Issue #440: Zachariah Porter Hits Tampa Stage • FTC Takes on LA Fitness • Josh Lowe Back with Rays • USF Reveals New Stadium Plans

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar —> Feel free to post events of interest to our community; its quite easy to do.

WEATHER 

Local News

— Viral Comedian Zachariah Porter Brings Signature Characters to Tampa Stage

Of Interest

— FTC Sues LA Fitness Over “Impossible to Cancel” Membership Tactics

Sports

— Josh Lowe Returns to Rays as Team Fights to Avoid Yankees Sweep

— USF Unveils First Look at New On-Campus Stadium at Sold-Out Luncheon

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

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Viral Comedian Zachariah Porter Brings Signature Characters to Tampa Stage

Get ready, Tampa — the wigs are coming.

Zachariah Porter, the comedian known for his wildly popular viral impersonations, is bringing his high-energy act to Tampa Theatre on August 23 at 7 p.m. as part of his “The Florida Shows” tour.

Porter, whose sketches often feature over-the-top characters and sharp observational humor, has built a massive online following thanks to his unique brand of comedy and iconic costume changes.

“I’ve got my wigs packed,” he teased ahead of the show, hinting at live renditions of some fan favorites.

Expect a night of laugh-out-loud performances as Porter brings his social media personas to life, mixing satire, improv, and Florida-flavored flair.

🎥 [Watch the full preview video in the link below]

Read More: wfla.com - don’t miss great video

FTC Sues LA Fitness Over “Impossible to Cancel” Membership Tactics

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against Fitness International and its affiliated gym brands — LA Fitness, Esporta Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio — alleging they deliberately make it difficult for members to cancel their subscriptions.

Consumers report limited cancellation windows, requirements to cancel only in person or by mail, and being redirected to unavailable managers. According to the FTC, tens of thousands faced barriers even when following official procedures.

The suit seeks a court order to halt these practices and financial redress for affected customers.

Despite LA Fitness claiming cancellations can be done online, by mail, or in-person, the FTC says these options are intentionally cumbersome. Consumers who stop payments are allegedly re-billed under new account numbers. The FTC argues these practices violate federal consumer protection laws, including the ROSCA Act.

Read More: livenowfox.com 

Josh Lowe Returns to Rays as Team Fights to Avoid Yankees Sweep

The Tampa Bay Rays will get a boost Wednesday as right fielder Josh Lowe returns to the lineup, aiming to help his team avoid a series sweep by the New York Yankees.

Lowe, 27, missed the past three games with right oblique tightness, which he first noticed in the cage before Saturday’s game. Having previously spent over a month on the injured list (IL) for the same issue, Lowe chose caution this time.

Though not in the lineup during the Rays’ 13-3 loss on Tuesday, manager Kevin Cash confirmed Lowe was available off the bench.

In his fifth MLB season, Lowe has appeared in 76 games, hitting .229 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs. Drafted 13th overall in 2016, he debuted in 2021 with the Boston Red Sox.

Read More: si.com

USF Unveils First Look at New On-Campus Stadium at Sold-Out Luncheon

USF Athletics gave fans their first video glimpse of the highly anticipated on-campus football stadium, set to open in 2027, during the sold-out Kickoff Luncheon Wednesday in downtown Tampa.

More than 600 fans packed the event for the second straight year, where Head Coach Alex Golesh introduced the 2025 Bulls football team ahead of their nationally televised opener against No. 25 Boise State on August 28 at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN.

The stadium fly-through video showcased a full game-day experience: tailgating zones, a vibrant student section, premium suites, club areas, and a rooftop lounge.

Construction began last fall on the $349 million stadium, located within feet of the team’s practice fields.

Season ticket holders will get priority access to the new venue once it opens.

🎥 [Watch the video preview and reserve your spot today]

Read More: gousfbulls.com - don’t miss impressive preview of new stadium

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Any suggestions are always welcomed - Thanks

Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

The Arts
- USF College of the Arts
- USF Steinway Piano Concert Series

Theater
-NTPAC - New Tampa Performing Arts Center
- New Tampa Players
- USF School of Theatre & Dance
- Wesley Chapel Theater Group
- Carrollwood Players Theatre

Misc

- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC
- visitflorida.com

For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids

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