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- Issue #485: Tampa Weekend Gridlock Alert | Top 5 College City Ranking | Coke's Sweet Throwback | Evans Injury Hits Bucs Hard
Issue #485: Tampa Weekend Gridlock Alert | Top 5 College City Ranking | Coke's Sweet Throwback | Evans Injury Hits Bucs Hard
10/24/2025
Ted Grellner
24 Oct
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 NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its easy to do.
Local News
— Downtown Tampa Set for Major Weekend Gridlock
— Orlando and Tampa Named Top 5 U.S. College Cities
Of Interest
— New Coke, Old Taste: Cane Sugar Returns to U.S. Shelves
Sports
— Buccaneers Reeling After Mike Evans Injury Ends Historic Streak
Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:
https://pxl.to/NTWC-LIVE-event or click the image below:
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Downtown Tampa Set for Major Weekend Gridlock
Tampa officials are warning of severe traffic congestion and limited parking from October 25–26 as multiple large-scale events converge across Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
Saturday, Oct. 25, will see the heaviest delays with a packed schedule:
• ICMA Conference starts at 6:00 AM at the Convention Center
• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk begins by 9:00 AM near Raymond James
• Hyde Park Art Festival and Fight Wright Festival launch at 10:00 AM
• Halloween Carnival, Riverwalk Trick or Treat, Lightning game, and Straz performances run into the evening
Sunday remains busy, with continued festivals, the Taste of Latino, a concert at Water Works Park, and another Lightning game.
Drivers are urged to expect massive pedestrian traffic, use extreme caution, and rely on public transit options like TECO Streetcar, DASH, HART, or scooters.
Orlando and Tampa Named Top 5 U.S. College Cities
In a new WalletHub study ranking over 400 cities, Orlando and Tampa secured spots among the top five college towns in America, placing 3rd and 4th respectively.
Orlando's high marks come from its affordability, with in-state costs around $24,668/year, and its abundant non-academic experiences, including theme parks, sports, and entertainment. The city also boasts strong job growth and one of the lowest unemployment rates, making it attractive post-graduation.
Tampa, meanwhile, earned its spot for offering a vibrant urban environment, coastal access, and a student-friendly lifestyle. With major institutions like USF and University of Tampa, the city balances academics, nightlife, and career opportunities.
WalletHub emphasized “whole student living,” ranking cities on cost of living, job outlook, and student amenities, not just academics.
While Orlando shines for cost and recreation, Tampa offers a dynamic, metropolitan college experience—both making Florida a standout for students.
New Coke, Old Taste: Cane Sugar Returns
to U.S. Shelves
Water Street Tampa is casting a spell this Halloween with the debut of Whispers After Dark, a free nighttime celebration set for Wednesday, October 29, from 6–9 p.m.
This immersive experience blends art, music, and performance, transforming the district into a stylish, ghostly escape. Expect living statues, ghostly ballerinas, fire dancers, and roaming witches, plus flaming cellists and skeleton jazz artists haunting the streets.
At the heart of the event is the Spirit Walk — a ticketed tasting tour through ten curated food and drink stops at Water Street’s top dining spots. Think velvet espresso martinis, moonlit macarons, and autumnal spritzes. Tickets are already more than halfway sold out.
Whether you're wandering among the undead or savoring elevated seasonal flavors, Whispers After Dark promises a night of enchantment under the stars.
No ticket is needed to enjoy the magic — just come ready to linger, sip, and be spellbound.
Buccaneers Reeling After Mike Evans Injury Ends Historic Streak
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a major blow as Mike Evans sustained a broken clavicle and concussion during Monday’s loss to Detroit. The injury ends his record-setting 11-season streak of 1,000+ receiving yards, a feat unmatched by any player at the start of a career.
Evans is not only a top performer but a team leader and community pillar, known for his charitable work through the Mike Evans Family Foundation. Fans have donated over $16,000 since his injury.
Coach Todd Bowles called the loss “crushing,” noting Evans’ impact both on and off the field. The 32-year-old Pro Bowler’s future is now uncertain, especially as he enters free agency and had mentioned possible retirement.
Despite injuries across the receiving corps, rookies like Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson are stepping up as the Bucs push toward a fifth consecutive NFC South title.
Evans is expected to return if Tampa reaches the playoffs.
What’s New In Tampa Bay
Oct 2025
Source: tampamagazines.com
Top Things to do in Tampa Bay |
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🎭 Tonight in Wesley Chapel & New Tampa (& TB): Entertainment Spotlight
Date (Day) | Time | Act | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
Fri, Oct 24, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Live Music Fridays | Florida Avenue Brewing Co. — Wesley Chapel (Florida Avenue Brewing) |
Sat, Oct 25, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Live Band Night | O’Brien’s Irish Pub — Wesley Chapel (obrienswc.com) |
Sun, Oct 26, 2025 | — | No confirmed listings | — |
Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
The Arts
- The Exhibiting Society of Artists (new)
- 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
- Carrollwood Center Events
- Craft Festivals (new)
- Fall (Farmer’s) Market Guide for Tampa Bay (new)
- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC
- visitflorida.com
For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids
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