos for the second restaurant concept. He figured it was a popular concept, with different restaurants, food trucks and other eateries switching or adding those items to menus. “I love Rocco’s Tacos (& Tequila Bar) and wanted to have a Rocco’s,” Cottrell said, referring to the Mexican restaurant in Westshore. “Everyone seems to be bringing in their own take on tacos, so I figured it would be popular to not be like places like Tijuana Flats or something like that.” Subscribe to our free Do & Dine newsletter You’re all signed up!Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started. is one of two new restaurants that took over for the former Catch 23 which owner Patrick Cottrell changed as of late looking for a new concept for dining options [ MIKE CAMUNAS | Tampa Beacon ]Even after building out both menus himself Cottrell continues to improve his restaurants especially on the Memo Modern Italian side He notes that he spent time in Italy doing plenty of research (and eating) looking for fresh ingredients and inspiration for new dishes he also purchased a brand-new Italian oven and had it shipped back to the States to put in the kitchen like they are always going to be here,” he said not everyone is going to want to come out and spend $48 on a dish My goal is to keep everything under $28 on the menu so you can have small or larger dishes because I wanted to create an environment where people we split the dining experience here into two new things where we’re excited about both.” For menus and more information, visit memoitalian.com and vudutaco.com. Summer means 11 weeks of carefree days for children and 11 weeks of planning for parents That is where WOW’s Summer Camp Expo comes in There are so many great summer camps and enrichment programs to choose from in Tampa Bay The key is finding the right summer program for your child WOW’s Summer Camp Expo allows parents to speak directly with staff from many area camps in one evening we had 29 camps in attendance and the event was a hit with camp staff and parents the Summer Camp Expo will be held Wednesday at the Westchase Recreation Center located next to Westchase Elementary From art camps and sports camps to traditional day camps we’ll have a wide range of programs in attendance to cover a variety of interests Westchase BBQ will be on hand to make dinner a breeze Bring the whole family to explore all the incredible experiences to be had at camp this summer Do you have a camp that would like to take part in WOW’s Summer Camp Expo? This is the perfect opportunity to meet with prospective campers and their families to showcase what your camp has to offer. To learn more about the Summer Camp Expo and additional camp advertising opportunities, email Tonya Chaplow at advertising@westchasewow.com. Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Smart Start’s Awesome Adventures Summer Camp Westchase Activity Camp (Westchase Swim & Tennis Camp) — The Westchase Colts youth football program has been about as dominant as possible this season “It’s just the team's greatness,” Westchase 9U quarterback Joshua Kisner said and 13U teams finished the regular season with a combined 24-0 record and our defense,” Westchase 12U running back Tyrone Taylor added those three teams have qualified for the Pop Warner Super Bowl “It’s a blessing we can take it this far to nationals,” Westchase 9U running back Cyrus Jackson said “I’m grateful we can make it to here so far.” and the goal is to win Nationals,” Westchase 12U wide receiver Dewey Paxon said Westchase has won two Super Bowl national titles With three chances to win another national title this year Colts’ president and 13U head coach Chuck McLeod thinks this year’s squad is due and we haven’t won one in three years,” he said It’s an unbelievable experience for the kids Westchase has been a member of Pop Warner since 2017 “It starts with our volunteers and parents,” McLeod said "There’s an expectation when you get here that our volunteers are the best trained We go out of our way to make sure our coaches are USA Football trained We also have our in-house clinics that we do.” the Colts have 14 regional championships and 38 conference titles “I think when people hear ‘The Westchase Colts,’ they’re going to be like maybe a little frightened,” Westchase 13U running back Bakari Pierce said The first round of the Pop Warner Super Bowl kicks off on Sunday we’ve all been really motivated,” Westchase 13U quarterback Aiden Alexander added “We kind of had some unfinished business from last year We’re looking forward to showing the nation what we got and what Tampa is looking like in Westchase.” 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 Kim Sumerel of Southern Arts and Events is no stranger to hosting successful events Her background in children’s theater has taken her to schools across the South to host educational theater programs While living in the Orlando suburb of Lake Mary she began offering themed events to promote the local artisan community Sumerel moved to Tampa seven years ago and immersed herself in the city’s vibrant arts and events scene to better understand the local event needs She originally planned to launch an event series in downtown Oldsmar in the fall of 2024 but the devastating hurricane season caused her to put those plans on hold She began searching for a new space to launch her event series and found the ideal outdoor space in Westchase Town Center The series kicked off in February with Arts in the Park followed by Hop into Spring Craft Show in March Next up is the Leaf and Latte Garden Show on Saturday Southern Arts and Events offers more than a traditional market experience; their themed events feature a carefully curated roster of vendors to ensure a high-quality shopping experience with unique and complementary products each event is carefully crafted to match the right vendors with the right shoppers Southern Arts and Events plans to host one themed event per month Events are currently scheduled through July To learn more, visit southernartsandevents.com and follow them on Facebook. We added some fun new categories to our 26th Annual Decorating Contest We had 34 homes participate across four categories and five neighborhoods vying for the Community Spirit Awards Our team of judges had a fantastic time driving through our neighborhoods and it was a close race in all categories as well as a list of very worthy honorable mentions Please note that the contestants selected the category in which they would be judged This list is a great way for everyone to get out and get in the holiday spirit right here in our community Thank you to all who participated and shared your decorations with us This award recognized the best overall use of lights à la Clark Griswold and Gordon went all out as usual to create a stunning display of lights This award went to the home that conveyed a touch of elegance that would make Martha Stewart proud We’re pretty sure Martha would approve of the Digirolamos’ elegant display This award focuses on the best use of yard decorations to enhance the overall display The Tucker’s had an eclectic collection of inflatables illuminated by lighted archways and two brilliantly lit oak trees This award recognized the display incorporating creative touches or a unique theme Pablo went full Clark Griswold with the lights but also added creative touches like a life-size Cousin Eddy and Clark hanging precariously from the gutters Each home on this loop lets their unique holiday spirit shine through – whether that is for Christmas or Hanukkah or the holiday season It is tied together with zig zag lights strung from treetops This close-knit community worked together to bathe their gorgeous palms in red and green and the effect is stunning Individual homeowners’ decorations add to the beauty The beloved Westchase tradition returns on Dec The Westchase Santa Parade is a beloved annual tradition that offers the perfect opportunity to gather with neighbors while awaiting a visit from Santa and his helpers It is also an event that brings us together as a community to give back to those in need Dan O’Brien and Ralph Caputo launched the parade in 2005 with Santa one simple float and a mission to raise awareness for the Westchase Charitable Foundation volunteer-run organization dedicated to assisting those in the community who have a family member battling a serious illness or who are faced with a tragedy Westchase resident Steve Darr joined the parade in year two and has been the star of the show ever since Darr admitted that he fully embraces playing the role of Santa “It’s something I look forward to every year,” he said Darr reflected fondly on the Christmases of his youth with Johnny Mathis records playing in the background as his mom baked what seemed like thousands of Christmas cookies Becoming Santa one day each year is his way of passing those Christmas memories on “I make it a point to make eye contact with every kid on the route,” he said but Caputo knew they would need more than the big guy on a fire engine and a single float to keep residents engaged each year neighbor Alan Shabott was one step ahead of him He spied Caputo constructing that first make-shift float on the bed of a U-Haul trailer and offered to help Shabott then ventured out on his own and in the process became the official Abbotsford float designer He enlisted the help of neighbors Brian Salek son-in-law Mike Scanlon and their kids joined the crew Shabott and his family and friends devote countless hours to crafting floats and costumed creations The goal is to create a new themed float every year “My daughter and I fight about it for 364 days until we finally have to decide,” Shabott said with a laugh it is just based on characters that are popular with the kids or a new movie out about the classics like the Grinch.” “We also wanted a way to directly impact our immediate community,” Caputo said Caputo and O’Brien came up with the idea to request donations of unwrapped