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- Issue #694: 50 Arrested in Hillsborough Contractor Crackdown, Dengue Death Raises Alarm, Tampa Welcomes Massive Nordstrom Rack, Rays Offer $10 World Series Watch Parties
Issue #694: 50 Arrested in Hillsborough Contractor Crackdown, Dengue Death Raises Alarm, Tampa Welcomes Massive Nordstrom Rack, Rays Offer $10 World Series Watch Parties
10/23/2026
Ted Grellner
23 Oct
In partnership with
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GOOD MORNING
Sorry about repeating the Dengue Fever story but the problem is just not getting better despite all the spraying. Be mindful of being bitten by mosquitos at dusk.
Dr Ted
USAF Retired
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Local News
— Hillsborough County Contractor Sting Leads to 50 Arrests in Major Crackdown
— Hillsborough Dengue Crisis Deepens With 346 Cases and One Death Reported
Of Interest
— Nordstrom Rack Opens Massive 24,700-Square-Foot Store in Tampa’s Citrus Park
Sports
— Rays Bring World Series Excitement to Tropicana Field With $10 Watch Parties
Hillsborough County Contractor Sting Leads to 50 Arrests in Major Crackdown
A major crackdown on unlicensed contractors in Hillsborough County has resulted in 50 arrests, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Chad Chronister was expected to reveal additional details Thursday about the operation targeting individuals allegedly performing construction and home improvement work without required licenses.
The arrests follow years of similar enforcement efforts. A 2023 undercover sting produced 22 arrests, while an earlier operation, dubbed Operation House Hunters, resulted in 118 arrests after detectives posed as homeowners seeking repairs.
Under Florida law, unlicensed contracting can result in a first-degree misdemeanor, with repeat offenses or violations during declared emergencies potentially carrying felony penalties.
Authorities urge homeowners to verify contractor credentials through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation before hiring anyone for renovations or repairs.
The latest operation highlights continuing concerns about construction fraud and the financial risks homeowners face when hiring unlicensed workers.
Hillsborough Dengue Crisis Deepens With 346 Cases and One Death Reported
Florida's dengue fever outbreak continues to escalate, with 425 locally acquired cases statewide in 2026, according to the Florida Department of Health. The Tampa Bay region accounts for approximately 95% of infections.
Hillsborough County leads with 346 cases, followed by Pinellas with 51 and Pasco with four. State health officials confirmed 57 new cases between October 11 and 17, as the mosquito-borne illness spreads into additional counties.
The outbreak has already claimed one life in Hillsborough County, where mosquito control efforts have cost approximately $6 million this year.
Both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have extended their dengue emergency declarations for a fourth time. Pinellas' emergency order now runs through October 29, although high winds have delayed aerial mosquito treatments.
Residents are urged to eliminate standing water, use mosquito repellent, and wear protective clothing to reduce their risk of infection.
Astonishing Fact:
Did you know that getting dengue fever a second time can be far more dangerous than the first infection? Dengue has four distinct virus types, and antibodies from your first infection can sometimes help a different type infect your cells more effectively—a phenomenon called antibody-dependent enhancement. This means your immune system's previous defense can actually increase your risk of severe dengue!
The CDC confirms that a second infection with a different dengue type carries a higher risk of severe illness, although most infections do not become severe.
Nordstrom Rack Opens Massive 24,700-Square-Foot Store in Tampa’s Citrus Park
Tampa shoppers have a new destination for discounted fashion as Nordstrom Rack officially opens its 24,700-square-foot store Thursday, October 22, at The Plaza at Citrus Park.
The new location offers discounts of up to 70% on clothing, shoes, accessories, beauty products, and home goods, bringing another major retail attraction to the growing shopping destination.
Nordstrom Rack joins an established lineup of retailers, including Best Buy, J.Crew Factory, Burlington, PetSmart, Ulta, and Old Navy.
Customers can also take advantage of convenient online order pickup and returns for purchases made through Nordstrom.com and NordstromRack.com.
The Tampa opening follows two other Florida store debuts this fall, including Pompano Beach on September 17 and Orlando's Lake Nona West on September 24.
The expansion strengthens Nordstrom's presence in Florida while giving Tampa Bay residents another option for brand-name shopping at reduced prices.
Rays Bring World Series Excitement to Tropicana Field With $10 Watch Parties
Tampa Bay Rays fans can experience World Series excitement at Tropicana Field, even while their team battles the Milwaukee Brewers on the road.
The Rays will host official watch parties Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24, with gates opening at 7 p.m. and first pitch scheduled for 8 p.m.
Fans can watch the games on the stadium's giant screen from the turf or seats, enjoy family-friendly entertainment, giveaways, raffles, and on-field photo opportunities, and even play catch on the field.
General admission costs just $10, while a $35 buffet package and $60 all-inclusive experience offer additional amenities. Advance parking costs $5.
The Rays return home for Games 3 and 4 on October 26 and 27.
With neither franchise having won a World Series championship, this historic matchup guarantees a first-time champion.
Tickets are available through the official Rays website.
Tampa Bay’s Best Live Music Aug | Things to do Around Pasco this weekend: | Things to do Around |
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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