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

— Religious Leaders Indicted for Forced Labor, Lavish Spending

— Judy Genshaft Donates $200K to Support Economic Development Internships

Of Interest

— SeaWorld Orlando’s Spooktacular Returns With Mazes, Parades & Sweet Surprises

Sports

— Tampa Bay Sun Kicks Off Season at Newly Named Home Field

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:

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Religious Leaders Indicted for Forced Labor,
Lavish Spending

Two leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), David Taylor (53) and Michelle Brannon (56), have been indicted on federal charges for forced labor and money laundering across four states: Florida, Michigan, Texas, and Missouri.

Taylor and Brannon allegedly exploited church members, forcing them to work long hours in call centers or serve Taylor personally as “armor bearers” — often without pay and under threats of punishment, abuse, and religious manipulation.

Victims reportedly endured public humiliation, food deprivation, physical assaults, and psychological coercion. Some were forced to transport women for Taylor and ensure they took emergency contraception.

The church raised millions in donations, allegedly used to buy luxury homes, vehicles, a boat, and ATVs. FBI Tampa confirmed a raid on a church-owned mansion in Tampa's Avila Community on Aug. 27.

Both defendants face up to 20 years in prison.

Read More: tampabay28.com

Judy Genshaft Donates $200K to Support Economic Development Internships

Former USF President Judy Genshaft has donated $200,000 to the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council (EDC) through her Genspiration Foundation, aiming to train the next generation of economic development professionals.

The gift funds a new internship program for University of South Florida students, launching with three interns this academic year. Students will rotate through the EDC’s Business Development, Community Development, and Marketing departments, working on projects that shape Tampa Bay’s economy and engaging with leading regional employers and developers.

EDC CEO Craig J. Richard called the donation a reflection of Genshaft’s lasting leadership. “We look forward to training these interns to make a difference in our community,” he said.

Read More: tbbwmag.com

SeaWorld Orlando’s Spooktacular Returns With Mazes, Parades & Sweet Surprises

SeaWorld Orlando’s family-friendly Halloween Spooktacular returns from Aug. 30 to Nov. 2, included with park admission.

Kids can trick-or-treat at 12 themed stations using colorful reusable bags featuring Sesame Street characters. New this year: a Spookley the Square Pumpkin maze, promoting inclusion and fall fun.

Mermaids greet visitors in Key West, while storytellers bring seasonal tales to life in the Pumpkin Garden. The Sesame Street Halloween Parade stars Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Count von Count, with story time hosted by Big Bird.

Other highlights include cookie decorating, dance parties, Halloween crafts, and a new scavenger hunt. Weekly costume contests run through October weekends.

For a premium experience, families can enjoy Count von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast, with buffet favorites and character meet-and-greets.

Teal Pumpkin Program offers allergy-friendly options, and while costumes are encouraged, masks are limited for guests 13+.

Read More: clickorlando.com

Tampa Bay Sun Kicks Off Season at Newly Named Home Field

The Tampa Bay Sun, reigning USL Super League Champions, announced they’ll now play at Suncoast Credit Union Field at James “Big Jim” Williams Stadium, located at Blake High School.

The naming follows a partnership with Suncoast Credit Union, which also includes a $10,000 donation to Blake High’s Booster Club and $200 per shot taken by Sun players this season.

Suncoast CEO Kevin Johnson emphasized the support is “not about naming rights, but about advancing women’s sports.”

Sun officials say the sponsorship will help enhance facilities and salaries, strengthening the team’s standing in professional women’s sports.

Team leadership and players praised the deal as a transformative investment, with goalkeeper Sydney Schneider calling it “amazing.”

Suncoast members will receive exclusive ticket perks this season.

The first game on the renamed field is Saturday at 8 p.m. vs. Jacksonville.

Read More: fox13news.com

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Things to do Around Pasco
8/28 - 9/3
Source: suncoastnews.com

🎭 Tonight in Wesley Chapel & New Tampa: Film & Arts Spotlight

🎬 Free Outdoor Movie Night – "Elemental" at The Grove
8:00 PM | The Grove at Wesley Chapel
Bring a blanket and enjoy Pixar’s family-friendly hit under the stars. Food trucks and popcorn available on-site.

🎨 Local Art Showcase at New Tampa Performing Arts Center
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM | NTPAC Lobby Gallery
View works from local painters and photographers. Free admission, live music from student performers.

🎶 Live Jazz & Paint at KRATE
7:00 PM | KRATE at The Grove
An immersive evening with live jazz by local artists and open-air painting stations. Great for date night or solo unwinding.

🎭 Improv Night at Innovacative Theatre
7:30 PM | Near Tampa Palms
Catch a fast-paced, family-friendly improv show with local comedians. Limited seating—arrive early!

📽️ Indie Film Shorts Night – Hosted by Tampa Bay Film Society
7:00 PM | Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus (Event Room B)
A curated screening of regional short films, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.

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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