toys that would be collected along the parade route and delivered children in need After initially working with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Caputo began working with the Boys & Girls Club of Town ‘n Country to collect toys and bikes to serve as holiday gifts for its members there are always excess toys that are then used to supplement toy drives at other Boys & Girls Clubs and Metropolitan Ministries,” Caputo said some found creative ways to encourage their neighbors to participate in the toy drive Greendale residents Melissa and David Ferrainolo and Greencrest residents Lindsey and Mike Smith launched a friendly bike-collecting rivalry and have encouraged other neighborhoods over the years to follow suit Westchase residents donated so many bikes that parade organizers were able to load up a truck and drive to Fort Meyers to deliver the extra bikes to families impacted by the devastating storm He is hoping to see that same level of giving this year to help the children in Town ‘n Country who were impacted by Hurricane Helene The parade is a huge undertaking each year to see the little ones who truly believe in Santa…the expressions on their faces…it almost brings you to tears,” Caputo said He also loves the lessons the toy donations teach our youngest residents At a time when they are focused on gifts they will receive they are also learning that is important to give back to those less fortunate Shabott finds his motivation in the true meaning of Christmas and the teachings of his faith that it is better to give than to receive to see the faces of the kids along the path and then to know that so many kids are going to wake up blessed who might otherwise not get gifts is such a blessing and inspiration,” he said While Caputo and Brandon O’Brien (Dan’s son) now handle the logistics they are the first to admit the parade would not be possible without the tireless efforts of so many local organizations Taylor Financial is the parade’s lead sponsor and World of Westchase is a supporting sponsor The Westchase CDD board of supervisors provides the off-duty deputies for parade safety which feeds parade volunteers during the mid-day parade break is once again being generously hosted by the Metzger Family of Radcliffe Michael Levy of Rockatar provides the entertainment as residents await the tree lighting in West Park Village Caputo is also indebted to Alan Shabott and his family and crew for their creations for this year’s parade (which are top secret) and to Steve Darr for once again donning that Santa suit There is still time to be part of the parade Residents interested in constructing a float can contact Ralph Caputo at thecaputos@yahoo.com or Brandon O’Brien at brandono850@gmail.com Residents hoping to track Santa’s progress can save the following link, http://glympse.com/!westchasesanta, to your phone or your computer and click on it at noon on Saturday The cursor marking Santa’s whereabouts won’t become active until roughly 2 p.m. The highlighted roads in red indicate where Santa’s sleigh will travel Residents are encouraged to follow the Santa tracker and greet Santa on the nearest road as he passes Residents are also invited to attend the tree lighting in West Park Village at approximately 8 p.m who serves as a supervisor on the CDD board came to the January WCA Board meeting to voice his opinion as a Westchase resident The CDD is moving forward with plans to pursue purchasing the Westchase Golf Club and the negative interactions between local golfers and residents near the golf club need to be resolved before that can happen Unhappy residents have been posting unauthorized signs and verbally attacking golfers who attempt to go onto their properties not all golfers take responsibility for damage they cause to local residences and property Gillis said he anticipated that a number of golfers would attend the January Voting Members meeting to express their concerns WCA President Michiel Oostenbrink stated that enforcing rules regarding signage is challenging because property managers are not permitted to go into homeowners’ backyards Gillis explained that purchasing the golf club is important because it would protect the community’s property values and provide Westchase with revenue-generating facilities The board briefly discussed some possible solutions and thanked Gillis for his time Treasurer Terry Boyd reported that the association is in a very strong financial position in part due to recent investments of both reserve and operating funds He reminded his fellow board members that they’d moved to purchase a new slide for the West Park Village pool at a recent meeting He then recommended that they hold off on doing so The Swim & Tennis and Renovations Committees are working together to create an overall vision for the pool and Boyd suggested waiting until that vision comes together to determine which slide would best fit within it It may take some time for the board to implement the vision and residents will want a slide in the meantime He said he felt it was important to do what the board had already decided to do asked to table the discussion until later in the meeting when the two committees delivered their reports Government Affairs Committee Chair Rick Goldstein shared that the Board of County Commissioners was establishing a task force to look at ways to better prepare Hillsborough County for potential flooding and storm damage He said he planned to speak to the commissioners the following week so the WCA could be included in those discussions The Department of Neighborhood Relations will host an expo on March 1 from 9 am to 12 pm at Feeding Tampa Bay Goldstein then moved to accept John Frazier’s resignation from the GAC S&T Committee Chair Dan Haigy noted that they have received three quotes for the LED lighting project so far; two are well within the budget They expect to receive three additional proposals in the very near future and assured the board that they would have sufficient information to move forward by the February meeting a resident presented a petition requesting that Countryway tennis courts #1 and #2 be converted into dual-use tennis/pickleball courts Haigy said he expected to receive a petition from local tennis players about the potential conversion He added that the committee planned to collect decibel readings to determine how noise from playing pickleball might affect nearby homeowners and Board Member Nancy Sells all stated that they had received emails and/or phone calls from tennis players who were concerned about the possibility of converting the courts who is also a member of the S&T Committee asked that all correspondence related to the matter be forwarded to Haigy The next committee meeting was scheduled for January 27 at 5 pm The committee member who was assigned to lead the effort to create an overall concept for the WPV pool unexpectedly resigned The committee needs to identify a replacement and Property Manager Debbie Sainz agreed to put out a notice to the community Haigy told the board that the committee agreed to host structured open pickleball play on two Saturdays from 12 to 2 pm The goal is to encourage more residents to take advantage of the pickleball facilities Board Member Jessica Siddle questioned whether it made sense to try to entice more residents to take up the sport when existing players are expressing concern that current facilities are insufficient for the demand A resident interjected that there are currently 2.5 times more pickleball than tennis reservations Board Member Teresa Lanzar suggested bringing the issue to a VMs meeting There is no process in place to arrange for and schedule pickleball tournaments and the committee would like to create one and all board members voted in favor of his motion asked that the board return to the matter of the WPV pool slide replacement He said he wanted to ensure that residents weren’t left without a slide but also cited the importance of fully understanding any costs associated with the purchase and ongoing maintenance of any new equipment Sainz then shared that there had been an unauthorized pickleball tournament held at Westchase that was sponsored by the PBAA (Pickleball Baller Addicts Anonymous) The two PBAA coordinators were present at the meeting and assured the board that all of the money collected was used to cover trophies They said that any funds left over were donated to a local charity and acknowledged that their organization is not official They encouraged the board to organize more formal pickleball events A second planned tournament had been moved to another community Siddle and Boyd then presented samples of the tiles and inlays that they had selected for the women’s and men’s bathrooms at the WPV pool The board then discussed whether there was a need for a project manager to oversee the tile installation and Oostenbrink agreed to reach out to engineering firm BDI for a proposal that could be discussed at the February meeting A Westchase resident who serves as a community coordinator for nonprofit OneBlood asked whether she could bring the Big Red Bus to the Swim & Tennis Center to host a blood drive She told the board she simply needed five parking spaces and bathrooms for the employees to use and all board members voted in favor of the motion Goldstein also moved to approve an amended document review committee resolution presented by Oostenbrink Thirteen Westchase residents volunteered for the five committee positions Siddle made a motion to approve Mary Griffin and the board voted 7-0 in favor of her motion Oostenbrink provided an update on the repair work done on the WPV pool The board received a proposal from contractor G.A Nichols to repair damage that had been done throughout the process and the board wanted to be sure that they were not paying for the company to fix problems that it had created Nichols and Ronny Snow’s Pool Patrol accountable for any damage that each had caused and she wanted her fellow board