Issue #551: Art Fair Goes Global? | Florida State Fair Is Back | Sheriff’s Valentine Warning | Rays' Bold Ballpark Plans

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar 

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WEATHER  

Local News

— Art Fair Tampa Shoots for Global Spotlight

— Florida State Fair Returns with “America’s Sunniest Celebration”

Crime

— Pasco Sheriff Warns of Valentine’s Day Romance Scams

Sports

— Rays Reveal Daring Design for Tampa Ballpark

Art Fair Tampa Shoots for Global Spotlight

Organizers are positioning the inaugural Art Fair Tampa as a major international draw, bringing contemporary art and cultural exchange to the heart of downtown this fall.

The four-day indoor event will feature 300 artists from around the world from Oct. 15–18 at the Tampa Convention Center. Organizers say the climate-controlled setting allows for large-scale installations, immersive programming, and a comfortable experience for collectors and visitors alike.

Lead organizer Tyler Sirota said the fair is designed to connect artists, collectors, and communities, with ambitions of becoming one of the nation’s largest indoor art conventions.

According to Santiago C. Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, the event reflects Tampa Bay’s growing international reputation as a creative destination.

Local artists will also benefit, gaining global exposure without leaving their home market.

More information, including artist applications and ticket details, is available at artfairtampa.com.

Read More: lakerlutznews.com

The Florida State Fair returns Feb. 5–16 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, with the 2026 theme “America’s Sunniest Celebration,” marking the nation’s 250th birthday.

Guests can expect thrilling rides, agriculture exhibits, live music, and all-new fair food. Highlights include Chocolate Cookie Butter Dream Funnel Cake, Red, White & Berry Smoothie, and Sushi Corn Dogs—alongside drone shows, pig races, magic acts, fireworks, and more.

Discount days are plentiful:

• Feb. 5 Heroes Day: Free entry for first responders, military, medical staff & teachers

• Feb. 6 Freedom Friday: $5 admission & parking after 5 p.m.

• Feb. 8 BOGO Bowl Sunday, with deals on admission and rides

• Feb. 11 Senior Savings Day, and other themed promotions

Fair hours:
Mon–Thurs: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (rides 1 p.m.)
Fri–Sun & Presidents’ Day: 10 a.m.–9 p.m. (rides 10:30 a.m.)

Tickets start at $7 for kids and $12 for adults. More at floridastatefair.com

Read More: baynews9.com — lots of fair information

Pasco Sheriff Warns of Valentine’s Day
Romance Scams

As Valentine’s Day nears, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to watch for Romance Scams—online relationships that start with affection but end in financial exploitation.

Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites and social media to build emotional connections, especially with people who overshare online or have recently suffered a loss. Once trust is built, they ask for money—often for emergencies, travel, or fabricated hardships—while avoiding in-person meetings.

Common tactics include love bombing, false professions of love, and elaborate stories about being overseas or on military leave. These scammers may take weeks or even months before asking for money.

To stay safe:

• Limit personal info online

• Reverse-search profile photos

• Ask questions and go slow

• Avoid sending money or gift cards

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Learn more at pascosheriff.com.

Read More: news.pascosheriff.com

Rays Reveal Daring Design for Tampa Ballpark

The Tampa Bay Rays have unveiled their first renderings of a proposed new stadium and entertainment complex on the Hillsborough Community College site, aiming for a 2029 opening.

The triangular ballpark features a fixed, semi-transparent roof, allowing natural light while keeping fans cool and protected. The venue would seat approximately 31,000, making it the most intimate stadium in Major League Baseball, with varied seating, event zones, and fan gathering spaces.

The team is pitching the stadium as the centerpiece of a privately financed $8–$10 billion development, featuring three zones:

• Champions Quarter: A retail-rich stadium district

• Innovation Edge: A new academic and research hub

• The Canopy: A green-focused residential area

Fans can now place nonrefundable $19.98 deposits for early seat access at newballpark.raysbaseball.com. Current season members receive top priority.

The Rays’ lease at Tropicana Field runs through 2028.

Read More: tampabay.com — see article for more accurate renderings

Tampa Bays Best Live Music
Feb 5-12
Source: cltampa.com

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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