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Upload Your Photos: Arts and Crafts Under the Palms, St. James Fall Fest
It was a busy weekend in New Tampa.

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.
It was a busy weekend in New Tampa.

A special costume party will be held 4 p.m. on Oct. 27.
A special Halloween-themed event will be held Oct. 27 and Oct. 28 at Lettuce Lake Park.
A roundup of the more unusual items being offered by your neighbors.
Here are five stories you might have missed this week on New Tampa Patch.
A grand opening will be held Sunday, Oct. 21.
West Meadows resident Wes Morris will service as lead pastor for Bay Chapel.
The closures, which will start Sunday (Oct. 21), are between Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Fowler Avenue.
The retailer is offering price matching for the first time.
Authorities say the trio charged up the cards at businesses off Fletcher Avenue.
Freedom High School bomb-plotter Jared Cano entered his plea Tuesday. Sentencing is in December.
Proceeds from lunch or dinner will go toward the Turner PTA.
This one-bedroom, one-bathroom property is our listing of the week.
Do you know a remarkable woman?
This is our adoptable pet of the week from Tampa Cat Crusaders.
Economy, jobs and education are top issues in election, students say.
Your regular roundup of what's coming and going in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel.
The Tampa Palms Women's Club will hold its 22nd annual Arts and Crafts Under the Palms event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 20-21).