World Of Beer in Tampa Palms opens

I hear from the WOB in Westchase that the new World of Beer in Tampa Palms (behind Olive Garden) opened on Wednesday. Their website does not indicate that they are open, but with the hectic pace of trying to open, websites sometimes lag behind. Telephone: 813-632-0020 .

Hillsborough Transportation Plan for 2035

The Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization will seek public comment on its 2035 transportation plan on December 9, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the County Center Building (601 E. Kennedy Blvd., BOCC Chambers), Tampa, FL.

Hillsborough MPO 2035 LRTP Video from Hillsborough County MPO on Vimeo.

Here's the summary brochure and a SURVEY. Additional information may be obtained on the website: http://www.mpo2035.org/ .

Bridgewater homeowners association enforcing covenants

The homeowners association of Bridgewater in Wesley Chapel is enforcing its HOA covenants and restrictions in an attempt to turn around the community which has been tarnished by high foreclosures and rentals. By doing so, some Bridgewater homeowners feel that the efforts are extreme. HOA covenants are generally designed to protect the "standards" of a community; so why is enforcement considered bad by some homeowners? See the following: Bay News 9 Video link and the Tampa Tribune article by Kevin Wiatrowski published on November 22, 2009.

A Community College for Wesley Chapel

The big news this week is that Wesley Chapel will get a community college.  The Pasco-Hernando Community College plans to acquire 60 acres of donated Wiregrass Ranch land just north of the Wiregrass Ranch High School and south of SR 56.  The Tampa Tribune further reports that the closing of the land deal for the fifth campus is expected in January and it will be two to three years before construction of the new campus begins.

Primebar opens at Wiregrass

Primebar officially opens tomorrow at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel and is located across from Grillsmith on Piazza Avenue. Primebar will offer al fresco seating which is perfect this time of year. (Sorry, I don't have a phone number yet.)

Home inspections on Short Sale homes short circuited

So, after waiting months for the Seller's lender(s) to respond to your offer to purchase that Short Sale home, you finally have an approved contract and are ready to start the home inspections on the vacant home.   Right? 

Maybe not if the power company is Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative!  According to the Tampa Tribune, WREC has been refusing to temporarily turn on the power at vacant homes for inspections if there is an unpaid balance remaining from the "previous" owner.  You can't properly inspect the HVAC, major appliances, etc. without power, and the owner who is "short selling" the home with an unpaid electricity bill balance may not have the money to pay to get the power turned on. Buyers aren't too eager to pay unpaid balances on electricity bills just for a home inspection.  This impasse is frustrating many in the short sale process which is already riddled with delays.

The situation has now received the attention of State Sen. Mike Fasano who is attempting to work out a compromise.

New I-75 / I-275 exit ramps to State Road 56

Traveling north on I-75 / I-275 you probably have noticed the tree clearance at the "wishbone" (apex).  Some major improvements recently have begun at this junction:

About the Project

The Florida Department of Transportation’s contractor is building new northbound exit ramps to State Road 56 (SR 56) from both Interstate 75 (I-75) and Interstate 275 (I-275).

• The I-275 northbound lanes will also be realigned within the I-75 / I-275 interchange.
• Northbound I-75 will be widened and resurfaced from the I-275 interchange to SR 56.
• Two bridges will be constructed:   A new northbound I-275 exit ramp to SR 56 will cross over I-75 and a bridge will be built across Cypress Creek for northbound I-75 traffic exiting to SR 56.

Improvement Highlights

• Traffic exiting northbound I-275 or I-75 to SR 56 will be separated from mainline traffic to eliminate the need for lane changes.
• Better drainage and lighting in this area.

The construction phasing is designed so that all existing lanes of traffic will be maintained on I-75, I-275, and the ramps during peak traffic hours.

In order to maintain the construction schedule and to minimize the impact to the public, it is necessary for the contractor to also work at night. Lane closures, traffic shifts, and traffic paces will be necessary during different phases of the project.

Project Limits: from I-275/I-75 interchange to State Road 56

Project Length: 2.3 miles

Estimated Construction Cost: $29.9 million

Start Date: October 17, 2009

Estimated Completion Date: Summer 2012

Thanks to a reader of this blog who provided the following link to a video simulation of I-75 improvements from Fowler north to SR 52.  Also note that the BBD flyover ramp has been completed since the making of the video.  LINK TO VIDEO SIMULATION

NAR launches new website for homeowners

The National Association of Realtors has launched a new "beta" website for homeowners called HouseLogic with information on "everything you need to protect, maintain, and enhance the value of your home":  http://www.houselogic.com/

The Shops At Wiregrass holiday season kick off

The Alan Darcy Group will perform this year at the holiday season's Symphony in Lights Kick Off Celebration at The Shops at Wiregrass mall in Wesley Chapel on November 21, 2009, along with a special appearance by a "true Northerner" at 6:00 p.m..

Sportsplex SURVEY

Interested in answering a survey on the proposed Pasco County Sportsplex?  Towards the end of the survey your input on the specific location is requested and there are three Wesley Chapel locations to choose from among others.  Visit:  http://www.visitpasco.net/

Market update for Pebble Creek in New Tampa

Five single family homes were reported sold within the past month in Pebble Creek.*  Sold prices ranged from $148,900 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, REO/bank owned pool home needing TLC built in 1985 to $220,000 for a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, pool home built in 1994. 

Asking prices for single family homes for sale in Pebble Creek currently go up to $260,000.

*Excludes any private sales

Update on openings at The Shops at Wiregrass

Brookstone is now open at the mall and Lemon Fashion should open any day now. 

Barnies has a ways to go, but is now hiring according to the posted notice on the storefront!  Call Ibrahim at (813)  385-1138 (Please don't call me!)








I also hear that Primebar is now hoping to open on November 23rd.

Nutrition Smart opening in Wesley Chapel

The new Nutrition Smart in Wesley Chapel on BBD just south of SR 56 is planning to open on Monday, November 16, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.  according to their website.  Note:  Previously, the site showed November 11th as the opening date.  Additional info:  Phone:  (813) 341-4444. 

Homebuyer tax credit extended and expanded

Congress has passed an extension of the $8,000 tax credit for qualifying first time homebuyers and expanded it for a $6,500 credit for qualifying homebuyers who are not first time home buyers.   It is anticipated that the President will sign the bill as soon as tomorrow.  The National Association of Realtors has provided a comparison of the existing and new programs and brief summaries at this link.  More details to follow.

Speed limit on Meadow Pointe Blvd. to be raised

From The Tampa Tribune:  The speed limit of 30 mph on Meadow Pointe Blvd. will be raised to 45 mph from Sheringham Way to SR 54 and to 40 from Beardsley to Sheringham Way.  Not too many people seem to adhere to the 30 mph limit anyway!

Cell tower goes up at John Long Middle School

The cell tower going up today at John Long Middle School in Wesley Chapel looks very similar to the one erected at the Meadow Pointe III clubhouse in January :

Symphony in lights announced for The Shops At Wiregrass

Center Court at The Shops at Wiregrass was jam packed last year for the debut of the Symphony In Lights Show . The mall had just opened a few weeks earlier and there was a lot of buzz about the mall and the holiday show. This year the Symphony In Lights show returns and will debut on November 21st at 5:00 p.m.  Note:  11/12/2009  The previous date and time was provided in written marketing material by the mall, but surprisingly wasn't shown on the mall's website until today with a 6:00 p.m. time instead of 5:00.