Issue #332: Stadium Setback for Rays | Shocking Tampa Fire | FL 3A Track Rankings | Wesley Chapel’s 2025 Football Slate

3/14/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
14 Mar

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
USAF Retired


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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

Local News

— Leaders React as Rays Pull Plug on St. Petersburg Stadium Project

OMG!

— Police: Man Torches Tampa Strip Club, Throws Urine at Officer

Sports

— Top 20 Florida 3A Boys / Girls Rankings by Event Through Week Four

— Wesley Chapel Football Unveils 2025 Schedule with Rivalry Showdowns

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Leaders React as Rays Pull Plug on St. Petersburg Stadium Project

The Tampa Bay Rays have announced they will not proceed with the planned $1.3 billion stadium project in St. Petersburg, leaving the team's long-term home in question. The decision, attributed to unexpected financial hurdles and Hurricane Milton’s damage to Tropicana Field, has sparked mixed reactions from local leaders.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch expressed disappointment but wasn’t surprised, while Pinellas County Commissioner Brian Scott called it a blow to fans and the region. Others, like Commissioner Chris Latvala, urged team owner Stuart Sternberg to sell the franchise.

Meanwhile, Tampa officials, including Mayor Jane Castor and Commissioner Ken Hagan, signaled openness to renewed talks about relocating the team. However, some leaders remain cautious about using taxpayer dollars for a stadium.

For now, the Rays will play the 2025 season at Tampa’s George M. Steinbrenner Field, but their long-term home remains uncertain. With Major League Baseball reportedly pressuring Sternberg, the fate of the Rays in Tampa Bay is far from settled.

Police: Man Torches Tampa Strip Club,
Throws Urine at Officer

(This qualifies as yet another Floriduh Man Story)

A Tampa man was arrested early Wednesday after allegedly setting fire to the Pink Pony Showgirls strip club and firing a gun inside the building, according to police.

Authorities say 29-year-old Arvin Solimanpoor entered the club and intentionally started the fire. A witness reported hearing multiple gunshots inside the unoccupied building before officers arrived. When police found Solimanpoor, he was allegedly dragging brush into the burning structure.

A Tampa firefighter sustained minor injuries while battling the blaze and was transported to the hospital.

During his detention at the Tampa Police Department district office, Solimanpoor reportedly urinated in a water bottle and threw it at an officer.

He now faces multiple felony charges, including arson with injury, shooting into a building, possession of a weapon during a felony, battery on a law enforcement officer, and felony criminal mischief.

Top 20 Florida 3A Boys Rankings by Event Through Week Four

Top 20 Florida 3A Girls Rankings by Event Through Week Four

Wesley Chapel Football Unveils 2025 Schedule with Rivalry Showdowns

The Wesley Chapel Wildcats have officially unveiled their 2025 football schedule, featuring 10 regular-season matchups, including high-profile games against Gaither and Zephyrhills.

The Wildcats will kick off the season with a preseason clash at Weeki Wachee on August 15 before hitting the road for three straight away games. They’ll face Hernando (Aug. 22), Zephyrhills (Aug. 29), and Pasco (Sep. 12) before returning home for their first home game against Wiregrass Ranch on Sep. 19.

One of the most anticipated matchups will be their Sep. 26 home game against Gaither. Other key games include a showdown at Wesley Chapel Cypress Creek (Oct. 10) and a season finale at Land O' Lakes (Oct. 31).

With a mix of local rivalries and tough road tests, the Wildcats are gearing up for an exciting season. Official game times will be announced soon.

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

Source: heraldtribune.com

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Source: cltampa.com

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