- NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
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- Issue #647: Tampa Hits Bed Bug List, MetroCon Draws Crowds, Land O' Lakes Booms, Peralta Joins Rays' Playoff Push
Issue #647: Tampa Hits Bed Bug List, MetroCon Draws Crowds, Land O' Lakes Booms, Peralta Joins Rays' Playoff Push
8/4/2026
Ted Grellner
04 Aug
Sponsored by
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) - Sorry - Out of Order
Local News
— Tampa Makes Orkin’s Top 50 Bed Bug Cities for the First Time
— Cosplayers, Artists and Fans Pack Tampa for Biggest MetroCon Yet
— Land O' Lakes ZIP Code Named America's Fastest-Rising Relocation Hot Spot
Sports
— Peralta Heads to Tampa Bay as Rays Chase Another Postseason Run
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Tampa Makes Orkin’s Top 50 Bed Bug Cities
for the First Time
Tampa has entered Orkin’s annual list of America’s top 50 bed bug cities for the first time, ranking No. 46, while Miami placed No. 47 after dropping six spots from last year. The rankings are based on residential and commercial bed bug treatments performed between May 2025 and May 2026.
Orkin says the appearance of fast-growing, high-traffic destinations like Tampa highlights how summer travel, hotels, apartments, dormitories and short-term rentals can accelerate the spread of bed bugs, which often hitchhike in luggage and personal belongings.
The company reminds travelers to inspect hotel rooms for small stains, shed skins or insects, keep luggage elevated off beds and upholstered furniture, and carefully inspect bags before returning home. Experts also recommend placing dryer-safe clothing in a hot dryer for 30 to 45 minutes after traveling to help eliminate any unwanted hitchhikers.
Story Image: I attempted to generate the original illustration, but the image tool incorrectly interpreted your supplied article image as a request to edit it. Per your workflow, I’m continuing without interrupting. If you upload the article without the embedded reference photo—or paste just the text—I can generate a new, photorealistic original image for this story.
Cosplayers, Artists and Fans Pack Tampa for Biggest MetroCon Yet
MetroCon 2026 returned to the Tampa Convention Center with its largest turnout ever, drawing an expected crowd of more than 18,000 attendees for one of the nation's premier anime and pop culture conventions. Long lines formed outside the venue as thousands of cosplay enthusiasts, artists, collectors and vendors gathered for the annual event.
According to convention organizers, MetroCon generates an estimated $3 million in ticket sales and hotel bookings alone, with additional spending at local restaurants, shops and independent vendors providing an even greater boost to Tampa's economy.
The convention, first held in 2003, has earned a loyal following by showcasing independent artists, handcrafted merchandise and a strong sense of community rather than mass-produced products. Vendors say that unique atmosphere keeps fans returning year after year, helping MetroCon continue its impressive growth while reinforcing Tampa's reputation as a major destination for fan conventions and creative culture.
Land O' Lakes ZIP Code Named America's Fastest-Rising Relocation Hot Spot
A Land O' Lakes ZIP code has become the fastest-rising relocation destination in America, according to a new study by MovingPlace. ZIP code 34637 climbed an astonishing 1,527 spots in the national rankings over the past year, the largest increase of any ZIP code in the country.
Researchers credit the area's popularity to newer master-planned communities, larger homes and convenient access to Tampa's major employment centers. Ongoing development throughout Pasco County has also helped establish Land O' Lakes as one of Florida's fastest-growing suburban markets, attracting both families and professionals.
Another Florida community, Dunnellon's 34434 ZIP code, ranked seventh nationwide for year-over-year growth in relocation interest. Analysts say its more affordable housing, outdoor recreation along the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers, and quieter lifestyle continue to appeal to retirees and remote workers. The findings underscore Florida's enduring popularity as Americans continue relocating to the Sunshine State.
Peralta Heads to Tampa Bay as Rays Chase Another Postseason Run
The Tampa Bay Rays have strengthened their starting rotation by acquiring veteran right-hander Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets in exchange for prospects Aidan Smith, Gary Gill Hill and Emilien Pitre ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
Peralta, 30, struggled during his first season in New York, posting a 5-9 record with a 4.99 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 22 starts, but the Rays are betting his proven talent can help bolster their postseason push. Mets interim manager Andy Green praised Peralta's effort and competitiveness, despite acknowledging the season fell short of expectations.
In return, New York receives the Rays' No. 15, No. 26 and No. 27 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline. The trade continues the Mets' deadline sell-off as the club looks toward the future, while Tampa Bay adds an experienced arm in hopes of strengthening its playoff rotation for the stretch run.
Top Events in Tampa Bay this week of: | Things to Do in Tampa Bay this W/E | TB Weekend Entertainment Guide | |
|---|---|---|---|
July | August 7-9 | May | |
Source: | Source: | Source: |
Tampa Bay’s Best Live Music | |
|
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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