Issue #449: Tampa Gears Up: County Fair, Brady’s Final Bow & Bulls Hit the Swamp

9/4/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
04 Sep

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
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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; its quite easy to do.

Local News

— From Bulls to Brain Teasers: 11 Days of Family Fun at the County Fair

Of Interest

— Outrage After Viral Manta Ray Capture Spurs Florida Lawmakers to Act

Sports

— Brady’s Final “LFG”: A G.O.A.T.’s Farewell at Tampa’s Big 50

— Bulls Charge into The Swamp for Statement Game vs. No. 13 Gators

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From Bulls to Brain Teasers: 11 Days of Family Fun at the County Fair

The Hillsborough County Fair returns October 30–November 9, celebrating 32 years of family fun, agriculture, and live entertainment at 215 Sydney Washer Rd.

The fair kicks off with Goat Yoga on opening night and features exciting grandstand events like Rodeo Weekend (Nov 1–2), Truck & Tractor Pulls (Nov 7–8), and the thrilling Demolition Derby (Nov 9). Country artists Jarrod Turner and Chad Brock will perform live during Bulls, Barrels & Boogie.

Throughout its 11-day run, enjoy free attractions like Farm to Fair, Thrill Circus, Firefighter Show, and Riddle Me This? Plus, meet mascot Farmer Sidney and explore the interactive Cowgirl Circus.

Over 1,000 students will showcase livestock in one of Florida’s largest youth agriculture displays. Fair food favorites include funnel cakes, corn dogs, and a new beer garden for adults.

Advance tickets range from $20–$30 and include daily fair admission. Buy online to save.

Outrage After Viral Manta Ray Capture Spurs Florida Lawmakers to Act

A viral video of a giant manta ray being hoisted onto a boat near Panama City Beach has sparked bipartisan outrage among Florida lawmakers. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) admitted it issued a special license for the capture, destined for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.

Lawmakers—including Rep. Brian Mast, Sen. Jason Pizzo, and Rep. Lindsay Cross—called the permit "inconsistent with Florida’s legacy of marine conservation." They demand the FWC revoke the license, suspend future similar permits, and increase public transparency and scientific oversight.

Florida is the only U.S. state that allows live export of endangered species for commercial purposes. Critics also cite poor survival rates of manta rays in captivity.

The captured ray is one of three reportedly sent abroad by Dynasty Marine Associates, with one euthanized after falling ill in captivity.

Lawmakers are urging a formal review and regulatory reform by the FWC this November.

Brady’s Final “LFG”: A G.O.A.T.’s Farewell at Tampa’s Big 50

Tom Brady lit up the Tampa Theatre during the Bucs’ Raise the Flags premiere Tuesday night, helping kick off the team's 50th season celebration with charisma, heart—and one final “LFG.”

Brady reminisced about the 2020 Super Bowl season, calling that squad “the real deal.” He credited their success to authentic leadership, emotional fire, and hard-earned chemistry, noting his fierce sideline demands were rooted in belief.

On Rob Gronkowski, Brady praised his evolution from a wild 21-year-old to a “deadly serious” competitor and “ultimate teammate.”

The night also revisited Tampa’s now-iconic 2021 boat parade. Brady, still amused by his tequila-fueled Lombardi Trophy toss, called it the most dangerous throw of his career.

Closing the event, Brady left the crowd with one more roar that once echoed in locker rooms and huddles alike—“Let’s f---ing go!”

Bulls Charge into The Swamp for Statement Game vs. No. 13 Gators

USF Bulls (1-0) are gearing up for a major early-season test as they face the No. 13 Florida Gators this Saturday, Sept. 6 at The Swamp in Gainesville. After an electric 34-7 win over #25 Boise State, the Bulls aim for their first-ever win against Florida and first 2-0 start since 2018.

Head Coach Alex Golesh emphasized preparation for both UF’s talent and home-field intensity, calling it a “huge opportunity” to showcase USF’s growth. The Gators, riding a five-game win streak, present a formidable challenge led by QB DJ Lagway and a defense allowing just 10.4 PPG over their last five games.

USF’s defense, led by Jhalyn Shuler and De'Shawn Rucker, will need another standout performance. Expect trick plays, grit, and high emotions in front of 88,000+ fans.

"It's the next game," Golesh said. "And it's an awesome opportunity."

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Things to do Around Pasco
8/28 - 9/3
Source: suncoastnews.com

Top Things to do in Tampa Bay
9/2 - 9/9
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Things to do Around Tampa & WC
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Source: tampabeacon.com

This Weekend in Tampa:
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Source: 

🎭 Tonight in Wesley Chapel & New Tampa: Film & Arts Spotlight

  • Side Splitters – Wesley Chapel (The Grove): Joey Vega (stand-up) — evening shows kick off Thu and run through Sat. Grab seats via their ticket portal. Sidesplitters

  • Treble Makers – Dinner & Dueling Pianos (FREE) — 6:00–9:00 pm, high-energy request show; reservations recommended. treblemakersofwc.com

  • Rock the Park (Downtown Tampa, Curtis Hixon Park) — free outdoor concert, 6:30–10:00 pm (first Thursdays). Jet Set Pets

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