Issue #392: Thumbs-Up for Costco’s New Checkout | Court Protects Diner’s Review | Casting Lines with Tampa PD | Tropicana Field Gets a Facelift

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

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WEATHER 

Local News

—Costco’s ‘Scan & Go’ Checkout Trials Get Thumbs-Up from Shoppers

OMG!

— Online Opinion Protected: Court Sides with Diner in Review Dispute

— Casting Confidence: Tampa Police Host Kids’ Fishing Clinic

Sports

— $56M Tropicana Fix Underway: Rays Eye 2026 Return

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Costco’s ‘Scan & Go’ Checkout Trials Get Thumbs-Up from Shoppers

Costco is testing a new “Scan & Go” checkout system to tackle one of its members’ top complaints: long checkout lines. CEO Ron Vachris confirmed during the retailer’s Q3 earnings call that early trials have shown “great adoption” and faster transactions.

While Costco currently relies on traditional and some self-checkout lanes, members have long asked for a more streamlined process—especially as competitors like Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale already offer similar mobile scan-and-pay tools.

Vachris noted that Costco is focused on “improving the member experience” and hinted at more tech pilots coming soon to speed up checkout.

Sam’s Club has even introduced AI scanners to eliminate manual receipt checks, while BJ’s offers its own “ExpressPay” app.

With over 142.8 million members and 905 stores worldwide, Costco’s move into mobile checkout signals a potential shift in its famously efficient but traditional approach to service.

Read More: fox13news.com

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Online Opinion Protected: Court Sides with Diner in Review Dispute

Editor’s Note: WARNING - Anyone who’s been on the receiving end of one of these “Yelp reviewers” takedowns will likely react to this article, probably not in a positive way. Make sure you haven’t skipped any blood pressure meds before reading:

A Tampa restaurant’s defamation lawsuit against diner and Yelp reviewer Irene Eng was dismissed after she left a critical one-star review of Hales Blackbrick, calling its ribs “so so,” coffee lukewarm, and meat “subpar.” Chef Richard Hales, citing reputational damage and a photo of his non-public wife, sued Eng for $50,000, claiming her review hurt business, SEO rankings, and customer trust.

Eng, a “Yelp Elite” reviewer, reposted the review twice after receiving a cease-and-desist, prompting Yelp to issue a consumer alert over legal threats. The judge ruled in Eng’s favor, calling her comments protected opinion and not targeted defamation.

Chef Hales later acknowledged her right to free speech, saying, “We’re just humans.” The case reflects a broader trend of businesses challenging online criticism, though such lawsuits often fail in court.

Eng celebrated the dismissal on her blog, vowing to defend the right to review freely.

Read More: nypost.com

ON A MUCH BRIGHTER NOTE:

Casting Confidence: Tampa Police Host Kids’
Fishing Clinic

Tampa Police and the Yerrid Foundation are once again teaming up to host the 4th Annual Free Fishing Clinic for kids on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Picnic Island. The event, geared toward children 15 and under, provides hands-on fishing instruction while building relationships between youth and law enforcement.

Over 100 children are expected to participate, learning fishing rules and techniques from TPD’s Marine Unit and seasoned Tampa Bay charter captains, including Captain Sergio Atanes. Each child receives a free rod and reel to encourage continued outdoor activity.

Police Chief Lee Bercaw praised the initiative for fostering trust and mentorship, noting its "immeasurable" community impact. The event also promotes time outdoors away from screens, encouraging healthy, real-world engagement.

The Yerrid Foundation is also supporting TPD’s RICH House program, which offers after-school care, tutoring, and social services for local families, deepening its commitment to Tampa’s youth.

Read More: tampa.gov

$56M Tropicana Fix Underway: Rays Eye 2026 Return

The St. Petersburg City Council unanimously approved $5 million toward Tropicana Field repairs after Hurricane Milton caused significant damage. The funds are part of a larger $56 million restoration effort, with $23 million already earmarked for a new roof expected by December 2025.

City officials said prep work is underway, including removing ceiling tiles, drywall, and tarping to control water damage. The delay in roof installation means months of ongoing rain mitigation—a nearly $2 million task alone.

Though repairs are costly, St. Pete is legally obligated under the Trop lease to provide a usable venue for the Rays, who are expected to return by early 2026.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred remains optimistic, but officials admit a rough hurricane season could derail plans.

Insurance and FEMA are expected to offset part of the cost, but some councilors voiced frustration that storm funds aren’t reaching impacted residents directly.

Read More: fox13news.com

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Best Live Music & Concerts in Tampa Bay
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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
- visitflorida.com

For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids

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