Issue #567: Tampa Bay Design Week Returns • Gasparilla Film Festival Turns 19 • Lithia Elder Fraud Arrest • Rays’ McClanahan Nears Comeback

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar 

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WEATHER  

Local News

— Tampa Bay Design Week Invites Community to Explore Architecture and Design

— Gasparilla International Film Festival Celebrates 19 Years in Tampa

Crime

— Man Arrested in $24K Elder Fraud Scam in Lithia

Sports

— Rays Ace Shane McClanahan Takes Big Step Toward 2026 Comeback

Carrollwood Players Theatre Presents

A Special Offer For Our Readers
To See Their Upcoming Show

Disaster! The Musical

Feb 27 - Mar 21

“Disaster” is a fantastic show featuring lots of songs from the 70s and promises
to be a hilarious and nostalgic evening.
Click HERE for more information on the show.

CLICK: GET TICKETS
and put PresSpecial in the code box for $5 off

Tampa Bay Design Week Invites Community to Explore Architecture and Design

Design enthusiasts across the Tampa Bay region will soon have a chance to explore the impact of architecture and urban planning during Tampa Bay Design Week, running from March 8 through March 14.

Hosted by the American Institute of Architects Tampa Bay and the Center for Architecture and Design, the weeklong event series aims to inspire students, architects, developers, and community members through educational programs and immersive experiences focused on the built environment.

Organizers say the event highlights how thoughtful design shapes the spaces where people live, work, and gather. Programming includes six events across the region, giving attendees opportunities to explore architecture, sustainability, and local design history.

Featured events include the Florida Southern College LEGO Competition and campus tour, a GASWORX development tour, the Gaudi + Galban exhibit and presentation, and a 20x20 presentation by prominent architects. Participants can also enjoy a Tampa Urban Architecture Riverboat Tour and a program recounting the legacy of architect William Harvard Sr.

Organizers say the week offers residents a unique chance to discover the role design plays in shaping Tampa Bay’s future while celebrating the architects and planners who helped build the region.

Read More: cadtampabay.org — for more activity info

Gasparilla International Film Festival Celebrates 19 Years in Tampa

The 19th annual Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF) is bringing filmmakers, storytellers, and movie lovers together for six days of independent cinema and creative conversation across Tampa.

Running March 3–8, the festival showcases feature films, documentaries, short films, and international cinema from both emerging and established filmmakers. Organizers say the event has become one of Tampa Bay’s premier celebrations of independent film and storytelling.

The festival opened with the film “She Dances” at the historic Tampa Theatre, launching a packed week of screenings and special events.

In addition to film premieres, GIFF features industry panels and workshops covering topics such as filmmaking craft, artificial intelligence in media, and performance techniques. The festival also provides networking opportunities for filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals throughout the week.

Attendees can also participate in post-screening discussions with writers and directors, offering insight into the creative process behind the films.

Organizers say the festival aims to celebrate diverse voices in film while strengthening Tampa Bay’s growing arts and film community.

Read More: gasparillafilm2026.eventive.org 

Man Arrested in $24K Elder Fraud Scam in Lithia

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested 40-year-old Min Chen in connection with an organized fraud scheme targeting an 81-year-old woman in Lithia.

Detectives were alerted on February 23, 2026, after learning the victim was actively being scammed at her home on Loneoak View Drive. Investigators say the scammers gained remote access to the woman’s computer after she clicked a malicious email, then falsely claimed they had accidentally deposited $50,000 into her bank account.

Believing the story, the victim withdrew $24,000 from her bank and handed the money to a courier, who provided a fraudulent receipt and arranged another payment the following day.

Working with the victim, detectives set up a controlled operation using $25,000 in simulated currency. When Chen arrived to collect the money on February 24, deputies conducted surveillance and later arrested him at a nearby plaza after he removed the simulated cash from its packaging.

Chen faces charges including organized fraud, theft from a person 65 or older, and unlawful use of a communication device. The investigation remains ongoing

Read More: teamhcso.com

Rays Ace Shane McClanahan Takes Big Step Toward 2026 Comeback

The Tampa Bay Rays received an encouraging sign this week as star pitcher Shane McClanahan returned to the mound during spring training, giving the club hope for the upcoming season.

Pitching against the Philadelphia Phillies Tuesday at Charlotte Sports Park, the two-time All-Star left-hander delivered two scoreless innings, throwing 23 pitches with 16 strikes. His four-seam fastball reached 96.7 mph, a promising sign that his arm strength is returning.

The outing marks an important milestone in McClanahan’s long recovery. The 28-year-old has not appeared in a regular season game since August 2, 2023, after undergoing Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. His anticipated 2025 return was also derailed when nerve irritation in his left triceps forced another shutdown.

After Tuesday’s outing, McClanahan joked that he had “forgotten what feeling good feels like” on the mound.

With the 2026 MLB season less than a month away, the Rays are hopeful their ace can complete his comeback and once again anchor the team’s starting rotation.

Read More: forbes.com

Tampa Bay’s Best Live Music
Feb 27 - Mar 5
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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