Issue #535: Tampa’s Oyster Festival is Back | FBI Warns of Senior Scam | Military Discount Guide | Rays Pick Up Cheng

1/09/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
09 Jan

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

 
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar 

Please post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its easy to do.

Local News

— Tampa Oyster Festival Returns Saturday with Seafood, Music & a Mission

— Florida Seniors Targeted in New Gold Scam, FBI Ranks State 3rd in Fraud Losses

Of Interest

— Military & Veteran Discounts You Can Use All Year Round

Sports

— Rays Add Infield Depth, Claim Tsung-Che Cheng from Pirates

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Tampa Oyster Festival Returns Saturday with Seafood, Music & a Mission

The 7th Annual Tampa Oyster Festival returns this Saturday, January 10, offering a day of fresh seafood, BBQ, live music, and community spirit — all for a great cause.

Founded by John Wakefield and presented by the Triad Foundation, the festival will run from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Tabellas at Delaney Creek.

Attendees can enjoy fresh oysters, slow-cooked barbecue, and low country boils, accompanied by live music performances throughout the afternoon.

More than just food and fun, the festival supports Frameworks of Tampa Bay, a nonprofit that provides emotional intelligence resources and coaching for educators, parents, and youth professionals across the region.

All proceeds benefit Frameworks’ mission to help local youth develop the emotional and social skills needed to thrive in today’s world.

General admission and VIP tickets are available now on Eventbrite.

Read More: wfla.com

Florida Seniors Targeted in New Gold Scam, FBI Ranks State 3rd in Fraud Losses

Florida ranked third in the nation for scam-related losses in 2024, with $1.072 billion stolen, according to the FBI.

Largo police are warning of a new scam targeting seniors, where victims are persuaded to convert their savings into gold and hand it over to “federal couriers” under false pretenses. Once the gold is picked up, it vanishes—leaving victims with no recourse.

Susan Lancaster, a local widow and full-time caregiver, lost nearly everything in two online scams, including her credit standing and financial security.

“Once it’s gone, it’s gone,” said LPD’s Senior Services Officer Joel Quattlebaum, who is seeing a rise in high-dollar gold courier frauds.

Local gold dealers like The Silver Queen are issuing waivers and warnings as victims attempt to spend $50,000 to $200,000 in panic.

Police urge the public—especially seniors—to remain vigilant, as many never recover their stolen funds.

Here’s an astonishing but not widely known fact about senior scams:

Many seniors who fall victim to scams are re-targeted by the same criminals—because their personal information is sold on what’s known as “sucker lists.”

Once a scammer successfully defrauds someone, that victim’s name, contact info, and scam details may be sold or traded within criminal networks. These lists identify individuals who are seen as more likely to respond again, especially if they’re confused, isolated, or emotionally vulnerable.

What’s even more disturbing is that some scammers circle back posing as law enforcement or refund specialists, claiming they can recover the stolen money—for another fee. This tactic is called a "double-dip scam."

Law enforcement stresses the importance of not only reporting scams, but also staying alert for future attempts. Family members and caregivers should be informed too, since repeated targeting often happens silently.

Military & Veteran Discounts You Can Use
All Year Round

Veterans and active military members can access hundreds of year-round discounts across major brands, restaurants, and services — from automotive to apparel, tech to travel — thanks to verified offerings compiled by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Among the most notable deals:

  • Auto savings from Audi, Toyota, and Ford ($500–$1,000 off).

  • Retail discounts from Adidas (30%), Under Armour (20%), and Carhartt (15%).

  • Tech deals from Apple, Microsoft, and HP (up to 40% off).

  • Travel perks from cruise lines, hotels, and Disney parks.

  • Restaurant savings like 10% off at Outback and Bonefish Grill.

Entertainment, pet services, wellness, fitness, grooming, jewelry, and even streaming platforms like Hulu, Disney+, and Peacock also offer exclusive military pricing.

The VA encourages all Veterans and service members to verify the latest terms with each organization before purchasing.

This list is fully vetted and was last updated December 12, 2025.

Read More: livenowfox.com — see article for LONG list of discounts

Rays Add Infield Depth, Claim Tsung-Che Cheng from Pirates

The Rays claimed infielder Tsung-Che Cheng off waivers from the Pirates, adding much-needed depth to an unsettled middle-infield mix.

Cheng, 24, was once the Pirates’ No. 9 prospect and made a brief MLB debut in 2025, going hitless in 7 at-bats. Originally signed out of Taiwan in 2019, he’s known for his defensive versatility more than his bat. He hit just .209 last season with Triple-A Indianapolis but has a career .251 average in the Minors, along with strong OBP skills and speed on the bases.

The Rays’ infield is in flux, especially at shortstop, where Taylor Walls is penciled in to start unless top prospect Carson Williams earns the job. With Brandon Lowe traded, Cheng could also see time at second base behind Richie Palacios, whose recent seasons were limited by injury.

Cheng has a Minor League option remaining, giving Tampa Bay flexibility to stash or promote him as needed.

Top Events in Tampa Bay for week of
January 5
Source: tampabay.com


Things to do Around Pasco
11/ - 11/
Source: suncoastnews.com

Things to do Around
Tampa & WC:
1/1 - 1/7
Source: tampabeacon.com

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