Carrollwood-Northdale, FL|News|
Chocolate, Government Shut Down and Flood Insurance Rates
What's the buzz in Carrollwood and beyond?

Email: john.majeski@patch.com Phone: (813) 528-6772
John Majeski is the editor for the Land O’ Lakes and Lutz Patch sites, a job that allows him to do something different every day. He lives in Tampa and became a first-time father in March 2013.
Beliefs At Patch: We promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.
How would you describe your political beliefs?
Just left of center.
Are you registered with a certain party?
Nope.
How religious would you consider yourself?
I have recently started attending Sunday services again after a decade-long absence.
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? Where do you stand on each of these issues?
The biggest issues facing the region are the availability of well-paying jobs, real estate values, rising costs of living and the lack of mass-transit options.
While I know it takes a long time to break old habits, it is very disappointing mass transit improvements are not better supported by the public. I don't think Tampa will reach anywhere near its potential as a city without a modern transit system. Relying solely on roads is simply an old way of thinking.
With improved mass transit, Tampa will be positioned to better attract world-class employers who can provide the well-paying jobs that we all need.
When it comes to real estate values, I am grateful to live in an area of town that has seen less distressed sales than others.
What's the buzz in Carrollwood and beyond?

What's the buzz in Land O' Lakes and beyond?
Urban Roots opened about a month ago on Dale Mabry Highway in nearby Carrollwood.
Urban Roots opened about a month ago on Dale Mabry Highway.
Curious about Classical Preparatory School? Check out their online home.
The popular barbecue joint was honored twice.
The pedestrians were struck late Saturday, Sept. 28.
While sunshine and blue skies aren’t out of the picture entirely, Land O' Lakes residents might want to keep an umbrella handy as the week continues.
While sunshine and blue skies aren’t out of the picture entirely, Carrollwood residents might want to keep an umbrella handy as the week continues.
Curious about Classical Preparatory School? Check out their online home.
What TV series are you digging right now?
What TV series are you digging right now?
We compile the odd, unusual and the "oh my gosh" police items from throughout the Tampa Bay region.
We compile the odd, unusual and the "oh my gosh" police items from throughout the Tampa Bay region.
What's up this week?
What's up this week in Carrollwood and beyond?
Melissa Dohme was told she would barely be able to walk again after surviving a brutal attack in January 2012. Now she plans to dance for charity Oct. 5.
It's been a busy week, right? Here's what you missed.