members to review the proposal prior to approving it Oostenbrink agreed and told the board they could vote via email after everyone had a chance to thoroughly examine it Four underwater lights at the WPV pool need to be replaced and the board received two proposals to do so Goldstein moved to accept the quote from Cooper Pools and to provide Oostenbrink with final authority to ensure that they are capable of providing four functional lights Sainz said she didn’t yet have quotes for property insurance renewals The association’s current policy doesn’t expire until February 23 We are fortunate in Westchase to have so many quality camp programs just a short drive away From fine arts to coding and everything in between there are camps for all interests and age levels Check out a few of the great camp options that are now enrolling The Tampa Bay Rowdies Summer Camps offer an exciting opportunity for boys and girls ages 6-14 of any skill level to develop their soccer skills while celebrating the team’s rich history Campers will receive expert coaching from Rowdies experienced youth coaching staff learning techniques in a fun and supportive environment Participants will also enjoy special activities and experiences tied to the Rowdies’ 50 years of soccer excellence This camp is perfect for young players looking to improve their game and be part of a memorable summer in Tampa or St Phone: 979-229-0125Address: 230 1st St. SE, St. PeteEmail: jbrown@rowdiessoccer.com Staffed by Corbett Prep’s dynamic counselors CAMP IDS provides extraordinary experiences in sports Open to PreK3-8th grade campers from all over the Tampa Bay area CAMP IDS offers more than 100 half- and full-day camps each summer on Corbett Prep’s beautiful lakeside campus Phone: 813-507-9051Address: 12015 Orange Grove DrEmail: kvaughan@corbettprep.com USF Youth Experiences Summer Camps offer an unforgettable adventure for students in grades 3-12 Whether you’re exploring new skills or diving deep into your passions students can stay on campus and get a taste of college life while making lasting memories Phone: 813-974-3355Address: 4202 E. Fowler AveEmail: youthxp@usf.edu Phone: 813-769-4748Address: 13009 Community Campus DriveEmail: maci.morse@jewishtampa.com Faith Finance Fitness (F Cubed) is a mentorship through sports training company that provides its athletes a space to grow their athletic ability and mentality This summer program will offer sessions 4 days a week and will have 2 main components: Phone: 813-629-7415Address: 12878 Commodity PlEmail: FaithFinanceFit@gmail.com Smart Start’s Awesome Adventures Summer Camps offer our campers a program that is as diverse as it is stimulating Join us and make memories that last a lifetime British Swim School of Tampa offers a variety of small group lessons to suit the littlest of beginners through to advanced swimmers Our premium program runs year-round in a heated indoor pool We currently operate inside the Esporta Fitness at 11252 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33635. The state-of-the-art facility features ample free parking, on-deck showers, and our pop-up tents for getting ready for class. Plus, you will work with the area’s best instructors.Phone: 813-367-1316Address: Esporta Gym, 11252 West Hillsborough Ave., TampaEmail: mike.druta@britishswimschool.com Phone: 813-464-4480Address: 10405 Countryway Blvd., TampaEmail: Facilitiesmanager@westchasewca.com Bricks 4 Kidz is excited to offer another summer of awesome LEGO® Camps in the Greater Tampa Bay Area We offer camps for children ages 4.5-12 in various locations in Hillsborough Campers will spend each week creating LEGO® robots Sign up for the best camp your child will attend all summer because everything is AWESOME at Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO® Summer Camps Phone: 813-545-4282Address: Various Locations in TampaEmail: jfontana@bricks4kidz.com Phone: 813-749-7001Address: 13976 W. Hillsborough Ave., TampaEmail: ovationsdancetampa@gmail.com Adventure awaits at the Tampa YMCA Summer Camps Campers are immersed in days full of friends and fun with sports PLUS – early drop-off and late pick-up is included in the weekly cost Phone: (813) 841-1544Email: coachnbland@gmail.com TTESA seeks to reform traditional after-school and summer camp Tailored for young athletes of all skill levels through a diverse array of activities such as sports clinics Our facility features a wide variety of interactive areas that cater to all interests of our students while incorporating sportsmanship and skill development TESA will give your child the perfect amount of competition and fun The forefront of our mission is to create a safe and memorable environment enhance athleticism and create lifelong summer memories for all our students We will give every opportunity and open every door possible for our students Scribbles Studio is proud to offer elementary-age students with the opportunity to create and express themselves through the arts your student will be learning different techniques and skills as well as information about famous art and artists ​Scribbles Studio is proud to offer a wide variety of materials for students to explore Exploring different mediums gives students the ability to find what they enjoy to create with the most We offer a safe space for students to succeed and find their path in art to multiple age groups and skill levels in our community Our club offers various types of camps and clinics during school breaks and throughout the year our camps and clinics have an instructional focus that allows attendees to stay engaged while also having fun Westchase Recreation provides spaces for physical activities such as fitness classes Such programs include after-school programs Westchase Recreation Center hosts social and cultural events and educational programs that help build strong social connections and support lifelong learning inclusive space where residents can engage in hobbies and participate in activities that promote mental health and community cohesion our camps are designed to inspire kids ages 4–14 while making summer fun Our vacation and summer programs are designed to provide 5-12-year-olds with engaging fun and meaningful experiences during summer months and vacation days forensic science and engineering allow children to be challenged to think and wonder explore and investigate engaging a fun STEM related themes Our Summer Camps and School Vacation Day Programs offer fun and learning for every child Westchase Early Learning Center provides a fun Our summers are filled with age-appropriate in-house activities such as: water slides The 2024 Great West Chase will kick off on Sat, Oct. 26, with the 10K at 7 a.m., the 5K at 8 a.m. and the Kids’ Fun Run at 9 a.m. Registration is now open at TheGreatWestChase.com The race begins on Brompton Drive in West Park Village and heads out along Linebaugh Avenue WOW staff worked closely with Hillsborough County officials to revise the race route in the interests of runner safety Runners will once again stay in southern lanes of Linebaugh and all cars will be diverted into the northern lanes in order to keep cars and runners separate at all times Please refer to the map on this page for detailed route instructions Residents planning to leave their homes between the hours of 6:30-9 a.m on race morning should be aware of the following traffic patterns and plan accordingly: We appreciate everyone’s patience as WOW works hard to ensure the safety of our runners and residents during the race. It is a beloved community event for a great cause, and we appreciate your support. Visit www.TheGreatWestChase.com for registration and all race information The Westchase Facilities Staff is hosting Lifeguard Training in March An American Red Cross certification prepares students to prevent protect and respond to aquatic emergencies The lifeguard program aligns with the most current scientific insights and best practices to promote the best possible outcomes when searching for and responding to emergencies in and around aquatic facilities Instruction is provided through online courses and in-person skills sessions  Expected course completion times range from 27-32 hrs Lifeguard Hiring is fast-paced and competitive Get trained now to beat the seasonal hiring rush The April 1 meeting began on a positive note with a resident thanking Field Manager David Sylvanowicz for looking after the trees in the Shires Engineer Robert Dvorak confirmed he had attended a pre-construction meeting with Site Masters and they were looking to start work later that week on the berm project He was pleased to report that they were all on the same page with regard to logistics and Looking again at the long-term solutions for potential flooding Dvorak said he was confident he had come up with a scenario that lowered the 100-year flood plain by 4.5 inches at an estimated cost of $100,000 He felt he was now in a position to engage with the county to look at how their resources could be used with his model He added that he could keep looking at alternative solutions but he told the board his current idea would have a much lower environmental impact than other scenarios Attorney Erin McCormick had wrapped up the two agreements for the sidewalk project and Dvorak requested that the board nominate one supervisor to review and approve the agreements in their substantial form so that he could execute the contract before the next meeting The board voted 5-0 to allow Chairman Matt Lewis to move forward with the contract subject to his review McCormick had an update from Vertex regarding the new cell tower AT&T had now placed their antenna on the tower but she did not have confirmation on when service would start She said that Alan Ruiz from Vertex understood that Westchase residents were anxious for improvement in cell service and he would follow up with AT&T in two weeks T-Mobile still had their antenna on back order but were hopeful it would arrive by May 19 McCormick