Issue #315: IRS Text Scam Spreads, Tampa Development Woes & Former Gator Joins Rays

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

WEATHER

Of Interest

— Taxpayers Alert: Fake $1,400 IRS Stimulus Text Scam Circulates

Business News

— Hurricanes & High Costs Slow Tampa Bay Development, But Optimism Remains

Sports

— Alex Faedo Comes Home: Former Gators Star Joins Tampa Bay Rays

— No. 9 FSU Heads to Tampa for Showdown vs. USF

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

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Taxpayers Alert: Fake $1,400 IRS Stimulus Text Scam Circulates

Taxpayers are being warned about a new IRS text scam falsely claiming they are eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says these messages are part of a phishing scheme meant to steal personal and financial information.

How the Scam Works

🚨 Fake IRS link: Scammers send a text with a fraudulent website mimicking the IRS.
🛑 Malware risk: Clicking the link can install malware or prompt users to enter sensitive data.
📵 IRS will never text: The IRS does not contact taxpayers via text, email, or social media.

How to Stay Safe

🔹 Do not click links in unsolicited messages.
🔹 Watch for urgency—scammers pressure victims to act fast.
🔹 Report scams: Forward texts to [email protected] and use the BBB Scam Tracker.

The real IRS is sending automatic $1,400 payments to eligible taxpayers via direct deposit or mailed checks, not through text messages.

Read More: abcactionnews.com

Hurricanes & High Costs Slow Tampa Bay Development, But Optimism Remains

Tampa Bay’s real estate development is expected to cool in 2025 due to hurricane impacts and rising costs. However, industry leaders remain optimistic about resilience and smart growth.

Architects Signal Market Shifts

📉 Pre-construction demand is dropping, suggesting a slowdown.
🏗️ 77% of surveyed architects expect higher project costs due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
⚠️ 42% foresee challenges in obtaining materials and labor.

Storm Recovery & Future Planning

🌆 Tampa and St. Pete have managed permitting better than smaller coastal areas.
💡 Stronger regulations will create a more resilient housing stock.
📈 64% of firms still plan to hire in 2025, showing long-term confidence.

What’s Next?

🏙️ Developers focus on high-density areas, especially in Pinellas County.
📉 Construction costs, insurance, and interest rates remain high, making apartment development difficult.
🔹 AIA Tampa Bay will discuss the findings at an event on Feb. 20 in Tampa.

Source: stpetecatalyst.com

Alex Faedo Comes Home: Former Gators Star Joins Tampa Bay Rays

Alex Faedo, former Florida Gators standout and Detroit Tigers pitcher, is coming home to play for the Tampa Bay Rays. The news took him by surprise but filled him with excitement.

“Hearing ‘the Rays’ kind of freezes time,” Faedo said. “I’m happiest for my family, my friends—being close to them and wearing the jersey of the team I grew up rooting for.”

A Heartfelt Homecoming

His family reacted emotionally to the news. His mother, Kristie, left her classroom in tears of joy, and his wife also got emotional, knowing the move would be easier on their children.

UF Legacy & MLB Journey

Faedo, a key player in Florida’s 2017 National Championship, was a first-round MLB Draft pick. After a solid college career (28-6, 349 strikeouts), he was drafted by Detroit, but now looks forward to pitching for Tampa Bay.

Spring Training & Next Steps

Faedo will begin with the Rays at Steinbrenner Field, facing the Yankees in their spring training opener on Friday at 1:05 p.m. EST (MLB Network).

 Sources: wruf.com

No. 9 FSU Heads to Tampa for Showdown vs. USF

Florida State baseball takes its first road trip of the season, heading to Tampa to face USF on Tuesday, February 18, at 5 p.m. ET. The Seminoles, fresh off a season-opening sweep of James Madison, return to USF Baseball Stadium for the first time since 2016.

Where to Watch

📺 Watch: ESPN+
🎙️ Listen: WFLA 100.7 FM | FSU Gameday App | Seminoles.com

Pitching Matchup

FSU’s Evan Chrest, a former All-American, makes his Seminole debut, facing USF’s Bryce Archie, a two-sport athlete who also plays quarterback.

FSU’s Strong Start

Ranked No. 9 nationally, the Seminoles boast a 0.35 ERA, two shutouts, and impressive hitting. Drew Faurot leads with two home runs, while Jamie Arnold tops the nation with a 0.17 WHIP.

Series History & What’s Next

FSU leads the all-time series 74-16 and has won the last four meetings.

Read More: seminoles.com

Reader Comments

“Keep up on the great information.”
“Good local coverage. Great job.”
“I’m not big on reading. But your news is short and right to the point! Very informative and quick and easy to read!

25 Biggest Music & Comedy Acts Coming to Tampa Bay
& Sarasota

Source: heraldtribune.com

Best Live Music in Tampa Bay this week
2/13 - 2/20

Source: cltampa.com

Top Things to do Around Tampa & WC
2/20 - 2/26
Source: tampabeacon.com

Guide to the Florida State Fair

See: tampabay.com — lots of good information

Things to Do Brought to You By:
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

The Arts
- 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

- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC

For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids

—> Comments are welcomed after voting

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