Issue #410: Tampa in $14.6B Health Scam | Teen Threatens McDonald's | Vote FL State Fair No.1 | USF Bulls Dominate AAC

7/2/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
02 Jul

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
USAF Retired


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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

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Local News

— Tampa Tied to $14.6B Health Scam: 19 Floridians Indicted

OMG!

— Teen Arrested After Threatening McDonald’s Over Wrong Order

Entertainment

— Florida State Fair Among America’s Best—Vote Now to Make It
No. 1

Sports

— USF Bulls Dominate AAC, Shine Nationally in 2024–25 Athletics

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Tampa Tied to $14.6B Health Scam:
19 Floridians Indicted

Nineteen Floridians have been charged in what the U.S. Department of Justice calls the largest health care fraud takedown in its history, part of a national effort that led to 324 arrests and exposed over $14.6 billion in fraud. The Tampa Bay region was a key hotspot, with multiple defendants linked to staged traffic accidents, false insurance claims, and illegal kickbacks.

At the center of one scheme, Alexis Del Sol Perez of Spring Hill ran a Tampa rehab clinic that recruited people to fake crashes, while Carlos Del Sol processed fraudulent paperwork. Another defendant, Ricardo Ramos, a Tampa chiropractor, allegedly filed fake police reports and coached patients to exaggerate pain.

In Fort Myers, Eric Strom Holland operated a virtual pain clinic, allegedly dispensing 103,000 oxycodone pills improperly.

Other charges include Medicare fraud, identity theft, and tampering with medical products, underscoring a massive breach of medical trust and taxpayer integrity.

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Teen Arrested After Threatening McDonald’s Over Wrong Order

An 18‑year‑old Florida teen, Dayton Schaffer, has been arrested after placing three phone calls to a North Lakeland McDonald’s, claiming his $5 meal deal was “messed up” and threatening to “shoot up” the restaurant.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Schaffer admitted making the calls but described them as a joke. He’s now charged with false reporting concerning the use of a firearm against persons and misuse of a two‑way communication device.

The incident began after Schaffer received the incorrect order and escalated when he decided to call in the threat. Authorities located and charged him following an investigation by deputies.

As the legal process moves forward, Schaffer faces serious penalties given the severity of making threats of violence, even if intended as a prank, which remain illegal and punishable under Florida law.

Florida State Fair Among America’s Best—Vote Now to Make It No. 1

The Florida State Fair, a Tampa staple, has been nominated as one of the best state fairs in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10Best Awards. Fans can vote daily through July 28 to help it secure the top spot.

Known for its over-the-top food creations, gravity-defying rides, and family-friendly fun, the fair is a signature celebration of Florida’s culture and community spirit. Attendees flock from across the globe to enjoy unique treats like deep-fried strawberry shortcake and alligator tacos, plus concerts, cooking demos, circus acts, and livestock competitions.

Set to return February 5–16, 2026, the fair promises even more surprises, with the full menu reveal expected this fall.

USA Today praised the event for its food, music, art, and vibrant energy, solidifying what locals already know: the Florida State Fair isn’t just a local tradition—it’s a national destination.

USF Bulls Dominate AAC, Shine Nationally in
2024–25 Athletics

USF Athletics reached a major milestone in the 2024–25 Learfield Directors’ Cup, finishing first among American Athletic Conference schools—a program first. With 294.75 points, the Bulls placed 78th nationally, marking the second-highest total in school history, behind 2015–16’s 350 points.

USF also ranked second among non-Power Four FBS programs, trailing only New Mexico, and finished ahead of several Power Four schools like Kansas State, Rutgers, UCF, and Cincinnati.

A stellar year in track and field powered USF's success, scoring a program-best 113.25 points. Additional points came from men’s golf (49), football, women’s basketball, softball, and men’s tennis. Multiple teams made NCAA postseason appearances, while football celebrated a Hawai’i Bowl victory—its second straight bowl win.

Interim Athletic VP Jay Stroman called the performance “a tremendous moment of pride,” reflecting the Bulls’ rising national competitiveness and championship culture.

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Biggest Concerts & Comedians in Tampa Bay, Sarasota
in July

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This Weekend in TB:
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