Issue #401: Possible Rays Sale • Tampa Woman Pets Gator • Fringe Fest Lights Up Ybor • Bucs Visit MacDill AFB

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar - FIXED

WEATHER 

Local News

— Rays Ownership Could Change as Local Group Enters Sale Talks

OMG!

— Too Close for Comfort: Tampa Woman Seen Petting Wild Gator

Entertainment

— Ybor City Hosts 100+ Shows at Eclectic Tampa Fringe Festival

Sports

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2025 rookie class visit MacDill Air Force Base

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

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Rays Ownership Could Change as Local Group Enters Sale Talks

The Tampa Bay Rays confirmed they are engaged in exclusive negotiations to sell the franchise to a group led by Patrick Zalupski, CEO of Dream Finders Homes, alongside Bill Cosgrove, Ken Babby, and other Tampa Bay investors. Neither side will offer further comment during the ongoing discussions.

This development follows months of speculation after a March stadium proposal in St. Petersburg collapsed, prompting MLB owners to press current owner Stu Sternberg toward a sale. Rays President Matt Silverman had previously dismissed rumors of relocation or selling.

Local officials are receptive: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor stressed the team's deep community roots and hopes new ownership will keep the Rays local, while Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala said the team's chance of remaining in the Tampa Bay region “goes up exponentially” with this news.

Read More: abcactionnews.com

Too Close for Comfort: Tampa Woman Seen Petting Wild Gator

A Tampa woman walking her dog caught viral video of a neighbor casually petting an alligator near a retention pond in her apartment complex. While no harm occurred, the gator did snap its jaws—a stark reminder during Florida’s active alligator mating season, when gator behavior is more aggressive and encounters more frequent.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) urges residents to never feed or approach wild alligators, particularly now through September when courtship, nesting, and egg-hatching occur. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn, and attacks—though rare—can be deadly. Since 1948, Florida has recorded 487 unprovoked bites, with 27 fatalities.

To stay safe: keep pets leashed, avoid swimming at dawn/dusk, and call FWC if a gator poses a threat. State law prohibits feeding, harassing, or possessing alligators without a permit.

Read More: heraldtribune.com — this article is worth reading

Ybor City Hosts 100+ Shows at Eclectic Tampa
Fringe Festival

Tampa Fringe Festival is lighting up Ybor City with over 30 eclectic acts and 100+ performances across four stages through June 22. Among this year’s standout performers is Julie Leir, whose act “Percolate” features a duet with a coffee grinder—blending dance interpretation and audience participation.

Leir's piece evolves based on randomly chosen suggestions added to a movement board, giving each show a unique, improvisational flair. A seasoned performer, Leir describes Fringe as the place where she truly feels “at home.”

Festival Producer Trish Parry emphasizes the importance of artist-run festivals for keeping performance art affordable and accessible. “Fringe lets real people take risks on real art,” she said. Tampa Fringe continues to be a creative sanctuary where experimental voices and community storytelling flourish.

Read More: baynews9.com

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2025 rookie class visit MacDill Air Force Base

• Community engagement: Rookies visited to honor military members, tour the base, and participate in demonstrations.

• Team-building: The visit fosters camaraderie, discipline, and appreciation between NFL athletes and military personnel.

• Notable attendees: Outside linebackers David Walker and Nick Jackson, guard Ben Scott, plus others from the 2025 draft class

Read More: buccaneers.com — interesting pictures

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Any suggestions are always welcomed - Thanks

Biggest Concerts & Comedians in Tampa Bay, Sarasota
in July

Source: yahoo.com

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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