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  • Issue #691: Wesley Chapel's Massive CITY HOME Opens, Ukraine's Rescue Drone Saves Lives, Mary Todd Lincoln Comes to Straz, USF Volleyball Star Earns Fifth Honor & Rays Win ALCS!

Issue #691: Wesley Chapel's Massive CITY HOME Opens, Ukraine's Rescue Drone Saves Lives, Mary Todd Lincoln Comes to Straz, USF Volleyball Star Earns Fifth Honor & Rays Win ALCS!

10/20/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
20 Oct

In partnership with

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GOOD MORNING
The Rays did it, taking 18 yrs since winning their last ALCS. Now they face the Brewers, neither team having ever won a World Series. It doesn’t get any more exciting!

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

 
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

— CITY HOME Opens Massive 120,000-Square-Foot Wesley Chapel Showroom

Medical News

— Ukraine's New Rescue Drone Could Save Wounded Soldiers in Minutes

Entertainment

— Mary Todd Lincoln Like You've Never Seen Her Before — Coming to the Straz!

Sports

— USF's Rising Volleyball Star Earns Fifth Conference Honor

CITY HOME Opens Massive 120,000-Square-Foot Wesley Chapel Showroom

Wesley Chapel-area residents have a massive new destination for home shopping! CITY HOME has officially opened its 120,000-plus-square-foot showroom at 25857 Sierra Center Blvd. in Lutz, offering far more than traditional furniture shopping.

The new location is the company's first showroom built from the ground up specifically for the CITY HOME brand, following its June transition from CITY Furniture. Shoppers can explore furniture, mattresses, appliances, home electronics, closets, kitchens, bathroom products, fitness equipment and connected home solutions, all under one roof.

The grand opening featured a four-day celebration attracting thousands of visitors, with more than $90,000 in giveaways and a Tesla Model 3 drawing.

The opening brings CITY HOME's Tampa/Sarasota presence to four showrooms, with additional Florida expansion planned through 2028.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, giving local shoppers plenty of opportunities to explore.

Ukraine's New Rescue Drone Could Save Wounded Soldiers in Minutes

Ukraine is testing a remarkable new battlefield rescue drone designed to airlift wounded soldiers to safety in minutes, potentially saving lives when conventional medical evacuations are too dangerous.

Called "Stargate," the unmanned aircraft is being developed by Ukrainian military technology company Skyfall. The drone reportedly travels up to 65 mph and can fly approximately nine miles one way, carrying injured troops away from dangerous frontline positions.

Traditional battlefield evacuations can take hours or even days because of relentless enemy drone attacks, leaving wounded soldiers without critical medical attention.

Stargate uses artificial intelligence to navigate autonomously, even when GPS signals are jammed or disrupted by electronic warfare.

The aircraft is currently undergoing early combat testing with frontline Ukrainian units, although its manufacturer has not disclosed results.

If successful, this innovative rescue system could dramatically improve survival chances by restoring the critical "golden hour" of emergency trauma care.

Mary Todd Lincoln Like You've Never Seen Her Before — Coming to the Straz!

Get ready for a wildly unconventional history lesson! The Broadway comedy "Oh, Mary!" is coming to Tampa's Straz Center in April 2027, bringing its outrageous take on one of America's most famous first ladies to local theatergoers.

Written by comedian and playwright Cole Escola, this 80-minute, one-act comedy reimagines Mary Todd Lincoln as a frustrated, emotionally volatile woman struggling with unfulfilled dreams, forbidden desires and an unhappy marriage.

Rather than presenting a traditional historical drama, the production delivers an absurd, irreverent interpretation of Mrs. Lincoln's life, blending dark humor, exaggerated characters and unexpected theatrical surprises.

Creative Loafing email subscribers can access advance ticket sales using the presale code THEATER, giving local audiences an early opportunity to secure seats.

Whether you're a Broadway enthusiast or simply enjoy comedy that pushes boundaries, "Oh, Mary!" promises an unforgettable evening of theatrical mischief at Tampa's premier performing arts destination.

Read More: n/a

USF's Rising Volleyball Star Earns Fifth
Conference Honor

University of South Florida volleyball standout Paula Tomasa has earned her fourth consecutive American Conference Freshman of the Week award, bringing her season total to an impressive five honors.

Tomasa delivered another outstanding performance, leading the Bulls with 28 kills, averaging 3.50 per set, while contributing 12 digs, six blocks and three service aces. Her biggest performance came against Tulane, where she recorded a team-high 18 kills.

Teammate Miya Thomas also received conference recognition, earning honorable mention for her defensive contributions. Thomas led USF with 33 digs, averaging 4.13 per set, while adding 13 assists and four service aces.

The Bulls, coached by Jolene Shepardson, returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2025 after a 23-year absence and continue building on their recent success.

Next up: USF hosts Florida Atlantic on Wednesday, October 21, at 6 p.m., with the match streaming on ESPN+.

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