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- Issue #473: USF Flood Study Insights | Double Social Security in October? | Tampa Bay on “Wheel of Fortune” | Rays Plan 2029 Stadium
Issue #473: USF Flood Study Insights | Double Social Security in October? | Tampa Bay on “Wheel of Fortune” | Rays Plan 2029 Stadium
10/8/2025
Ted Grellner
08 Oct
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
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Local News
— Rising Above: USF Study Ties Home Elevation to Flood Protection
— Double Social Security Payments in October? Here’s the Catch
Of Interest
— Tampa Bay Featured as Grand Prize on “Wheel of Fortune”
— Healing with Light: South Beach Wellness Expands Services
Sports
— Bright Future: Rays Eye 2029 Stadium, Fan Experience Overhaul
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Rising Above: USF Study Ties Home Elevation to Flood Protection
USF Assistant Professor Youjung Kim has found that first-floor elevation is key to reducing flood damage in Tampa’s Davis Islands.
Teaming with USF’s Access 3D Lab, Kim used LiDAR technology — laser-based scanning with GPS — to generate 3D elevation data.
Prompted by flood damage from Hurricane Milton in 2024, Kim noticed inconsistent destruction within the same flood zone, raising questions about structural vulnerabilities.
His findings?
Homes built with elevated first floors suffer significantly less flood damage, reinforcing local regulations requiring homes to be built at least 12 feet above sea level.
Kim mapped more than 1,500 homes using a car-mounted LiDAR, GPS, and camera rig between December 2024 and January 2025.
The research may influence future flood zoning and elevation codes across Tampa’s coastline as sea levels rise.
Lab director Laura Harrison emphasized the importance of aligning tech tools with research goals to keep projects timely and affordable.
Double Social Security Payments in October? Here’s the Catch
Social Security recipients will receive two SSI payments in October, but it’s not a bonus — just a shift in scheduling.
Why?
Because November 1 falls on a Saturday, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send November’s SSI payment early — on Friday, Oct. 31.
That’s in addition to the regular Oct. 1 payment, covering October's benefits.
This only affects Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a benefit for low-income seniors and disabled individuals, not standard retirement benefits.
The SSA uses this early disbursement practice to ensure recipients receive funds before weekends or holidays, avoiding delays in covering expenses.
No impact from the government shutdown:
Regular Social Security and SSI checks will continue as scheduled, but the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announcement — expected mid-October — may be delayed.
This adjustment determines how much benefits could rise in 2026.
Tampa Bay Featured as Grand Prize on “Wheel of Fortune”
Visit Tampa Bay and Visit St. Pete–Clearwater will be featured on “Wheel of Fortune” during a special “Live More Floridays” week, airing October 13–17, 2025.
On October 15, a Tampa Bay vacation is the grand prize — including a stay at the Tampa Marriott Water Street, admission to local attractions via CityPASS®, and a zipline adventure at Empower Adventures.
On October 16, St. Pete–Clearwater is in the spotlight, offering a trip to the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach, visits to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Dalí Museum, and dinner at MICHELIN-recognized Fortu.
Viewers can enter online for a chance to win one of five Florida vacations.
This national promotion reaches 8 million viewers per episode, elevating Florida tourism beyond theme parks and beaches, and showcasing the hidden gems of the Gulf Coast.
Episodes air on syndicated TV, Peacock, Hulu, and Disney+.
Healing with Light: South Beach Wellness
Expands Services
South Beach Wellness Center in Wesley Chapel, FL, has expanded its integrative services by introducing Red Light Therapy, a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level light to stimulate cellular regeneration, boost circulation, and reduce inflammation.
Patients may benefit from:
Improved skin tone and collagen production
Joint pain and muscle soreness relief
Faster recovery from workouts or injury
Enhanced energy and metabolism
Immune support
APRN Maribel Dixon highlights how this therapy complements existing offerings like Direct Primary Care, Hormone Optimization, and Vitamin Therapies, providing a drug-free path to wellness.
Located in Lutz/Wesley Chapel, the center continues to be a trusted hub for personalized, science-based care, focused on preventive health and whole-body rejuvenation.
Contact: (813) 592-1845
Bright Future: Rays Eye 2029 Stadium, Fan Experience Overhaul
This is not an accurate representation
The new Tampa Bay Rays ownership group, led by Florida businessman Patrick Zalupski, has reaffirmed its commitment to winning and plans to build a new stadium in the Tampa Bay area by Opening Day 2029.
At a recent press conference, Zalupski emphasized the group’s focus on stewardship, community connection, and delivering an exceptional fan experience.
The Rays will return to a refurbished Tropicana Field in 2026, after playing in Tampa during 2025 due to Hurricane Milton damage. Updates will include a new roof, video board, and enhanced amenities.
CEO Ken Babby stressed continued community engagement, including investment through the Rays Baseball Foundation.
The new group also owns the Tampa Bay Rowdies, with no plans to sell.
An executive advisory board and a broad roster of regional limited partners — including Shane Battier, Will Weatherford, and others — reflect the team’s local investment and long-term vision..
What’s New In Tampa Bay
Oct 2025
Source: tampamagazines.com
Top Things to do in Tampa Bay |
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Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
The Arts
- The Exhibiting Society of Artists (new)
- 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
- Carrollwood Center Events
- Craft Festivals (new)
- Fall (Farmer’s) Market Guide for Tampa Bay (new)
- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC
- visitflorida.com
For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids
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