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- Issue #368: Shark Tank Star Inspires Tampa Youth • Target Checkout Changes Rile Shoppers • Top Theme Parks Outsell Disney • $800K Romance Scam Uncovered
Issue #368: Shark Tank Star Inspires Tampa Youth • Target Checkout Changes Rile Shoppers • Top Theme Parks Outsell Disney • $800K Romance Scam Uncovered
5/5/2025
Ted Grellner
05 May
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
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Local News
— Shark Tank Star Fuels Tampa Bay’s Young Entrepreneurs
Of Interest
— Target’s Self-Checkout Shutdown Sparks Shopper Frustration
— These 10 Theme Parks Beat Disney and Universal in 2025 Rankings
OMG!
— Florida Man Scams Elderly Victim Out of $800K in Romance Scheme
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Shark Tank Star Fuels Tampa Bay’s Young Entrepreneurs
Original “Shark Tank” investor Kevin Harrington is sparking entrepreneurial dreams across Tampa Bay, especially among youth and veterans. Through his nonprofit, The Harrington Foundation, he’s partnered with Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay to teach kids business fundamentals like planning, budgeting, and pitching.
At BizTown’s Entrepreneurship Hub, 11-year-old Jaxson Haun recently served as CEO for a day, collaborating with classmates from Bailey Elementary to pitch a customized tumbler. “It will have everyone’s favorite colors, the right water amount, and the perfect straw,” Jaxson said.
Harrington, who started his first business at 15, believes young innovators need access and guidance to thrive. “They really need some good advice, they need some doors to be opened,” he said.
He continues inspiring all ages through events like the Shark Retreat and the upcoming Harrington Foundation Golf Classic on May 6 at Pelican Golf Club, where funds will support aspiring entrepreneurs and veterans—even for those who don’t golf.
Target’s Self-Checkout Shutdown Sparks
Shopper Frustration
Target is scaling back self-checkout use nationwide, citing a spike in retail theft as a major reason. The retailer now limits self-checkout to customers with 10 items or fewer, steering others to expanded staffed lanes. Though Target says internal tests showed improved customer satisfaction, losses from "shrink"—which includes shoplifting—topped $500 million in 2023.
A dramatic example: a California woman stole over $60,000 in merchandise across 100 self-checkout visits. Retail analysts say the kiosks make theft easier, prompting not only Target but also Walmart, Dollar General, and Five Below to rethink their self-service strategies.
Despite growing online backlash over longer waits and less autonomy, the National Retail Federation estimates $112 billion in shrink losses for 2022. With shoplifting up 64% in NYC from 2019 to 2023, retailers are opting for security and accountability over convenience. Many believe this shift marks a broader retreat from the pandemic-era self-checkout boom.
These 10 Theme Parks Beat Disney and Universal in 2025 Rankings
In a surprising twist, Disney and Universal parks were shut out of USA Today’s 2025 list of America’s top theme parks, as voted by readers. Instead, Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, known for its record-breaking spinning coaster, claimed the top spot.
Knoebels in Pennsylvania, a nostalgic park offering free admission and ticket-based rides, came in second. SeaWorld Orlando, the only Orlando-based park to make the cut, placed third, with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay following close behind at #4.
Rounding out the top 10 are Kennywood, Dollywood, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Hersheypark, Holiday World, and Kings Island—each celebrated for unique attractions and affordability.
This unexpected list shows a shift in guest preferences toward regional charm and value-driven experiences, rather than blockbuster branding. While Disney and Universal continue to draw millions, the spotlight—for now—shines on parks offering nostalgia, thrills, and local flavor.
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Florida Man Scams Elderly Victim Out of $800K in Romance Scheme
A 37-year-old Florida man was arrested after defrauding a 92-year-old of more than $800,000 in what deputies call a romance and banking scam. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Otiz Swinton Jr. drained the victim’s Fidelity account through cryptocurrency platforms, ATM withdrawals, and forged checks after the funds were moved to a Wells Fargo account in 2022.
Between March and April 2025, Swinton was caught on camera using the victim’s card at a Publix in Orlando and received five counterfeit checks totaling $14,300. Additional fraudulent card charges surpassed $5,000. Authorities revealed that Swinton coordinated parts of the scheme while still in prison for prior fraud charges.
Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned the exploitation of vulnerable seniors, calling Swinton’s actions among the most predatory crimes. Swinton faces charges including fraudulent use of personal information and five counts of uttering a forged instrument. He was arrested in Orlando on April 30.
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