was also pleased to report that Vertex was in preliminary talks with Verizon to have an antenna on the tower McCormick said that Ruiz was confident residents would notice the improvement straight away once the antennas were operational Sylvanowicz began his report with two tree permit requests the first of which was on Gretna Green Drive The owner was in attendance and explained that the roots had damaged the reclaimed water box and knocked out drainpipes He was disappointed to learn that he would be responsible for the cost of the tree’s removal but Supervisor Chris Barrett reminded the audience that the new policy to pass on the cost to owners was put in place to disincentivize residents from taking trees out The second request was to take two out of four oaks from a home on Glenfield Drive Barrett urged the board to table this request the owner may then request a third or fourth one to be removed in the future He made a motion to decline the permit request Much of Sylvanowicz’s report covered the beautification of Westchase He began with a proposal from Arete Industries for the two monument signs at Linebaugh and Sheldon to be replaced with new signs that match those recently installed at Linebaugh and Countryway with a request from Lewis to move forward with further improvements to signage Sylvanowicz had recently met with Ivy Clinton from landscaping firm VHB the firm involved in the recent improvements to the West Park Village Plaza For a nominal fee of $2,400 she would meet with the board during a workshop to bounce around ideas for landscaping improvements across the community This first step was approved 5-0 by the board Sylvanowicz requested that the board move forward with advertising a Rules Adoption Meeting to discuss community fees This would largely cover a recommended increase for pavilion rental fees The increase would support occasional weekend trips by staff to deal with electrical issues He went onto explain that these venues were very popular and the office spends many hours a week managing the bookings The increase would also be in line with pricing across Hillsborough County Parks The board approved an increase from $75 to $150 for non–bounce house bookings and from $100 to $250 for bookings including a bounce house Sylvanowicz presented a “show & tell of updates” to the board including the repair and painting of the gazebos and pavilions and the near completion of new aerators in the ponds Audience members echoed the board’s appreciation of these initiatives Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More — The Westchase Colts had to turn in their football jerseys but they got something better in return: T-shirts commemorating their status as Super Bowl champs The Westchase 12-and-under and 13-and-under teams each won Pop Warner championships “Made it good for these kids to see the hard work that they’ve put in and really achieve the goal after it's all done,” 12U head coach Dewey Paxon said The Colts 12-year-old team defeated the Hartford Hurricanes 33-13 to win their title The 13-and-under team took down the Oceanside Warriors from California 22-8 to become the champs sacrifice and dedication paid off in a big way “We kinda put in work all season to get to this point,” 13U quarterback Aidan Alexander said “And we set a goal since day one and we achieved it.” The older Colts players will be attending high schools next year all over Tampa Bay Some area schools will be getting kids who know what it takes to win championships they’re ready to play high school football,” Westchase president/13U head coach Chuck McLeod said Since joining the Pop Warner league in 2017 the Westchase Colts have now won four championships “The best memories of your life," Paxon said Each year, we host four food truck rallies in West Park Village in the greenspace on Montague Street. These events are a great way to take a break from the kitchen and mingle with neighbors while enjoying a variety of food options from local vendors. As always, Rockatar will be on hand to DJ the event with a fun mix of music The Food Truck Rallies run from 5:30-8 p.m Residents who live within the Westchase Community Association (WCA) can sign up to be part of the Westchase Resident Directory If you are already listed in the Directory and have no changes To be listed in the Directory for the first time or to make changes to your existing listing please take a few minutes to complete the form Businesses: This is a great opportunity to share your services with the residents of Westchase email Tonya Chaplow at advertising@westchasewow.com Hillsborough County is encouraging students to express their creativity and desire to protect and preserve the environment by participating in the annual Waste Reduction & Recycling Art Contest students are invited to create an original piece of artwork inspired by the annual theme and submit it for judging Big Impact” – Show how everyday choices help reduce waste at home and in your community All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. Hillsborough County staff will judge submissions one from each range: 3rd grade through 5th grade; 6th grade through 8th grade; and 9th grade through 12th grade Winners will be selected in January and receive countywide recognition and waste reduction-themed prizes A recognition event will be held in February Other types of submissions will not be considered for judging Submissions can be uploaded here. The 2024 Great West Chase 5K/10K and Kids Fun Run will be held on Sat the event has allowed WOW to make $374,500 in charitable donations with a majority of that going to schools serving a high number of underprivileged children This year’s recipient is Morgan Woods Elementary a nearby elementary school where 100 percent of the students are economically disadvantaged Principal Jessica Kepa is on a mission to expand the school’s media center to foster new learning initiatives and your participation in the Great West Chase can help runners love the Great West Chase because it offers a fun supportive environment whether this is your first 5K or your 50th There is still plenty of time to register. Online registration is available at www.greatwestchase.com through Oct Packet pick-up for registered runners will take place Thursday at the Westchase Recreation Center located at 9791 Westchase Dr Walk-up registration will also be available during packet pick-up and starting on race morning at 5:30 a.m Beginning in West Park Village at the intersection of Montague Street and Brompton Drive the race proceeds west on Linebaugh Avenue before returning and finishing near its start the 10K route will be the same as the 5K route The Kids Fun Run stays on the internal Montague Street loop in West Park Village WOW’s event coordinators worked closely with Hillsborough County officials last year to make some slight adjustments to the race route All runners will stay in the southern lanes of Linebaugh and all cars will be diverted into the northern lanes to keep cars and runners separate at all times Each runner will receive a fun T-shirt with race mascot “Chase” and a finisher medal participants can join a great post-race party featuring MEMO Modern Italian and Vudu Taco staffed by generous volunteers from the Westchase Freebooters Krewe Rockatar will once again serve as our race day emcee and DJ The Great West Chase awards ceremony will recognize the top two finishers The Great West Chase also recognizes runners completing their first 5K or 10K Multiple volunteers are needed to help make the event a success from preparing race bags to helping with early morning registration on race day “This event takes the whole community from start to finish and any group or organization wanting to be a part of it is welcome,” said Event Chair Leslie Blaze Volunteers are needed at packet stuffing on Oct and on race day for various shifts running from 4:30 a.m.-1 p.m Those looking to volunteer can email billing@westchasewow.com or sign up at bit.ly/3yy6RLm This is a great way for high schoolers to earn Bright Futures hours as well We would also like to offer a special thank you to our generous Race Sponsors who make this race possible. You can view a complete list here.  the Great West Chase is a fun neighborhood tradition you’ll want to be part of If you have a student who is looking for new opportunities to earn Bright Futures hours there are plenty of organizations that can use a helping hand Location: Various locations across Tampa Bay What they do: Metropolitan Ministries offers comprehensive services for at-risk and homeless families in underserved and impoverished communities they offer a variety of volunteer opportunities with several that allow children 14 and up to volunteer without a parent Metropolitan Ministries hosts a Holiday Tent in downtown Tampa where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to create a brighter holiday for people in need More than 10,000 volunteers serve in the Holiday Tent each year distributing food and toys to thousands of families in need in Tampa Bay Children over 12 can also help prepare meals with their families in the Metropolitan Ministries kitchen Where to start: Visit metromin.org/get-involved/volunteer to explore volunteer opportunities part of the national Feeding America network focuses on providing food to about 1 million food-insecure families in the 10-county area of West Central Florida How you can help: There are a number of volunteer opportunities – from sorting donations in their warehouse to distributing fresh produce or serving meals in their Trinity Café They also offer monthly Family Nights where kids of all ages can join their parents for a night of fun and philanthropy Where to start: Learn about all of their volunteer opportunities and register at feedingtampabay.org/volunteer What they do: Ronald McDonald House Tampa Bay keeps families close to their children while they receive lifesaving treatment at local hospitals How you can help: The VolunTEEN Program facilitates service hours for students seeking scholastic service hours High school students will learn about the history of RMHC the families RMHC serves and daily operations they also facilitate children’s activities and make treats in the kitchens for the families Families or groups can also provide meals for the families either by preparing a meal on site at the RMHC kitchen or bringing in prepared food from a restaurant or grocery store Anyone 14 years and older can participate in making a meal onsite Where to start: Visit rmhctampabay.