In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

🗓  This Week’s Events

🌦 WEATHER

🎤 From SNL to Tampa: Nate Bargatze's Comedy Extravaganza Hits Amalie Arena

🚗Universal's Stellar Expansion: New Hotels Unveiled Near Epic Universe

🎄Valrico Family Illuminates Christmas Spirit in ABC's "The Great Christmas Light Fight

⚖Customer Service Frustration Escalates: Local Resident Arrested for Threats

🛥MRAA Dealer Week Unveils Record-Breaking Turnout in Tampa

🏈Historic Turnaround: USF Bulls Ready for Boca Raton Bowl After Remarkable Season

🏀⚽Local High School Sports Scores

This Week’s Events in the NewTampa | Wesley Chapel FL Local Area

December 6

December 7

December 8 — Adoration of the Magi: A Madrigal Dinner - 8pm

December 9 — Adoration of the Magi: A Madrigal Dinner - 8pm

December 10 — 2nd Sunday Harvest Mkt @ The Grove - 10am-2

December 10 — Chanukah Street Fair, Krate at the Grove - 5pm

December 11 — Heralds of Harmony, NTPAC - 730pm

December 12 —

From SNL to Tampa: Nate Bargatze's Comedy Extravaganza Hits Amalie Arena

Exciting news for Tampa Bay comedy enthusiasts! Nate Bargatze, known for his viral tales on family life and acclaimed specials, is set to perform two shows at Amalie Arena on December 9. Tickets are selling rapidly for the 3 pm and 7 pm sets.

Bargatze's versatile humor, from SNL hosting to Netflix specials, promises a night of laughter. The comic, recognized by Esquire, Rolling Stone, and Vulture, continues to break records, recently with the most-streamed comedy special on Amazon Prime, "Hello World." Don't miss the chance to witness one of the world's top comedians live in Tampa.

Universal's Stellar Expansion: New Hotels Unveiled Near Epic Universe

Universal Orlando has unveiled the names of its two new hotels adjacent to the upcoming Epic Universe theme park. Set to open in early 2025, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort will each boast 750 rooms, adding to the grand total of 10,500 rooms across Universal’s Orlando properties.

Stella Nova's design draws inspiration from distant galaxies and mysterious black holes, featuring a 10,000-square-foot pool and various amenities. Terra Luna, inspired by the diverse elements of the universe, offers a zero-entry pool and other recreational facilities.

Both hotels, part of Universal’s Prime Value pricing, come with perks like early theme park admission. Leaked a month prior, Stella Nova and Terra Luna are expected to open before the summer 2025 debut of Epic Universe.

Valrico Family Illuminates Christmas Spirit in ABC's "The Great Christmas Light Fight

The Burton family of Valrico, Hillsborough County, renowned for their extravagant Christmas lights display, will vie for a $50,000 prize on Season 11 of "The Great Christmas Light Fight" airing on ABC at 10 p.m., December 10. Featuring over 110,000 pixel lights and synchronized water fountains, their musically choreographed spectacle took shape through meticulous planning documented on their Facebook page. The family began their grand Christmas decorating tradition seven years ago, now powered up for in-person visits until January.

Last year, they raised $2,400 for charities through cocoa sales and direct donations. This marks another Tampa Bay family's appearance on the reality series, following the Lights of Palmetto display last season.

Click HERE to read the original article in Tampa Bay Times and see their home’s display last year.

Customer Service Frustration Escalates: Local Resident Arrested for Threats

Hillsborough County faced a security scare as online threats targeted the Tax Collector's Office, prompting a rapid response from the Sheriff's Office.

Detectives swiftly identified and apprehended Travis Leigh, 40, at his residence. Leigh confessed to expressing frustration with customer service through threatening messages.

Sheriff Chad Chronister underscored the seriousness of threats against public institutions, commending the detectives for ensuring community safety. Travis Leigh now faces charges for Written or Electronic Threat to Kill or Do Bodily Injury.

MRAA Dealer Week Unveils Record-Breaking Turnout in Tampa

MRAA's Dealer Week opened in Tampa, heralding the largest event in the association's history. President Matt Gruhn emphasized recalibration for 2024, setting the theme for the conference.

Keynote speaker Ryan Estis addressed the necessity of self-disruption and adapting to the evolving market. Vice President Liz Walz focused on recalibration and measurement, urging a shift in mindset. The event showcased MRAA's achievements in 2023, introducing programs like a webinar series and an AI tool, AIMIE.

With a record 780 dealers and over 1,700 marine professionals, Dealer Week aims to foster learning, adaptation, and transformation in the marine industry.

Historic Turnaround: USF Bulls Ready for Boca Raton Bowl After Remarkable Season

In a remarkable turnaround, first-year head coach Alex Golesh leads the USF Bulls (6-6) to their 11th bowl appearance, facing Syracuse (6-6) in the Roofclaim.com Boca Raton Bowl on December 21 at FAU Stadium. The Bulls' 2023 season stands as the program's greatest turnaround, tying for the second-best in FBS football. Notably, USF has a 6-4 bowl game record, with this being their first Boca Raton Bowl appearance.

The game promises excitement, and fans can participate in pre-game events like the Dual Team Pep Rally and Fan Fest. A clash between former BIG EAST Conference members, USF and Syracuse, adds anticipation to this historic bowl matchup.

Local High School Sports Scores

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