Issue #428: From Comic Con to LEGO Races: Big Events in Tampa | Coastline Living’s Perks | Barton Sees Bucs Breakthrough

7/29/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
29 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

Our Event Calendar —> Feel free to post events of interest to our community

Local News

— Pop Culture Powerhouse: Comic Con Hits Tampa Aug. 1–3

— Brick Fan Expo Returns to Tampa with Epic Builds & Races

Of Interest

— Ocean Air, Longer Life? Coastal Living Linked to Longevity

Sports

— Buccaneers’ Barton Says Communication 'Light Years' Better in Year 2

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links


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LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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Pop Culture Powerhouse: Comic Con Hits Tampa Aug. 1–3

Tampa Bay Comic Convention returns August 1–3 at the Tampa Convention Center, promising a weekend packed with pop culture, cosplay, and star power.

This year’s guest list includes Henry Winkler, Melissa Joan Hart, Zachary Levi, Lou Ferrigno, Steve Burns, Cary Elwes, and a reunion of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” stars. Fans can enjoy panels, photo ops, and Q&As across three packed days.

More than 40,000 attendees are expected to explore the convention’s massive vendor floor, artist alley, anime screenings, and discussions on screenwriting, animation, and comic publishing.

Saturday’s cosplay contest (7–9 p.m.) showcases some of the region’s most inventive costume creators. Other highlights include a “Happy Days” reunion and Steve Burns discussing his new podcast.

Tickets start at $35, with free entry for kids under 10. Organizers recommend buying online and planning ahead at tampabaycomicconvention.com to avoid summer crowds and parking headaches.

Brick Fan Expo Returns to Tampa with Epic Builds & Races

Lego lovers of all ages will gather at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa on August 9–10 for the third annual Brick Fan Expo — a two-day event packed with creativity, competition, and hands-on fun.

The expo features Lego Masters Season 2 winners Mark and Steven Erickson, along with Master Builder Dan Steininger, one of only eight in the world. Attendees can explore massive displays of castles, cities, and fantasy scenes from Star Wars, Marvel, and Middle-Earth.

A 125-foot RC racetrack invites guests to build and race their own custom vehicles, while minifig-making contests and bridge-building challenges add excitement. Interactive build zones make it easy for both kids and adults to dive in.

Entry is $19, with doors open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Now in its third year, the Tampa show continues to blend elite Lego artistry with family-friendly fun, making it a can’t-miss summer event.

Here’s an astonishing and lesser-known fact about LEGOs:

The original LEGO bricks made in 1958 still interlock perfectly with bricks made today.

This is because LEGO uses incredibly precise molds, with tolerances as tight as 0.002 millimeters. That means a brick made over 65 years ago will still snap seamlessly into a brand-new set. This engineering consistency is rare among toys and is a major reason why LEGO bricks are so durable, collectible, and compatible across generations.

Ocean Air, Longer Life? Coastal Living Linked to Longevity

Living near the ocean may extend life expectancy, according to a new study from The Ohio State University. Researchers analyzed data from over 66,000 U.S. census tracts, comparing life expectancy with proximity to different types of water.

People living within 30 miles of the ocean tend to live a year or more longer than the national average of 79. In contrast, those living near inland bodies of water—especially in urban areas—showed shorter life spans, averaging closer to 78 years.

Lead researcher Jianyong "Jamie" Wu attributes the coastal longevity to milder temperatures, better air quality, higher incomes, and recreational opportunities. In contrast, urban inland areas face challenges like pollution, poverty, and increased flood risk.

This study is the first in the U.S. to systematically explore “blue space” and life expectancy differences across regions. The findings could offer insight into environmental contributors to national health disparities.

Buccaneers’ Barton Says Communication
'Light Years' Better in Year 2

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ second-year center Graham Barton is stepping into his role with increased confidence after a challenging but promising rookie season. A first-round pick out of Duke, Barton transitioned from college left tackle to NFL center, a move that required mastering new responsibilities such as pre-snap reads, protection calls, and snap timing.

Reflecting on his progress after week one of training camp, Barton said the team’s communication has improved "light years" compared to the same time last year. He credited this to greater familiarity among returning teammates, including quarterback Baker Mayfield and veteran guards Cody Mauch and Ben Bredeson.

Though Bucky Irving received more attention among rookies, Barton’s growth and on-field intelligence have quietly solidified his value to Tampa Bay’s offense. As he enters Year 2, Barton is poised to become a cornerstone of one of the NFL’s most reliable offensive lines.

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Top Things to do -TB:
7/23 -7/28
Source: yahoo.com


Things to do Around Tampa & WC
7/31 - 8/1
Source: tampabeacon.com

This Weekend in TB area:
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Source: thatssotampa.com

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