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities What they do: The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is a non-profit that provides shelter for homeless and at-risk animals and hospital and veterinary services for the general public How you can help: The Humane Society offers a weekly program for teen volunteers ages 12–15 that allows them to earn 10 hours for school while learning about the shelter working with animals and assisting with various Humane Education programs Volunteers in the teen program do not need to have a parent or guardian volunteer with them Teens aged 16 and older can also volunteer through the Humane Society’s standard short-term and long-term volunteer programs or through their Camp Counselor Programs Where to start: Learn more about teen volunteer options here.  What they do: The mission at Bakas Equestrian Center is to provide therapeutic horseback riding activities for children and adults afflicted with disabilities across a wide spectrum of physical and mental handicaps How you can help: Some of the opportunities include assisting with chores around the barn Those with proper training can assist riders during classes as horse handlers or sidewalkers Volunteers must be at least 12 years old to assist at Bakas Volunteers under 12 may only assist if accompanied by an adult and will not be allowed to lead horses or sidewalk with riders All volunteers must complete an application and training Where to start: Visit bakasequestriancenter.com/get-involved to learn more Fall is the busiest time of year for the World of Westchase (WOW) magazine as we prepare for our two largest fundraising initiatives 26 and our Thanksgiving Food Drive on Sun. To learn more about Great West Chase volunteer opportunities, visit bit.ly/3yy6RLm To learn how you can help during the Thanksgiving Food Drive, email Karen Ring at editor@westchasewow.com Show Breaking News BarCloseLocal NewsAhmed Humble HOUSTON – Homicide detectives are looking into what caused a man’s death at an apartment in Westchase SEE ALSO: 1 killed in hit-and-run crash near Buffalo Bayou, search underway for driver so it’s unclear how everything transpired but police said they were called to an apartment complex on Westpark Dr Homicide detectives are en route to an apartment complex at 10085 Westpark Drive after a male was shot about 6:45 am and pronounced deceased at a hospital.No other information is known at this time. #hounews they found the unidentified man and rushed him to a hospital ALSO OVERNIGHT: Woman hospitalized after driver in stolen vehicle crashes into SUV during chase in NE Houston No details were given on a shooter but an investigation is still underway This is a developing story and will continue to be updated as more information becomes available Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved expert on "The Simpsons," amateur photographer film & tv reviewer and race/religious identity scholar Joined KPRC 2 in Spring 2024 but has been featured in various online newspapers and in the Journal of South Texas' Fall 2019 issue Homicide detectives are en route to an apartment complex at 10085 Westpark Drive after a male was shot about 6:45 am and pronounced deceased at a hospital.No other information is known at this time. #hounews The new Nordstrom Rack in Westchase Center—officially opening on Thursday morning, March 20, 2025—hosts an exclusive and free Pre-Opening Shopping Party offering savings up to 70% on the season’s best brands and styles sips and light bites to go with the great shopping RSVP required for yourself and up to two guests There will also be Grand Opening Party first thing on Thursday Free with RSVP. RSVP now or learn more This Featured Calendar Listing was sponsored by the event organizer and boosted in our calendar with images and more details. Featured Calendar Listings are fast-tracked and added to our calendar within 1 business day of purchase Learn more about promoting your event, organization, business, or offer across all of our channels and website in this browser for the next time I comment WorldFest Houston: The 58th Houston International Film Festival Houston's long-running celebration of independent cinema returns with 11 days of screenings of 90+ films and movies from […] The Moores School of Music Percussion Ensemble I will perform works about hidden sorrows for their final concert of the year For her composition series The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows Miller Outdoor Theatre welcomes Panto U.S.A kid-focused production of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island The thrilling adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the […] Cheer on the square as the Rockets face Warriors in Game 5 of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs Axelrad Beer Garden's weekly Jazz Wednesday series features rotating special guests performing different styes of jazz in evening concerts in the garden Pursuit Center celebrates its 75th anniversary of service with the Bring the Joy Luncheon at Houston Country Club Special speakers Tanner Smith and Connor Tomlinson from Netflix's Love on the Spectrum and […] The First Round offers a unique meetup experience that simplifies meeting new people by lining up good vibes and convos in a group that’s matched for you eating a secret 3-course menu while blindfolded which heightens your senses of taste and smell at Weights + Measures in Midtown The award-winning theater and film company Vincent Victoria Presents premieres Divalicious a collection of three one-act plays at Midtown Art Center Miller Outdoor Theatre welcomes Fly Dance Company for Oye Como Fly an electrifying performance fueled by the iconic music of Carlos Santana Special guests include Olympian and Fly alum Jeffrey […] The Texas Gulf Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America returns to the Texas Southern University campus for a spring Walk to End Lupus Now celebrating and honoring our region's […] Embark on a magical outdoor adventure in a group of 3 to 6 people with The Oz Escape: A Wicked Glitch in the Museum District and uniquely Texan ambience of the fourth biggest city in the United States On Houston’s only guided walking tour—with glowing 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor—you’ll explore […] the weekly Galveston's Own Farmers Market connects folks to good food to each another Shoppers can mingle and find fresh local produce Social Beer Garden hosts a huge backyard celebration for Cinco de Mayo one of the bar's biggest parties of the year Toyota Center welcomes Katy Perry back when she brings The Lifetimes Tour The Lifetimes Tour will feature all of Perry's hits like “Teenage […] Galveston Children's Museum hosts a free evening of discovery and play on the second Thursday of each month This Featured Calendar Listing was sponsored by Visit Galveston and boosted in […] Marriott Marquis Houston hosts Sinatra Under the Stars a live swinging tribute concert channeling a time when Sinatra reigned supreme at Houston's biggest and most spectacular rooftop venue in the […] Inspired by those old Scholastic Book Fair catalogs bookish night out with Beyond the Covers: Book Fair for Adults—with cocktails—in Midtown Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More at Majestic Metro near Historic Market Square Park in Downtown multi-sensory string musical experience will showcase all […] Dildo It Yourself presents a Dildo Making Workshop Houston Toy Museum hosts Flow & Fun: A Totally Rad '90s Mother's Day Yoga Class led by yogi Colleen Baker Participants can enjoy complimentary mimosas after the class Sunshine Center hosts a Mother's Day Market featuring assorted gift baskets plus a variety of vendors overlooking Galveston's beach This Featured Calendar Listing was sponsored by […] The annual Heights Mercantile Mother’s Day Market returns to the beloved shopping district in the heart of The Heights The celebration of moms everywhere is the ideal spot to find […] the Mother's Day Nature Walk & Wellness Day is a one-of-a-kind all ages walk designed to connect families and participants to nature and wellness Galveston Historical Foundation hosts the annual Mother's Day Champagne Brunch this year inside the stunning and historic 1859 Ashton Villa The brunch will be accompanied by live music and a […] Royal Opera of Madrid and Fever present Authentic Flamenco—headlined by award-winning flamenco dancer Patricia Donn and a renowned line-up of Spanish musicians Sloomoo Institute hosts a Slime Making Workshop hosted by The McClure Twins Apollo Chamber Players conclude their 2024-25 season a live concert performed at Holocaust Museum Houston and at Unity Houston Apollo's season concludes with an intergenerational […] Houston Polo Club hosts the Mossy Ineos Grenadier Cup a 12 goal match on the HPC field located behind Memorial Park Marriott Marquis Houston hosts ABBA Under the Stars a live concert tribute on Houston's biggest and most spectacular rooftop venue in the heart of Downtown Miller Outdoor Theatre and Bacement Foundation For The Arts present Dancin’ In The Street… Motown & More Revue with an R&B-packed weekend showcasing the city’s […] Noto in EaDo hosts the traveling Bingo Loco a 3-hour bingo rave packed with comedian emcees Houston Polo Club hosts the USPA Congressional Cup a 12 goal match complete with a polo trivia contest presented by Alair Homes on the HPC field tucked behind