New Tampa|News|
Authorities Trap Easton Park Gator
A large alligator was trapped in New Tampa early this week.

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.
A large alligator was trapped in New Tampa early this week.

Tell us what New Tampa needs.
E.L.L.A. Boutique, which is a short drive from New Tampa, is a family business located inside Ace Hardware.
Several auto burglaries occurred Monday in New Tampa -- but police busted the suspects.
Underdog Mark Danish won Tuesday's race for District 63. He wants to create a community resource center, of sorts.
Democratic challenger Mark Danish squeaks by in a tight race for state representative. He credits 'old fashion shoe leather' for his victory.
Polish emigre Christopher Zacharkiewicz cast his vote for Mitt Romney.
Chris Enzor, 24, cast his vote on his lunch break.
Despite poll numbers, Winston Jones believes Obama will handily beat his challenger.
Will Moreman was sixth in line at the New Tampa Family YMCA this morning.
A roundup of recent crime in New Tampa.
Stories you might have missed this week on Patch.
After temporarily closing its Dona Michelle Drive location in August for construction, the chain has announced it will be relocating to "another site in the community."
"As the most hurricane prone state in the nation, we know that disasters can be devastating," said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan W. Koon.
A roundup of the most eye-catching posts in the New Tampa/USF area.
The gated community will host a garage sale today (Saturday, Nov. 3) that is open to the public.