Issue #686: Hurricane Isaias Raises Tampa Flood Concerns | Phone Scammers Threaten Utility Customers | Mesa Jr. Powers Yankees Sweep | USF's Weeklong Anniversary Celebration

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

WEATHER 

Local News

— Hurricane Isaias Heads Toward Gulf Coast; Tampa Bay Braces for High Tides and Heavy Rain

— Tampa Utilities Warns of Phone Scam Threatening Customers Over Unpaid Bills

Sports

— Victor Mesa Jr. Powers Rays Past Yankees as Controversial Call Seals Sweep

— USF Celebrates 70 Years With Weeklong Homecoming Festivities Open to Tampa Bay

Hurricane Isaias Heads Toward Gulf Coast; Tampa Bay Braces for High Tides and Heavy Rain

Hurricane Isaias strengthened to Category 2 Thursday, packing sustained winds near 100 mph as it approached the northern Gulf Coast. Landfall is expected late Friday or early Saturday, potentially bringing dangerous storm surge to the Florida Panhandle.

Although the storm's center should remain nearly 300 miles west of Tampa Bay, local forecasters warn of coastal flooding, elevated tides and additional rainfall.

A coastal flood advisory runs from 8 a.m. Friday through 8 a.m. Saturday for coastal Citrus through Hillsborough counties. Water levels could rise up to 3 feet along parts of the coast, while Levy County could experience up to 4 feet.

Already saturated ground raises concerns about inland flooding, particularly near rivers, creeks and poorly drained neighborhoods.

Dangerous surf, rip currents and seas reaching 10 feet are also possible. Conditions should begin improving early next week, with drier weather expected after Sunday.

Read More: tampabay.com

Tampa Utilities Warns of Phone Scam Threatening Customers Over Unpaid Bills

City of Tampa Utilities is warning residents about a phone scam involving callers impersonating city employees and demanding immediate payment for supposedly overdue utility bills.

Officials report multiple complaints from customers receiving fraudulent calls. In some cases, scammers disguise their phone numbers to make calls appear to originate from Tampa's official Utilities Call Center, making the deception especially convincing.

The city emphasizes that legitimate utility representatives will never demand immediate credit card payments over the phone. Employees identify themselves by last name, explain their reason for calling and verify account information.

Residents receiving suspicious calls should hang up immediately and contact Tampa Utilities directly at (813) 274-8811. Account balances can also be verified securely at utilities.tampa.gov.

Customers choosing to pay by credit card will be directed to an official online payment system rather than providing card information to employees.

Anyone targeted by suspected scammers should contact Tampa Police.

Read More: tampa.gov

Victor Mesa Jr. Powers Rays Past Yankees as Controversial Call Seals Sweep

The Tampa Bay Rays are heading to the American League Championship Series after defeating the New York Yankees 4-3 Wednesday night, completing a three-game Division Series sweep.

Victor Mesa Jr. delivered the decisive blow, launching a two-run homer in the sixth inning. Ryan Vilade also homered, while Jonathan Aranda contributed an RBI single.

The game's biggest controversy came when Yankees infielder Anthony Volpe appeared to hit a game-tying homer. However, video review ruled fan interference, turning the apparent home run into an RBI double and preserving Tampa Bay's lead.

Reliever Bryan Baker secured his third save of the series, completing the Rays' second celebration at Yankee Stadium in two weeks.

Tampa Bay advances to its first ALCS since 2020, seeking the franchise's first World Series championship. The Rays will host either the Chicago White Sox or Cleveland Guardians in Monday's series opener after four days of rest.

Read More: espn.com

USF Celebrates 70 Years With Weeklong Homecoming Festivities Open to Tampa Bay

The University of South Florida celebrates its 70th anniversary with a week of Homecoming festivities October 12–17, inviting Tampa Bay residents to join students and alumni for campus celebrations.

This year's “Forever Green and Gold” theme honors USF's history and its more than 409,000 living alumni.

Festivities begin Monday, October 12, from 5–8 p.m., with a free kickoff celebration at the Tampa campus featuring Rocky D. Bull, the Herd of Thunder band, food and activities.

Highlights include Rocky's Regatta kayak races Wednesday in St. Petersburg, followed by Friday's Carni-Bull carnival, Welcome Home Party and Running of the Bulls Parade at 6:30 p.m. Carnival rides and games are free.

The celebration concludes Saturday, October 17, at 7 p.m., when the USF Bulls face Kent State at Raymond James Stadium.

Most community events are free, offering families numerous opportunities to participate in USF traditions.

Read More: usf.edu

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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