Issue #540: Made-Up, But Beloved: Gasparilla | Cruise Hub May Bypass Skyway | Wesley Chapel Adds K–8 Magnet | Big Shows & Bull Riding Ahead

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar 

Please post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its easy to do.

WEATHER  

Local News

— Gasparilla: Tampa’s Greatest Made-Up Tradition

— Skyway Workaround: Mega Cruise Terminal Proposed for Tampa Bay

— Medical Magnet, K-8 School Coming to Wesley Chapel Area

Entertainment

— Live, Laugh, Ride: Music, Comedy & Bulls Hit Tampa Bay

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:

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Gasparilla: Tampa’s Greatest Made-Up Tradition

Gasparilla began in 1904 as a publicity stunt, blending local pageantry with pirate spectacle. What started as a theatrical invasion tied to a May Day parade evolved into Tampa’s most enduring civic tradition.

By 1911, ship invasions became central, and in 1912, Gasparilla became a standalone event. Over time, key symbols like beads (1980s), Bayshore Boulevard (1970s), and the modern José Gasparilla ship (1954) joined the mythos.

But the story of José Gaspar himself? Pure fiction—crafted to give the city a shared identity.

Crews became social lifelines, drawing in generations and new residents alike. Today, corporate sponsorships and civic pride keep the tradition alive—even as its spectacle adapts to infrastructure and culture.

From parades to branding, Gasparilla defines Tampa’s pirate persona. It’s not history Tampa inherited—it’s a story it chose to tell.

Read More: tbbwmag.com — see photos in article

Skyway Workaround: Mega Cruise Terminal Proposed for Tampa Bay

A new proposal by SSA Marine could transform Tampa Bay’s cruise industry. The company plans to develop a major cruise terminal on a 300-acre site in Manatee County, known as the Knott-Cowen tract.

Currently, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge limits access to Port Tampa Bay for today’s tallest cruise ships. The new port would bypass those constraints, allowing next-gen, low-emissions mega ships to dock in the region for the first time.

SSA Marine is partnering with Slip Knott LLC, which owns the land. Early estimates project 31,000 new jobs and $1.6 billion in labor earnings across industries like hospitality, logistics, and maritime services.

Though still in early planning, local leaders say the proposal would undergo extensive environmental and regulatory review. If approved, the project could be completed by the end of the decade.

This move could position the Tampa Bay area as a major cruise hub on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Read More: cruiseradio.net

Medical Magnet, K-8 School Coming to Wesley Chapel Area

Two new public schools are planned for eastern Pasco County, targeting critical overcrowding in the rapidly growing Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills areas.

A medical magnet high school will rise on a 70-acre site in Meadow Pointe, serving students near Wiregrass Ranch and Wesley Chapel—both currently operating over 130% capacity. Uniquely, the campus will include full athletic facilities, a departure from past magnet school models.

Meanwhile, a K-8 school in the Two Rivers development is further along in planning. Located north of SR-56, it will serve surrounding neighborhoods and include outdoor athletic spaces.

Cost estimates are $93.4 million for the K-8 and $68 million for the high school, with both expected to open by fall 2028.

The district is also watching growth in San Antonio, St. Leo, and Pasadena Hills, where future schools may follow. For now, these two projects will relieve crowding and align construction with real-time growth trends.

Read More: tampabeacon.com

Live, Laugh, Ride: Music, Comedy & Bulls Hit
Tampa Bay

Music, comedy, dance, theater, and rodeo action light up Tampa Bay this week.

Live Music Highlights:
Catch Southern Avenue (Jan. 21), Red Wanting Blue (Jan. 23), Carbon Leaf (Jan. 24), and 54 Ultra (Jan. 25) at Skipper’s Smokehouse and Crowbar. EDM fans can dance till dawn with Bear Grillz and Dion Timmer at The Ritz Ybor.

Laugh Out Loud:
Comedians Jared Freid, Henry Cho, and Martin Phillips bring big laughs at Tampa Theatre and Side Splitters.

Arts & Culture:
“Arnie and the Itch” opens at Carrollwood Players Jan. 23, while REVolutions Dance’s REV20 stuns at New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Florida Orchestra presents Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe at the Straz.

Family-Friendly Fun:
Mouse’s Kids & Family Day at Tampa Bay Downs (Jan. 25) and Sunshine Sunday at Glazer Children’s Museum offer sensory-friendly and activity-packed outings.

Bonus: Unleash The Beast brings pro bull riding thrills Jan. 23–24 at Benchmark International Arena.

Read More: tampabay.com 

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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