Issue #424: Craft Beer & Cosplay in Tampa, First Robotic Massage Launches, and Big Cypress Preservation

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar — taking submissions w/o phone confirm required

WEATHER 

Local News

— Florida Brewers Conference Pours Into Tampa with Three Days of Beer, Talks, and Tastings

— Downtown Tampa Prepares for METROCON Surge July 25–27

Of Interest

— Tampa’s First Robotic Massage Arrives at Health + Glow

— Big Cypress National Preserve: Nature, Myths, and the Fight to Protect Sacred Swampland

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

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Florida Brewers Conference Pours Into Tampa with Three Days of Beer, Talks, and Tastings

Tampa will be the hoppiest place in Florida next week as the Florida Brewers Conference returns for its annual three-day celebration of the state’s craft beer scene. Hosted by Mother Murphy’s Flavors and the Florida Brewers Guild, the conference kicks off Monday, July 28 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street.

The first two days feature expert-led sessions on brewing, ingredients, and beverage innovation. Topics include liquid hop aromas, fermentation science, and the use of seasonal Florida produce in brewing. Speakers from Yakima Chief Hops, Fresh from Florida, and Shōjō’s Dojo bring a diverse mix of insights, from craft beer to sake.

On the final day, a show floor with 70+ vendors offers beer tastings and hands-on product demos. The Distilling Association will also lead discussions on the broader fermentation industry.

Tickets start at $140.56, promising three days of knowledge-sharing, networking, and of course—plenty of pours.

Read More: cltampa.com

Downtown Tampa Prepares for METROCON Surge July 25–27

Tampa’s downtown will transform into an anime epicenter this weekend as METROCON 2025 takes over the Tampa Convention Center from Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27. Known as Florida’s largest anime convention, the event is expected to draw thousands of cosplayers, fans, and vendors, turning the area into a high-energy hub of pop culture and creativity.

Convention hours stretch late into the night, running until 2:30 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday. Sunday’s schedule wraps at 6 p.m. The weekend’s busiest moment may come Saturday evening, when Keyshia Cole performs at Amalie Arena, adding concertgoers to the already dense convention crowd.

City officials urge attendees and residents to avoid driving if possible. Alternatives include the free TECO Line Streetcar, rideshare, HART buses, Dash services, and scooters. Parking garages near the convention center are expected to be at or over capacity, so early arrival is advised.

Read More: hoodline.com

Tampa’s First Robotic Massage Arrives at Health
+ Glow

Health + Glow in South Tampa has introduced a futuristic new addition to its wellness offerings: the Aescape Robotic Massage, making it the first location in the city to offer this advanced, AI-powered experience. The system delivers a personalized, hands-free massage using smart pressure technology that adapts to your body in real time.

This cutting-edge massage joins a lineup of services at Health + Glow, which also includes bioidentical hormone therapy, IV vitamin drips, semaglutide for weight loss, peptide therapy, and aesthetics like Botox—all overseen by Dr. Swapna Kallikadan. Whether you're booking a routine health visit or a total wellness reset, the clinic offers a comprehensive, physician-led approach under one roof.

Recently named Runner-Up for Best IV Lounge in Best of the City, Health + Glow continues to raise the standard for holistic care in Tampa—now with a robotic touch.

Read More: tampamagazines.com - see article for true image of robotic bed

Big Cypress National Preserve: Nature, Myths, and the Fight to Protect Sacred Swampland

Tucked deep within Florida’s Everglades, Big Cypress National Preserve spans 729,000 acres of rich biodiversity and awe-inspiring scenery. But near this tranquil ecosystem lies the controversial Alligator Alcatraz, a federal immigration detention center built on a former jetport site—once slated to become one of the world’s largest airports.

Critics argue the facility endangers wildlife, disrupts Florida panther migration paths, and adds to light and noise pollution in one of America’s last true dark-sky sanctuaries. Environmental groups and Native communities are now fighting back with lawsuits and public protest, citing violations of federal environmental laws.

Meanwhile, local biologists and nature photographers are pushing back on the myth that the swamp is dangerous. Contrary to media narratives, gator attacks are rare, and pythons are rarely seen.

Big Cypress remains a vital refuge for rare species, stargazers, and those who believe Florida’s natural heritage is worth defending.

Read More: abcactionnews.com

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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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