Memorial Park Houston Toy Museum hosts a new edition of ToyTalk and filmmaker will be discussing Indoor/Outdoor Fun: The Toys of Eddy […] Fever presents Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift concert among the planes in the hangar at Lone Star Flight Museum multi-sensory string musical experience will showcase the […] Houston Polo Club hosts the Livingston Cup presented by American National on the HPC field tucked behind Memorial Park Show Breaking News BarCloseLocal NewsZorrie Jones The goal is to “promote walkability in the city and encourage compact mixed-use development along the appropriate corridors” according to the city’s Planning and Development website shared that the designation is “intended to benefit people who enjoy outdoor spaces and physical activity It will also foster a framework that supports local businesses by making them easily accessible.”Key benefits of the Walkable Places designation include: contributing to a more accessible and sustainable design “This plan illustrates the potential of Walkable Places standards to elevate Houston’s pedestrian experience,” said Vonn Tran Director of the Planning & Development Department Located next to Arthur Story Park and the Brays Bayou Greenway Trail, Park Eight Place is set to break ground in late 2024, positioning it as a transformative development for the Westchase area Get ahead of the game by starting your day with our morning newsletter It’s never been easier to get an order of Nancy cakes or former Astros star Justin Verlander’s favorite Houston cheeseburger. Beginning this Monday, May 5, Nancy’s Hustle is now open for dinner seven days a week Co-owner Sean Jensen tells CultureMap that he and his business partner opted to add a seventh day of service for several reasons “We often get complaints that it’s hard to get in This opens up another day for people to sneak in.” Indeed, the restaurant, which opened in the fall of 2017, has never been riding higher. Food & Wine recently named it one of the 15 best restaurants in America based on a nationwide poll of restaurant workers It also earned a coveted Bib Gourmand designation in the Michelin Guide which Michelin describes as recognizing “restaurants that offer great quality food at good prices,” felt like the right award for Nancy’s which has always prided itself on being a neighborhood restaurant with refined food and friendly I would have thought they were wrong,” Jensen says “I would have probably been offended if we’d only gotten a recommendation I think we’re in the right place with a Bib Gourmand.” The restaurant saw an immediate uptick in diners after the Michelin Guide’s list came out in November particularly from visitors who wanted to patronize Bib Gourmand recipients Being open on Monday allows the restaurant to serve diners who are either staying for a long weekend or flying in on Monday and looking for a good meal regulars will notice a new face behind the bar bartender Brandon Choate left Anvil for a new role as Nancy’s bar manager He’ll also be working the floor some evenings We love the changes he’s making and the new fresh set of eyes,” Jensen says since many other restaurants are closed on Monday being open on that day makes it easier for their peers in the hospitality industry to patronize Nancy’s Hustle Monday service has been a success at like-minded peers such as Theodore Rex which have always drawn restaurant workers on Monday evenings Nancy’s makes itself particularly friendly to hospitality workers by seating people until 11 pm nightly being open seven days also benefits the restaurant’s employees Jensen explains that it became easier to be flexible with employees’ schedules at Tiny Champions — their EaDo restaurant devoted to pizza and shareable plates — when that restaurant moved to daily service last summer the restaurant wants to give all employees two consecutive days off but that could sometimes get tricky when one of those days had to be Monday “Instead of having to focus everyone’s two consecutive days as Sunday and Monday or Monday and Tuesday we can mold days off that work better for them or for us,” he says “it makes it easier for those employees who have family or significant others who work nine-to-fives It’s easier to give them a Saturday or Sunday off when you’re on a seven-day schedule.” Several readers have reached out to WOW to express their concerns with children riding electric bikes and scooters in the center of roads and disregarding traffic signs – making it a dangerous situation for drivers and riders alike e-scooter and e-bike users have the same rights privileges and duties as regular bicycle users they should stay as close as possible to the right-hand curb e-bikes and e-scooters are allowed on sidewalks they must yield the right of way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian,” said Hillsborough TPO Planner Ben Gordon Riders must obey traffic signs and those under age 16 must also wear a helmet Riders who violate these rules could receive a citation for a noncriminal traffic infraction “My main takeaway for parents is that they should impress on their children how important it is to be cautious on any kind of bike or scooter and to supervise them until it is clear that they understand how to ride safely and within the law,” Gordon said “Teaching them to stay aware of their surroundings and not to go too fast—especially on sidewalks since pedestrians can step out unexpectedly Make sure bicycles are equipped with a bell and that kids know how to alert pedestrians that they are ‘coming up from behind.’” It is important to note that e-bikes are required by law to have a permanently affixed label that contains the classification number It is also illegal to modify an e-bike to change the speed capability or engagement unless the label is replaced The e-bike must also operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the rider stops pedaling or applies the brakes There has also been an influx of dirt bikes in our neighborhoods and along major roads all-terrain vehicles like dirt bikes and ATVs may only be operated on unpaved roadways where the posted speed limit is less than 35 MPH and only during daylight hours holiday markets and craft festivals pop up across Tampa Bay several of these markets are held outdoors allowing shoppers to enjoy the beautiful winter weather in Florida while they shop Below are just a few markets to check out this season Curtis Hixon Park transforms into a Winter Wonderland with stunning views of the Hillsborough River during November and December including a fun selection of pop-up shops featuring local wares Find an assortment of holiday gifts at this shopping event—everything from chocolates and handbags to jewelry and holiday décor This event is sponsored by the Tampa Bay Times Enjoy a festive day of shopping and holiday cheer handmade crafts perfect for your holiday gifting needs Support local artisans and find that special something to make your season bright Spend the weekend after Thanksgiving shopping for folk art paintings and more at this time-tested holiday tradition Visit https://www.facebook.com/ThanksgivingArtCraftFestival/about for more info is inspired by eclectic and bustling European marketplaces find unique gifts and explore their holiday exhibits This outdoor market allows you to enjoy the beautiful December temperatures while stocking up on holiday gifts Food and beverage vendors will be on site and the evening also features Largo’s tree lighting Holiday Village presented by the Carrollwood Village Phase II & III HOAs is a family-friendly event with holiday-themed crafts Enjoy an evening market where you can discover unique gifts and delight in festive entertainment During this seasonal market on Water Street shop local vendors and enjoy seasonal activities and performances all under the picture-perfect backdrop of the neighborhood’s holiday décor The largest annual holiday festival in Ybor City is back food trucks and Santa’s Village for the kiddos Bring a toy for Toys for Tots and enter a chance to win free prizes Grab last-minute gifts for everyone on your list groove to remixes of your favorite holiday hits treat yourself to something sweet from the donut truck get your gifts wrapped and take photos with Santa and his Elves WOW’s 2025 Summer Camp Expo will be held Wednesday This is our third year hosting this event which has proven very popular with the Westchase-area community we had roughly 500 people stop by to plan their summers This is the perfect opportunity to meet face-to-face with local families who are looking for quality camp programs for their children Taking a big risk, Patrick Cottrell launched Memo Modern Italian and Vudu Tacos this month while the fancy Italian spot offers sit-down meals Cottrell made the change when fish prices skyrocketed in 2019 Even though loyal customers begged to keep their favorite seafood place running “I really had always just wanted (to own) a good, modern Italian restaurant because it's difficult to get or find that around here,” said Cottrell, a former chef who bought Catch 23 in late 2019 Working at The Breakers in Palm Beach influenced Cottrell's cooking style His experience in Italian kitchens comes through in every dish he serves up The heart of the kitchen features a custom-built Italian oven. This workhorse pumps out both classic recipes and fresh takes on traditional favorites. House-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and hand-picked meat boards now fill the Italian menu People can grab a spot at the modern bar for drinks and appetizers The taco spot looks to set itself apart in a busy market which recently had a location close in that same plaza Vudu puts its own spin on authentic street food Guests can sample various small plates instead of ordering full entrees cutting overhead while reaching twice the customers Both restaurants are open from 4-10pm Monday-Thursday 11am-11pm Saturday (with brunch options till 3pm) and 11am-9pm on