Issue #643: New Tampa Radio Grows for Hispanic Families, Armadillo Leprosy Warning, Tom Gordon Inspires Inmates, Tampa Couple's $7,000 Dog Cruise Disaster

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.) - Sorry - Out of Order

WEATHER 

Local News 

— New Tampa Radio Station Expands with Positive Programming for Hispanic Families

— Health Experts Urge Caution Around Armadillos Amid Increase in Leprosy Cases

Of Interest

— Baseball Great Tom Gordon Encourages Highlands County Jail Inmates to Rewrite Their Future

Crime

— Dream Dog Cruise Turns Into $7,000 Nightmare for Tampa Couple

New Tampa Radio Station Expands with Positive Programming for Hispanic Families

Alegría Tampa Bay 100.1 FM is expanding its mission to bring positive, family-focused programming to Hispanic listeners across the region. Following its official June 9 relaunch, the New Tampa-based station now offers 24-hour broadcasting, live on-air personalities, new shows, and a mobile app for iPhone and Android users.

The app allows listeners in Tampa Bay and beyond to stream live broadcasts while accessing exclusive podcasts focused on family, personal growth, and encouragement.

Station director Marlon Carrasquillo says Alegría was created to inspire stronger families through uplifting music and hopeful messages. While the station embraces Christ-centered values, it welcomes all listeners and is not affiliated with a specific church or denomination.

Live programming features hosts throughout the day, complemented by brief inspirational segments from popular influencers and Christian leaders, creating a unique alternative on Tampa Bay's Hispanic radio dial.

Read More: tampabaybeacons.com

Health Experts Urge Caution Around Armadillos Amid Increase in Leprosy Cases

Reported cases of Hansen’s disease (leprosy) are increasing in Florida, with 17 cases recorded through July 18 after 36 cases in 2025. Health experts believe infected armadillos are responsible for many cases in North and Central Florida, although only one case has been reported in the greater Tampa Bay area this year.

Doctors emphasize there is no reason for public alarm. About 95% of people are naturally immune to the bacteria, and the disease is completely curable with antibiotics when diagnosed early.

The earliest warning signs include reddish skin lesions accompanied by numbness or reduced sensation. Physicians recommend avoiding direct contact with armadillos, their burrows, carcasses, or soil they have disturbed to reduce the already low risk of infection.

Experts say increased awareness and improved diagnosis are also contributing to the rise in reported cases, making early treatment more likely and successful.

Read More: wusf.org

Baseball Great Tom Gordon Encourages Highlands County Jail Inmates to Rewrite Their Future

Former Major League Baseball All-Star pitcher Tom "Flash" Gordon spent time with inmates at the Highlands County Jail, sharing a message centered on second chances, personal responsibility, and hope.

Gordon, who enjoyed a distinguished MLB career with teams including the Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies, spoke to both adult inmates and juveniles during his visit. He encouraged them to learn from past mistakes and focus on becoming a better person each day.

According to the Highlands County Sheriff's Office, Gordon emphasized that everyone has the opportunity to change the direction of their life through better choices and perseverance.

The visit was part of the Sheriff's Office's ongoing effort to provide inmates with positive role models and motivational programs designed to encourage rehabilitation, personal growth, and a successful return to their communities.

Read More: tampabay28.com

One of the most surprising—and relatively little-known—celebrity prison visits involved Johnny Cash.

Astonishing fact: Although Johnny Cash became famous for prison concerts like those at Folsom Prison (1968) and San Quentin (1969), he wasn't paid for the Folsom concert at all. Instead, he pushed to perform there because he believed incarcerated people deserved dignity and a chance at hope. Even more surprising, the prison's own inmates provided many of the loud cheers heard on the live album, but prison officials initially worried the audience would sound too enthusiastic and make the prison seem out of control.

An even lesser-known detail is that Cash often spent significant time talking privately with inmates before and after performances, listening to their stories rather than simply putting on a show and leaving. Those conversations reinforced his advocacy for prison reform and more humane treatment of incarcerated people, an issue he continued to raise with politicians for years afterward.

Ironically, despite his "outlaw" image, Johnny Cash never served time in prison. He was arrested several times for minor offenses—such as possession of prescription stimulants while crossing the Mexican border—but never incarcerated for a prison sentence. That misconception persists because of his prison concerts and songs like Folsom Prison Blues.

It's a reminder that one of the most iconic prison performances in music history wasn't just entertainment—it helped change public perceptions of prisoners and remains one of the best-selling live albums ever recorded.

Dream Dog Cruise Turns Into $7,000 Nightmare
for Tampa Couple

A first-of-its-kind dog-friendly cruise that promised luxury accommodations for pets has left some customers out thousands of dollars after the voyage was canceled and refunds never arrived. The six-night Cruise Tails trip, scheduled to depart from Tampa, gained national attention by offering perks such as puppy massages, personal pet butlers, and dog-friendly excursions.

Jerry Enget said he paid $7,000 for reservations for himself, his wife, and their Pomeranian, only to learn the cruise had been postponed and later canceled. He claims Cruise Tails informed passengers that no refunds would be issued despite the trip never taking place.

Margaritaville at Sea said it did not collect customer payments and that Cruise Tails was solely responsible for reservations and refunds. Consumer attorneys say affected travelers may have to pursue legal action to recover their money, making the failed venture a cautionary tale for future travelers.

Read More: tampabay28.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

Reader Comments

“Always informative and interesting!”
“I always enjoy reading your updates. Thanks so much!”
“My favorite morning coffee companion!”
“As always! Appreciate the positivity!! Best morning read.”
“I always enjoy these issues. Thanks so much!”
“Best local newsletter!”
“Love seeing all the community events in one place. The calendar is getting crowded. ”“Always has good info and to the point.”
“Read this in the am. I like the new restaurants feature so I know when things will open. ”
“Keep up on the great information.”
“Good local coverage. Great job.”
“News is concise and no nonsense. I always appreciate it!”
“Good mix and balance of interesting, newsworthy and entertaining content.”
“Happy to read something other than politics. Great job.”
“This is my daily morning read. Great info. ”
“Love the attention grabbing topics that encompass what’s going on now as well as future implications. Great job. ”
“I get Information here that I might otherwise miss.”
“I love this newsletter, the type of information without the useless fillers.”

Any suggestions are always welcomed - Thanks

—> Comments are welcomed after voting

If you enjoy starting your day with these short daily news summaries, please refer your friends: