John C. Cotey

Tampa Bay

Managing Editor | Tampa, Carrollwood, Westchase/Citrus Park and Wesley Chapel Beacon, with more to come | Got Story? Hit me up at [email protected]

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Articles

John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital breaks ground on new Wesley Chapel location

2 weeks ago | suncoastnews.com | John C. Cotey

WESLEY CHAPEL — Lots of smiling children, many of them playing in sandboxes filled with colorful sand and others sharing their medical stories, seemed a fitting backdrop to the ceremonial groundbreaking of Wesley Chapel’s latest hospital. On March 27, officials from John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, after the kids were done playing in it, tossed shovelfuls of that colorful sand to mark the start of construction of a 56-room facility focused on specialized pediatric care.
Miembro del Consejo de la Ciudad de Tampa, Luis Viera, se postula para la C├ímara de Representantes de Florida

3 weeks ago | centrotampabay.com | John C. Cotey

TAMPA - Después de meses de evaluar su futuro político, el miembro del Consejo de la Ciudad de Tampa, Luis Viera, da el salto a la política estatal. Viera presentó oficialmente su candidatura el miércoles para postularse a la Cámara de Representantes de Florida, Distrito 67, un escaño actualmente ocupado por la líder de la minoría en la Cámara, Fentrice Driskell, quien tiene un límite de mandato hasta 2026.
Tampa City Council member Luis Viera files to run for Florida House

3 weeks ago | tampabay.com | John C. Cotey

TAMPA — After months of weighing his political future, Tampa City Council member Luis Viera is making the leap to state politics. Viera officially filed Wednesday to run for Florida State House District 67, a seat currently held by House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, who is term-limited in 2026. Viera also is leaving his District 7 seat on the City Council due to term limits.
Former Pasco fire chief alleges retaliation over whistleblower claims

3 weeks ago | tampabay.com | John C. Cotey

WESLEY CHAPEL — Pasco County Fire Chief Anthony Perez abruptly resigned in September 2024, just over a year after taking the job. At the time, he gave no public explanation. Now, he’s breaking his silence — through a lawsuit. On March 5, Perez filed a lawsuit against Pasco County, claiming he was forced out after exposing a data breach and reporting numerous violations within the fire department, including the mishandling of a racial misconduct complaint.
Former Pasco fire chief suing county, alleging retaliation over whistleblower claims

3 weeks ago | tampabeacon.com | John C. Cotey

WESLEY CHAPEL — Pasco County Fire Chief Anthony Perez abruptly resigned in September 2024, just over a year after taking the job. At the time, he gave no public explanation. Now, he’s breaking his silence — through a lawsuit. On March 5, Perez filed a lawsuit against Pasco County, claiming he was forced out after exposing a data breach and reporting numerous violations within the fire department, including the mishandling of a racial misconduct complaint.
Temple Terrace paves the way for 360-unit apartment complex

3 weeks ago | tampabay.com | John C. Cotey

TEMPLE TERRACE — The first reading of a comprehensive plan amendment to allow the construction of a 360-unit apartment complex on Raulerson Ranch Road passed the Temple Terrace City Council quietly and without issue. The second reading, not so much. A handful of residents showed up to voice their frustrations, worried that adding hundreds of apartments on the 20-acre site — just north of the Kiran C.
Should Wesley Chapel become its own city? Chamber wants to study the issue.

1 month ago | tampabay.com | John C. Cotey

WESLEY CHAPEL — The idea of turning Wesley Chapel into its own city has lingered for decades, like a fine wine aging in a cellar — occasionally uncorked for discussion, then sealed away again. But now, Hope Kennedy and the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce say it’s time to pour a glass and see if the idea is finally ready to be served. Under Kennedy’s leadership, the chamber announced this month that it is taking a major step forward in exploring incorporation.
Chamber raising funds to study if Wesley Chapel should incorporate

1 month ago | suncoastnews.com | John C. Cotey

WESLEY CHAPEL — The idea of turning Wesley Chapel into its own city has lingered for decades, like a fine wine aging in a cellar — occasionally uncorked for discussion, then sealed away again. But now, Hope Kennedy and the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce say it’s time to pour a glass and see if the idea is finally ready to be served. Under Kennedy’s leadership, the chamber announced last week that it is taking a major step forward in exploring incorporation.
Temple Terrace leaders looking to give downtown development a boost

1 month ago | tampabay.com | John C. Cotey

TEMPLE TERRACE — City officials are looking to schedule a workshop about the possibility of developing the vacant property at 8901 N. 56th St. into a gathering space that could host music or small festivals and attract people to the downtown area. Council member Alison Fernandez suggested the idea during a Community Redevelopment Area meeting last month.
Despite bankruptcy talks, new Hooters still planned for Wesley Chapel

1 month ago | tampabay.com | John C. Cotey

WESLEY CHAPEL — Reports of Hooters’ demise have not been exaggerated. They have, however, been misunderstood. That’s the word from HMC Hospitality Group, which is led by the original Hooters owners, who say business is good and new locations — like the one in the works for Wesley Chapel, next to the Harley-Davidson dealership on Wesley Chapel Boulevard — are still coming as planned. Franchisor Hooters of America LLC, however, could be in trouble as has been reported.