Sunday (with brunch options till 3pm) Download the app to LISTEN LIVE wherever you are and connect with us like never before Whether you are taking advantage of cooler weather to do a deep clean or trying to figure out what to do with all those things that didn’t sell during your neighborhood’s fall garage sale here is a list of a few amazing organizations that can do some good with your unwanted items Please note: At the time this list was updated Hurricane Helene collections were focused primarily on cleaning supplies storage and personal hygiene and comfort items Oldsmar Cares is an all-volunteer organization that provides rent/mortgage and utility assistance a food pantry and a clothes closet at no cost to families in need in the Oldsmar area What they accept: Donations of new and gently used clothing and shoes for children and adults are always needed with a special need for children’s and teen sized clothes How your donations help:  Your donations are what stock Oldsmar Cares Food Pantry and Clothing Closet Individuals in neighboring zip codes 34677 and 33684 can visit the food pantry once a month and the clothing closet twice a month to shop at no cost Hurricane Relief: At the time this list was updated Learn more: oldsmarcares.org/give-help Clothes To Kids provides new and quality used clothing to low-income or at-risk school-aged children free of charge allowing families to shop and select a week’s worth of clothes while being treated with dignity and respect How your donations help: Your donations help stock the racks where students come to shop for free the funds from the textile recycler go towards the purchase of new socks and underwear Any quality items not suitable for school are made available to family members of the shoppers on the day of their appointment Hurricane Relief: They have opened their doors to those impacted by Helene so your donations will help disaster relief as well Drop off location: 5011-H West Hillsborough Ave. There is also a clothing bin for after-hours drop-offs Learn more: clothestokids.org non-profit organization that helps families start over by providing home items collected from the community Many of the families they help are caring for foster children veterans in need or people transitioning out of homelessness  For a complete list visit newlifewarehouse.org/what-we-accept How your donations help: All items donated help families and individuals who need to make a fresh start Drop off location: Donations can be dropped off at New Life Warehouse Learn more: newlifewarehouse.org This organization provides safe spaces and empowering services to survivors of domestic violence and their children What they accept: Personal items like shampoo umbrellas and phone chargers directly benefit residents They also collect gently used items to sell in their thrift store and boutique cameras and general housewares and decorative items Find a complete list of items they do and do not accept at thespring.org/thrift-store-boutique How your donations help:  100 percent of the net proceeds from both the Thrift Store and Boutique support services needed to keep survivors and their children safe Learn more: thespring.org Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County builds and renovates homes in partnership with individuals and families in need of decent affordable All profits from our ReStore go directly to fund the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County What they accept: Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County ReStores accept donations of new and gently used home improvement items For larger items they offer free pick-up service Please contact the donation hotline at 813-540-7540 Learn more: habitathillsborough.org Books can be dropped in the donation drop inside the library lobby They are then sold at the Gazebo Bookstore at the front of the library and proceeds supports library programs The bookstore is also a great place to shop for your next read Eyeglasses: Safety Harbor Lions Club aids residents of the Safety Harbor area who have a financial need to secure eye exams and eyeglasses. Your gently used eyeglasses can help. Drop your glasses off at one of their donation boxes. Find a complete list of spots at https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/safety_harbor Many local eye centers also accept old eyeglasses Old Towels and Bedding: Humane Society Tampa Bay can take those old towels and blankets off your hands to use for bedding Drop them at off at their intake department (3607 N Armenia Ave.) during normal business hours (Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) or placed in the bins located at their intake garage after hours Sturbridge resident Rich Holder kicked off audience comments with a moment of gratitude for Field Manager David Sylvanowicz He thanked Sylvanowicz for his quick response and diligence to working on a solution to deter kids from riding their electric bikes behind the homes between ponds 45 and 125 Sylvanowicz confirmed that materials had been purchased the area had been cut back and once stumps were ground down Engineer Robert Dvorak provided summaries for the sidewalk proposals Dvorak reminded the board that these estimates were based on fieldwork carried out in 2024 and the actual work required might increase the costs but he said it gave the board a good idea of how much the project would cost Rick Goldstein of the WCA’s Government Affairs Committee asked the board to confirm what sidewalk repairs the county was going to be doing Chairman Matt Lewis informed Goldstein that he had obtained a map outlining county funding and expectations and felt it would be years before some Westchase neighborhoods would be looked at He added that the board was keen to take action quickly but he agreed it would be productive to meet with the GAC and county to ensure there was no overlap in the timeline A Shires resident raised concerns that if the responsibility for sidewalk repair went back to the county his neighborhood would get pushed back down the list and he urged the board not to wait for the GAC meeting with the county before moving on with repairs in the Shires Next was the anticipated update on pond 125 The first bids Dvorak received far exceeded the $45,000 pre-approved cost he had received a third bid from Site Masters for $32,000 He was unsure why there was such a discrepancy but said the company was certainly qualified to do the job and had outlined a construction project using Dvorak’s specifications Supervisor Chris Barrett suggested that maybe the two other companies were applying the “Westchase Tax.” Dvorak said he would ensure Site Masters completely understood the project before going ahead with the contract Lewis suggested the board increase the pre-approved limit to $75,000 in case there were any issues with the lower bid – the motion was approved 5-0 Dvorak confirmed that all three companies had a start time of March/April with a duration of 2-4 weeks for completion Dvorak explained he would be using the county watershed model to look at alternatives to lower the pond at peak stages and speed up drainage he would be able to plug in different improvements to simulate their efficacy He reminded the board that solutions to flood problems often adversely affect other areas so his simulations would take time to develop Attorney Erin McCormick had an update from Vertex regarding the providers utilizing the new cell tower T-Mobile confirmed that the underground work had been completed but installation of an antenna had been postponed due to a back order AT&T had been delayed by issues with TECO Sylvanowicz began his field manager report by reminding the board that it had been a year since they had hired him Sylvanowicz presented two proposals for repairs to the 10 aerators the had been damaged by the storm Sylvanowicz said he had discovered that the pergola swing structures at the pocket park on New Park and Cavendish in West Park Village needed repair Similar maintenance was required at Baybridge Park as well as the gazebos at Glencliff Park which suffered roof damage during last year’s hurricane season Dvorak had put him in touch with a vendor who confirmed he could complete the work quickly and at a good price Chris Barrett thanked Sylvanowicz for keeping his promise to “keep Westchase up to the highest standard” with work like this Lewis thanked Sonny Whyte for the 20 years she had spent working for the CDD board in her capacity as Office Manager thanked the board for the privilege of allowing her to work for her community saying he had received a number of phone calls regarding the new monument signage at Countryway and Linebaugh as he had only received a positive response to the new signs Maurer went on to explain that residents had complained that the reflectiveness made the signs illegible and asked that this be considered if other signs were due to be updated Lewis confirmed that there were no current proposals and if Maurer received any further emails or calls Engineer Robert Dvorak was pleased to confirm that the TECO Trail Project on the west side of Countryway was 97% complete with everything structurally in place and sidewalk pavers returned Turning to the TECO easement on the east side of the road Dvorak had discovered from the plat notes that the area was owned by the CDD with a smaller easement for power lines He felt it would be an “uphill slog” to convince TECO that their trucks had caused the previous damage to the pipes especially if the board wanted the work completed before the rainy season District Counsel Erin McCormick confirmed that she had a contact at TECO who could possibly provide a copy of any easement they are responsible for Lewis requested that Dvorak hold off on the work until the April board meeting which would still allow time to complete the work before storm season McCormick confirmed she had received the draft contract for the berm project at Pond 125 Dvorak anticipated the work would start at the beginning of April and take 2-3 weeks to complete Dvorak said he had begun using the county watershed model to look at solutions for lowering the pond during peak stages His initial finding was that there were certain benefits to how everything currently flows A lot of the simulations he had already tried caused an intake of water further downstream onto other properties After looking at the proposals for sidewalk improvements during the February workshop the board had decided to move forward with phase 1 Sturbridge and Radcliffe at a cost of $185,000 and CMK Paving will carry out work on Westchase Drive and Montague at a cost of $42 There was then a lengthy discussion on how to allocate the expenditure for the project Board members determined it would not be fair to assess the gated communities but instead to share the expense across the non-gated communities A motion to approve the first phase of sidewalk improvements funded through non-gated community assessments Field Manager David Sylvanowicz informed the board that he had recently approved a $16,800 sidewalk repair primarily in the Village Green community consisting of 20 new panels and one storm drain cover the field manager would always take care of tripping hazards within the gated communities without having to ask for board approval but he would continue to bring all other large cost concerns to their attention Sylvanowicz said that J&R Tree Care has historically trimmed the community’s Palm Trees and has kept their price for a number of years but they are now increasing their contract Sylvanowicz did a three-year contract analysis comparing J&R with two other companies It was his recommendation that J&R did a great job without the need to manage them The board approved a one-year contract with J&R Tree Care with a two- or three-year option at a 3% increase Sylvanowicz informed the board that vendors are increasing the price for gate clickers McCormick explained that before they could pass an increase on to residents they would have to hold a rules adoption meeting She suggested if a public hearing was required then it would be a good idea to look at other community fees that might need changing Lewis agreed and asked the Field Office to put together a list of current fees incurred by residents and other fees that the CDD might want to consider passing on These will be looked at during the next workshop HVS Brokerage & Advisory has announced the successful sale of the 61-key Baymont by Wyndham Houston/Westchase Hotel to Nagin Investments LLC marking another successful transaction for the brokerage firm HVS Brokerage & Advisory has announced the successful sale of Baymont by Wyndham Houston/Westchase a 61-key hotel located at 2950 West Sam Houston Parkway South purchased the property from American Liberty Hospitality the Baymont by Wyndham Houston/Westchase hotel is considered a legacy asset for American Liberty Hospitality highlighting HVS's strategic approach in the successful transaction The sale marks the third transaction between HVS and American Liberty Hospitality establishing a strong partnership between the two entities Baymont by Wyndham Houston/Westchase benefits from an excellent location within the historically robust Westchase submarket along the Sam Houston Tollway frontage road The densely developed Westheimer Road that extends from the Galleria area to Katy featuring numerous retail shopping centers Its proximity to significant demand drivers such as National Oilwell Varco (NOV) and CityCentre further enhances its strategic location Senior Vice President of HVS Brokerage & Advisory mentioned the importance of securing a buyer who could successfully transact despite the hotel's challenging historical performance The team managed to source a well-qualified local investor who moved quickly to go under contract before the asset was officially taken to the market The new ownership is expected to undertake renovations The HVS Brokerage & Advisory team included Eric Guerrero demonstrating the company's deep industry expertise and strong network Click here to join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest hotel news and trends Copyright © Hotel News Resource & Nevistas | All rights reserved Jacob Pham of Harbor Links is currently playing Young Simba in Broadway’s “The Lion King.” When Jacob Pham was on the brink of turning 10 he had one request – he wanted to take a trip to New York City to see his first Broadway show “We also got to see ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Moulin Rouge,’ but when we saw ‘The Lion King,’ I think the spark and the passion just exploded in him because he was so mesmerized by it Jacob has landed his dream role playing Young Simba on the Broadway stage Jacob’s love of music began when he was in preschool and would listen to his big sister Emma play the piano “I would sit next to her and just watch her because she was really good,” Jacob said and then Emma taught him to play his first song: “All of Me,” by John Legend “I just kept playing the melody…I memorized it and it was just so fascinating.” He began piano lessons at 7 and quickly mastered the works of classical composers drums and ukulele to his musical repertoire Jacob’s parents are quick to insist he did not inherit the musical gene from them the credit goes to his paternal grandfather who taught himself to play seven instruments “He was in church choir… he was always walking around with the accordion and playing around the house,” said Jacob’s father Toan His grandfather passed away just before Jacob was born but his gift of music lived on through his grandson One day when Jacob was dabbling with the lyrics to “All of Me” his family learned that he not only had a gift for playing music; but he could also sing A friend of Emma’s heard Jacob singing and encouraged him to sign up for a summer musical at Berkeley Prep the director recognized his talent and cast him as Snail with the Mail in “A Year with Frog and Toad.” “It was amazing and it was just so fun singing because I had four solos,” Jacob said He went on to earn the role of The Boy (one of two lead roles) in a summer production of “The Velveteen Rabbit” at Corbett Prep It was his entrée into community theater at Ovations Dance Academy at age nine that really helped hone his musical theater chops Ovations’ Artistic Director Orlando Peña spent 20 years in theater in New York City and moved to Tampa in 2020 to open his first Florida-based academy He immediately recognized Jacob’s talent and cast him as the charismatic radio announcer “He’s been in all of our musicals since,” Peña said Ngoc credits the year-round theater exposure and supportive environment at Ovations for fostering Jacob’s talent and I think he’s just really inspired Jacob and really homed in on his theater skills and dancing skills and just brought out something really special in Jacob,” she said Jacob also found camaraderie with fellow theater kids “I think that just kind of helped to build his confidence to be around other kids that enjoyed what he did,” Ngoc said a school known for its extensive fine arts program and found yet another supportive theater environment in which to further his craft “It really did bring out a completely different aspect of theater for him under Mr “He’s just been really inspiring and supportive of Jacob’s love for theater and he just took him under his wing.” Jacob took his career to the next level by working with The Industry Network to secure an agent He landed with L.A.-based DDO Artists Agency Jacob had the opportunity to audition for a production of “A Christmas Story.” His audition tapes landed him an ensemble role and he spent two months on a stage in Los Angeles Sargent held an intensive workshop for auditions featuring New York-based talent manager Lisa Calli “She just fell in love with Jacob,” Ngoc said Calli has been in the business for over 20 years and works closely with the Broadway community “She got a jump on looking at different audition opportunities ‘The Lion King’ was purely a dream,” Ngoc said Jacob landed voiceover roles with Nickelodeon and Disney He appeared on an episode of “Sesame Street” and had a segment with Elmo He voiced a character in “Well-Versed,” a Nick Jr animated series that teaches children civics through short music videos every write-up they have on ‘The Lion King.’ He researched all the other young kids that did ‘The Lion King’ and it was just his dream,” Ngoc said he got one step closer to that dream when Calli submitted him for the nationwide call for Young Simba he was one of eight boys invited to New York to audition on stage he was a bit too small in stature for the role Fast forward a year and Disney reached out to Calli to invite Jacob to another final call back This time he was offered the role on Broadway “I just told myself to just keep pushing through and just to keep trying …just don’t give up and keep practicing and practicing and it worked!” Jacob said His success comes as no surprise to those who have worked with him but also so kind and humble,” Travaglino said “He’s just done so much to elevate his craft and those around him…I can’t wait to see him shine on Broadway.” “He has a photographic memory; he has rhythm He has all of the tools to be a gifted performer…plus an incredibly supportive family.” the Phams have supported Jacob wholeheartedly in his acting pursuits but they are just as supportive of him being a typical tween we try to nurture all the other aspects of being a kid and still being able to relax and goof off and enjoy other aspects besides just performing,” Ngoc said and I just want the audience to feel something whenever I perform,” Jacob said Jacob will be entertaining Broadway audiences in his role as Young Simba on select days through February 16 you know… I don’t think it’s going to hit until we see him on stage,” Ngoc said Editor’s note: For more on Jacob’s career and his Broadway schedule follow him on Instagram @jacobphamofficial